The Daddy Decision by Donna Sterling Page B

anyone like that. I also know that he′ll put the welfare of our child first and foremost in his life.”
    â€œAnd if he doesn’t?”
    â€œHe will!”
    Cort shifted his gaze away from an indignant Laura. Raising one eyebrow, he asked Fletcher, “What about you? Would you have a problem with Laura becoming... involved...with someone else?”

    Fletcher stared at Cort as if he suspected a trap. “I want her to be happy,” he replied slowly. “I would never object to any relationship that makes her happy.”
    Cort nodded, duly impressed. “That’s noble of you.” He leaned forward, his forearms braced on his knees, his gaze drilling into Fletcher’s. “But you haven’t exactly answered my question. I didn’t ask if you would object. ” Patiently, he rephrased his question. “Would it disturb you to know that she was sleeping with someone else?”
    The attention directed at Fletcher suddenly grew intense. Everyone seemed to be scrutinizing him, ready to evaluate the honesty of his answer. Everyone, that was, except Laura, who kept a steady, confident gaze on Cort. She clearly had no doubt about what Fletcher’s reply would be, or its validity.
    Cort wondered if anyone but him noticed the slight flaring of Fletcher’s nostrils or the tightening of his bottom lip. ″No,” Fletcher finally answered. “It wouldn’t disturb me.”
    The man was lying through his teeth.
    Cort allowed a few beats of doubt-heavy silence to pass. Then he smiled—a slow, truce-making smile that had served him well in the boardrooms of the world’s wealthiest conglomerates. “Well, then. If that’s true, let me be the first to wish you luck with your parenting plan.” He extended his hand to Fletcher.
    Fletcher blinked, clearly surprised, as if he’d been expecting much more resistance. “Thanks.” A flush of relief seeped into his bearded face as he shook Cort’s hand.
    Cort noticed similar expressions of surprise in the glances the others cast his way, including Laura’s. He leaned back in the armchair. “In fact, I’ll go one better than just wishing you luck. I’d like to help you get off to the best possible start.”

    Questions formulated in every pair of eyes.
    â€œWhat do you mean by ‘help’?” asked Fletcher.
    â€œBusinesswise. I believe Steffie told me that you’re in antiques, Fletcher, and that Laura’s in interior design. You’re thinking of merging your businesses and buying a commercial building together. Is that right?”
    Fletcher nodded. Laura didn’t respond, obviously reluctant to discuss her business with him. A refreshing change from the norm, Cort had to admit. Since he’d made his fortune, people had more or less stalked him for the chance to discuss their business ventures.
    â€œI have a sizable chunk of capital that’s recently been freed up,” Cort said, “and I’m looking to reinvest it.” There was no mistaking the flare of interest in Fletcher’s gaze. “I wouldn’t mind investing in an up-and-coming business like yours. And I wouldn’t doubt that you’d be able to use my financial backing.”
    They stared at him while absorbing the impact of his offer. Financial backing wasn’t easy to come by for small retail shops and artistic-service businesses, as Cort well knew.
    Laura finally gifted him with a smile—a small, grateful, but regretful smile. “That’s very kind of you, Cort, but we really don’t need—”
    â€œHow sizable an investment?” Fletcher shifted forward on the sofa, a new, aggressive edge to his voice.
    Cort shrugged. “Five hundred thousand to start. More, if the circumstances warrant it.”
    Fletcher drew in a slow, deep breath, then exchanged a wide-eyed glance with Laura, who looked equally shaken at the sum.
    Slowly she