It wasn’t a question until recently. Marie checked the epidural box the moment she agreed to have a child. Actually, that’s not true. Our first discussion went beyond an epidural. In the summer of 2022, Marie and I went to Maple & Ash to have a state of the union-type dinner. Generally, we try to keep things light. Usually our dates don’t have an agenda, but that meal was different. It had an agreed upon purpose. We were going to soberly — at least, at first — discuss the possibility of procreation. It was an adult decision, and we were taking it seriously. We openly considered the life we could have, both with and without children.
Nice end to this essay!