Larissa Judson and Haskell Palmer novel Chapter 486

“During that time, we were often apart, but we stayed together and eventually got married.”

“So why did you stop designing, Mom?” Larissa asked.

Sapphira’s gaze drifted around the soft, pink-hued room she had decorated for her daughter. The smile faded from her eyes, replaced by a shadow of sorrow.

“Because after your father and I got married, we tried for a long time to have a child, but nothing happened. Your grandfather thought it was because I was always working late at the studio, that the stress was affecting me. He suggested I quit and focus on resting and preparing my body.”

Larissa’s admiration quickly turned to sympathy. So that was it. To have a child, women often had to make immense sacrifices.

Sapphira looked down. “Your father was very respectful of my wishes. He said if I loved my job, I didn’t have to give it up for the sake of having a baby.”

“But the more he supported me, the guiltier I felt. I was almost thirty-five by then, and I really did want to have a child with him. So, I listened to your grandfather and stayed home to focus on my health.”

“I don’t know if I saved the universe in a past life or what, but I can’t believe I was lucky enough to be loved by a man like your father,” Sapphira said, her eyes welling up with tears. “I admit, I was selfish. I love him so much. When he chose to endure all the gossip and criticism to stay with me, I clung to him. I wanted to be his wife until the day I died.”

“Before you came back to the Judson family, not a day went by that I didn’t feel like I had failed him, that because of my flawed body, he couldn’t have a child of his own…”

Larissa moved to sit beside her mother. “Mom,” she said, her eyes serious, “if you really want to have a child with Dad, I can…”