I don’t need a kid. I just need my wife.”

I looked down at the blueprints. My name at the top. Director of Coastal Development.

“Michael, you didn’t lose your desire for a child,” I said, calm. “You’re just angry you didn’t get the specific prop you wanted for your ego. You don’t want me back.

You want your quiet punching bag back.”

“No. I love you. I swear it.”

Just then my office door clicked open. James walked in with two cups of coffee. He read my posture and the phone at my ear and understood at once. He didn’t retreat.