Page 168 of Through the Storm

My chest tightens. “He is the father of my child,” I say in measured tones. “And he asked me to marry him because he loves me. Not because of money. If he wanted an easy life, he would’ve left the second I told him I was pregnant.”

My dad sighs. “You’re being emotional right now.”

That’s when it clicks. They’re not really worried; they’re not being careful. They just have never trusted my choices. They just want control.

“I didn’t take the call to talk about legal documents.” I tighten my grip on the phone. “I thought you were calling to congratulate me.”

There’s a pause.

“Well,” my mom says, “we can do both.”

They can say whatever they want about me. They always have. But they don’t get to touch him. “Ben has been there for me every step of the way. He was there whenyouabandoned me. I don’t want to hear one more word from you about him. Ever.”

I’m done explaining, done hoping. Justdone.

“Don’t call me again. If there’s something you need to talk to me regarding Montgomery Corporation, you can call my lawyers.”

“Kath—” I hear my dad start, but I hang up.

I sit there for a long minute after, the phone still warm in my hand.

They didn’t ask how he proposed.

They didn’t ask if I was happy.

They didn’t even ask about my son. Their grandson.

I exhale slowly.

Then I place my phone face down on the table, rest my hand over my ring, and make a decision that feels quieter, but stronger, than anything I’ve done before.

Some people don’t get to be part of your joy.

Ben clocks it immediately. He’s always been able to read me.

I’m still sitting at the table when he comes back into the room, his towel slung over his shoulder, and his hair damp from the shower. I look fine on the surface—there’s no tears—but something must give me away.

He slows.

“What happened?” he asks softly.

I glance up. “Nothing.”

He doesn’t buy it. He crosses the room and sits across from me, close but not crowding, forearms resting on the table. “Whatever it is, I can handle it.”

I swallow. “My parents called.”

His jaw tightens just a fraction. “Okay.”

“They heard we’re engaged.”

He waits patiently until I get it all out.

“They think I should get a prenup.”

The silence that follows is heavy, but not sharp.

Ben exhales slowly. “Katy. We should definitely get a prenup. I’m happy to sign whatever you want. I hope you know that.”