I stared. “You’re serious? You’ll leave your daughters for a story your mom heard?”
He said nothing, shoulders slumped.
I took a breath. “If you go, Jack, don’t come back. I won’t let you hurt our girls.”
He looked at me, torn, then left. His steps echoed.
I sat, staring at the door, heart pounding. A nurse came, comforted me as I got my things.
I looked at my babies, tears blurring. “Don’t worry, girls. I’m here.”
I held them, feeling fear and determination. I didn’t know how to do it alone, but I’d never leave.
Weeks passed since Jack left. Each day was tough. Caring for three newborns alone was hard.
Some days I barely held on, but I pushed for Sophie, Lily, and Grace. They were my world.
One afternoon, Beth, Jack’s sister, came to help. She was the only one from his family still in touch. I hoped she’d get Jack back. That day, she seemed troubled.
Beth bit her lip. “Emily, I heard something. I don’t know if I should tell you, but I can’t keep it in.”
My heart raced. “Tell me.”