Page 67 of Miracles and Marriage
The waiter brought their meal and as they began to eat, they discussed plans for the house.
When Cal reached Zoe’s apartment, he found a parking place and withdrew a small bag from the trunk before opening her door.
She eyed the suitcase and then looked at him.
“Staying over?”
“This is the time, right?”
He’d packed before he left home, knowing they’d be together for the next few nights. All the more reason for them to move in together. Since she hadn’t acted on the suggestion, he suspected it would be a harder sell than he’d originally envisioned.
At least they’d have the weekend together. Maybe she’d see the advantages as the days passed.
With his remark, the joy of the evening vanished for Zoe. Itwasthe right time. Only, tonight had been so special. She liked feeling she’d been invited for the pleasure of her company. She’d enjoyed the music, the discussion at the restaurant and even the plans they’d made for the renovation project.
Now she felt like a laboratory test subject—make sure to procreate on this day.
“You don’t wish me to stay?” he asked as they rode the elevator.
“Of course. As you said, this is the right time.”
She questioned the wisdom of this scheme. There was more to it than she’d anticipated. The more she was around Cal, the more she liked it. She’d been thrilled when she’d seen him yesterday after his trip. Disappointed when he hadn’t come to see her last night. Happy about tonight—until now.
Yet here he was and she still wasn’t satisfied. What was wrong with her?
“Only?” he asked.
“Only nothing,” she said, her gaze fixed on the brushed metal doors of the elevator. “I’m being silly.”
“As in?” he probed.
“As in nothing, Cal. Leave it, okay?”
She couldn’t explain. He’d think she was nuts and probably wouldn’t want a crazy woman to be the mother of his baby.
Once the initial awkwardness was passed and they began to make love, Zoe forgot all her objections. She loved being touched by Cal. His kisses drove her to the stars. And when they joined together she knew it was as close to heaven as she was going to get on earth.
All thoughts of clinical laboratory work fled. She loved this man. She’d treasure every moment spent with him and if they were lucky enough to have a baby, she’d rejoice all her life.
If not, she’d have to let him go. It wasn’t fair to him to keep him from having a family of his own. She had brothers and sisters, nieces and nephews and could make a place for herself as favorite aunt. Cal had no one.
The thought brought a pang. She wished instead of making this arrangement, he’d genuinely fallen for her as she had for him.
Reaching out to link her hand with his, she snuggled closer. Nothing lasted forever. She’d take what she could get and cherish every moment. If he walked away and she had the operation with no baby between them, she’d still remember these nights and how for a short time she felt as if she were the most important woman in the world for Jedidiah Callahan.
The day was sunny and warm as they drove to Richmond. Zoe called Chloe to let her know she’d be gone for the weekend. The drive along the parkway wasn’t as pretty in early November with the trees denuded of leaves. She’d like to drive down in the summer and see the difference.
“Did you visit your uncle often?” she asked as the miles sped by.
“Not often enough. He’d come up to Washington from time to time. He liked going to RFK Stadium to watch baseball. Didn’t come up as much in the winter. Too cold, he said.”
“It does feel cold with the damp air from the river,” she said.
“Richmond gets snow, so he had it cold. But he liked being home.”
“He was an accountant, you said?”
“Yes, worked for thirty some years for a meat packing firm. He took early retirement a year or so ago. We talked about renting a big cruiser and exploring the Chesapeake Bay. Even talked about going out on to the Atlantic. I wish now that I’d pushed for a firm date and done it.”
