Page 62 of Make You Stay

“That’s good of you.”

She wrings her hands, the nervousness evident. “I know this is a big conversation, but I didn’t want to wait any longer to discuss it. I’m not getting any younger, and I really want to have a child—which, you knew. Does it bother you that much to know I still want to have a baby?”

I jump to my feet, tugging a hand through my hair as I pace the rug. “Hell, yes, it bothers me, Chloe. I told you, I don’t want any more children. I have three already.”

“You never actually said you didn’t want more children. You told me, you only dated single mothers.” When my eyes widen, she raises her hands in surrender. “I understand your point of view.”

“Obviously, you don’t, because here we are, discussing the possibility of you having a baby.”

“That’s just it. We’re discussingmehaving a baby. I never expected you to be involved. Do I want you to be? Of course, because you’re an amazing man, but it’s apparent you don’t want any part of it. I still want to be a mother, though.”

“Get a dog.” I regret the words the moment I speak them, as she visibly winces under my verbal attack.

Chloe bites her lip, averting her gaze. “Now you sound like Charlie.”

Great. I sound like her asshole ex. The one who chewed her up and spit her out. “I’m sorry for that comment. You didn’t deserve that.”

“Aidan, I’m not asking for anything beyond your understanding and acceptance.”

“I understand your position. I do, but I can’t be any part of this situation.”

“This situation meaning us, as a couple?”

“Yes.” I pray my stern stance will be enough to snap her out of this train of thought. We’re perfect, as is. Why muck it up?

“Even if you have zero involvement in the child’s life?”

My head is spinning after this conversation. I never saw this one coming. Chloe knew my position. Who does she think she is, changing the rules on me? “Even then. If you decide to have a baby, we’re done.”

Chloe sucks in a breath before standing and pulling on her coat. “I have to go.”

When she turns to grab her bag, I see tears streaming down her face. Tears I caused her. Pain I caused her. “Shit. Don’t cry, Chloe.” I move to hug her, but she sidesteps me, maintaining a safe distance.

“It’s fine. I mean, it isn’t fine, but what did I expect? Thank you for your honesty, Aidan. Brutal, perhaps, but at least I know where I stand. Where we stand.”

“Where is that?”

“Apparently, nowhere.”

I huff out a sigh, perching on the arm of the chair. “I don’t see why you need a child to complete you.”

“And I don’t see how you can’t understand my desires, considering how much you love your girls.”

“I adore them, but I don’t want more kids.”

She throws up her hands, her lips pursed in a thin line. “I heard you the first few times, Aidan. No need to keep repeating the joyous news. Besides, I didn’t ask you to be the father, did I?”

Her temper is riled, as evidenced by the flashing in her dark eyes. Still, her words hit against me like fists. Why wouldn’t she ask me? Why wouldn’t I be her first choice? She wants a random sperm donor instead of me? I’m a damn good father. Even though I don’t want more children, why doesn’t she consider me a good enough choice for her baby?

“You act like I’m a monster for being upset, Chloe. You plan on having some random guy’s kid, and I’m supposed to okay with that scenario?”

“No, I hoped youwouldn’twant me to do that.”

“I don’t.” Thank God we agree on something.

“I had hopedyouwould consider it. I know it isn’t what you planned, but you aren’t what I planned, either. That doesn’t make it any less wonderful. I’m so happy with you and your girls, but I still have my dreams, too. I guess I thought we might make them happen together.”

Christ, she’s killing me right now. Her tear-stained face and the desperation in her voice, the soft urgency pulling at my heart to reconsider.

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