Page 65 of Make You Stay

“Did Chloe ever tell you she wanted a child?”

“Yes.” The second I admit it, the heaviness returns to my chest. Chloe told me she wanted a baby. I assumed she changed her mind. Now, she’s getting inseminated with some stranger’s kid, and when she returns, I’ll have to watch her grow round with someone else’s baby.

Ifshe returns.

Isn’t that fucking wonderful?

“What would have happened if she got pregnant? Because I know you two couldn’t keep your hands to yourselves.”

“What do you mean?”

“Do I have to explain the birds and bees to you, Aidan?”

I scowl at Enid. “We would have had a baby.”

“Would you have been mad? If you two had a whoops?”

“No.” The moment I utter the word, I know it’s true.

“Have you ever stopped to consider that perhaps it isn’t Chloe having a baby that upsets you, but the idea she might have one with someone else? Here’s a crazy concept—you could have a baby with the woman you love. Stranger things have happened.” With a pat on my hand, she walks out the door, leaving me alone with my thoughts, which isnota safe place to be right now.

* * *

I orderpizza because I have no desire to cook. That, and Chloe had taken over the cooking, which I was more than happy to allow. She’s a far better chef, even convincing Mia to try green beans.

Talk about a win.

As I clean up the counter, a picture Emily drew falls out. It’s of the family, complete with a tiny brunette. Chloe. I trace my finger over the image, that tightness in my chest returning.

I miss her. Way more than I’m willing to admit.

“You’re an idiot.”

Turning, I offer my eldest daughter a glare. “Excuse me?”

“She was great for you. For all of us.”

“She wanted different things from life.”

“No, she didn’t. She just wanted to have a baby. You know, Chloe was willing to take on all of this, no questions asked. Your kids, your life. Why couldn’t you be willing to give her what she wants? Isn’t that what relationships are about?”

Natalie’s words damn near bring me to my knees. “When did you get so damn smart?”

“My daddy didn’t raise no fool. You love kids, Dad. What’s the big deal?”

She’s not lying. I’ve always adored kids and loved the idea of a noisy house full of laughter and the all too occasional tantrum. Hey, you have to take the bad with the good.

“But you guys are older. You want a baby running around the house?”

Natalie shrugs. “If it would make you guys happy, sure. Besides, I’m leaving for college soon. I’ll have to see it for cute shit and holidays.”

Usually, I would mention her cursing, but she’s right. Everything she says is accurate, even if my stubborn ass won’t admit it. “You’re a ton of help.”

“Maybe you’ll finally have your son. Think about it, Dad. You were happy. I never remember seeing you happy like that before, and now, you’re miserable.”

She walks away, but the heaviness remains. Seems no matter what I do, I can’t shake this lost feeling since Chloe left my life.

Chapter 14

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