Cupid's Christmas (Serendipity #3)(55)

“If I were you, I’d divorce him,” Olivia growled once she’d heard the story.

Francine started to cry even harder. “Oh, yeah,” she sobbed, “and just what am I supposed to do with all these kids?” Just then Joe Junior, the eldest of the bunch, punched his brother in the face and a new level of wailing ensued.

Suddenly Olivia could see the bars of an invisible cage and she told herself that this was the truth of what happened. First came the itch, then the babies, then a woman was forever locked into a lifetime of drudgery. It happened to Francine; a woman who’d once worn chiffon dresses and polished pink fingernails, a woman who’d read poetry and loved music. It happened because Francine allowed it to happen. She’d donned a white satin gown and pranced down the aisle like a happy cow unknowingly headed for the slaughter house. If it happened to Francine, it could happen to anybody.

Two weeks later, Olivia slipped the diamond ring from her finger and returned it to Herbert. She claimed that although she cared for him, marriage was simply out of the question.

“But, sweetheart,” he said bewilderedly, “have I offended you? Have I done something to cause such a change of heart?”

“No,” she answered, “I’ve simply come to the realization that marriage and children are not for me.” She then kissed poor Herbert and escorted him to the door saying it was her hope they could remain friends.

“Friends?” Herbert replied, but by then she’d closed the door.