“Um…it’s uh… I think this is a conversation better had with your dad.”
“Marg…please.” At the crack in the girl’s voice, her heart constricted.
Releasing a weighted sigh, she gave Brooke an apologetic look as she said, “Your father and I have decided to take a break as there are some very important things that we don’t agree on.”
“But if you guys love each other, why should it matter?” Brooke asked with a shake of her head and a confused expression.
Marg sighed again. “Brooke, I do love your father, and I wish we didn’t have this thing that we just aren’t able to agree on, but I want you to know that no matter what happens, I will always be there for you.”
“This feels like the divorce all over again.”
The broken look on the young woman’s face tore at Marg.
“Brooke—”
“It’s fine.” Brooke waved her off. “I guess this is it. It was great getting to know you. Have a nice life. I won’t bother you again.”
Marg watched helplessly as the young woman hurried out the door and disappeared. A tear slipped down her cheek as her heart broke at the hurt she realized she’d inadvertently subjected Brooke to.
A hand waved in front of Marg, causing her to draw back. She shook her head, clearing her thoughts. She turned to see Cora and a few of the others staring at her in concern.
“Where did you go?” Cora asked.
“I’m sorry about that.” Marg smiled apologetically as she bypassed the question. “What are we talking about?”
“I was telling the group that Becca rolled over on her back today. Jules got it all on camera and sent it to me,” Cora beamed. She reached for her phone and scrolled to the video.
Marg watched the little baby fold her lips in concentration as she kicked her little legs. Shortly after that, she made several attempts to rock on her side until she finally made it on her back.
“Oh my gosh, she is such a cutie,” Sharon gushed. The others grinned and nodded.
“Makes me want one more.” Andrea chuckled, and the others joined in, except Marg.
“Marg, what’s wrong?” Cora asked, her brows knitted in concern. “You’re crying.”
Marg reached up to touch her cheek and felt the wetness there. “I’m sorry. I’m so sorry,” she spoke with urgency.
“Hey. It’s fine,” Andrea assured her, placing a comforting hand on her back.
“We’re here for you,” Jo said with an encouraging look. The others nodded again, concern flooding their gazes.
“Ben proposed,” she blurted.
“Wow, Marg, that’s—”
“I turned him down,” she interrupted Cora’s congratulation.
No one said anything, giving her time to explain.
“Lately, I’ve had this feeling that I should have a baby. I know I might not be able to have one naturally, but I still want to have a baby. It just feels like something that I have to do, but— but…Ben…he doesn’t want…” Marg paused and took a breath. By this time, the tears were flowing incessantly down her cheeks. “He doesn’t want any more children. So, I told him I can’t m-marry him.” Her voice cracked on the last word.
“Oh, Marg, I’m so sorry,” Cora spoke empathetically. She threw her hands over Marg’s shoulders and hugged her close. Soon the others joined in hugging her, offering her comfort.
“I ruined your girls’ night. I’m so sorry,” she apologized when they separated.
“What? No, you didn’t,” Tessa refuted.
“We’re happy that we can be here for you like this,” Jo added.
