His expression fell. She hated that she’d hurt him, but she had to be honest.
“Why not?” he asked.
He turned onto the main road. The plows hadn’t gotten out yet, the streets were still snow covered.
“I saw you with Graham, then with your nieces and nephews. You love children. I don’t want to take that from you. I couldn’t live with myself if you didn’t experience being a dad. I don’t think we should continue seeing each other?—”
“Babe, it’s been a long day. Let’s wait until we get home to talk about this.”
She grew silent, but the truth was out there. She was going to end something—something that has real potential—before it even got off the ground.
Her heart was crushed, but she knew she was doing the right thing. As tears filled her eyes, she turned away. In the dark car, she saw her reflection staring back.
She hadn’t looked that broken since her mom had walked out all those years ago.
27
THE SWIM
Joaquin
Rebel regretted introducing Brit to his family.
Too much, too soon.
Rejecting the thought of losing her, he focused on the snowy roads. As he was driving toward home, the giant flakes started falling faster. He imagined them curled up under a blanket on the sofa watching the snow falling from the sky. He’d open a bottle of wine or pour them a cognac. They’d be together.
What more could he ask for?
Truth was, he did want children. And yet, he’d found his person.
A growl shot out of him.What a cluster.
“I’m sorry,” she whispered.
He stayed silent.
There was nothing he could say to resolve this. Not now, maybe not ever.
When the silence became too tense, he turned on tunes. Within seconds, it became annoying noise, so he turned it off.
I-395 had turned slippery as he drove over the 14thStreet Bridge into DC. Two cars had wrecked in the left lane. The bright lights of a police cruiser, along with flares, warned drivers to slow down. He continued on the interstate, weaving his way toward the wharf. The streets hadn’t been plowed, and he could feel the slick layer of snow as he carved a path toward home.
Agitation had him grinding his teeth.
He followed the winding highway and drove over the second bridge. Out of nowhere a car slammed into the side of the SUV, sending them careening toward the guard rail.
Everything went into slow motion. He checked his side mirror. A jolt of dread had him tensing up. The driver was wearing a ski mask.
He tried to correct, but the car bashed into them again. The guardrail zoomed into view. He hit the brakes, but he couldn’t get any traction.
CRASH!
They plowed into the guardrail, went airborne, and flipped over. Seconds later, they splashed down hard into the icy waters below. The airbags burst open. He was temporarily trapped between that and the seat.
They were upside down and the vehicle was rocking violently in the water.
Stay calm.
