Just Breathe. Susan Wiggs

wanted to keep her pain private. “After Jack’s treatments ended,” she went on, “getting pregnant was my main goal in life.” Hearing herself speak the words, she felt a twinge. When had her priorities shifted from her marriage to her reproductive system?

      “Anyway, I’m not,” she said quickly, knowing this conversation was going to be a challenge, “and I’ll take that beer.” She took a swig, savoring her first gulp. God, it had been too long. “For the past year, I’ve been undergoing artificial insemination.”

      He cleared his throat. “You mean Jack couldn’t…because of his cancer?”

      She looked out across the water. “The doctors always encouraged us to set positive goals during treatment, the logic being that every reason for him to get better reinforced his recovery.”

      “I’m not sure it’s a baby’s job to be that reason.”

      Sarah felt a stirring of defensiveness. “We wanted to start a family, same as any other couple.” After all that had happened, she was forced to examine her real motives. Deep down, she had known for a long time that something was wrong, something that having a child would not fix.

      “So anyway,” she said, trying to get the conversation back on track, “I might as well celebrate my new freedom.” She tipped her beer in his direction. “And I promise, that’s all the detail you’ll get from me.”

      Clearly relieved, he slumped back on his seat. “You’ve had a tough break, kiddo.”

      “I hope it’s not too weird, me telling you this stuff.”

      “It’s weird,” he admitted. “But I’ll deal with it.”

      She ducked her head to hide a smile. Her father was a Marin man, through and through, trying to be sensitive.

      “You warm enough?” he asked.