Page 41 of A Kind Wedding: Christian & Charleigh

“Yeah. He’s in the back going over receipts.”

“Thanks.” I grabbed a bottle of wine and poured a glass.

As I stepped out from behind the bar, my dad smiled when he saw me.

“Charleigh, what a surprise. How are you, honey?” He hugged me.

“I’m okay.”

“That doesn’t sound very convincing. Have you had dinner yet?”

“No. I came here right from the hospital.”

“I haven’t either. Go sit at our table. I’ll have Ross cook us a couple of burgers and fries.”

I took my wine and sat down.

“Is Mom with her book club tonight?” I asked as my father sat across from me.

“She is. Listen, kid, I know my baby girl, and when something is bothering her. Spill it.”

“Christian brought up the subject of kids last night.” I gripped my wine glass with both hands.

“Okay, and?”

“I can’t have kids, Dad. You know that.”

“Why? Did you have a hysterectomy and not tell us?”

“Dad!”

“Listen, sweetheart.” He reached across the table and took hold of my hand. “It’s not that you can’t have kids. You choose not to.”

“And for good reason,” I said.

Ross walked over and set our burgers and fries down.

“Thanks, Ross.”

“You’re welcome, Charleigh. It’s good to see you.”

“Good to see you too.” I smiled.

“So, what did Christian say when you told him you don’t want kids?” my father asked.

“He doesn’t understand why, which I can’t even believe. He’s a damn cardiothoracic surgeon. He knows all the risks.”

“It’s your body, sweetheart, and you can do what you want. Christian is a good man, and this won’t change anything. Frankly, I’m surprised this hasn’t been discussed sooner. The two of you are getting married soon.”

“I was hoping he wouldn’t bring it up.” I took a bite of my burger.

“Charleigh, come on. You knew damn well it would be brought up. What couple doesn’t talk about having kids? Besides, it’s not like Christian wants one right now. He’s just thinking about the future.”

“I told him I don’t want to discuss it anymore.” I shoved a French fry in my mouth.

“You can’t avoid the subject, sweetheart. You need to talk to him about it. Communication is the key to a great marriage.”

“I know, Dad. The thing is, I know it hurts him to hear me say I don’t want kids, and that’s the last thing I want to do.”

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