Page 69 of Make You Stay

“She was terrified to discuss having a baby, but I was convinced she meant something to you after seeing you two together. God knows she made you happy. I assumed you might be open to returning the favor.”

“She knew I didn’t plan on more children. She knew my rules.”

“You and your fucking rules, Aidan. Your rules didn’t plan on a woman like Chloe.”

Truer words were never spoken.

“I’m supposed to be fine with the fact she’s having some random man’s baby? Well, I’m not. I can’t handle that concept.”

“You idiot. You’re not upset about the idea of a baby. You’re upset that it wasn’t going to be with you.”

“That’s not what I’m saying.”

Enid sits forward, grasping my arm. “Yes, it is. It’s written all over your face. Chloe wants a baby withyou, Aidan.”

“What makes you so sure?” And why does my heart skip a beat at the idea?

“She told me.” Enid leans back with a slight groan. “Chloe knew your rules, but that didn’t stop her from falling in love and wanting a baby with the man she loves.”

Chloe never told me she loved me. She showed me in a myriad of ways, but we never spoke the words.

It hurts that Enid heard her say them aloud, but I never have. Now, I probably never will.

“Hmm.” It’s a bullshit response, but all I can manage right now, as I turn my attention back to the lock.

“She’s a terrific mother to our girls. They need her in their lives.”

“They already have a mother.”

“That’s what I need to speak to you about.”

The words hang in the air, a sudden chill descending over me. “Enid, what the hell does that mean?”

“It means… I’m sick.” Her eyes, those bright blue eyes, are glassy with unshed tears.

Jeff moves to stand next to Enid, his expression grim.

Suddenly, it’s all so clear. Enid’s exhaustion, weight loss, and pallor. Somewhere, deep in the dark recesses of my brain, I knew she was sick, but I couldn’t let my heart accept that fact.

Blinking back tears, I look skyward. “How bad?”

“Fucking stage four pancreatic cancer. You know me. Go big or go home.”

Despite my ex-wife’s sad attempt at levity, there’s no humor to be found here. A huge part of my heart shatters with the realization that Enid’s lifeline will be cut drastically short.

I switch into action mode, hopping to my feet and pacing the deck. “Time to fight. What do we need to do? How are we kicking cancer’s ass?”

Enid grasps my arm, giving it a squeeze. “We aren’t, my love. They’ve given me a year.”

You think you’ll know how to react when you receive bad news as an adult. With enough years under your belt, you’ve heard it all. Seen it all.

What an utter crock of shit.

There is bad news, and then there is theworstkind of news.

Enid’s diagnosis?Waypast the worst kind.

With a strangled groan, I sink into the chair, rocking back and forth as I bury my head in my hands.

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