The sound came out more like a sob.
“And now is?”
Nathan ignored the question.
“The Caldwell estate plan was always designed around continuity of the family name.”
I stared at him.
“What does that have to do with my baby?”
His silence lasted half a second too long.
Then I understood.
“No.”
“Audrey—”
“No.”
“The board and my parents believe that my son should eventually become the principal family beneficiary.”
I could barely breathe.
“Our daughter isn’t even born yet.”
“That’s exactly why I’m telling you now.”
Another contraction hit.
Kimberly told me to breathe.
Dr. Patel ordered Nathan to step away from the bed.
But I kept staring at my husband.
“What are you saying?”
Nathan sighed.
Not sadly.
Impatiently.
Like I was forcing him to explain something obvious.
“I’m saying I don’t want the Caldwell name placed on her birth certificate.”
The room went completely still.
I heard Kimberly whisper, “Oh my God.”
Nathan continued.
“You can use your maiden name. Bennett. It’s a respectable name.”
My fingers tightened around the blanket.
“And the trust?”
Nathan hesitated.
That was enough.
