Page 13 of Miracles and Marriage
But Suzanne’s heinous act had knocked him off his original course. He’d thought he’d find a woman to admire, respect and want to build a life with. She’d provide him with children who could inherit the business, make his uncle a grandfather. Someone to spend holidays with, share celebrations and downturns.
He wanted to offer more for any children he may have than he’d been given. Not that his uncle didn’t do his best. Part of the reason Cal pushed so hard to make a success was for a future generation.
That had ended before it even had a chance. Anger at Suzanne flared all over again. How could she have had an abortion just to keep from stretch marks and morningsickness? They’d used protection every time. Only something had happened. There could have been choices, except she’d had the abortion before telling him she was pregnant.
He’d spent as much time and anguish over her as he wanted. She was out of his life. He hadn’t dated anyone in the last ten months. He’d been gifted with keen insight in security measures. Why hadn’t that extended to Suzanne and her intentions? He fisted his hand again, wanting to hit out, assuage the thirst for revenge. There was nothing he could do to change the past, only mourn the outcome.
He only wished the grief at the loss of the baby would fade as quickly as the feelings he once thought he had for Suzanne had vanished. Life was unfair, as his uncle often said. Zoe longed for a baby. He should have slept with her if there was to be a mistake, not coldhearted Suzanne.
The phone rang. Glad for the distraction, Cal answered on the second ring.
“Mark here. I made a hash of things,” his friend said.
Cal leaned against the desk.
“What are you talking about?”
He had a good idea, but didn’t want his friend to know his part of connecting him with Zoe, or that he’d already spoken with Zoe.
“I took Zoe out to dinner the other night and spent the entire time talking about Wendy. How dumb can one man be?”
Cal thought about his own connection with Suzanne and how he’d misjudged her.
“Join the club. It’s a man thing—act dumb around women.”
Mark sighed. “Think so?”
“What happened?”
“Nothing. I took her home. She smiled all night long but never gave any indication she wanted a kiss or anything. So I thought I’d play it cool. Then I called her last night and onlygot her answering machine. I’ve called twice today. She never answers. Guess I need to take the hint, huh?”
“Give her a day or two and try again. If she doesn’t take that call, then give up,” Cal suggested.
He knew Zoe didn’t want more dates with Mark, but he hated his friend sounding so down.
“Maybe. Or maybe I need to get my act together first and get over Wendy. I thought I was ready, obviously not.”
The two talked for a short time. When he was off the phone later, Cal considered himself lucky he’d been able to get over Suzanne. He hoped he never became so caught up with another person he couldn’t function any better than Mark if the relationship ended.
He picked up a folder and rose. He’d stop by Zoe’s desk to see if she were in. She often worked on Saturdays. He shook his head, what was he doing—he didn’t need to see her today. Monday would be time enough. Only he continued heading toward her office.
Zoe wasn’t at her desk.
He was about to leave when he saw a piece of paper on the floor near her printer. Unlike Zoe to have anything out of place. He crossed and picked it up to place on her desk. Glancing at it Cal was startled to find it was a checklist of some kind—for a father for her baby.
He put down his folder, nudged her door closed and sat behind her desk, his eyes taking in the list of attributes she wanted in the father of her baby.
Athletic (no sedentary lifestyle)
Knowledgeable about many things (to better teach our child)
Interested in childhood events (school plays, field trips, prom)
Strong interest in education (college)
Interest in finer things (Art galleries, Smithsonian, Kennedy Center)
Sense of family (there until adult at least)
