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He let out a low whistle then stood, thrusting his hands onto his hips and staring across the room. It was like he was trying to get a grip on his temper or something.
“I had some savings, but not enough to stay home for longer.”
His brow furrowed.
“And Angie was happy to sit with her. It meant I had to wean Charlotte, and switch to formula, because Angie had to do at least two of the night feeds, but that’s not the end of the world.” The clipped answer hid the truth of how much she’d angsted over that decision. She’dlovedbreastfeeding. It had been such a beautifully bonding time, and she’d hated having to end it. But it had been necessary.
“Abby,” he said her name slowly, quietly, but with a tone that sent a warning blade through her. “You know what I’m worth, right?”
She lifted her slender shoulders. “Not to the last dollar,” she waved a hand through the air.
“Over a hundred billion dollars, last time I checked.”
Her heart skidded in her chest. “You actually check your rich ranking? Is there like an app for that?” She turned it into a joke because the amount he’d just stated was so mind-blowing preposterous, she couldn’t even fathom it.
He didn’t smile. His eyes bore into hers, disapproval on his features. “You do get that I’m worth a lot though, right? You do know that with one single phone call, you could have had access to whatever you required to make this past year easier? A bigger flat, a live-in nanny, enough money so that you didn’t have to think about going back to work?”
“I’ve coped,” she said through gritted teeth. “When it comes to being a single mom, I had a pretty great template in my mom. She always worked, always made sure I had what I needed, raised me to know the meaning of economy and a good work-ethic. I knew I could do this on my own.”
“But you didn’t have to.”
“You make it sound like your offer to help is without strings. You’re basically forcing me into marriage.”
He tilted his head back on a noise of exasperation. “Melodrama isn’t going to help the situation.”
“Well, how else would you describe your proposal?”
“As the best option either of us has.”
She finished her coffee, anger surging through her. “The best option I have is to keep living my life. You can see Charlotte as often as you want. But I really can’t see any sense in marrying.”
“We’ve discussed this.”
“No, you’ve suggested a plan and I’m saying now, that’s not what I want. I can’t marry someone I don’t love.”
“Even when it’s best for Charlotte?”
“Being a good role model is what’s best for Charlotte! I can’t raise her to live her best life if I’m anchored to a man I don’t love, who’ll never love me. What kind of dysfunctional environment is that for a kid?”
“We’re in control of how functional or dysfunctional it becomes. I believe you and I are both mature enough to ensure she sees the positives in our life choices.”
“You make it sound so easy,” she said with a shake of her head. “You’re completely ignoring the logistical difficulties.”
“I don’t see any of note.”
She rolled her eyes for effect. “You live in London.”
“I’ve already said we can move to my New York penthouse. Or somewhere out of the city, if you’d prefer.” He lifted his shoulders. “I don’t care. I can work from anywhere, travel is easy.”
“When you have a private jet,” she said impatiently.
“Are you holding my money against me now?”
“No, I’m just saying, it’s not easy for everyone.”
“I’m aware of that. But as we’re talking about you and me, specifically, I think we can ignore how everyone else might feel and concentrate on what will work for us.”
Chastened, she turned away, pink cheeked, and pulled some eggs and bread from the fridge.
