with our lawyers present. I agree that this child is the most important, and we can make decisions as adults.”
“I think that can be arranged.”
She looks pleased and sits up confidently. “As I mentioned several times, it’s time our families met. My parents are very interested in getting to know your family.”
“I agree.”
Her confidence grows.
“As for the next few months, I’d like you to be a larger part of this pregnancy. There are a few specialty classes the hospital offers to first time parents, and if needed, they can do private sessions—for a price.”
“Of course, for a price.” It’s hard to hide my irritation.
“My office, my parents’ friends, and my family are all planning baby showers. I’d like you to attend, but before that can happen, we need to register. These will be big events. We should also start thinking of the birthing plan. I’m hoping for an easy birth, but there are always exceptions. We need to figure out our living arrangements. My condo is only two bedrooms, so if your place is bigger, we can move there. Also we need to think about nannies and names.”
She pauses, and I take the opportunity to break in. “Anything else?”
“I’m sure there’s more, but we can work that out as we go.”
“Okay, well, let me tell you what I see happening. I will support your decision about the birth plan, because this is your body and I respect your wishes. I trust the doctors to tell us how things are progressing, and you can make the choice of drugs or not, as long as the baby is okay. Let me know about the classes at the hospital, and what you’d like to attend. I’ll make arrangements to be there. If you feel more comfortable with private sessions, I’ll also agree to that.”
Satisfaction spreads across her face. I take a deep breath, and Caldwell taps me on the leg, giving me encouragement.
“But the showers, registry, and housing are things we should discuss. My mother is going to help me set up a nursery in my home. We will not be moving in together. If you are unhappy in your condo, I’ll support your decision to move. There will be no need for me to attend showers or help you register because that is all your choice. If you share with me what you’d like me to have at my place, I’ll have it. No questions asked.”
Her face starts to heat up. “You’ve got to be kidding? You still think we’re going to raise this child in two separate places? What’s wrong with you? How do you propose that will work?”
I slide a piece of paper across the table and see her eyes grow wide. “This is a list of licensed social workers who specialize in infant and newborn care. You choose and they can check on me anytime. My house will be more than suitable for shared custody.”
“So you are sticking with your stance? We will raise this child in a broken home?”
“It can’t be broken if it was never whole to start with.”
“This is unacceptable to me. A mother should not be away from her child. Ever.”
“I have to agree with you there.” I swallow my retort, knowing she’s trying to goad me. “So, I hope to work out a custody agreement amicably.”
“Ren! This is ridiculous! Why are you being this way? We are both single, professional adults. We should raise this child together.”
This is it…
Caldwell straightens in his chair, ready for anything.
“Sasha, you’re wrong. We are not both single. I’m planning to get married.”
The room goes still, the only sound her gasp. If heads could spin, hers would be twirling. Her face goes pale, her eyes bulge, and she stares at me in disbelief. Then she picks up the glass in front of her and hurls it across the room, shattering it.
“THE HELL YOU ARE!” She leaps up, her lawyer at her side. “That is bullshit!”
I sit back, moving my hand to my suit jacket pocket, and grip the ring box I’ve had for a week.
“You’re a commitmentphobe! The only reason we aren’t together right now is because you aren’t ready to settle down. I’ve accepted that, but I’ll be damned if you marry another woman while I’m having your baby!”
I stay quiet, itching to tell her I’m not a commitmentphobe. She’s proven time and time again why I wouldn’t commit to her, but she can’t understand that. But none of that matters. The moment Bizzy laid her lips on