Page 7 of Christmas Wish
“I know and I’m sorry. I should’ve called sooner. Timmy and I are okay.”
“I’ve been calling you nonstop for days.”
“I left my phone behind. I’m calling you on a new one.”
“Bret’s worried sick about you and Timmy.”
Oh, yeah … right. He’s probably playing the victimized husband to the hilt.
“What happened? Bret told us he had no idea, but I know something must’ve happened for you to disappear like this.”
“Bret’s been cheating on me,” she said in a soft voice, her gaze glued on Timmy.
“All this drama forthat?” Her mother laughed dryly. “I don’t mean it’s right, it’s just that all wealthy men do it. It’s pretty much a stereotype. You can’t break up a good marriage over that. Talk to him. Bret loves you very much.”
Savannah gripped the counter with her hand as she tried to keep her anger in check. “Bret only loves one person—himself. He’d have you believe he’s the doting father and loving husband, but he’s none of those things. He’s a selfish, self-centered, spoiled prick.”
Her mother sighed. “Most men are selfish. It takes a strong and savvy woman to keep a man still interested in her after years of marriage. You two are just going through a rough spot.”
“I’ve suspected he’s been cheating on me ever since I was pregnant with Timmy.”The minute I started to show, everything changed. It was like Bret couldn’t deal with my changing body because he held a picture-perfect image of the woman he was sexually attracted to. My trim waist expanding, wearing maternity clothes, and blossoming a bit wasn’t what he wanted.
“Many men can’t handle their wives being pregnant. It’s more common than you think.”
“Mom, he actually told me that I was rejecting him by wearing maternity clothes. Did Dad ever say that to you during your four pregnancies?”
“No,” her mother whispered.
Savannah wanted to tell her mother that shortly after that, Bret stopped touching her, claiming that he couldn’t get into it. When she’d suggested they didn’t have to have sex but could just cuddle or kiss or hold hands while watching a movie, he didn’t answer. After that, he started going out more and stayed out later.
“Are you still there?”
“Yes,” she answered softly.
“I don’t know why men cheat. I’ve been lucky that your father never did.”
“Dad is a man of integrity and honor. I can’t imagine him ever hurting you like that. Anyway, he loves you and you love him.”
“But Bret does love you. A lot of men need variety when it comes to … well, you know what I’m talking about. It doesn’t mean anything to them. It’s not the same for a man as it is for a woman. We’re more emotional and we get attached easily. Are you sure you’re not too focused on Timmy?”
Streaks of anger blazed through her. “What does that mean? Timmy’s my son.”
“I know, and I don’t mean to make you angry. Sometimes, we forget our husbands when we have children. I had to remind myself over and over to spend time with your father without you kids.”
“I admit that in the post-birth chaos of sleepless nights, sex became an expendable option for me, but afterward, I tried to make time for Bret and me. He complained that I still had some weight to lose and that I wasn’t as—” Savannah stopped before she said “tight.” It felt weird to talk to her mother about something like that even though Bret made it a big issue …andhis reason to withhold sex or any intimacy with her.We lived like roommates, and I just accepted it because I threw myself into being a mother. My marriage was so fucked up.
“What were you going to say?” her mother asked, bringing Savannah out of her musings.
“Uh … attractive. Bret didn’t find me attractive anymore after Timmy was born.”
“That’s silly. You’re a beautiful woman. I’ve noticed a lot of men look at you when we go out.”
“Maybe, but the only man I’ve ever wanted to look at me was my husband, and he isn’t interested at all.”
“He doesn’t act like he’s not interested. He’s been worried sick over your disappearance, and he misses Timmy.”
I think I’m going to be sick.“I have to go, Mom. I’ll call again. Tell Dad I said hi. I just wanted you to know that we’re okay.”
“Wait. When are you coming back?”
