Prologue

“Paul, would you come into my office, please?” Edward Carrington motioned to the junior partner walking down the hall.

“Uh, sure Mr. Carrington,” Paul replied.  He shifted the files under his arm and followed Mr. Carrington into his office. 

Waving Paul toward a seat, Edward sat down in his expensively upholstered leather chair behind a beautiful mahogany desk shined to perfection.  “I bet you’re wondering what this is about?” he asked Paul.  Paul nodded.  “How long have you been at our firm now?”

“Just over a year, sir,” Paul replied.

“Have you enjoyed working here?” Carrington asked.

“Yes, sir, the firm of Carrington, Stone and Wells was my first choice out of law school.”

“You did very well in law school,” Mr. Carrington stated. “I looked over your file.  And you’ve done very well here making a reputation for yourself as a defense attorney that we can count on to win.”  Carrington leveled his gaze at Paul.  “Do you like to win, Paul?”

Paul smiled.  “Yes, sir.”

“What do you know about Vicente DiChesney?” he asked, watching Paul carefully from over the top of his glasses. 

Paul swallowed.  Was this a test?  “Well, Mr. DiChesney is being charged with embezzlement and fraud, I believe.  There are some rumors that he’s tied to the mob.”

“Do you believe those rumors?” Mr. Carrington asked pointedly.

Paul shifted the files on his lap.  He sensed that this answer was very important.  “Mr. Carrington I am a criminal defense attorney.  My client’s innocence or guilt will be determined by a jury of his peers and my job is to present the facts as my client instructs me--not to judge him.”  He leaned back in his chair, meeting the senior partner’s eyes head on.

Those eyes glittered back at him from behind the small glasses he wore.  “Well done, son.”  He pulled a file out from the top drawer of his desk, with a small white envelope on top.  “I want to you take over the DiChesney file.  I’ll second chair you for this trial, but I’m looking forward to a long and happy arrangement with Vicente DiChesney and I think you are the man to help this firm achieve the uh, closeness we want with this client.”  He fingered the white envelope on top of the file.  “It comes with a substantial raise and shot at being a full partner.”

Paul took a deep breath.  He opened the envelope and the six figure number made his eyes swim.  “Yes, sir,” was all he could manage.

Edward stood and Paul stood with him.  “You’d best get started with the file.  Preliminary hearing is in two days.”  Paul took the slim file and put it on top of the files he had brought in with him.  “Give those other cases to another junior partner,” he said, putting his arm around Paul.  “You won’t have time for them now with your new position.”

Paul nodded and walked toward his own office, his mind racing.  He couldn’t wait to tell Emma.  She would be so proud of him!  He sat down at his desk and reached for the phone, then realized she wouldn’t be home yet.  He set down the files, and singled out the DiChesney folder.  He had to start prepping right away.  It was their first wedding anniversary and they had plans for the evening.  And I’ll tell Emma my news then, he thought happily.  She’ll be so excited.  We can buy all the things we’ve ever dreamed of. 

                                                                    ~~~~~~~~~~

 Emma rubbed her abdomen, looking disbelievingly at the pregnancy test that was a very bright blue. Shaking her head, a smile slowly spread across her face. A baby! Paul would be so surprised. She looked down at the little stick again, a frown replacing her smile. Surprise might not be the best way to describe Paul’s reaction.

She had thought Paul had wanted children as much as she, but after their marriage it became clear his focus was his career, and that he thought hers should be as well. Whenever she’d brought up having children, he’d always change the subject, or nuzzle her neck and tell her they were so good together, why would they want to ruin a good thing? It bothered her and had for a long time. She’d just never found the courage to take a stand. Looking at the positive pregnancy test, she knew the time had come. They’d just have to deal with it, she thought, shrugging. Once he got used to the idea, he’d be as happy as she was.

Emma looked at the clock, wondering how she would deliver the news. Luckily, she had an hour before he got home to think of something. She changed out of her skirt and put on jeans, determined to make his favorite dinner—chicken cordon bleu. After a wonderful dinner she’d just tell him he was going to be a father.

As she walked toward the hall she passed the full-length mirror on their closet door. Unable to resist, she stopped and pulled her shirt tight over her still flat belly. Not for long, she thought, the happiness coursing through her. All her fantasies of being a mother bubbled to the surface. Paul will be happy, she told herself. How could he not be?

Thinking of his mischievous smile before he left this morning, Emma knew he had something wonderful planned for their anniversary, but she doubted he could top the gift of a child. Emma laughed softly to herself. It will be okay. We love each other and we’ll share that love with a child. But just in case, she hurried to her cupboards to get started on the chicken cordon bleu.

                                                                    ~~~~~~~~~

 Paul James glanced at his watch, then ran his hands through his hair.  He’d been going over the DiChesney file for the last two hours, and he was beginning to get a headache.  The state had some airtight evidence on DiChesney that was going to be hard to rebut.  It’ll be a difficult case, but I will win it, Paul thought fiercely.  Even Carrington sees my talent.  He tapped his pencil on the desk, making a checklist for himself of everything to be done before the hearing in two days.  Hopefully we get a sympathetic judge.  He made a note to check on that tomorrow. 

He went over his preliminary game plan one more time, knowing this case could make his career.  With everything seemingly in place, he shut the file, and stood to put on his suit jacket.  He slid his arms in and felt for the jeweler’s case in the jacket pocket.  He couldn’t wait to get home and tell Emma about his raise and to give her the diamond necklace nestled there in the pocket. It felt good that he was able to give her nice things. He had provided a great living for them before, but with this raise they’d soon be able to take that trip to France she’d been dreaming about.

Paul shut his computer down for the day and grabbed his briefcase. Suddenly he couldn’t wait another moment to be with her. He jangled his car keys.

