My mind drifts to Cash. The many nights in the field with him. The way he makes me feel… both physically and deep in my soul. I’m not one to believe in soul mates or all that shit, but I can’t help but think he was put in my life for a reason.

I’m brought back to the present when a loud clank and the sound of glass breaking hits my ears. Looking across the kitchen to Aida, the empty wine bottle has tumbled to the floor, shattering everywhere, while she uncorks a new bottle and fills up her next glass.

“What the fuck, Aida. You’re making a fucking mess.”

“Oh, go to hell, Stone. Like you care.”

She’s hurt and lashing out—I know that—but Christ, it doesn’t make it any easier to remain cool and not lose my temper. I walk to the storage closet, grabbing the broom and dustpan, and make my way back to the kitchen so I can clean up the mess.

She’s already finishing her current glass as my gaze connects with her, immediately pouring another. Mascara is running down her cheeks, and her eyes are bloodshot. I’m at such a loss at where this is coming from. We were on the same page when this was decided, and now she’s having a meltdown about it.

“Is it because I can’t have kids? Is that what it is, Stone? I’m broken, so you don’t want me anymore?”

“Jesus, Aida. Don’t fucking talk about yourself like that. You aren’t broken. And this has nothing to do with whether or not we can have kids, and you know that.”

“Then what, Stone?! We can fix this, I know it.” She sets her glass down and walks toward me. She’s unsteady on her feet and her words slur. I haven’t seen her this wasted in years. When she stops in front of me, she brings her slender, cold hands up to wrap around my neck. “Please, baby.”

“Aida… please. We’ve talked about this. We decided. Please don’t make this harder than it needs to be.”

Tears fall down her face, my own eyes stinging, as she tries to bring her mouth to mine. My hands come up and rest on her shoulders, stopping her from getting any closer. Hurt flashes in her eyes before she steps back and wipes her cheeks with the backs of her hands.

“Wow,” she seethes. “Really? That’s how it’s going to be?”