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I might be being selfish here, but I don't see another way out of this. She needs reassurance and I need to see her happier.
"That baby doesn't need to know he or she wasn't made from the purest of love. He or she doesn't need to know who helped create it. As far as we're all concerned, it's my baby."
"I can't let you do that." She pulls away from me, but I catch her hand. "I can't let you ruin your life, Caleb. I'm ruining it enough just by being here."
"That is bullshit and you know it. I've always cared for you, babe. I would always do anything for you. "
"Care and love are two different things, and you claiming to be my baby’s daddy is no different to it knowing the truth."
"Not a day went by that I didn't think about you when you were off saving the world. I've loved you for as long as I can remember. This is the only solution we have right now."
"I made this mess. It's only right that I live with it."
"You drive me crazy, do you know that?" I turn away from her so I can hide my anger and frustration. I have never felt like this before in my life. I'm always in control of every situation, but this time, everything is falling away from me by the second.
"Nothing changes there then." I look over my shoulder towards Aria. "You always told me that I drove you crazy. The time when I couldn't decide what flavor of ice cream I wanted, and you bought me every flavor the shop had."
I smile. "I think this is a little more serious than ice cream flavors."
"Exactly! You can't fix everything, Caleb. Some things can't be fixed. I can't be fixed!" she yells, never stopping to catch her breath.
She walks away towards my house and I stand rooted to the spot. I know if I go after her we'll just go around in circles. She needs time to clear her head, and hopefully think about what I just said. Now isn't a time for her to be stubborn. She needs to realize that she has a whole host of people willing to help her in any way they can.
A shuffling sound behind me draws my attention. I jump out of my skin when Clay peers around another car. By the look on his face, he heard what I said to Aria. He heard it all, and I don’t care. I want the whole fucking world to know that I love this woman and I’ll do anything to protect her.
"Did you really mean what you just said to Aria?"
I sigh. "Not that it matters, because as you clearly heard, she wasn't interested in my offer, but yes. I meant it."
"You're too invested in all of this, Caleb. You need to step back from the case. Let us deal with the police and the investigation. Just, I don't know, take a few days to get to know Aria again. Talk. Listen. Have some fun. Just step back, please, I'm begging you. Aria loves you, she always has, but now you need to see things from her point of view. We all change, bro."
"I don't think I can step back. Not now."
"Really? You just offered to be that kid’s father. You can't be a father if you're not around, and at the rate you're going, you're going to run yourself into a grave. I can't remember the last time I saw you eat a decent meal. Whenever I pass your house, your room light is on. You need to take care of yourself so you can take care of Aria and the baby."
I sigh in defeat. I know Clay’s right, but I'm a fixer. I'm at my happiest fixing people. Only this time, my police training is only making matters worse. This time, I need to use my charm and personality. I need to just be me.
"Okay."
"What?" Clay sounds shocked.
"I said okay, smart ass. I'll take time off."
"Good. Now get out of here. "
I shake my head and do exactly that. Clay can be the biggest pain in my ass, but at times like this, he’s good at rolling out advice... or orders.
I wish I had all the answers right now, but I need to step back, take a few deep breaths, and think about me, Aria, and the baby.
This road isn't going to be easy for anyone, but if we stick together, we'll get to the end. I must believe that, or I’ll go crazy, and that won't help anyone.
I can only hope and pray that justice is served.
