er face smoothing int

nterface was visible only to her, it

" Michael asked, his tone laced wi

nd," Sarah improvised, thinking quickl

iculous even t

ybody friends of yours. Alw

et onto the bed, ignoring her meticulously kep

that was solely hers was

argue. What w

ting, tired of trying

edge of the be

e suddenly softer, "I was thinking...

ersuasive smile that use

daughter, haven't you? A

baby, we'd have to... rehome Buddy

tend this is a discussion, Mi

safety, Sarah. A cat, especially an ol

irm, surprising even herself.

in this hollow s

unreadable crossed his

wanted another child

as a good man

over Jessica, over wh

a new distraction, a

ah said, the words tumbling out. "I want to

uried long ago, a dream

r, then threw back h

derisiv

cade. You have no experience, no real education beyond that commun

ng. "You need me. You wouldn't l

rp, pierced through

cause I'm stupid? Incapable?

her vehemence, then h

ng realistic. You're too soft. You've b

tr

e truth cl

rguing. He would never

oset and pulled out

ntials, her movements

a hotel tonight," sh

pace. She ne

be away from him, from the suff