I shook my head, wanting to reassure him. I was happy to see that he was so concerned about his brother’s feelings. I didn’t want to be any kind of wedge between them. “Seth and I are just friends.” The relief was evident in his eyes as I continued. “Seth understands how I feel. He and I are no longer romantically involved, but we are very close, and he wants to be a part of my baby’s life. I want him to be as involved with raising Peanut as he would like to be.” I decided that my last statement needed some clarification, so I added, “But I don’t expect anything from him.”

Sam’s response was again one word. “Peanut?” My hands instinctively went protectively to my tummy. I nodded in answer to Sam’s question. Then he rewarded me with the biggest, dopiest, happiest, crooked grin that I had ever seen. It almost did me in.

He started to move toward me. It took every bit of strength I had to hold up my hand to stop him. I knew that I needed to get this out before he came any closer. I wouldn’t have the willpower to resist him, if he touched me again.

“The woman at your house,” I croaked the words out. “I saw you with her, and you were naked.” I cringed as I said the last word. “I have to be with a one-woman man. As much as I want you,” I looked at him, craving him even as I said the words, “I can’t be with you.”

He was shaking his head, obviously preparing a denial. “No, you don’t understand.”

“I understand perfectly, Sam.” I interrupted him. “You are a player. I knew that going into this, so I don’t have anyone to blame but myself. I just can’t spend my life waiting for you, wondering if you’re screwing someone else. I won’t share you. I’d rather give you up.” The last sentence was incredibly hard to say. They were some of the most difficult words I had ever forced out of my mouth.

“You don’t have to share me, Abby. I only want you.” I desperately wanted to believe that somehow, miraculously his words could be true – that he wanted me and only me, that he could resist the beautiful blondes that would constantly be throwing themselves at him. It was tempting to try to delude myself into taking him at his word so I could fall into his arms, but deep down, I knew that I would be dooming myself to a life of heartbreak and disappointment.

I shook my head, attempting to oust his wonderful words from my brain. I needed to be strong. I had to tell him that it was over between us, but I just couldn’t seem to form the words.