Page 36 of Destined for Eternity
“I know I’ve been complaining, but it’s not that bad.”
She followed her friend into the kitchen. They pulled several tubs of ice cream from the freezer and settled on the bar stools at the counter. A few minutes passed as they fixed their dessert before Melena replied.
“For one, Emily has been enough for us to fill any parental desires we might have.” She paused to take a bite of ice cream. “For two, I’m immortal. It’s not like I have some kind of timetable and need to rush it.”
Cori rubbed her stomach. “I didn’t plan on this, but I am excited to have another baby.”
“And scared,” Melena added with an astute look. Sensors could detect emotions as well as lies.
“It would be easier if Bartol wasn’t so….”
“Distant?”
“Exactly.” Cori nodded. “I don’t think he’s ready for this.”
Melena poked her spoon into her ice cream. “It could be good for him. Maybe just the kick in the pants he needs to get out of his funk and join the real world.”
“I hope so.”
“Listen.” She put her hand on Cori’s. “This isn’t gonna be easy, and I won’t try to tell you otherwise, but you’ve got this. You’re one of the bravest, toughest women I know. If anyone can get through to Bartol and make a relationship work with him as well as have a baby, it’s you.”
Cori appreciated the words of comfort, but it didn’t help much. “If I could just get him to go to another appointment at Paula’s, I think it would help him see how real this is.”
Melena gave her a commiserating look. “Men are just weird about that, but I’ll promise you this—I’ll be there whenever you need me.”
“Thanks. That means a lot,” Cori said.
“And if you need me to kick Bartol, just let me know,” the sensor said, grinning.
