Later in the afternoon, Pete knocked. Mandy was with him, and both of them were smiling.
"Hey! We brought cookies. Mandy insisted."
I tried to force a smile. "That's sweet."
Mandy ran in and launched herself at me.
"Miss Katherine! I missed you!"
I hugged her back, fighting tears.
This little girl was just six years old. So innocent and sweet.
What will my own child be like?
"Miss Katherine, you're crying. Are you sad?"
"Just happy to see you, sweetheart."
Pete noticed, looking concerned. "You okay? You look upset."
"I'm fine. Just... a lot on my mind."
"Want to talk about it?"
Yes. No. Maybe.
"It's complicated." I managed to answer.
"Most things worth talking about are."
But I couldn't. I can't tell Pete I'm pregnant with another man's baby.
I can't explain that the man I left is the father of my child.
I just can't burden him with my mess.
I watched Mandy play and watched Pete being a father.
He's good. Patient, kind, and present.
