Sorry. But I dont really know much about your current life. I mean, its been a lot of years. I wasnt trying to shake off responsibility or anything like that. I was just making sure I had all the facts.
Pregnant. Natalie was pregnant with his child. How they had both dreamed of this moment. For the five years of their marriage, theyd talked of it almost constantly, and worked at it so often that sex had gone from pure pleasure to a source of stress and fear. Theyd both wanted children so badly. But hed never dreamed this moment would come twenty years later.
How could this happen? he asked. Could a few pounds make that big of a difference?
My doctor said it was a combination of things. Being underweight and stressed out affected my fertility. Having some actual curves and being relaxed fixed things. As for my ageits not unheard of for women to conceive in their forties. We were justlucky.
Lucky?
Her face tightened and her eyes flashed dangerously. Well, yeah, lucky. Damned lucky. Thats how I feel about it. Blessed, really. She softened. The timing is awkward, but once the shock wore off I was excited and looking forward to it. Mary is almost as excited as me. Shes always wanted a sibling.
But, Josh, if youre not too pleased and want to pretend this never happened, I completely understand. I mean, youve raised your kidstheyre almost out of the nest. Youre probably thinking about other thingstravel, buying a boatand a new baby wouldnt be in your plans. So I just want you to know that Im not demanding or expecting anything from you. If you want to be a part of this babys life, thats wonderful. But if you dont
Of course I do! he exploded, not able to listen to any more. I cant believe you would think for a moment that Id be content to wash my hands of responsibility and send you on your merry way.
She pressed her fingertips to her forehead. Im sorry, Josh. No, I didnt really expect that. You were always very responsible.
Responsible. The word seemed almost like a curse. Im not just responsible. I love kids, and Im a helluva good father. Im going to be a good father to this kid, too, whether you like it or not.
Natalie sat up straighter. I wasnt trying to deny
But you were hoping. I happen to think a child needs two parents. I had to raise mine without a mother, and if theyre turning out okay its not because we didnt go through some tough times.
Okay, Josh! I agree, two parents are best.
Yet you adopted as a single mother. Once again, he realized hed spoken unwisely. What was wrong with him? He didnt normally blurt things out.
Because one parent is better than a crowded orphanage, she said indignantly.
Orphanage? Did they even have orphanages anymore? Whoa, whoa, lets back up. I wasnt meaning to criticize. Im sure youre a fabulous mother to Mary. And youre going to be a fabulous mother to our baby, too.
She unruffled her feathers slightly. Im going to try my darnedest.
Theres a slight problem, you know. We live four hours apart.
We can work that out. Weekends, vacations
I dont want to be a vacation dad, or a summer dad. I want to be a part of this childs life every day. I need that.
Were going to have to make some compromises, she said reasonably.
Like hell. The solution is to live near each other. Preferably on the same street.
You just made partner, she said. You cant exactly pick up stakes and move to Dallas. And Im not
Its more logical for you to move, he said smoothly. Youre a nurse. Nurses are in high demand everywhere. With your experience, you can get a job at any hospital in Houston.
I cant move! she exploded, jumping to her feet. Ive got a home in Dallas. Family ties. Mary is in a school she loves, with friends shes known her whole life.
He wasnt surprised at her outburst. He wouldnt want to have to uproot his life or his kids lives, either. But she would get used to the idea. One thing Josh knew how to do was negotiate, and he had just the lever to negotiate Natalie exactly where she needed to be. I cant make you move, I guess. But in the end, I know youll do whats best for our child.