Page 13 of Anything For This Love

“Hey,” she replies breathlessly. “Sorry it took so long to call. I’m finally getting a break. What’s up?”

“What’s going on?” Trepidation tinges my voice, lacing its way through each syllable.

“Not much, just picked up a shift at Rosie’s.” Her hesitant tone matches mine. Something’s going on, something she doesn’t want to tell me.

“I didn’t think you were working there anymore.”

“Well, they’re a little short staffed and I, uh, figured it would help with Christmas coming up.” She’s still hiding something. Her voice shakes and each word is spoken with hesitation.

“If you’re worried about being able to afford Christmas for Chloe, why didn’t you just tell me?” I try to keep the irritation out of my voice, but I’m not doing a very good job. I feel like we’ve been through this too many times already. She needs to be comfortable asking me for help when she needs it. Why is she still so hesitant?

“I don’t know. I just-” Her words fall away and she sighs. “My hours got cut back at work.” She speaks so low I almost miss it.

“What?” I bark out incredulously. Why the fuck didn’t she tell me?

“I’m only working at the park three days a week now, so I needed to supplement my income. It’s not a big deal.”

“Abby,” I sigh, pinching the bridge of my nose. “I wish you would’ve told me before you picked up a second job. You don’t have to do that anymore, you know?”

“I know,” she replies quietly.

“Do you enjoy it? I understand if it’s something you really want to do.”

“No, not really. I’d rather be home with Chloe.” Her voice cracks and my heart aches for her. Why is she doing this to herself?

“Then why aren’t you, baby? Why didn’t you just tell me?”

“I don’t know, Jacob. I hate askinganyonefor help. I don’t want to feel like I’m mooching off anybody. My mom did it for years and I never want to be anything like her.”

Now we’re getting to the bottom of this. It’s all starting to make sense.

“You’re not like her,” I assure her. “I may not know your mom, but from what you’ve told me, you two are as different as night and day.” She sniffles and clears her throat. “You don’t have to keep working there if you don’t want to. Just tell me what you need and it’s yours.”

“I’m only working two nights a week right now. Once the new server is trained, I can probably cut way back and only pick up a shift every now and then.” There’s hope in her voice. It’s a step in the right direction.

“If that’s what you want, then I’ll support your decision.” I take a deep breath, preparing for the next idea I want to propose to her. She may fight me on this one, but it’s hard to say with the way our conversation is going. “I think we should consider opening a joint account, one we both have access to. I’ll have a portion of my check transferred into it automatically, and when you need something for Chloe, you’ll know the money is there.” I try to approach the subject diplomatically but casually, because I know how uncomfortable it makes her to talk about money. I wait several seconds for her to respond, hoping I haven’t offended her. She’s more than capable of taking care of herself and our daughter. She did it for a year and a half, but she doesn’t have to anymore.

“That sounds reasonable.” I silently celebrate my victory, doing a little fist pump into the air. “We can go to the bank whenever you’re in town again.”

“I’m glad you brought that up,” I begin, hoping I’m not about to be too forward. “I’m not sure where I’ll be spending Thanksgiving, since I haven’t received an invitation anywhere,” I inform her with a playful tone to my voice. That’s not entirely true. My parents are trying to convince me to spend the holiday with them, my brother, and the Greysons, but I want to be where Abby and Chloe are.

She snorts. “By the way, we eat Thanksgiving dinner around two. You should totally come. I mean, if you’re not doing anything else that day.” I love that she feeds into my playfulness, picking up instantly on my mood.

“That sounds lovely. Do you have any other activities planned between Wednesday afternoon and Sunday morning?” She sucks in a breath and I can envision her sinking her teeth into that full lower lip.

“Are you serious?”

“Yes, I’m serious. I’m all yours for five straight days.” An excited squeal pierces my ear through the phone, and I pull it away from my head with a chuckle. I’m glad the prospect of spending that much time with me has her feeling giddy.

“I can’t wait. I miss you.”

“I miss you, too. And Chloe. I can’t wait to scoop her up and hold her tight. I never realized I could love someone so much.” The confession is out before I can stop it, and for a moment, I worry Abby will feel put out by my statement. My fears are put to rest immediately.

“I love when you say things like that. You’ve become an incredible father. If I had to choose someone to be completely reckless with and accidentally become pregnant by, I’m glad it was you.”

We both laugh, easing any remaining tension from our earlier conversation. Her break is coming to a close so we end the call, making sure to exchange “I love you’s” and promises to talk again soon.

Chapter Five

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