Ethan stood next to her, proud, smiling broadly, completely unaware that I was about to reveal to everyone exactly what kind of liar he was.
When it came time for the toast, I stood and lifted a glass of sparkling cider.
“I want to thank everyone for being here today,” I said. “And most of all, I want to thank two people who have been taking such good care of this baby.”
Ethan smiled. Claire looked genuinely moved.
I turned toward them. “Ethan has been visiting Claire constantly. Bringing groceries. Vitamins. Helping with everything. So before the baby arrives, I thought everyone here should hear just how dedicated he’s been.”
Ethan’s smile remained, but something in his eyes flickered.
“What do you mean?” he asked.
I reached into my pocket and pulled out the recorder.
Then I pressed play.
Claire’s voice filled the room. “Are you sure your wife is okay with all this?”
Then Ethan’s voice followed. “She doesn’t want the baby, Claire. She only agreed because I begged her to try surrogacy.”
“But she comes with you sometimes,” Claire said. She sounded uncertain.
“Only for appearances,” Ethan’s voice continued. “Once the baby’s born, she’s signing her rights over.”
Claire hesitated. “That’s why you’re keeping all the medical records?”
“Exactly,” Ethan said. “If she changes her mind, I’ll show the court she never bonded with the pregnancy.”
A soft crackle came through the recording.
Then Claire spoke again. “I just don’t want to hurt anyone.”
Before anyone else could respond, I spoke.
“I want to make something clear.” I looked straight at Claire. “I love this baby. I prayed for it. I ached for it for years. I have no intention of signing away my rights. Ethan lied to you.” I then turned to face my husband. “And now I’d like to know why.”
Ethan looked around the room. His parents, my parents, and all of our friends were staring at him, waiting.
“You’re all misunderstanding,” he began.
