Page 80 of Baby Maker

You're likely wondering what the hell I'm doing here. I actually didn't realize that gravesites were public record. Truth is, I've never had any desire to look for one.

If you've been paying attention, which I'm sure you have, then you know that I'm in love with your wife. I didn't plan it that way. I didn't intend for the image of her to become burned in my brain. I didn't think I would ever meet a woman who would make me change my mind about life and love and everything.

But you know she's amazing. You married her. You loved her, too. You still love her, and she still loves you.

I want her to love me. Forever. A colleague offered me this ridiculous job on Long Island. I'm asking Calliope to go with me, but I wanted to stop here first. Ask your permission, I suppose. I promise to love her the way she deserves, even if her stubbornness drives me absolutely insane at times. She's worth it.

Don't worry, I'll give her anything that she wants. All she has to do is ask because I'm a terrible mind reader, as evidenced by most of our relationship. That and she broke my damn heart when she stormed out of our beach cottage.

Put in a kind word for me, huh? I won't let you down.

Keegan

The tears from the video were bad. These are worse. They flow from my eyes like a raging torrent, soaking my dress and the grass below. But there's a difference with these tears. They're laced with happiness. Hope. A promise that my future isn't as far off a dream as I thought.

My fingers trace over the words, chuckling as I realize how wrong I was about Keegan. That wall between us was erected to protect his heart. A heart I broke.

A heart I intend to repair if he'll let me into it one more time.

"You bastard," I whisper to the stone, chuckling as I place my hand on the cool marble. "You knew all along. Mister know-it-all."

The breeze shifts, carrying with it another fragrant bouquet, and I have my answer.

My phone buzzes as I head back to my car. Simon. Uh-oh. "Miss me already?"

"Check the ego, Calliope." His chuckle reverberates over the phone line. "Something you said isn't sitting right with me."

"I said plenty to knock you askew. Which part?"

"You had unprotected sex with Keegan?"

"Okay, I blurted that out for effect. I know that we're best friends, but I don't want the down and dirty of your sexual escapades. It works both ways."

"I've got a point here. Was it a one-time slip?"

"No. It was several times over that weekend. But he told me that he didn't realize it was the danger zone. You know how men are."

"Not him. That's his field of expertise. He's your doctor, Calliope. He knew. He knew, and he did it, anyway. I'm just saying that going to Long Island is a good idea. I've got to run. The girls are discussing giving each other haircuts. Bugger."

The call ends, my laughter reverberating through the cemetery. God, it feels good to laugh. Until the laugh stalls in my throat, recalling Simon's statement.

He's right. Keegan knew my body on every level. He had to; he was my doctor. Besides, he knew at the wedding that I wasn't ovulating. Hell, he even joked about it being safe.

He knew that weekend. His actions screamed at me, even though his voice was silent. Yet somehow, I missed it.

Time to atone.

* * *

"Ms. Newton,Dr. Russo will see you now." His pretty blonde receptionist flashes a smile at me, buzzing me through the door.

I'd smile back, but I'm a bit too terrified at the moment. Terrified, yet determined. I booked the appointment using my maiden name, confident Keegan would avoid seeing me if he recognized the moniker.

After being led to a patient room, I pace the small space, going over my spiel in my head. In between, I wipe my palms along my skirt, desperate to appear at ease.

The door opens, and Keegan steps inside, his gaze focused on the chart. "Good afternoon, Ms. Newton. How are you today?"

"That depends, Keegan."

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