Because of the Baby by Debbie Macomber Page B

missed from work.”
    â€œMissed work?” That didn’t sound like Karen, either. In the four years of their marriage, he couldn’t recall her taking a single day of sick leave.
    â€œI’ve been having some trouble…mostly in the mornings.” She leveled her gaze at him, as though she expected him to make some logical deduction from that bit of information.
    â€œAh, you’ve got PMS,” he said, attempting a small joke.
    From the disapproving scowl she sent him, he gathered she didn’t find it humorous. “Matt, you can really be obtuse.”
    â€œMe? Listen, Karen, you’re the one who wouldn’t allow me to finish our last conversation. As far as I’m concerned, if you’ve got something to say, just say it, because I have a flight to catch in the morning.”
    Lifting her chin to a dignified angle, she reached for her purse and stood. “You’re absolutely right,” she said in a clear voice. “I’ve been beating around the bush.” Her purse strap slipped off her shoulder and she quickly secured it. “I don’t have a perpetual case of PMS, Matt, as amusing as you appear to find that. The reason I’ve lost weight can be attributed to something else. I have what’s known as morning sickness. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ll leave you to mull that one over.” She turned abruptly and walked out of the lounge.
    â€œMorning sickness,” Matt repeated, and downed the last of his wine in one swallow. The words echoed in his brain and his gaze flew to her retreating figure. He bolted upright. “You’re pregnant?”
    Karen turned the corner and was gone.
    â€œShe’s pregnant,” Matt shouted to the cocktail waitress. Then, before he completely lost Karen, he raced to the lobby in time to see her walking out the front doors.
    â€œKaren, wait!”
    Either she didn’t hear him or she was determined to ignore him. It was just like her to drop that kind of news and then leave him to deal with the repercussions on his own.
    He didn’t catch up with her until she’d reached her car.
    â€œWhat do you mean you’re pregnant?” he demanded. “How did that happen?”
    She whirled around and glared at him.
    â€œWeren’t you on the pill?”
    â€œWhy should I be?” she asked. “We were divorced, remember?”
    As if he’d forgotten!
    â€œDon’t you dare suggest birth control is entirely up to the woman,” she said from between gritted teeth.
    Matt was having trouble taking all this in. “But…how?”
    â€œWell,” she muttered sarcastically, “here’s what I remember from biology class. The woman provides the egg and the man supplies the sperm.”
    â€œI know all that!” he snapped. “What I’m talking about is us. We’re both responsible adults. I can’t believe we didn’t consider the possibility of your getting pregnant.” He leaned against the side of her car, his legs like gelatin.
    â€œIt might’ve helped if you’d broken the news a bit more gently,” he said.
    â€œIt would help if you weren’t looking for someone to blame.”
    â€œThat’s not true,” he flared. He rubbed the back of his neck. “You’re going to need financial assistance.” Since his budget was tight, money was the first thing that came to mind.
    Karen made a growling sound, and he looked up to find her glaring at him again, her eyes bright with unshed tears. “You’re impossible!” she shouted.
    â€œWhat did I say now?”
    â€œNothing.” She shook her head. “I’ve fulfilled my obligation. I told you about the baby. I do apologize for any inconvenience this might cause you.” Sarcasm dripped from every word. “Perhaps the best alternative is to have my attorney talk to your attorney. Goodbye, Matt.”
    With that, she unlocked her car