She takes a deep breath, then looks away. “I don’t want to be in a long-term relationship because I can’t have children.”
I blink back at her, stunned. Out of all the reasons I was expecting, this one wasn’t even on the list. “What?”
She leans against the wall. “I found out years ago, and that’s why my exes left me. It’s the deal breaker. I know you’d be an amazing father, and I want you to experience that, but it’s not in the cards for me. And frankly, I don’t even want it. I always knew I wouldn't have any kids, and I’ve made peace with it. I like my life the way it is.”
I open my eyeswide, then close them, trying to process what she’s saying. “Is this really why you don’t want to be with me? Because you can’t have children, or don’t want any?”
“I can’t take the next step in this relationship with that inevitability looming over us. What if you want a child one day? And maybe you’ll say it’s fine because you don’t care now, but three, perhaps six years from now, you’ll realise you want to be a dad.”
I scratch my head, pacing again. “I get that, but honestly, I never even gave much thought to having kids, you know what I mean? Yeah, I like them and stuff, but beinga dad? I don’t know.”
“Exactly,” she says gently. “And you deserve the right to think about it and decide for yourself in your own time. I don’t want you to be forced to make a choice that isn’t yours just because you are with me. It would be unfair.” She pauses. “Anyway, I’d better go. I have to get up at three a.m. for my shift.”
I want to stop her, to talk about this further, but what is there to say? I don’t have a convincing argument to counter her decision. So, I stand back and let her go, no matter how much it hurts.
Regents After Dark
Cameron:
So… are we booking Middleton or not? I can handle the details.
Finn
Yeah, I’m in.
Wade:
Same. Roxy’s up for it too. Should be fun.
Callum
I’m not sure yet.
Finn
Millie already said yes, Grumpy Cal. Nice try.
Cameron
Fallon is down to go too. Archie and Kat are a maybe—if Archie would actually check his phone.
Wade
He’s been quiet lately. Have you noticed?
Finn
Barely spoken to him since we came back from our fixture against Leeds.
Cameron
Same. And before we left, he was… off. Wasn’t he?
Wade
Do you think it’s got something to do with Katherine?
Finn
