Page 106 of The Renter
Eric sighs, running a hand through his hair. “Okay, I want you to be happy, you know that. But think about it—really think about it. This isn’t some company you can acquire or some business deal. Are you sure you’re not caught up in the moment? The excitement of something new?”
“It’s not just excitement,” I insist. “It’s more than that. With Dani, everything is falling into place.”
He looks at me for a long moment, searching for any sign of doubt. Finding none, he leans back onto the counter. “All right, if you’re sure, I’m behind you. But promise me you’ll take your time. Wait for the sex to get boring.”
I laugh, mid-sip.That will never happen.I don’t want to share that part of our life with him, but I shoot him a knowing look. “I’m not rushing it,” I say, knowing full well that with Dani, it’s not a phase.
Eric nods, still concerned but supportive. “What about your money? There’s a lot to discuss there.”
“We’re on the same page about what we want in life,” I say firmly. “That’s what matters.”
“Okay,” Eric concedes, lifting his beer again. “You get so myopic about what you want. I don’t want you overlooking anything.”
“I know, and I appreciate it.”
Clinking my bottle against his, we stand in silence, looking out the window at Lily and Dani in the pool. I’m reassured in my conviction. Dani is my future.
Rejoining the girls back outside, Eric cannonballs in before scooping up his daughter. “You’re a natural!”
Dani hops out of the pool, and I approach her, smiling with pride. “You were incredible with Lily. Thank you.”
“Anytime.” She smiles, and I can see how much she loves teaching kids how to swim.I love how she is with kids.
“She’ll be taller than you soon,” I tease. “She’s practically at your shoulders already.”
“I’m short … I know!”
On the couch, both of us in loungewear, I stare at the ring. She put it on her left finger after her shower. It looks good on that finger, and I fantasize about our future together.
“You’re great with kids,” I say, pulling her closer to me.
She smiles. “Thanks. I forgot how much I enjoyed teaching swimming lessons.”
“I haven’t asked yet, but when you feel ready for kids, how many do you think you’d want?”
“Adam,” she scolds gently.
“I don’t want to rush you on anything, but we have to acknowledge that I’m getting old.”
“Adam!”
“Hear me out. I’m forty-four, forty-five in March. I want kids, and it’s something I need to happen in the next couple of years.”
“Couple of years!” she squeaks, surprised. “You’re not that old. People have kids into their fifties these days.”
I sigh, sipping my whiskey.
“I understand how seeing me with Lily today is bringing up a lot of emotions for you, but we need to table this conversation for now. It’s too soon to be seriously talking about this.”
“You’re not listening to me.” I shake my head. “Time is not on my side.”
“Did you get a call from your doctor or something while I was in the pool?” She squints at me. “What’s with you right now?”
“I want to be able to play with my kids. I want to be able to swim in the pool with them. I don’t want to be an old dad.”
92
“Iknow you have baby fever,” I say, trying to inject some levity into the conversation. “We’ve known each other for almost five months, and you honestly want to talk about having a baby with me?”
