Not really true.
She found love. That was right. Even if it infuriated her.
“We were fighting over the house. That he just took it upon himself to do it without discussing any of it with me. Then he said he might as well do this too since I was pissed. He slid the ring onto my finger. He didn’t ask me to marry him, just said it’s another sign of commitment. When I was ready for the proposal to let him know.”
“Do you want me to answer you honestly?”
“Always.”
“It might have been the best way he could have done it. You say you’re not ready to be engaged even though I know you’reembarrassed to be pregnant and single. That symbol right there will take off some of the pressure you’re putting on yourself.”
Her mother had a point, but Arik didn’t know that.
“There was no good way to do any of this. I never thought I’d be in this situation.”
“Because you can’t plan it all out.” Her mother was still holding her hand. “It’s a gorgeous ring.”
“I’m sure it costs more than my car. I don’t even know if I want to wear it.”
“Don’t be that way,” her mother said. “He’s trying. You’re both doing the best you can. You said he’s been getting better. That he’s not as clingy or over the top protective as he was, right?”
“Yes. It’s better.”
“Give him some credit. As upset and as frustrated as you are, he’s got to be feeling the same thing. That nothing he does is right. He’s worried he’s pushing you away and he’s worried nothing he does makes you happy.”
“It’s not that bad.”
“Maybe you should tell him that.”
“I feel as if I should sleep my frustration off.”
“All you’re going to do is stress that he’s stressed. Am I right? Because deep down you don’t want him feeling the same way you are.”
She blew her nose and stood up to discard the tissue.
“No. Why do I feel guilty now? I’ve got a right to tell him how I feel.”
“You do. And you should. But that won’t remove the pain you feel. It’s one of those things you’ll have to work out. But to do that, you need to talk. Letting it fester isn’t good for anyone. Remember what I told you when you asked me years ago? One piece of advice on how Dad and I have stayed so strong for so many years?”
“Never go to bed mad. Or at least don’t go to bed without talking it out.”
“That’s right. Don’t start your fights on the wrong foot. Fighting the right way is also the key to a strong marriage too.”
“Guess I owe him an apology.”
“That’s up to you. But you owe it to yourself to hear him out, just like he has to do the same for you.”
44
STEERING THINGS
Who the hell could be knocking on his door?
He looked out of his office window, leaned to the side, and saw Natalie’s car in his driveway.
She was the last person he expected to see and raced down the stairs to open the door.
“Did you forget something?”