“’Night, Steven,” he called to the man in the next office.

“’Night, Paul,” he returned. “Going home for dinner today? That’s a first for you I think.”           “Yeah.” He smiled, feeling sheepish. “It’s our first anniversary.”

“Congratulations,” Steven called to Paul’s retreating back.

“Thanks.”

Paul walked through the parking lot of the law firm, whistling as he went. Tonight he would take Emma to her favorite Italian restaurant and give her the necklace. He tapped his suit jacket pocket one more time to reassure himself it was still there. He’d just been able to pick it up this morning from the jeweler’s. The string of diamonds had caught his eye and when he’d looked closer he could see it made the shape of a delicate heart and hung on a thin gold chain. It was beautiful, and he could imagine it nestled at Emma’s throat, catching the eye of everyone in the room.

He fished his keys out of his pocket and climbed into his car, starting the engine quickly to get the heater going. Arizona may be known for its warmth, he thought, but it can get chilly. He waited a few moments for his little car to warm up before easing out of the parking stall. That was another thing they would be able to afford now, a new car for both of them, he thought.  Paul turned on the radio and a love song crooned from the speakers. Smiling, he thought of Emma. Her long brown hair, her bright smile, her thin waist and long legs.  She was the perfect package.

Traffic was light and before long he pulled up in front of their home in Mesa . He walked through the front door and dropped his keys on the hall table. “Em, I’m home,” he called.

She came out of the kitchen, wiping her hands on a dishtowel. “Hi, honey,” she said, offering her face to him for a kiss.

“You don’t look like you’re ready to go. I have reservations at Cucci’s tonight.” He followed her back into the kitchen. “Is that chicken cordon bleu I smell?”

She smiled. “Yes, I thought we’d eat in tonight.”

He turned her around and swept her into his arms. “What’s going on? Am I missing something here?”

Emma just smiled. “I have a surprise for you.”

Paul bent his head and softly brushed her lips with his. “Me, too.” He kissed her again. “You’re going to be so happy.”

She broke away from the embrace. “Everything’s ready, so let’s sit down.”

Just then the phone rang and Emma went into the kitchen to get it.  Paul sat down at the oak table they’d recently bought, now laden with food and candles. He poured himself a glass of wine, anxious to see the smile on Emma’s face when he gave her the necklace. He sipped his wine as he watched her pace back and forth.  After a few minutes she came into the dining room and set down the last dish. The candlelight fairly danced in Emma’s eyes. “You are positively glowing tonight, sweetheart.”

A shadow passed Emma’s face before she smiled. “Thank you.”

“Who was on the phone?”

“It was my dad,” she said.  “He was in Africa and finally got a connection to check in with me.  It’s been so hard for him ever since I was a kid and Mom died.  He’s always thrown himself into his job which makes it even worse since his job is so dangerous.”

Paul put down his wine glass and came around the table to put his arm around her. “Well, at least he checks in with you regularly.”  He smiled down at her.  “Maybe this will help get that beautiful smile back on your face.  I was going to wait, but I’ve wanted to give this to you all day.” He pulled the velvet box from his pocket, flipping open the lid.

Emma gasped, the diamonds giving off a prism of color in the candlelight. “Paul, it’s so beautiful,” she breathed. “How can we ever afford something like this?”

“I got a raise today,” he announced proudly. “A big one.  Mr. Carrington gave me control of a very important case and he said I have a shot at being a full partner.  We can afford a lot more things . . . such as Paris.” He smiled, placing the box on the table and grabbing both her hands. “Let’s go to France. Let’s take a trip around the world.” He laughed. “Hey, let’s buy a yacht and cruise the seas, let’s celebrate!”

Emma’s face fell, her grip tightening on his hands. “I’m so proud of you, honey. But I’ve got an anniversary gift for you myself.” She pulled his hands toward her stomach, her eyes starting to glisten with tears. “I’m going to have a baby,” she said, softly, her voice trembling. “You’re going to be a father.”

Paul pulled his hands away as though he’d been burned. “You’re kidding, right?” He stood quickly. “You can’t be serious. We’re always careful.” He began to pace, then stopped to look at her. “You can’t possibly be happy about this.”

Emma stared at her toes. “Yes, I am very happy about this.”

He kneeled in front of her. “But Em, how can we achieve all our goals and dreams if we’re tied down to a kid? Do you really want to be waking up all night to a screaming kid? Kids are messy, dirty, and very needy. You’re responsible for another person.  Just like your dad.  He feels responsible to let you know he’s okay instead of just doing his job.” He stroked her hand. “What would we do with it while you’re working? Childcare is expensive.”

Emma extricated her hand and stroked his cheek, seeing a positive ray of hope that he was thinking about childcare. “You just said you got a raise.”

Paul stood again. “But not to use on some ungrateful kid who will do nothing but cause us heartache, then turn around and say what horrible parents we were!”

“Not all children are like that,” Emma said firmly. “And you will be a great father.”

Paul looked down at her, his eyes hard. “I don’t want to be a father, Emma. I thought that once you got settled in your career you would give up this ridiculous idea of being parents. We have a great thing going, just the two of us.” He pulled her up beside him. “Why would I want to share your attention?” He tried to nuzzle her neck, his hands caressing her waist.  “Besides once you have a baby your body will never be the same.  And it’s perfect.”  She stilled his wandering hand and pulled away.

“Please try to understand, Paul. I want this child. It was created in love, it’s a miracle it even happened. I want to be a mother,” she said, desperate to make him understand. “I’m sure once you get over the shock, you’ll see. This is a good thing.”

Paul stood before her, his back stiff, his eyes boring into hers. “If you insist on keeping this kid, then you’ll be a single parent.”

Emma swayed. “You can’t mean that.”