Would Mom be with them then?

The thought made Kit’s insides churn. She wished she hadn’t had that second sliver of birthday cake. Wished she was already home in bed instead of still driving at ten o’clock at night.

Kit’s phone rang. It was Meg, her oldest sister. “Home safe?” Kit asked, answering.

“Just got back a few minutes ago. Sorry we left you with all the dishes.”

“Not a big deal. Dad helped. Gave us a chance to talk.”

“He’s okay?”

“Seemed like it. But it’s hard to tell with Dad. He doesn’t ever complain.”

Meg sighed. “He doesn’t like to burden us.”

“I know. But I almost wish he would. It’d make me feel better. Make me feel as if I was helping him somehow.”

“Maybe it’s a good thing you didn’t help him. Now you can help me.”

“What’s wrong?”

“I’m upset. I’ve been upset ever since leaving the house.”

“Mom?”

“No. Cass. Tommy. The whole baby thing.”

“It’s a mess, isn’t it?” Kit said.

“I’m worried about them. I can understand why Tommy doesn’t want to do the IVF anymore, but his stand on adoption is ridiculous.”

Kit changed lanes to let a faster car pass her. “I agree.”

“He’ll lose Cass if he’s not careful.”

“I know.”

“Now’s the time for them to explore all their options if they want to become parents. But I don’t think Tommy wants to be a parent at this point. I think he’s decided that he’s okay without kids.”

Dad had said something similar to Kit while they washed dishes. Apparently Tommy had told Dad tonight that he was ready to move forward and just get on with life, as he’d come to terms with Cass’s infertility and he was good without kids. “He’s worn out,” Kit said. “He needs a break from the focus on making babies.”

“Which is great, but Cass is a labor and delivery nurse. She wants a baby of her own. Needs to be a mom.”

Kit understood. She loved kids. It’s one of the reasons why she’d become a teacher.