Sebastian couldn''t hide his surprise. A breeze brushed past, cool against his skin, but all he felt was heat rushing through his body, his heart beating out of control.


    He''d been ready for her to shut him down. After everything from keeping secrets about the embryo to fighting it out in court-their rtionship was already hanging by a thread. But to his shock, Reese didn''t say yes, but she didn''t say no either.


    Did this mean he still had a chance?


    He swallowed hard, his hand clenching in his pocket. The sharpness in his eyes faded, and when he finally spoke, even his voice was softer, with a tremor he couldn''t hide.


    "What... what did you just say?"


    Reese nced up, catching the look on his face, and almostughed to herself.


    What was he hoping for? Did he really think that after everything, there could actually be a future for them?


    "I said I''ll think about it." Her voice was steady, like she was talking about somethingpletely ordinary.


    "But if I agree, we''re doing IVF-and I''m picking the hospital and the doctor. No negotiations."


    Sebastian''s hopeful expression froze. His brows knit together in frustration. "Why? I can arrange the best doctors at Bridger Lake. You won''t have to go through any more than you already have. Or... do you not trust me?"


    Reese remembered the pain of all those hormone shots fromst time, and her heart clenched. So he did know how hard it had been for her. But even knowing that, he still went behind her back and imnted someone else''s embryo.


    "You know exactly why," she said, meeting his eyes. Her gaze was cold, her words clear and sharp. "I''m not making the same mistake twice. Sebastian, just because I''m willing to have another child with you doesn''t mean I''ve forgotten what you did."


    Her words hit him like a punch to the gut. He opened his mouth, searching for something to say.


    But Reese didn''t even look at him. She turned and walked toward the hospital room. "If you agree to what I said, then we''ll talk."


    "Okay. Whatever you say."


    Sebastian watched her walk away, guilt twisting in his chest. How could he honestly expect her toe back to him after everything he''d done?


    Inside the hospital room, Robbiey in bed, cheeks flushed from his fever, voice so hoarse it was barely more than a whisper Grandma do you think Mom will really agree to have another baby?"


    "She will." Jane''s answer was firm as she gently patted his hand. "Your mom loves


    you more than anything. Of course she''ll say yes."


    And if she didn''t, Jane would make sure she did.


    Just then, the door opened.


    Jane looked up to


    see Reese walk in,


    her face calm and unreadable.


    Jane''s heart skipped, but when she nced at Sebastian and saw his small God relief washer over her A glimmer of satisfaction sparkled in her eyes.


    So Reese wasn''t actually determined to divorce Sebastian after all. All that drama


    was just her way of getting what she deserved.


    Jane jumped up, her smile bright and eager as she hurried to Reese''s side. "Reese, I knew you''d never let Robbie down. Don''t worry about a thing at home. As long as you agree to try for another baby, I''ll take care of everything else."


    Robbie''s eyes lit up with hope. Of course his mom loved him most. No matter what, she''d never give up on him.


    He pushed himself up, his body weak but his smile sweet and full of effort.


    "I knew it, Mom. You love me the most. I promise I''ll be good from now on. I won''t


    ever make you mad again. And when the new babyes, I''ll y with them and tell them stories."


    Reese looked down at his eyes that were full of calction, and her heart went cold.