I had written down the names of his parents, his brother, a few close friends, and some coworkers.
Mark looked at the list.
Then he said casually,
“I think I’m going to invite Claire.”
My pen stopped moving.
“Claire?”
“Yeah.”
He didn’t even hesitate.
“She’s still family. I want her there.”
I stared at him.
“She’s your ex-wife.”
“I know.”
“And I’m your wife.”
“I know that too.”
“Then why does she need to be at your birthday dinner?”
Mark leaned back in his chair.
“You’re making this into something it isn’t.”
“I’m pregnant with your child, Mark. I don’t think it’s unreasonable to feel uncomfortable having your ex-wife at our home for your birthday.”
“She isn’t some stranger.”
“That doesn’t answer my question.”
He became irritated.
“Claire and I were married for twelve years. We have history. She helped build a lot of what I have today.”
I felt something tighten inside my chest.
“And what am I?”
Mark looked at me.
“What do you mean?”
“What am I building with you?”
He softened.
“Our family.”
“Then why does it feel like your old family is still more important?”
He stood up and wrapped his arms around me.
