Page 34 of Miracles and Marriage

“This suits me. I’m saving my money. Who knows, I might need it if I have a baby.”

“Why?”

“Maybe I’ll take a leave of absence from my job to stay home the first year. I’d need something to replace my income.”

“I’d support you if you choose to do that,” he said.

He lifted his glass and studied the wine for a moment. “This is good.”

She nodded, watching him thoughtfully.

“I didn’t agree to marriage with the expectation you’d end up supporting me.”

He shrugged. It was only money.

“We’ll decide together what’s best for the baby. Tell me more about your family.”

“What do you want to know?”

“What was it like growing up a twin?”

Zoe looked pensive for a moment.

“I never knew any difference. Chloe and I have always been close. We did things together the two of us all the time and yet were always a part of the family. With so many kids, my folks were hard-pressed to give each of us individual time, but they did. Would you like twins?”

“It would be a good solution to having more than one child if you only have one shot at pregnancy,” he said.

The reality of his marrying her for a child rose. For a moment he wondered if she’d glow like some pregnant women did. He’d see all the changes in her body, in her attitude. Rejoice when thebaby was born. Have a link to the future. Suddenly Cal wanted Zoe to have his baby more than anything.

Could they do it? Make a baby together? What were the odds she’d deliver twins? They ran in her family, but he’d heard twins skipped generations. Maybe they’d end up with twin grandchildren.

Grandchildren.

He stared at Zoe. Would they still be married then? Would they learn to deal with each other and find an affection or genuine liking that went beyond what they had now?

She was looking at him with questions in her eyes. Cal drew a breath and looked away.

“Dinner was delicious. Thank you for cooking instead of choosing a restaurant,” he said easily.

“Do you think about the future?” she asked, suddenly wondering if he was as confused by the way things were going as she was.

“I plan the best I can.”

“I don’t mean work. What if we have a baby. He or she will grow up, and one day we’ll be grandparents. Did you ever think of that?”

Amusement showed in his dark eyes. Did she read minds?

“The thought crossed my mind.”

“So, what if it happens?”

“Then I expect we’ll deal with it.”

“I want close family ties, laughter and sharing at holidays, rallying around when someone needs something. Memories and fun times and bedrock loyalty.”

Cal would give a lot to be included in that.

“Never mind. We aren’t even expecting a baby yet and I have us as grandparents already. Go sit on the sofa. I’ll bring coffee and dessert,” she said, breaking out of her musings.