Page 73 of Miracles and Marriage

“Maybe, someday. But I can do that on my own. I don’t need Cal for that. And he deserves his own kids. He’s the last of his family since his uncle died. Don’t you think he wants his own flesh and blood?”

“I’m surprised he wants kids at all. Gabe doesn’t,” Chloe said.

“You didn’t either. Have you changed your mind?”

“Not really. I don’t know. Your solution has me thinking. What if I did change my mind? Maybe I have what you have and can’t get pregnant.”

“No, you’d know it. And if you start getting symptoms, you’d have time to act. I left it too late. Still, I like my job. I love my nieces and nephews. I can make that work.”

“Don’t give up yet.”

Zoe looked at Chloe.

“I have to.”

Cal arrived back in Washington at five o’clock on Sunday afternoon. The presentation had gone well, even though it’d been so rushed. Not a crisis on the part of Protection, Inc., but certainly one on the side of his new client. He was satisfied the company could handle the situation without a problem.

He drove to Zoe’s apartment. He thought about calling her, but didn’t know what she and her sister might be doing. He was surprised at how much he wanted to see her.

Knocking on her door a little later he waited impatiently for her to open. Maybe he should have brought some flowers or something.

The thought knocked him for a loop. What was this, some kind of courtship? They were already married. And trying for a baby. He didn’t need to bring flowers to see her. Though maybe he’d suggest they go out to eat. No sense in her preparing a meal for two on short notice.

There was no bright welcome. There was no sound from her apartment at all.

He knocked again. Waited.

Flipping open his phone, he dialed her cell.

“Zoe’s phone,” Chloe said.

“Is she there? This is Cal.”

“She’s in bed, cramps.”

“Oh.”

He leaned against the wall. A wave of disappointment swept through him. He’d hoped she’d become pregnant. Why was it if a man wasn’t careful, one slip could end up with a baby. Yet they’d been trying for weeks and nothing.

“How’s she doing?” he asked.

“Not as bad as some times. I’ll tell her you called when she wakes up.”

“I’ll come out.”

“Don’t. She’s not feeling up to it and I don’t want to have to entertain you and take care of her at the same time.”

“You don’t have to do either. I can take care of my wife.”

“We’re doing fine here, Cal. She’ll call you.”

With that, Chloe hung up.

He jammed the phone in his pocket and walked down the hall. He’d head for the cottage first thing in the morning. Chloe didn’t call the shots in his marriage.

Shortly after nine, Cal received a call from Zoe.

“How are you feeling?” he asked.