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I get up from the armchair. "What should I do?"

"Just rock him a little. He always resists falling asleep. It’s always like that, even more now that he’s turning into a little man. But he’s almost falling asleep sitting up."

I reach my arms out for him, and my son doesn’t hesitate. He kneels, wobbling slightly. When I pick him up, my tormented heart immediately begins to settle.

"What now?"

"Just talk to him. Doesn’t need to be anything specific. I usually tell him how much I love him and that he’s the best little boy in the world. He doesn’t understand much of what we say yet, anyway."

I move away from her, still full of anger and unwilling for her to witness my interaction with our son. Lying against my chest, Sedric slowly opens and closes his eyes—his lashes as dark and long as his mother’s, resting on his rosy cheeks.

"What do I have to do to convince you to sleep, huh? I’m not great with baby talk, so I’ll do what I can."

I begin telling him about a new technique I’m developing—an invention involving an aortic valve that would be far less invasive than the current method. I think I get carried awaytalkingto him, because before I realize it, he’s softly snoring.

I turn to ask Alexis where I should put him down, but as I do, I notice she’s also fallen asleep.

The unexpected domestic scene hits me like a punch to the chest.

"Hey," she says suddenly, opening her eyes. "I’m sorry. I guess I’m more tired than I thought. Put him here, just surround him with pillows, and then we’ll go to the living room to talk."

"No. Rest. I’ll come back tomorrow. I need . . .” I lay Sedric gently beside her and, following her instructions, surround him with cushions and pillows.

"Need what?"

"To calm down. I can’t talk to you tonight, Alexis."

"Why not?"

"Because I don’t trust myself around you right now. But I’ll give you a warning—don’t try to run away with my son. I will find you."

"I have no intention of running. I wouldn’t risk my life. My hatred for you isn’t greater than my love for him."

"I’m leaving, but I’ll leave you with this to think about: Tomorrow I’m contacting my lawyers. I want to legally register him as my son as soon as possible."

"Alright."

I stare at her, suspicious.

"What?" she asks.

"You agreed too fast."

"I never meant to keep the two of you apart, LJ. I didn’t run from you. It was the opposite. If you had ended things with me face-to-face, looking into my eyes . . . Never mind. Go. I’m exhausted."

"Judging by your face, I’d say our worst fears won’t come true," Marla says, nearly bumping into me as I step out of the room.

"What?"

"We were afraid you might reject him."

"And why would I do that?"

"Didn’t Alexis tell you?"

I run both hands through my hair, feeling drained. "We didn’t talk much. I was afraid I’d lose it. I’ve never had to control myself this much in my life." I pause. "I hate her right now. But I don’t want to hurt her. My son loves her."

"Why do you hate her?"