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“You don’t have to apologize for every new developreed, remember?”

“Still,” Neal said, “I asked a lot of you”

“It’s a fair trade,” Elena said, wondering if she meant that or not

Neal was thinking along those sa easier and easier for hi a person that well He had never really had that with anyone since his e

“Neal?”

“Hmm?”

“You’ll look after this baby, right?” Elena asked shakily

Neal’s eyes snapped up to hers

“Of course I will,” he said, “it’s my child”

“But you can’t ever let on that it’s your child, can you?”

Neal nodded slowly She was right, he would always have to pretend He would have to live a lie, and make his child live a lie, too

“No, I can’t,” he agreed

“It’s going to be hard”

“Yes, it is” He frowned

“I know you’ll be a good father slash uncle,” Elena said, trying to keep her tone light, but struggling with the emotion just beneath the surface I need to know that this kid will be OK I need to know that”