The Daddy Decision by Donna Sterling Page A

only because you’ve known Hoss for so long. You’ve developed a good, strong friendship over the years, just like mine and Fletcher’s.”
    â€œIt’s not like yours and Fletcher’s,” argued Tamika.
    â€œIt is! Well, minus the sex. Which, in the grand scheme of things, is really a minor detail.”
    â€œMinor detail!” Hoss turned an outraged frown to Tamika. “Did she say ‘minor detail’?”
    â€œCalm down, Hoss.” His wife patted his arm with an affectionate smirk. “She didn’t mean it as a slur against you.”
    â€œMinor detail,” he muttered. He narrowed his eyes at Laura. “Who the hell have you been sleeping with, girl?”

    â€œNo one, I’ll bet,” Steffie retorted.
    â€œSteffie!” Laura stared at her in reproach, clearly embarrassed.
    â€œIt’s true, isn’t it? When was the last time you had a real relationship with a man?”
    Laura rose from the sofa with her lips compressed and an angry, wounded expression in her eyes. “I can’t believe this.” Her soft voice shook as she looked around the room. “I expected you, our best friends, to be happy about our news. To share in our joy of starting a family. But no. Here you are, acting like a bunch of high school kids, focusing on...on sex!”
    â€œOr lack thereof,” B.J. quipped dryly.
    â€œOh, Laur, I’m so sorry!” Steffie’s eyes shone with contrition as she enfolded Laura in a hug. “Of course I’m happy for you. We’re all happy for you. You’ll make a wonderful mother, and Fletcher will be a great dad. And we all want to be good aunts and uncles.”
    â€œWe’re just worried about this...this sudden decision,” Tamika gently added.
    â€œIt’s a crazy, harebrained scheme,” Hoss insisted. “Sex ain’t no minor detail.”
    Laura drew away from Steffie and rounded on Hoss. “Sex is entirely beside the point!”
    â€œShe’s right.”
    Cort’s quiet proclamation plunged the room into stunned silence—maybe because no one had expected him to contribute to the conversation...or to take that particular stand.
    He leveled a cool stare at Laura, whom he’d surprised into actually looking at him. “Sex is beside the point,” he agreed, strolling from the fireplace to join the group, “unless it causes a problem in your relationship some time down the road.”

    â€œIt won’t,” Laura quietly swore.
    As Cort advanced, she sat down again on the sofa beside Fletcher, as if she needed his nearness for moral support.
    Cort fought to suppress a scowl. Why the hell had she chosen Fletcher to play such a pivotal role? The father af her baby. The very idea filled Cort with aversion. He knew what that role would mean to Laura. She’d be bound to him in an utterly profound way for the rest of her life.
    He lowered himself into an armchair directly across from them. “If you don’t mind, I’d like to play the devil’s advocate for a moment.” No one voiced an objection. “What will happen if—or rather, when —either of you becomes involved with someone else? Don’t you think that might create the exact kind of emotional turmoil you’re trying to avoid?”
    â€œNo,” Laura maintained, “because we’re friends, not lovers. There won’t be any jealousy or heartbreak. Fletcher is free to engage in any relationship he wants. He’s been involved in quite a few already, with women I’ve admired very much, and it hasn’t caused the least problem between us.”
    â€œWhat if he became involved with someone you didn’t admire? Or someone who resented you and your child’s role in his life? Wouldn’t you feel that relationship might threaten your child’s happiness?”
    â€œI trust Fletcher’s judgment. He wouldn’t become involved with