Surrogate and Wife Read Online Free Page A

Everyone in town wanted to know the details of their divorce settlement. “Until recently, it’s only made the local weekly,” she reasoned. “But now that the story is being picked up by the Austin American-Statesman and the Houston Chronicle , he can’t resist getting the press. Guess he figures it’s good for the campaign.”
    â€œGood for the campaign? That kind of daily press would be worth a fortune. Maybe you should just let him handle it.”
    She shot Kevin an incredulous look. “And let that viper turn those poor people’s divorce into a media circus about waning family values? Think about what that would do to them. Worse still to their kids. I’m not going to give him the case unless I don’t have any other options.”
    â€œOh, honey.” Kevin shook his head slowly. “Just be careful.”
    â€œI won’t be bullied by him,” she insisted. “Sure, he can make my life difficult, but that won’t further his political ambitions.”
    Kevin raised his eyebrows pointedly, as if she’d missed something obvious.
    â€œWhat else can he do?” she asked with false cheer. “It’s not like he can fire me.” Her chuckle died in her throat when Kevin didn’t join in. “You think he’s goingto fire me? That’s ridiculous. Even he wouldn’t try to have someone removed from the bench. Would he?”
    â€œI think if you gave him a reason to he would. Especially if he could pin you with something morally questionable. Think about it, you’d be the first associate district judge fired in over forty years. It’d be all over the press, so it’d be a chance to remind everyone of the hyperconservative values he stands for.”
    She studied her friend. “Are you worried about your job?”
    â€œMe?” He shrugged. “Not really. I’m very careful, and you’re the only one around here who knows.” Kevin didn’t dare utter the word gay in these conservative halls. “Besides, it’s not me he hates. And if he gets rid of you, he could swoop in, take over the McCain case and maximize his media exposure.”
    As she listened to Kevin, she felt a sinking sensation deep in her stomach. What if he was right? What if Hatcher was just looking for a reason to fire her?
    She’d been perfectly behaved, perfectly respectable her entire life. Except…
    Except now she was pregnant. With no plans of marrying.
    Back when she’d first agreed to be Beth and Stew’s surrogate, it had seemed a simple enough matter. Of course, that was a full five months ago, before Hatcher had announced his plans to run for the Supreme Court. Yes, it had occurred to her that some of her more conservative colleagues might raise their eyebrows, but surely no one could fault her for being a surrogate mother for her sister. But now that Beth was pregnant herself, would people question Kate’s pregnancy?
    Kevin must have read the distress on her face, but hehastened to reassure her. “Don’t worry, hon. You’re way too smart to give him a reason.”
    Kevin’s reassurances did little to pacify her fears. “What if I had done something wrong?”
    â€œYou?” Kevin raised his eyebrows. “Little Miss Perfect you? You haven’t made a misstep in decades.”
    â€œHypothetically, let’s say I did do something…questionable in Hatcher’s view. He’s just one judge. Wouldn’t he have to convince the other seven district judges in order to get me removed?”
    â€œI’d say it all depends on whether they think your ‘questionable’ behavior impairs your abilities or position of authority. In this conservative political environment, it might not take much. Especially with Hatcher focusing his campaign on moral values. The last thing the other judges want is to appear morally lax. Good thing for you you’re squeaky clean,