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“Michael’s message was waiting for me when I got home.”
Her gaze was level with his hands. She watched, mesmerized by their expressive movements. First he clenched them, then seemed to force himself to relax.
“I can’t think of a single reason why you should delay the divorce,” he surprised her by saying. “I’ve given you plenty of cause to wish you’d never met me.”
Loving him the way she did, Molly couldn’t make herself regret their years together. If for nothing more than Jeffrey and the life she carried within her now, Molly would always be grateful.
“Jordan, please, I don’t have the strength to arguewith you. I’ve made up my mind. Nothing you say now is going to change it.”
“I love you.”
She closed her eyes. “Love isn’t always enough. Please don’t make this more difficult than it already is.”
“You’re sure this is what you want?”
Molly closed her eyes and nodded.
“Even though I don’t have the right, I’m going to ask one small favor of you. Wait.” She started to object, but he stopped her. “All I’m asking for is a few months.”
“No,” she said immediately, “I can’t.…”
“Until the baby’s born.”
For her own peace of mind, Molly didn’t know if she could.
“Please,” he added.
She’d expected his anger, but not this. He seemed almost humble. She couldn’t remember Jordan asking anything of her before, certainly nothing like this.
The hands that had clenched and unclenched moments earlier flexed, then turned palms up as if to silently plead his case.
“On one condition,” she said when she found her voice.
“Anything.”
“I’ll wait, as long as you don’t make any attempt to see me again. It’s over as of now, Jordan. I won’t make it legal until after the baby’s born, because that seems to be important to you, but that’s all I’m willing to concede.”
“But, Molly, I—”
“I’m serious, Jordan. Either you agree or I’ll go through with the divorce as soon as Michael can arrangea court date. If you break your word, I’ll contact him immediately.”
Hours seemed to pass before Jordan responded. “If that’s your one request, then I don’t have any choice but to agree.”
Molly was feeling nauseated. “I think it would be a good idea if you left now.”
“Can I get you anything?”
“No.” She wished he’d hurry. “Please just go.”
He turned and walked toward the door, then turned back. “Do you have any names picked out for the baby?”
“Yes.” But she didn’t understand his sudden curiosity.
“Would you mind telling me?”
“I … I wanted Richard for a boy. I’d like to name him after Dr. Morton. He’s back in Africa, by the way. He’s the kindest, most gentle man I’ve ever known and he’d be thrilled to learn I’d namedmybaby after him.” She made sure he heard the inflection.
As far as Molly was concerned, he’d relinquished all rights to their child. The baby was hers and hers alone.
