Miss Jackson 3: The Urie Family

Chapter Fifty-Nine

After the holidays have come and gone, including the new year coming in, it's now January and Brendon and I have decided to focus mainly on Scarletts arrival.
They thought she would come before the new year but she hasn't even made a move to come yet and she's making it even more miserable for me with each day. My feet are completely swollen so walking is hard. My back aches all day, the only relief I get is in bed for an or so before all sleeping positions have become difficult to sleep in.
I'm hot all the time. It's January and I know we live in California but I am always hot. Even when the air is on full blast. I make Brendon keep the air at 65, the poor kids have to walk around with jackets on but I'm still hot.
Speaking of, Brendon has such a great support system the last month. He always is but now he's really stepped up. He even packed the hospital bag, and he made sure I knew everything that was going in it so there would be no surprises.

Ashley told me she had some news that she wanted to give me after the holidays and to no surprise she waited until the day after the last holiday. She I invited her over and she said she'll be here soon so I'm growing anxious to see what it is. Maybe she's pregnant right now and doesn't need me as her surrogate. I still haven't made up my mind about that. On one hand, I'd love to help my best friend but on the other March is super soon after having Scarlett. My body will still be healing. Maybe if she gave me a year or so. But I know she's wants a baby now. Rose is almost a teenager. And Ashley is almost in her mid 30s. I really am at a cross roads about this.

Finally, Ashley gets here at almost 3 pm and I let her in. Brendon took the kids to some Christmas lights festival because it's the last day and he forgot to take them before Christmas. I would have gone but I'm kind of house bound for the next couple weeks.

"Hey Ashley." I invite her and she comes follows behind me with a warm smile.

"This is kind of urgent so we need to cut to the chase," she explains, unbuttoning her jacket. My brain starts to think of what's happened that she needs to just say it without any warning. "Colleen and Justin are getting a divorce." She begins. I figured as much. "And her parents found out about her lying. So they've cut her off. And well, she has two sons and no money. She's staying at her grandmothers till she gets back on her feet. Justin is even changing Braxton's name to Miguel. And he's trying for full custody." What is her point? "It looks like it might turn out that way too since Justin has already found himself a nice 2 bedroom house." She pauses and I assume I'm supposed to speak now.

"This is what's so urgent?" I ask, going to the fridge and grabbing a water.

"Well, I've been talking to Colleen since Andy told me about their divorce. The mention of me needing a surrogate came up...well-she said she'd do it. She needs the money and she can start as soon as we need her too....So what I'm saying is-Colleen is going to be our surrogate."
Well I guess that's okay, considering I wasn't sure. It's not like I need the money. Clearly Ashley is willing to pay Colleen a lot. And Colleen needs it.

"Okay, well congratulations." I tell her and she gets confused.

"I figured you'd be a little upset."

"I mean Ash, I was honored to be your first pick. But we don't need the money and Colleen clearly needs it. My circumstances don't work out well for you and if she can help you than obviously she's a better choice. I wouldn't have picked her though seeing as she spent the last 2 years lying to everyone. And being manipulative. You know?"

"You're right. But she signed a contract and it's strictly professional. The baby won't even be remotely hers. She doesn't even share the same genes as Andy." She shrugs.

"I just wanna make sure you're making the right decision." I tell her.

"Don't worry. We have discussed this ten fold with my lawyer. Colleen will be paid a nominal fee for her service. We will also pay for anything she needs medically regarding the baby." She explains. "Nothing will be swept under the rug. All paperwork will be filed correctly, any meetings will be recorded. And the contract was read to her. It clearly states that this isn't her child and once the baby is born the contract will end. So if she decides to run off with my baby she'll be in prison for a while." She laughs at the end and I do too. Knowing Colleen she'll try to do it.

"So when will you start?" I ask, drinking my water.

"Next week actually. We figured why wait? You know. Andy and I are getting married in a month and a half. By the time the baby is born we'll be ready."

"So what do you want? Gender wise?"

"Andy wants a boy. I don't mind either way. I just can't wait to have a second baby. Rose has grown up on me. It won't be too long before she's off to college. I'm not ready for an empty nest." She says and gets a little teary eyed. I rub her shoulder in comfort.
I'm happy for Ashley and I hope she gets everything she wants. She deserves it.