Page 74 of Miracles and Marriage

“Better. Chloe fixed me some clam chowder. It’s so good, with crackers. She said you called. How did your trip go?”

“Fine. I’m coming there in the morning.”

“I was afraid of that, so I called tonight. Don’t come, Cal.”

“What’s going on, Zoe?”

“Nothing. Everything. I don’t know, but I’m not pregnant, and am too tired to fight the inevitable any longer.”

He felt a sick dread.

“What does that mean?”

“I’m calling my doctor in the morning and scheduling a time to see her to give her the okay to schedule the operation.”

“We haven’t had our baby yet,” he said. “You can’t stop after only trying for such a short time.”

“I need to…this is not getting better.”

“Chloe said this time wasn’t as bad as some of the others.”

“Some times are barely noticeable, others I can scarcely live through the pain. None of it’s going to get better. This way you can get on with your life and I can get on with mine.”

“How do you mean?”

“A quick divorce, no one the wiser. We don’t even have to tell anyone ever.”

“That’s it? Hide it away pretend it never happened? We are married.”

“Only because that’s your condition to this entire situation. I was willing to try without that legal tie. Now we break it.”

“What if I don’t want to break it?”

“Cal.”

He wasn’t sure if he heard a sound. There was a pause, then Zoe spoke again.

“You’ll find someone who can give you dozens of babies. Only make sure you get married first, no more Suzannes.”

“I tried that this go round.”

“I know. I’m sorry.” She disconnected.

Cal put on warm clothes, packed a couple of things and headed out. He wasn’t going to sever ties with Zoe on a weekend she was feeling down because of cramps. They’d hardly tried. He wanted more.

He wanted Zoe.

The entire town of Seagrass Point was dark. No lights shone anywhere. The cottage was in darkness as well. But he could still find his way. He walked up the path to the door and knocked. Then pounded. If both were asleep, they’d need more than a gentle knock.

Chloe flicked on the porch light as she opened the door.

For a moment she stared at him.

“I never thought you’d come. She said she told you it was over.”

“It’s not over.”

Cal stepped inside to convince his wife of that very fact.