Page 50 of We Can Forever

My face burns, and I stare out the window, vision blurring. “We’re just dating. It’s not like we’re getting married.”

“I know, but it’s different when there’s a child involved.”

“I know that.”

“Do you? Because I really don’t think you can, not until you become a parent yourself. Are you ready to step into that role?”

“I…” I open and close my mouth, at a loss for words. Michael isn’t asking me to step in as Katie’s mother. We just started dating.

Though to be fair, the idea of doing that doesn’t scare me. I’ve always wanted kids, and Carol knows that. So what is this really about?

“You think I wouldn’t be a good parent because of the fibromyalgia.” I wipe away the tears that have started trickling down my cheeks.

“No, Hannah. I know you would be a great parent. I know from personal experience how exhausting parenting is, though.”

“So, what? I should just never do it? Because that’s the only option. Fibromyalgia isn’t going anywhere.” My voice is rising, and I hate it. Thank God it’s only Flick in the shop.

“No. Don’t twist my words.”

“Be more careful with your words,” I snap. “And if you don’t want to come to dinner tonight, don’t. No one is making you.”

The line becomes quiet, and in the silence, I feel the last of my good mood withering.

“I didn’t mean to insult you,” my aunt says quietly. “That was never my intention.”

“I know.” I sigh. “And I’m sorry. I overreacted.”

“I would love to join the three of you for dinner tonight.”

“Okay. I’ll see you at seven.” Feeling exhausted, I hang up.

“Everything okay?” Flick asks.

“Yeah. She’s worried about me.” Blinking back the rest of my tears, I rejoin her at the counter.

“What else is new?”

“It’s just a little harder to deal with when she’s not three thousand miles away.” I text Michael back, telling him we’ll be there at seven thirty and asking if I can bring anything.

It feels kind of weird that Michael has been to my house but I’ve never been to his, although I get it. His home is a space that he shares with Katie; bringing me there also means bringing me into her world.

Is it the success of our pizza dinner the other night that has spurred this invitation? And am I ready to step into Katie’s world?

And is my aunt right? Would being a part of Katie’s life be more than I can handle?

Even though I’m just the woman dating her father, I know being in a kid’s life to even the smallest degree comes with a great amount of responsibility. I’m up for the challenge, for sure. I just want to make sure I don’t screw it up.

It hurts that my aunt even suggested I could do that. Like I’m not taking my entry into Katie’s world seriously.

Carol is acting like she doesn’t even know me. Like I’ve just been skipping through life, making snap decisions, never considering the repercussions.

If she were to really stop and think, she would remember that’s the opposite of me. I never take action unless I know for sure that it’s the right thing to do.

“I need to cool down,” I huff to Flick.

She’s watching me with a wary look. “Yeah, I’ve never seen you this worked up after talking to her. Are you sure it’s a good idea to have her visit for this long?”

I don’t even know how to answer that, and I don’t have to.

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