Page 1 of Succeeding Love

The Divorce

“I’m in love with someone else,” Nick said. “I’m sorry.”

It didn’t surprise me. I have been suspicious for months now. I’m just surprised he would do this today, of all days.

There’s no reason for me to be surprised. He probably doesn’t even realize what today is. If he doesn’t love me anymore, why blame him for not remembering? When has he ever remembered a birthday without my reminder? I never planned on reminding him that today was my birthday, just out of spite for the emptiness I’ve felt from his neglect of this marriage for the past few months. If I had, it would have only delayed this inevitable conversation.

“Who is she?” I asked calmly, trying my hardest to swallow down my pain and not get emotional. It would do no good.

Nick’s eyes narrowed almost accusingly. I don’t know why. I’m not fighting him. I will not push back. I just want to know who this woman is.

“If you’re leaving me to be with someone else, I deserve to know who it is that will be around my children.” My heart paused. What if he is cutting the kids out of his life, too? What if this is him trying to start with a clean slate? As our kids progressed to teenagers, and he started working more, he hadn’texactly maintained a close relationship with them like when they were little, but they would still be devastated.

“You would let her around the kids?”

I swallowed deeply. “They still need their dad,” was all I could say past the giant lump lodged in my throat. Letting his affair partner around my kids isn’t my concern. It’s his. I just pray he won’t shrink on his duty to them.

Nick’s features softened, a regretful look coming over his face. “They know her already,” he mumbled. “Arlene, my case partner.”

Arlene. That explains the awkward tension at the last Christmas party we hosted for Nick’s entire firm. I thought the tension coming from her when she examined the pictures on our walls, and the wedding photo above our fireplace was because she had gone through a divorce just last year. That was the excuse Nick had told me, anyway.

She was nice, though. We’ve spent some time with her over the past year, as she assisted Nick in a big case. She had even brought gifts for me and the kids without obligation. I caught her laughing with my daughter over a board game once that night, too. I’m sure she won’t be mean to Jessie and Preston.

“Alright,” I whispered, trying to focus on the good in this, that my kids won’t lose their father, even if I felt like my heart was being squeezed in my chest.

“Is that all you want to know?” He asked gruffly.

I bit my lip, not sure what to do or say now. The panic in me triggered the tears, and seconds later I was choking on a sob. His face turned to guilt, and he clenched his hands at his side.He didn’t touch or try to comfort me. “I’m sorry,” was all that he could say. “I’m so sorry.”

Kevin, my two-year-old lab, ironically, a birthday present from Nick two years ago, nudged his way between my legs, licking my hands pressed to my face until I let them drop. He licked away the tears, nudging me with his enormous head until I nuzzled into him, wrapping my arms around his large body for support.

I wiped the backs of my hands across my face, trying to muster all my control and strength to get through this moment.

After a deep breath, I demanded softly, but firmly, “I want the house.” I took one more shaking breath, looking all around. “This is the only home our kids have ever known.”

I’m sure the affair couldn’t have happened here. I work from home, and this is where our kids sleep. He may be a cheater, but he wouldn’t have crossed that line, if only because the risk of getting caught was too great. Nick didn’t take unnecessary risks.

“I will sign over the house and car to you.” I’ll keep Preston’s car in my name and pay for the insurance. You and the kids will still have my full health coverage, too.”

“How generous of you,” I scoffed lightly, taking a tissue to my mess of a face. “You do not need to cover me. I can take it out through my employer.”

“Fay,” he sighed in annoyance. “Just accept the help.”

“I need nothing from you,” I smiled sadly. “It’s fine, Nick. Really. I can support myself. Just, please don’t neglect our kids after you move out.”

He went silent, just staring at me as I anxiously pet my dog, playing with Kevin’s cold ears.

“I won’t, Fay. I promise. I love my kids.”

“And they love you,” I said roughly, forcing a smile. We stared at one another awkwardly for some time. I didn’t know what to do next, and Nick looked like he still had more to say, but just couldn’t say it.

After a few minutes, I asked, “Do you need help packing?”

He pressed his lips together, then slightly shook his head. “No. I have what I need for now. Movers will be here this weekend.”

How thorough. He’s been planning this.

“Well, the kids will be home soon. Do you want to stay to tell them, or would you like for me to explain?”

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