The words hit me like a physical blow. I blink once.

“What?” My voice comes out too soft. He turns to face me.

“You heard me.” His eyes are strangely hollow. “You can’t have both. If you’re planning to run back to him…” He swallows. “then tell me now so I can prepare the kids.”

Prepare them for what? For losing the only mother they’ve ever known? For watching their world split apart?

My heart twists painfully.

“I… gave them birth” I whisper.

“That’s ...