Page 22 of A Mafia Christmas

Kit squeezed her hand.

“It’s good to cry,” Kit said.

“But that seems to be all I do anymore.”

“Being pregnant messes with your emotions, then add this in, and of course it’s going to make you sad.” Kit patted her hand. “I’m going to ask another question, and I want an honest answer.”

Beth nodded.

“Have you ever thought of harming or killing yourself?”

Beth flinched. “Doesn’t everyone have those times where it would be easier to die than live?”

Kit squeezed her hand again. “No, honey. Not everyone.”

Beth felt her face burn with embarrassment.

“That’s why I’m here. You and I will deal with it all, and when you learn to trust me, it will help.”

Beth sniffed and nodded.

“How about we stop for today? I can tell you’re getting tired.”

“I am.”

“Would it be okay if I came again in a few days?”

“That’s fine.”

“One last question. Is it all right to talk to Aria about any of this?”

Beth thought about it for a moment. “I guess that would be okay. Please don’t tell her about my thoughts about not being like the family. She gets upset.”

“Absolutely.” Kit stood and picked up her bag. “Are you going to rest for a bit?”

“Yes. I think I’ll lie down.”

“It’s good to get as much rest as possible. I’m going to give you my card. Don’t hesitate to call me. I don’t care what time it is.”

“Okay,” Beth said and nodded. “Thank you.”

Kit smiled and walked out of the office with her. Beth turned right to go up the stairs to her room, and Kit went in search of Aria.

At dinner, Beth could tell that Aria was subdued and hoped it didn’t have anything to do with her. Several days later, Aria called her into the office.

“Hi, sweetheart. I want to go over some things with you.”

“Of course,” Beth said and sat in the chair on the other side of her desk.

“I wondered if you had thought about a divorce?’

Beth gasped. It had never entered her mind. “Oh, I don’t know. It feels so … permanent that way.”

“I know. I thought of shaking Alastair up a bit.”

“How?”

“Having papers taken to him to sign. One would be the divorce and another giving all rights to the baby away.”

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