“That’s all right, Mama. Odell and I had a long conversation when he called me today. I even asked him if he wanted to go with me to see them before he went to see his daddy. He said something about them going fishing before it gets too dark, so that’s why he headed out there right after he dropped off this week’s profits. If he comes back to get his muffler before y’all leave, make sure he wraps it around his neck real good so it won’t fall off again. You know how he always catches colds quicker than anybody else. And he’s been feeling under the weather enough lately.”

“I will. Well, you just be careful over at that place. Me and your daddy sure would hate to read about you in the newspaper. Before we come home after supper, we’ll swing by your house to make sure you made it home in one piece.”

“Mama, stop worrying about me. Y’all don’t have to come check on me tonight. I’ll be just fine.”

“Joyce, you spend so much time by yourself, how can we not worry about you? If only you had some kids to keep you company. . .”

I rolled my eyes and sucked in a deep breath. I knew where this conversation was going. My head started throbbing as soon as Mama started talking again.

“Joyce, your marriage won’t be complete until you give Odell a child.”

“I know, Mama,” I muttered with a heavy sigh. I wanted to get off this subject as fast as I could, so I blurted out, “Some of us just need more time. You were in your late forties before you got pregnant with me—after trying for decades.” That shut her up for the time being. But I knew the subject would come up again real soon. Her words were still ringing in my ears as I started walking faster toward my house.

I was concerned about the toll being fatherless was having on Odell. My poor sweetie never complained about it, but I knew he was disappointed in me. Whenever he was around other folks’ kids, he got downright giddy. Children loved visiting the store because they knew he’d give them free play-pretties, candy, and anything else they wanted. But Odell was more patient than my parents. I was confident he would give me a little more time to fulfill his biggest dream.