Independent Together

8

Throughout her day at work Tucker was an annoying pain in her ass. She was avoiding his calls and texts. Everything they said to each other was an argument and she just didn't feel like going through that. But damn was the man persistent. Sending text after text asking when they could talk. Finally she relented and told him to stop by that evening.

Once she got home from work, she took a quick shower, and mentally prepared herself for the impending conversation. She knew it wouldn't be easy, but it was necessary.

Ben called her as she was getting ready. "Hey, do you want me to be there when Tucker shows up? I can offer some backup if you need it."

Miranda sighed, appreciating his concern. "Thanks, Ben, but I think it's better if I handle this on my own. I need to set some boundaries with him, and it might be easier without you there."

"Alright," Ben agreed, his voice gentle. "But if you need anything, just call me. I'll be there in a heartbeat."

"I know you will," Miranda replied, a small smile forming. "Thank you."

After hanging up, Miranda paced her living room, trying to calm her nerves. It wasn't long before she heard a knock on the door. Taking a deep breath, she walked over and opened it to find Tucker standing there, flowers in hand.

"Finally, can we talk now."

She stepped aside, allowing him to enter. "Alright, Tucker. Let's talk."

They sat down in the living room, an awkward silence hanging in the air for a moment. Tucker finally broke it, his voice pleading. "I want us to be a family again. I know I messed up, but I'm sorry. I still love you, Miranda."

Miranda's eyes narrowed slightly. "Tucker, you can't just show up with flowers repeatedly and expect everything to be okay. You cheated on me."

"I know," Tucker said, his voice desperate. "But we're having a baby. We can make this work for the sake of our child."

Miranda shook her head, her resolve firm. "Tucker. What part of you cheated on me are you not grasping? I do not trust you and we can't build a family on broken trust."

Tucker's shoulders slumped. "So, that's it? You're just going to throw everything away?"

"You threw it away when you cheated not me."

Tucker shook his head, frustration evident on his face. "You put work before everything. Before me, before our marriage. You were never home. It felt like I was married to a ghost. You did that Miranda. You broke us."

Miranda felt a surge of anger. "And you think cheating was the answer to that? You think that justifies what you did?"

"I'm not saying it was right," Tucker said, his tone defensive. "But you pushed me away, Miranda."

Miranda's eyes filled with tears, but she refused to let them fall. "I was there, Tucker. I was there every time I came home exhausted, every time I tried to talk to you about my day and you brushed me off. I was there, even when you weren't."

Tucker sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I know I messed up. But I'm trying to make it right. We have a baby on the way, Miranda. We should be together for that."

Miranda shook her head. "We can't go back, Tucker. Too much has happened. I can't trust you, and without trust, there's no foundation for a marriage. Yes, we're having a baby, and we'll figure out a way to co-parent, but we can't be together."

"Is there really no chance for us?"

"No, I've moved on, and I'm finding happiness again, even if it's complicated right now."