Page 51 of Absinthe Minded

“You know how they are. I showed up with a baby. They insisted I get married.”

“To Ella’s mother, right? How did I get dragged into this?”

I dug my fingers into my temples. “That’s what I’m trying to explain.”

She pressed her lips together and nodded.

I sat on the edge of the bed. “You have to understand. You were the first person I thought about when I found out about Ella.”

She gave me a look.

“I swear on my grandmother’s grave.” I took her hand. “I always wanted kids, but I wanted them with you.”

She opened her mouth, likely to argue.

I put my finger to her full lips. “Let me finish. When my folks started in on theif you’re man enough to be a father, you’re man enough to marry the mother speech, I panicked. I told them I wouldn’t marry Chantal. My father…he knew how I felt about you before—”

“But we weren’t even speaking to each other, let alone a couple.”

But, sweetheart, I wanted to be. I wanted you every day of my life. “I know, but this is my father we’re talking about. He saw a means to an end and took it. He’ll take my bar if I don’t marry you.”

“Can he do that?” Her eyes widened.

“Yes. He can call the loan any time.” I sighed and took her hands in mine. “Maggie, think about it. We can make it work.”

She flinched as if I’d hit her. “What you said last night… This has nothing to do with how you feel about me. You’re trying to hold onto your bar.”

“I am, but didn’t you hear me when I said you were the first person I thought about?”

“I need you to leave.”

“We have to do this. They’ll take the kids from you if we don’t.” I regretted my words as soon as I’d said them.

Maggie’s mouth fell open. She turned and stormed out of the room.

I followed, taking her arm before she reached the kitchen. “Maggie, wait.”

She pulled away. “Don’t. I thought maybe you’d changed. It’s bad enough you’re using me, but to hold the kids over my head?”

“I’m not using you.” I took a step back to give her space. “This could be good for both of us.”

Maggie folded her arms. “Do you actually expect me to play along with this?”

“Hear me out. This isn’t about the bar. I’m going to lose it anyway.”

She turned her head.

“You’re struggling to make ends meet. You hate your job, and I bet you’d love to finish your novel. Maybe go back to grad school? I’m struggling with Ella. I have to give up a job I love and take one I may hate. My father told me to marry you or bring all four grandkids to my mother. They’re never going to stop fighting you for custody…but if we get married, they’ll back off.”

“What about Ella’s mother? What if she comes back?”

“Listen to me. Chantal made it clear she wants nothing to do with raising a child. She isn’t coming back and even if she did, it wouldn’t change anything.” My bluntness seemed to surprise her.

“You should’ve told me the truth from the beginning.”

“I know, and I’m sorry.” I struggled to find the right words, not wanting to piss her off even more. “But it could work. You could make rules. Think about it, Mags—no more worrying about bills, no more looking over your shoulder worrying about my mother.”

“Bullshit. She’d be even more in my business as my mother-in-law. Plus, I’m Catholic.”

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