Annabeth shook her head, stooping to pick up the kitten that all but trembled from the power of his purring. “You are naughty.” She held him close, her nose wrinkling up. “And you still stink.” She giggled as he reached out with kneading paws. “Yes, yes, you’re adorable.” But she kept him at arm’s length, her lips pressed tight.
Tom’s purr echoed in the room.
“Tom, you be nice. She still loves you, but your...cologne might not agree with her delicate condition.”
Annabeth sighed with exasperation—but she was smiling.
“The little guy can’t help it, Princess. Cats are curious, it’s in their nature.” He took the kitten. “And he’s a boy, so there’s bound to be some mischief.”
“Because mischief is part of the male’s DNA?” she asked.
He nodded.
“You’re making me rethink the need for a cat.” She pulled the broom off the hook on the wall.
“Ah, come on now.” Ryder put the squirming kitten down. “He’s cute.” He pushed off the door frame. “I’ll clean up this time.”
“Since this mess is your fault,” she murmured.
He laughed.
“If you’re sure you’ve got it under control, I’ll get the chart.” It was a question; he heard it.
“Discussing Option A?” He drew in a deep breath. “I think I can handle this.”
She paused, her hazel eyes lingering on his face. “Thanks again—for tonight.” She smiled. “I had a really nice time.”
He didn’t understand the look on her face, the way her gaze searched his. Now would be a good time to say something...sweet. But all the words he wanted to say lodged in his throat, making it impossible to say a thing. He cleared his throat, nodded and watched her walk away.
He dispensed with the paper towel while she busied herself in the living room. Once he was finished, he joined her there. Option A sucked. Living arrangements, time periods, divorce deadlines and custody arrangements... Not exactly what he was hoping for. Sure, she might have tried to show him that night, but he’d been too busy freaking out over getting her pregnant to think straight. Now... His stomach hurt as he read over it once, then again, before looking at her. “This is your plan?” he asked.
She nodded. “I don’t want you to have to postpone the new job.” She pointed at the chart but he didn’t look away from her. “I figure the less time we live together, the easier it will be for Cody.”
“I told you I wasn’t going anywhere,” he argued.
“And I told you I wasn’t going to ruin this opportunity for you.” She crossed her arms. “I won’t do it. You’ve wanted to leave for...forever. Cody and I have a life here. I want to raise him here. I’ll never keep the baby from you, ever. If you prefer, we’ll work out set custody terms—alternating holidays and weekends.” She shook her head. “It’s just, this is home. And your family will want to be a part of this, too...”
“So they get to be a part of his future, but I get holidays and weekends?”
“If you want—”
“You think it’s that easy? That no one’s going to care that I up and left you while you were pregnant?” he interrupted, his frustration mounting.
She frowned. “Then why did you marry me?”
He sighed, his hands on his hips. “I told you why.” Stubborn woman.
“To do the right thing? So that’s it? You’re going to settle? Life in a town you hate. Working at a place that will always be your second choice. Married to a woman you don’t love. And saddled with a baby you never wanted? Every day will be consumed with regret and resentment. That’s no way to live—”
“And you married me because—?” h
e countered.
“I thought... I don’t know. I panicked.” She stumbled over her words. “It was temporary. A way for us both to survive.”
He stared at the poster. She still doesn’t trust me. “So we live together, but apart.” He flicked the sticky note that read No Sexual Relations. “Until May tenth?” He looked at her. “Why May tenth?”
“It’s after the school board meeting. And it’s a school holiday, a long weekend. I can send Cody to the Uptons and you can go to Dallas, if they’ll let you wait?” she asked. “It’ll be easier for you to move out...” She grabbed his arm. “I’m going to take the fall for this. I will make this okay.”