“I care about both of you, Maggie.”
“Then what am I supposed to be? Your wife on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays?”
“Maggie, please.”
“No. You’re the one who turned our marriage into a weekly schedule.”
From the hallway, I heard Kieran shift in his sleep.
I lowered my voice.
“What am I supposed to tell our son when you disappear again on Thursday?”
“We’ll figure out how to explain it together.”
“Explain what? That Daddy belongs to this house for part of the week and another house for the rest?”
“I don’t want Kieran getting hurt.”
“Neither do I. That’s exactly why I refuse to pretend this arrangement is healthy just because you’ve decided to call it a compromise.”
His tone sharpened.
“So what are you trying to tell me?”
“I’m telling you that you will always be Kieran’s father. Your responsibilities toward him don’t disappear. But you don’t get to decide what kind of marriage I must accept simply because it makes your life easier.”
He was quiet for a moment.
“Then what’s happening tomorrow?”
“You can come at four. Spend time with Kieran first. Afterward, you and I will have a conversation.”
“Maggie…”
“I’ve listened to your plan, Callum. Tomorrow, you’re going to hear mine.”
I ended the call.
And for the first time all weekend, I didn’t feel the urge to phone him back.
By Monday afternoon, I had prepared a written outline of what Kieran needed from both of us.
At 4:23, I heard Callum’s key turning in the front door.
