He had no idea I was already one step ahead.
I’ll keep that in mind.
***
Three weeks later, I delivered a healthy baby girl.
Claire cried when she first held her. “She’s perfect.”
“She’s beautiful,” I whispered.
Ethan hugged me. “You’ve given us everything.”
I looked at him. “Then can we finally settle the apartment situation?”
I was already one step ahead.
Ethan’s smile faded. “Not now, Nat. You’ve just given birth.”
“When, then?”
“Soon. I promise.”
I nodded.
Another promise. This time, I knew better than to believe it.
You’ve given us everything.
***
A week after giving birth, Ethan and Claire drove me home.
Their daughter was staying with Diane, Ethan’s mother, for the afternoon.
Claire carried my bag upstairs while Ethan helped me inside.
“Careful, Nat. You need rest.”
“I’m fine.”
I knew better than to believe it.
He noticed the mortgage notice on my counter. “Still getting those?”
