Peggy had been called upon for ‘grandmother duty’ each month for the past three so she was as familiar with Tina’s cycle as the couple. She now planned for Angie’s sleepovers with a variety of activities to keep the eight-year-old entertained. They had done a lot of work on Angie’s ‘memory quilt’ and have really bonded in a special way.

Bette and Peggy were just wrapping things up at the foundation when Peggy came into Bette’s office.

“Hello darling. Are you about ready to get out of here?”

“I am.” Bette said looking up and removing her reading glasses.

“I have an early birthday present for you. It was just delivered.”

“What is it?”

Peggy hands over a large manila envelope. Bette opens it to find travel documents for a Cruise to the Panama Canal. She’s always wanted to take Tina on a cruise and this one would be unforgettable. She was very excited about it until she saw the dates.

“Peggy we can’t go on these dates. If Tina’s cycle remains as predictable as it has been for the past several months she will be ovulating during that time. We need to be home for the insemination.”

“Bette I’ve kept Angie during ovulation time for the past three months. You’ve already arranged for me to keep her this month. Don’t you think I’ve become familiar with Tina’s cycle as well?”

“Of course, which is why I’m surprised you would have booked a cruise right in the middle of it.”

“You can’t put your life on hold. Take the trip and just trust me. I’ve taken care of everything.”

“Peggy, I love you for doing this. I would love to take the trip but having a baby is very important to both Tina and me. We’ve purposely postponed a birthday getaway as we think it’s too soon in the process to not try at every opportunity. We can’t not inseminate this month. It’s that last one that we’re doing at home. If it doesn’t work, we’re going back to Dr. Wilson.”

“Sweetheart will you please trust me and take the trip? You always say you can’t deny me anything so don’t start now.”

Peggy could be persuasive, and Bette had found there was no point in arguing with her once she’d made up her mind about something. “I’ll talk it over with Tina. It’ll be totally up to her.”