Chapter 13
“He has responsibilities to Lucy.”
“I know. I'm not saying he doesn't.”
“But you're asking me to sign what he wants.”
“I'm asking you to let him go.”
For a moment, the room went quiet.
I could hear Mom shifting in her chair and the soft hum of the refrigerator.
“He can make his own decisions, Paige.”
“He said you keep telling him he has to come back.”
“That isn't true.”
She wiped her face.
“He says he can't leave you like this.”
“Then why did his mother bring me a settlement agreement?”
Paige looked up.
“She did?”
“Yes.”
Her confusion seemed real.
I hadn't expected that, and I resented having to make room for it.
“Did you know I was pregnant?”
She nodded.
“Did you know we were married?”
“Yes.”
She began explaining before I could ask anything else.
He had told her our marriage was over. He said we were staying in the same home until the baby came because it was easier.
“He said you both agreed.”
“You could have asked me.”
“I know.”
“You had my number.”
“I know.”
Her eyes filled again.
“I believed the answer I wanted.”
I sat with that.
It didn't excuse her. It was, however, the first honest explanation anyone had offered about choosing the lie.
“How long?”
She looked at the papers in her lap.
“Since August.”
The soup had been in August.
I pictured myself standing by the open kitchen window, trying not to gag while I stirred it.
“You ate the soup I made.”
Paige closed her eyes.
“Yes.”
“While you were sleeping with my husband.”
“Yes.”
I stood and walked to the sink.
For several seconds, I couldn't speak.
Mom started to rise, but I shook my head.
I needed a minute without anyone reaching for me.
When I sat again, Paige was crying silently.
“I didn't come here to hurt you.”
“You already helped do that.”
She nodded.
I took one of my discharge sheets from the drawer where Mom kept the household papers.
It listed patient-support contacts.
“Your clinic can explain what help is available. Start there. Ask them your questions about the appointment and the bills.”
She looked at the number.
“Your baby deserves care,” I said. “Garrett is responsible for his promises to you. I am responsible for protecting my daughter.”
“I didn't know he was using your money.”
“Our money,” I said. “Money we saved during our marriage.”