Page 64 of Make You Stay

“No, she’s planning on being inseminated with some stranger’s kid.”

“You’d be off the hook, then?”

I gape at my ex-wife. “She’d be a single mother, with no father around. If I’m dating her, I’ll wind up in the paternal role.”

“Is that what she stated or what you assumed?”

“It’s obvious, Enid. How could I not?” Seriously, are all the women in my vicinity daft? This situation is black and white. Plain and simple.

“The way Chloe has taken on a maternal role for our daughters?”

Enid is not letting this topic drop, and with each question, I become more agitated. “That’s different. They’re already here.”

“That is such a bullshit answer, Aidan.”

I shrug, trying to throw off the weight of my decision. “I told Chloe if she was staying with me, then the baby idea was off the table.”

“Please tell me you aren’t this much of an asshole.”

Now, I’m the asshole? That’s rich. “I was clear from the beginning. I told her I respected whatever choice she made.”

“You didn’t give her a choice. You backed Chloe into a corner. She was given that option once before, and she chose his love over her desires. I doubt she will be that foolish again.”

Her words enter territory I haven’t wanted to consider—that Chloe might not return to Asheville. “You don’t think she’ll come back?”

“I sure as hell wouldn’t if I were her.”

“She’s not you.”

“You’re right. She’s put up with far more crap than I ever would. One last thing, and then I’ll shut up.”

I huff out a sigh before meeting her blue gaze. “What?”

“If it’s the right decision—your decision to not have a child and pursue a future with Chloe—then why are you so damn miserable? Look at you. Have you slept since she left? You look like shit. If this is the right answer, why do you look like you’ve lost your best friend? Think about it.”

“Enid,” I call after her, waiting until she turns around. “Are you feeling any better? You look like you’re losing weight.”

I know it’s a change of topic, but it’s a legitimate question. I may look like shit, but Enid doesn’t look much better. In fact, she seems progressively worse every day.

“Don’t change the subject.”

“Enid,” I repeat, motioning to her. “I’m worried.”

“They’re running tests. It’s probably early menopause. I’ll keep you posted.”

I recall Chloe mentioning that fact and realize she’s only a couple of years younger.

No wonder she wants a baby. The clock is ticking.

Still doesn’t change my stance on the situation.

Enid caves with a sigh, wrapping me in a hug before giving me a slight shake. “You’re smarter than this. You know that, right?”

What neither woman seems to realize is I’m only sticking to my original plan. “I told her my position right from the beginning.”

“Did you ever tell her you didn’t want more children?”

“I’m sure I did.” Although, as I rack my brain, I can’t recall if I ever said those words.

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