SAVING MY MARRIAGE

SAVING MY MARRIAGE CHAPTER 8

Chapter 8 (Our Decision)

"It was a beautiful Sunday morning. We started the day as usual, kneeling down to thank God for his goodness in our lives.

Ten months had passed, and there was still no sign of me getting pregnant. Tony hadn't changed a bit, making me wonder if he actually descended from heaven. Despite the concerns about my pregnancy, his heavenly qualities persisted."

The drive to church was spirit-filled. My husband decided to light up the atmosphere with beautiful Gospel music, soothing to my ears. My mum had been calling me, using my dad's number, but I had been avoiding her calls.

When we arrived at the church, during the service, a little girl came toward us and was being all cozy, wanting Tony to carry her. He did, and she became relaxed in his arm. I mustered a smile.

"How I wished she was mine" I thought to myself, staring at the alter as if I might catch a glimpse of God and his angels.

Tony sensed my uneasiness and quickly stretched out his arm to pat my back, making me smile. His touch was reassuring, as if saying, 'All will be well.'

At the end of the service, the little girl's father came to collect her from us. As the girl was handed back to her father, Tony slipped a sum of money into her hand, beaming a kind smile.

Tony's eyes followed the little girl as she waved to him with a smile. I could see the longing on Tony's face, as if he was thinking, 'I want a baby girl.' He turned to me, holding my hand as we walked in silence to the car. Yes! I caught him my heart hurts.

Upon arriving home, we were greeted by Grandma and Great. They had been waiting for our return, Great ran towards me with a broad smile as soon as he saw me stepping out of the car.

"My baby," I said, my mood lightening as I grabbed him to myself.

"Mum, you didn't tell us you were coming." Tony sounded firm and displeased

"Babe..." I whispered, raising my eyebrows in silent inquiry, hoping he would realize the inappropriateness of his reaction.

Instantly, he suppressed his anger and greeted Mama politely.

"Welcome, my son, and how are you, my daughter?" Mama asked as we walked into our apartment.

I observed that Great and Tony were not making any eye contact, with Great attention completely focused on me.

Tony acted as if Great didn't exist in the room, we had a long conversation. Eventually, it was time for them to leave, but Great clung to me, refusing to go home with Mama.

"Would you behave yourself!" Tony shouted at Great, his tone gruff and harsh, causing Great to flinch.

My mind raced with questions. What was wrong with Tony? Could it have been related to the little girl at church?. I brushed my hand through Great's hair in a gentle attempt to comfort him."

"I'll come see you soon, my baby" I assured Great with a reassuring smile, which he returned with a nod and they left.

Grandma and Great visitation really lightened the once boring atmosphere.

I really need to talk to Tony, yes! I had to.

Entering the apartment, I found Tony in the kitchen. He'd left us after shouting at Great, or perhaps hunger had driven him here, I speculated.

"Babe..." I called approaching him from behind

‘My love,’ he responded, his voice soft and tender as always, making me wonder if he was indeed the same man who had shouted at Great some minutes ago.

Wrapping my arms around his waist in a loving embrace, I listened to his lighthearted banter as he prepared his culinary masterpieces. His humor made me laugh wholeheartedly, easing the tension that had been building in the air.

As night descended, my mind was still preoccupied with the need to have a conversation with my husband. We couldn't continue like this forever

Approaching the bedroom, I found Tony lying on the bed, his gaze fixed on the ceiling. What was on his mind, I wondered.

I sat on the bed next to him and said

"Tony, we need to talk" His eyes shifted to me, and he seemed surprised, as if he hadn't heard me enter the room.

He moved closer, his hand engulfing mine in a tender gesture.

"My love, is everything okay?" he inquired, his eyes never leaving mine.

"Not..hing" I stammered, then continued

"Babe, nothing is okay." My words hung in the air, heavy with the weight of my unspoken concerns.

"I saw the way you were looking at that little girl" I confessed, my eyes welling up with tears.

Tony sat up and gently pressed his lips to my eyes, as if to physically absorb my pain.

"Shhh, it's okay" he murmured, his voice soothing yet also brimming with unsaid emotion.

"I'm sorry if I hurt you,’ he whispered, attempting to kiss my lips. His reaction seemed lighthearted, as if he thought I was joking.

I quickly placed my hands on his lips to stop his advances. Tony's smile faded, replaced by a somber expression.

"Babe, what if Great come stay with us?" I suggested. Immediately, Tony's mood shifted.

"What's wrong?" I asked, sensing his uneasiness.

He took a deep breath and responded in a composed voice, "Grandma needs him more, my love."

The thought of taking Great away from his grandmother flitted across my mind, and while I understood Tony’s perspective, it didn’t feel right to me.

I nodded slowly, yet dissatisfied

"But I really want a baby" I whispered, my voice shaking. Tony’s arms enveloped me in a tight embrace.

"Tony, please let go of me. I need you to hear me and share your thoughts with me, not just hold me" I said firmly

I really want Tony to express his thoughts.

"We can find a surrogate" I blurted out, watching Tony's expression turn to shock.

I stumbled over my words, repeating myself, 'I mean, we can get a surrogate" my voice faltering as my eyes welled up with tears.

"But I don't think it's necessary, my love" he started, ‘God’s timing is the best’.

"And heaven helps those who help themselves!" I interrupted, raising my head to look him straight in the eye.

My voice was assertive, reflecting the strength of my conviction and my desire to be heard.

"Hmmm babe" Tony murmured, maintaining his calm demeanor. After a brief pause, he added, "Alright, I’m in." A small, reluctant smile touched the corner of his lips.

As Tony’s words sank in, I threw my arms around him, whispering ‘thank you’ into his ear, my voice thick with gratitude and relief.

"Anything for you, baby" he whispered, placing a tender kiss on my forehead.

That night, I slept with a lightness of heart that I hadn’t known in years. My baby, after eight long years of waiting, was finally on their way. My joy knew no bounds.

I was finally happy.