Shane knelt down beside her, brushed her tousled tendrils from her face and engaged her in a passionate kiss. “Dinner first,” she whispered, her lips still pressed to Molly’s. Standing up, she quickly slid the pamphlets from the table and pocketed them, realizing that now was not the best time to talk to Molly about adopting given how tired she was.

            After dinner, Shane and Molly submerged themselves in a bath of lavender bubbles. Shane traced Molly’s arms and shoulders with her fingers, as Molly closed her eyes and rested her head against Shane’s chest.

            “Sleepy?” Shane asked, as she pressed a kiss to Molly’s temple.

            “Mmmmhmmm,” Molly moaned. “Tell me about your day,” she continued, groggily.

            Shane waited a moment before answering. She pondered to herself whether now was the time to mention that she went to the adoption agency. Deciding that now was as good a time as any, Shane began, “Nothing terribly exciting at school today. But, I did make a special stop on the way home.”

            “Yeah?” Molly asked, her eyes still closed.

            “Yeah. I stopped by the adoption agency to pick up some information,” Shane replied, as she lowered her head to rest her lips upon Molly’s shoulder.

            “Oh, good.”

            “I also got us an application. The lady there said it’s never too early to fill one out.”

            Molly’s eyes flew open as she turned her head to look at Shane. “Already? You want to fill out an application already?”

            A bit taken aback, Shane stammered, “Yeah, why not? What’s stopping us from expanding our family?”

            In one quick movement, Molly suddenly stood up and jumped out of the tub. “I’m just not ready for that yet, Shane.” She grabbed a towel and vigorously began to dry off.

            “What do you mean?” Shane asked, as she stepped out of the tub as well. After wrapping a towel around her waist, she took a hold of Molly’s shoulders and turning her to face her, said, “You seemed fine with the idea last night.”

            “I didn’t realize you meant NOW. I just thought we were talking. And that was something for our future.”

            Clearly puzzled, Shane searched Molly’s eyes trying to understand. Sensing Shane’s confusion, Molly continued. “It’s just that I found something I’m really good at and I-I-I just don’t think I want to have a baby right now.”

            “But it’s not off the table forever, right?” Shane asked, hesitantly.

            “No. Just not now,” Molly replied, sincerely, as she took Shane’s hand. “You know I want to have a family with you, but I’m just not ready for a baby yet. Is that okay with you?”

            Somewhat crushed, but not wanting Molly to know, Shane replied half heartedly, “Yeah.” She kissed Molly quickly on the cheek and grabbing another towel, began to dry her hair as she walked out of the bathroom, leaving Molly just standing there.