Chapter 1

"I canceled the postpartum care. Kate's coming instead. Don't make this awkward for her."

Daniel said it as I braced myself against the hospital bed, trying to stand.

The pain in my incision doubled me over.

He set down the infant car seat and reached to help me, but I grabbed the bed rail first.

"You're having your ex-wife take care of me?"

"She's raised a child before. And you two know each other."

I slowly lowered myself back onto the edge of the bed.

I'd had a C-section three days earlier.

Today I was going home, and I'd just asked him what time the overnight caregiver we'd booked would arrive.

"When did you cancel it?"

"Last week."

"Why are you only telling me now?"

"You were already stressed enough."

He crouched to check the buckle on the car seat, avoiding my eyes.

"You know how much six weeks would cost. Kate's willing to help. There's no reason to pay a stranger."

"We already discussed the money."

"And now we have a better option."

I looked at the discharge paperwork on the chair.

The care plan was tucked underneath everything else, with the overnight visits scheduled for dates we'd chosen together.

He'd sat right beside me and even suggested booking two extra nights.

"I want you to call and reinstate the service."

His hand went still on the buckle.

"Emma, Kate's already got the guest room set up."

I looked up.

"She's already moved in?"

"I gave her a key yesterday afternoon."

When he'd left the hospital yesterday, he'd said he was going home to get everything ready for me.

I'd thought he meant changing the sheets, stocking the fridge, and putting the things I'd need where I wouldn't have to bend down to reach them.

"Why didn't you ask me?"

"I thought you'd be happy to have help."

"Of course I'd be happy to have help. But not like this."

There was a soft knock, and a nurse came in with the discharge checklist.

She asked whether we had support arranged at home and someone to help care for me and the baby during the first few days.

Daniel nodded immediately.

"Yes. Someone will be there around the clock."

The nurse looked at me.

I gripped the sheet and said nothing.

He reached over and rested a hand on my shoulder.

"We've just changed who's helping."

I removed his hand.

"I didn't agree to this."

The nurse said she could give us a few minutes, then closed the door behind her.

Daniel straightened and lowered his voice.

"Do you have to make people think I'm not taking care of you?"

"Why didn't you tell her that person is your ex-wife?"

"Because it doesn't matter. What matters is that she's willing to help."

I glanced down at where my incision was. I needed someone to steady me just to get my shoes on.

"What if I don't want her to?"

"At least try it for a few days. She canceled her own plans for us."

I picked up my phone and found the care agency's number.

He didn't stop me, but before I could call, he added, "The caregiver we booked has already taken on another family. Even if you call today, she won't be able to come tonight."

So he'd known that, too.

Our daughter stirred in the car seat, her lips parting slightly.

I tried to lean down to check on her, but another pull at my incision stopped me.

Daniel bent down and tucked her blanket around her.

"Let's go home. Don't spoil discharge day."

His phone lit up. Kate had sent a photo of the guest room, with two open suitcases beside the bed.

He looked down and texted her that we'd be there soon.

I still hadn't said yes.