Page 189 of Even Exchange

“Conditions?” I scoff. “What part of this”—I place my hand on my stomach—“makes you think we’re having a negotiation?”

Baby kicks my hand, and it feels like she’s saying,High five, Mom!

“Here’s what’s going to happen,” she says. “You and Jonathan will make up. You’ll move in together. Get married, because the press certainly can’t know that I have a daughter who got pregnant out of wedlock. We don’t need a Bristol Palin situation on our hands. That’ll also ensure Jonathan can’t up and abandon you. We’ll tell them you had a private ceremony in the church earlier this year and only now officially legalized it with the state.”

My jaw has hit the floor. Theaudacity.“You are out of your mind.”

“Just think about it,” she presses.

I consider what a life would be like with Jonathan.

Cold. Empty. Forced.

Noah’s smiling face comes to mind, immediately filling me with a sense of security. Of divine bliss.

Being here, in this house with a man whochoosesme, choosesus, day after day.

Yeah, I’m never giving that up.

No amount of money on god’s green fucking Earth will buy my life from me.

My jaw clenches as we stand eye to eye. “Keep your hush money. I don’t want it.”

42

NOAH

The sun beats down on me as I stroll across the training field parking lot toward my truck. My head is high, a stupid grin plastered on my face. It’s been a few weeks since Charlotte finally accepted my role in her life. Intheirlife, and everyday I’m grateful when practice ends so I can get home. Today is no exception.

Phone in hand, I pull up her contact.

Me

Fun Fact: Avocados are believed to be an aphrodisiac

Charlotte

*Adds to grocery list*

What else?

Me

Oysters

Charlotte

I would rather be celibate for the rest of my life than put an oyster in my mouth.

Me

*removes oysters from grocery list*

Charlotte

Smart man

Sex is still on the table

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