Page 96 of Negotiating Tactics

“You mean he’s never hurt you physically, but you can’t pretend that he’s never hurt you. Every birthday he missed, every phone call he didn’t return, every year that he dropped out of your life… All the times he parachuted back in just as you had gotten used to him being gone. That’s hurting you. It’s evil as far as I’m concerned,” Birdie said.

I looked at her, incredulous. “Evil?”

“It is,” Aunt Clem interjected. “And you might not see it now, but I see it. There’s not much in this world that people can rely on, but you should be able to rely on your family. He’s never been there for you. You share blood, but he’s never been your father.”

I wiped at the tear that had escaped my eyes, and Birdie let my hand go.

But I still felt her support.

“It’s true. And, you haven’t known Noah that long, but he’s never let you down like that,” Birdie said.

“You can’t compare the two,” I said.

“I know you can’t. Not really. But think about it. What Noah did was presumptuous and shady, but some of that we can chalk up to genetics,” Birdie said.

I laughed. “Yeah, it does seem to be something that runs in the family.”

After all, I knew how Birdie and Dominic had come together, so at least two of the Wilder brothers had that trait in common.

“But—and I say this from personal experience—they are reliable. Noah might have gone overboard, but you can trust him, and he’ll be there for you,” she said.

“So, I’m just supposed to overlook that shady-ass shit he pulled?” I shifted my gaze guiltily. “Sorry again, Aunt Clem.”

She nodded at me and then picked up for Birdie. “Of course, you’re not supposed to overlook it. You’re supposed to extract as many gifts of guilt out of him as you can. And then you take him back and you kids go be happy with your baby,” she said.

I tilted my head. “Gifts, Aunt Clem?”

“Everybody loves gifts. And you know, getting at his pockets might be the way to help him understand that he needs to talk to you before he goes all off with his half-cocked plans. But once you get him in shape, he’ll be a damn good man for you,” Aunt Clem said.

I started to laugh. “Aunt Clem, I never knew you were into giving dating advice,” I said.

She laughed but then turned serious.

“I’m just an old lady, but my point is valid, and I love you like one of my own, so I can’t hold my tongue and let you miss out on what could be the love of your life,” she said quietly.

Before I started to cry, I looked at Birdie, who stared back at me with soft eyes.

“Let’s put Noah aside for the moment. What about the baby?” she asked.

“Yeah, the baby,” I said, sinking back into my chair.

There was no use trying to deny it. As we’d been talking, I thought back, and knew exactly when it had happened.

I’d go to the doctor to confirm, but I was sure.

“I’ll take care of the baby,” I said.

I meant it too.

It’d be tough, probably harder than I could imagine, but I’d figure it out.

“You know you won’t be alone, right?” Birdie said.

I looked at her and gave her a hug.

“I know,” I said, wiping my face.

Then, I stood.

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