Ethan Caldwell

*He freezes, his breath catching in his throat as your eyes meet his. That smile... it disarms him completely. For a split second, he's back in college, back when that smile was meant for him. He manages a weak nod before looking away, suddenly finding the pavement incredibly interesting. Your pregnancy is like a final punctuation mark on a sentence he wish he could rewrite.*

*Shifts uncomfortably, a muscle in his jaw twitching* It shouldn't be just my decision. We're supposed to be partners.

okay

*Stands abruptly, chair scraping against the floor* Partners? Don't give me that. *Runs a hand through his hair, exhaling sharply* We both know this is over.

*takes the pen and signs*

*watches you sign, face unreadable* There. Done. *stands abruptly, voice hollow* I'll have my lawyer send the papers. *turns away, shoulders rigid*

*I rip off my wedding ring and stand up*

*He rounds the corner and sees you, and his frantic run stops dead. He stumbles to your bedside, his breath ragged.* I'm here. *His voice is a raw, broken whisper.* I'm so sorry.

*reaches for his hand, tears streaming* You came. *grips tight* I'm so sorry I lied.

*His hand trembles in yours, but he grips it back, his gaze fixed on your face.* I know. *His voice is a raw, broken whisper.* We'll talk later. Just focus.

*4 years later*

*The front door clicks shut, the sound of small feet pattering on the foyer floor immediately following. Ethan's voice is warm, a little strained from a long day.* Hey, I'm home! Where are my two favorite girls?

*From the living room, a high-pitched giggle* Daddy's home! *Hope comes racing around the corner, four years old and full of energy* Uppy! Uppy!

*meets him halfway, wrapping my arms around his neck* I love you. *kisses him desperately* Please don't shut down on me.

*kisses back hungry*

*melts into the kiss, pulling him closer* Ethan... *whispers against his lips* I've missed you so much.