"No, you just want my uterus!" I countered with a huff.
"Listen. I know that the kid thing really freaks you out. Trust me, it scares the hell out of me but, right now, I just need to meet the first requirement before I worry about the other. How about we agree to the first term and discuss the other as we go? Maybe we’ll be able to figure out a way around it." He pleaded, again.
"Fine," I growled.
There was no way I would be a charity case and no way was I just going to let him pay off our house. He knew I would owe him for the rest of my life and that wouldn't sit well with me. The jerk!
"W-what?"
"You fucking heard me, Iverson!" I pinched the bridge of my nose in frustration.
"Y-you agree then?" Relief and victory flooded the sound of his voice.
"Yes" I hissed. "But—"
"But what?" Apprehension replaced victorious relief.
"I will not be having sex with you, nor will I be getting pregnant. I will actively use my birth control pills." I conditioned.
"Lilli, part of the terms of a marriage is the consummation of—"
"Oh, shut up. It's not like someone is going to demand to be in the bedroom with us. We can easily lie about that detail." I rolled my eyes.
He huffed.
"So, what are we supposed to do for four years of marriage, Lilli? Cause I can abstain but not for that long."
"You have a hand," I countered.
"I don’t think so," he spat.
"Fine, get a mistress, just keep it discreet then you won’t break any rules. I sure as hell won’t say anything, as long as you don’t get caught."
He groaned.
"You really think I'm going to risk getting caught and losing everything?"
"Look, I’m sure I can help you out, make it look like she’s a friend of mine or something. I’ll bring her home with me and you can do what you want when I make myself scarce." He didn’t say anything. "Hello?"
"You’re diabolical," he said, astounded.
"Don’t forget that either," I threatened.
"We can work out the details when you get back in New York," he growled.
After a couple moments of silence, he spoke again, this time much softer. "How is your father?"
His question surprised me, having been so focused on his own problems just a moment ago.
"Uh…he’s alright, for now. He needs surgery. I have him at home and am trying to work things out with the nurse."
"Why isn’t he at the hospital?"
I cleared my throat, uncomfortable with the questions.
"He hates the hospital, so I'm trying to budget out a permanent live in nurse or caretaker for him." Then I realized I probably just told him too much and smacked my forehead.
"Lilli give me all the hospital information and I'll take care of it," he practically demanded.
"No. I’ve got it," I stated firmly.
"Quit being stubborn, I’ll take care of the bills and then I will have my uncle make some calls. He has connections in the medical field. I can get a live in nurse within a couple of days."
I wanted to argue but the thought of my father being so well taken care of was too much for me to pass up.
"Fine," I grumbled.
"Good," he sighed. "When will you be returning?"
"Once there's a nurse here with him, I will probably stay at least another week to help Donald adjust with the new —"
"Hold on one minute."
The line went silent. I started the car up and began my trek back to my father.
It was a few minutes before he returned and my mind was exhausted from everything trying to process at once.
"Lilli?"
"Yeah," I said quietly.
"There will be three nurses at your father’s home tomorrow for you to meet. Decide which one you would like to keep around and the home health agency will contact me."
I couldn’t speak. How did he do that?
"Hello…Lilli?"
"Um…I’m here," I said still a little in shock.
"So, I will see you in about a week then? We can meet to discuss things?"
"Sure," I squeaked, overwhelmed.
I agreed to call him when I got back to New York in a week and we said goodbye.
Walking through the front door of my father’s small, cottage style house, I debated on telling him about everything. We didn’t keep secrets, however, I knew if I told him about Aidan he would stress about it. It looked as if I would have to keep the whole marriage a secret until I could be sure he was strong enough.
As promised, the next day three nurses arrived within an hour of each other. All were really friendly and professionally capable. However, when the one nurse arrived in Yankee scrubs, Donald was sold. At least he would have someone to watch all of the games with. Two days later, Millie brought her things and moved into my old bedroom.
The day after she settled into the house, I started getting her familiar with my father's doctors and medical instructions, along with his routine. She was a quick learner.