Quadruplets Make Six

“Libby, look at me.”

I watched her turn her watery gaze to mine and it broke my heart.

“What else can I do to prove to you that we belong together?” I asked.

“Just because I’m pregnant doesn’t mean we belong together, Graham.”

“I’m not talking about your pregnancy, Libby. Even before that. Before you came to my doorstep and found out about my family, there was something between us. I know you felt it.”

“Graham, I-”

“I know I damaged your trust in me. I know I intentionally pulled the wool over your eyes. But it was only to protect my kids. It’s always ever been to protect my kids. And pretty soon, I’ll be protecting our kid as well as you. No matter what it takes.”

“Graham, I just-”

“Tell me what I can do. I’m willing to do anything. I want a family with you, Libby. I want this. With you.”

“I need time, Graham. I just… I need time.”

I watched her get up from her seat and grab her things in the corner. She fluttered down the hallway, her hips swaying lightly and her feet sliding across the floor. Even at three months pregnant, she still moved with the grace she’d had at that wedding. The wedding that brought us together and established me as her protector before I ever knew what I was in for with her.

I jumped up from my seat and raced after her, catching her wrist before she walked out the door.

“Stay with me,” I said.

I watched her body still, but she didn’t turn to look at me.

“I know it’s not fair of me to ask. I know you asked that of me so many times when we were together before. But I promise you, if you stay, you’ll never want for anything. You’ll be cared for, and protected, and cherished. I’ll never force anything on you that you don’t want, and I’ll never ask anything of you that I know you can’t give.”

I heard her sigh, then felt her pull her wrist from my grasp.

“You’re right,” she said as she stepped out onto the porch. “It’s not fair of you to ask.”

Then she walked down the steps, headed to her car, and drove off into the night.

Eighteen

Libby

“Your daughter’s so well-behaved,” I said. “How did you do it?”

“You only get this side of her when you’re in public with her,” Joanna said. “When she’s at home, she can really be a terror.”

“Oh, is Momma talkin’ bad about you?” I said. “That’s so mean. That’s so mean of her. Come here, you’re so precious. I’m sure you are a wonderful girl at home.”

I took the little girl from Joanna’s arms and cradled her against my body. She was the sweetest thing I had ever come ac

ross. She was calmly sitting in her high chair and eating her food while the two of us caught up over lunch. She was smiling and drawing designs in her mashed-up avocado. She was all smiles and had this toothy little grin that made my heart melt.

“How are you feeling?” Joanna asked.

“I’m doing okay,” I said.

“No, I mean… how’s the pregnancy going? You’re, what… five months along now?”

“Five and a half,” I said. “And I really am doing okay. The nausea finally subsided, but now I crave all the weirdest things.”

“With her, all I wanted to do was drink milk and eat oranges over the sink.”