Before something unbearable happened, she clapped both hands over his mouth. “Listen to me. Just listen. I’ve got the advantage here—I’ve had a little while to absorb the news.” Her eyes flooded with moisture. “And I want this, maybe more than anything I’ve ever wanted in my life. And I’m okay with it. And I wish… Oh, there’s no point in talking about what I wish. But I’m going to do everything in my power to keep danger away from this little one. She—or he—is going to be brought up with all the love and happiness and safety and security I can provide. So I think it’s best if you and I don’t see each other again after this weekend, because we both know what your life is about.”

He pulled her hands away from his mouth and bit out, “You can’t do this on your own!”

“Watch me.” It was harder than ever to meet the dark fire burning so furiously in him, but she did. “I’m on my way to find a teacher. I’m going to build a good life, and I’m going to be so damn happy it will make malcontents nauseated to look at me. I’m excited about my future. And… and you would be so welcome to be a part of this baby’s life if you ever chose a different path than the one you’re on right now. But the way you live—you’re consumed with revenge. I don’t know, maybe that’s why you want power and why you want to become Georgia’s next governor. This mysterious, terrible person who hurt you so badly all those years ago has eaten you up inside, and I’m not judging, Josiah. I’m really not. You get to be whoever you need to be. But you can’t live that life you’ve chosen and bring it here to me. Not after this weekend.”

“Goddamn it,” he bit out. “Don’t you think I fucking realize that?”

“Okay then,” she whispered. Her gut hurt, and she realized she had clenched everything up in anticipation of an emotional blow, so she tried to relax her muscles and take a breath.

He strode into the bedroom. When he came back out, he had pulled on his shirt and shoes, and he carried his jacket in one clenched fist. His expression was severe, mouth clamped tight.

On his way to the door, he snatched up his carry-on. He said tersely over his shoulder, “I need some air.”

She pressed the fingers of one hand against her mouth as she watched him go. That had gone every bit as badly as she’d been afraid it would.