Her voice rang with self-righteous conviction. "My son has already given your family two children! Asking for a million is perfectly reasonable!"
I turned to Jim, my expression dark.
"Jim Fox! I had no idea your mother was still setting you up with other families while I was in labor giving birth to your children!"
Jim pressed his lips together and kept his head down.
"I didn't know. I really didn't know."
I drew a deep breath and said it outright.
"Jim Fox, I'm only going to ask you once! Today, right now, do you choose me or your mother?"
"If you're any kind of man, if you still care about me at all, then sign the papers and change the kids' last name!"
Amelia's face flushed scarlet. She threw herself onto the floor, thrashing and wailing.
"You're standing right in front of me, turning my own son against me! What kind of daughter-in-law does that?!"
"Don't test me! I'll make him divorce you!"
My expression went cold. I looked straight at Jim, enunciating every word.
"Fine. If you won't sign, then we're getting a divorce."
Jim dropped to his knees beside my hospital bed, tears streaming down his face.
"Honey, I don't want a divorce..."