Part of me wanted to say yes.
I’d spent six years wanting Ben, a baby, and a home together.
But wanting something didn’t make it safe.
“I want to be her father. I want us.”
“I love you,” he said.
“I believe you.”
Hope crossed his face.
“But being sorry doesn’t put us back where we were.”
“Liza…”
“You threw us out before you gave me the truth. You decided Claire was too complicated to acknowledge, then decided I couldn’t handle knowing about her.”
“I love you.”
He looked down.
“I’m not doing that anymore.”
I shifted Evie against my shoulder.
“You will be responsible for showing up for her. But you don’t get to decide what happens to us because you’re ready now. That right is gone.”
His eyes filled.
“Is there any chance for us?”
I shifted Evie against my shoulder.
“I don’t know.”
I didn’t soften it.
