AllFreeNovel
Share Us
She sounded wistful.
“Do you want kids as soon as you and Nigel get married?” he asked. He’d been wanting to ask her about the whole ring business Angel had brought up the night before, but then realized he didn’t really want to hear how excited she was to potentially receive a proposal from her boyfriend.
“I would, absolutely. Nigel’s on the fence about having kids, though. But I know once we’re married and living together and the business is settled, he’ll be ready to start a family.”
He had news for her and it wasn’t good. “I don’t think having kids is something people change their mind on that often.”
“I said he’s on the fence, not definitely opposed to it.” Defensiveness crept into her voice. “He’s never refused outright to have a baby.”
“Yeah, but having a child isn’t something you can or should talk someone into. It’s a huge deal. Life changing.” The biggest life change you could possibly imagine.
She spit out the sweatshirt string. “I’m aware of that.”
Her voice was clipped now, and filled with irritation, yet he couldn’t seem to shut up. He didn’t really think she understood that there probably wasn’t a bigger hurdle to jump over in a marriage than opposing viewpoints on starting a family. “I just think you’re setting yourself up for disappointment. He may never change his mind. Or if he does, you get pregnant, then he might change it again in a year or two and you’re left to raise a child by yourself.”
“This is my life, not yours, Sullivan.”
“I understand that.”
“Then mind your own damn business,” she snapped.
Which made him defensive in return. “Forgive me for caring about what happens to you. I don’t want you to waste your time or have huge regrets when you’re forty and don’t have a child.”
“I’m only thirty-two. I have plenty of time.”
“Yeah, but you’re not even living with the guy yet. First comes an engagement. Then a wedding. How many years will it be until Nigel feels like he can ease his foot on the gas pedal when it comes to your business? It goes by quick.”
“Thank you, since you’re such an obvious expert on relationships as the current mayor of Hookupville. I’ll keep all of your advice in mind as you avoid anything close to an actual connection.”
Now that stung. “That was rude.”
It was also true. Which was why it stung.
“Well, you’re being rude. You’re judging my relationship with Nigel when you don’t even know him, just like my dad.”
He wasn’t sure exactly how they’d gotten here. “I am not. You said he’s on the fence about having kids. I’m just concerned about that. That doesn’t mean you throw my dating life in my face.”
She fell silent.
So did he.
They watched Finn pull himself off of the ice and struggle to stand up without wiping out.
There was obvious tension between them and it was his fault.
Shit.
He needed to deal with emotions better, own his crap. That was the lesson of the panty fire, he was certain. He took a deep breath and manned the fuck up and apologized.
“I’m sorry,” he said. “You’re right. It’s none of my business. You know Nigel and I don’t. Just tell me to fuck off next time.”
She sighed. “I’m sorry, too. Thank you for caring. I appreciate it. I can understand why you might think I’m making a mistake.”
He wouldn’t go that far. “I didn’t say you’re making a mistake. I just wanted to make sure you’ve considered the possibility he might never want kids.”
It didn’t seem like she heard his last words. She was shaking her head. “And as for settling, well, I don’t know what that means. How do you definesettling?”
He was shocked to realize she was taking Angel’s words seriously. “I don’t know either,” he said, honestly.
