Wallpaper Paste — P.J. Hoge

Matt and Diane Harrington were settling into their newly married life. Diane's past had been hampered by a dysfunctional childhood, an abusive early marriage, and physical violence at the hands of her in-laws and even her own mother. Now she had a good, happy marriage, a relationship with her brother and her wonderful friends, and a great relationship with Matt's family. All she needed to complete her happiness was to have a child.

She had been pregnant while she was married to Dean. After a beating with a fireplace poker from her then mother-in-law, Diane not only lost her infant son but sustained serious damage to her ability to have another child. Matt was supportive, and he understood her position. He told her that she was more important to him. They could adopt. He didn't want to lose her.

She had always craved to be like the other girls. To her, this was the most important thing. She wanted to fix up a nursery, talk about baby showers, and then have the pride of handing a child to her wonderful Matt. Matt was reluctant, but he relented. He knew how much it meant to her.