Page 2 of A Mafia Christmas

The other two sat back with stunned expressions.

“What are you going to do?” Faith asked.

“I have to leave. It will kill me if he tells me to abort it. I’d never forgive him.”

Hope nodded. “I understand that. What has he said to make you think he doesn’t want a baby?”

“He says he doesn’t want to bring children into the world we live in. He wanted to get a vasectomy, but I begged him not to.”

“Why doesn’t he want children?” Faith asked.

“Because of the danger, I guess,” Beth told them.

Faith scowled. “That can be handled. Just put more guards around the house.”

“That would work,” Hope said. “I imagine there are a few things they can do to secure the house.”

Beth nodded. “I know.”

“What has he said to you?”

“I’ve brought up having children for over a year, and he always cuts me off and changes the conversation. He also said that he couldn’t see himself as a father.”

“Why?” Hope asked.

Beth shrugged. “I don’t know. I think he’d be wonderful. He’s so patient with me, and I know he’d be patient with a child, too.”

“Some men are weird about that stuff. They act like they would lose a piece of themselves if they had a child, instead of seeing it as gaining a whole new world.”

Beth agreed with Faith.

“What are your options?” Hope asked.

“I don’t know. That’s why I’m freaking out. I have no place to live or job to support us. I know I’ll have to leave until he accepts it, but I don’t know how long that will be.”

Hope sat forward. “Let’s talk to Mom. I bet she’d let you live with them. She loves you. It would also give Rebecca another woman.”

Beth felt a burst of optimism. “God, that would be great. I’d like to move as soon as I can. I’m not showing yet, but I’m getting sick every morning. I’ve been able to hold back until Alastair leaves the room, but it’s been closed a few times. If he sees that, he’ll call the doctor. The doctor will know immediately, and he’ll tell Alastair. He wouldn’t be able to hold that information back.”

“We have to keep this between the three of us. I trust Angel, but the fewer people that know, the better. I’ll go call Mom now. We’ll figure out a way to get you out of here without you being seen,” Hope said. “When do you want this to happen?”

“Tomorrow. I want one more night with Alastair,” Beth said. God, just the thought of never seeing him again made her stomach cramp and tears fill her eyes.

“Are you going to leave a note?” Faith said.

“I have to tell him in person. He’d think someone kidnapped me if I didn’t.”

“You look wiped out,” Hope said. “Why don’t you go and take a nap, and we’ll work on the problem? He’s going to freak out. Blake told me how cold and distant Alastair was before you came into his life. I’m afraid to guess how he’ll act after you leave.”

The women stood and hugged each other. It took effort to release them.

“I’m going to miss you guys.”

Faith gripped Beth’s arm. “You’ll be at our mother’s. We can visit all the time.”

“That’s true.”

“Let’s meet here before lunch,” Faith said. “We’ve got to look casual.”

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