I’d considered those ordinary relationship problems.
Now I wondered how many of his decisions relied on me eventually surrendering.
“Did you promise Heather a year of childcare because you thought I’d agree,” I asked, “or because you thought I wouldn’t be able to refuse after the wedding?”
He stared.
“You’re making me sound like some kind of monster.”
“I asked you a question.”
“I love you.”
“That wasn’t an answer.”
He moved closer.
“Look, we can compromise. Maybe you keep working part-time. Maybe Heather finds someone else to cover a few days.”
“She canceled daycare because you promised her I would do it.”
“Then we’ll have to help her for a little while.”
“We?”
He raised both hands in frustration.
“Do you have to challenge every word I say?”
Tears gathered in my eyes.
Not because he’d raised his voice, but because I was recognizing qualities I’d refused to acknowledge.
