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AFTER THE RICE by Wendy French

AFTER THE RICE

by Wendy French

Pub Date: April 1st, 2006
ISBN: 0-765-31376-6
Publisher: Forge

Frazzled newlywed craves time alone with her husband, but their farcical families—and, on a less-silly note, her body—refuse to obey her wishes.

For the most part, Megan Ismore's life is pretty darn good. She's been married for ten months to the man of her dreams, Matt; they own a vintage bungalow; and she's finally returned to college. Beware smooth waters. Out of nowhere, her older sister has a meltdown and foists her “Pink Tyrant” of an infant off on Megan, and her younger patchouli-drenched sister takes over the Ismores’ living room while Matt's disgusting alcoholic Uncle Tony moves into the basement. Oh, and her in-laws have inconveniently scheduled an anniversary dinner at the same time the young couple is expected to be at her great-aunt's home. And what the heck is going on with Megan’s little dog? But these troubles seem like nothing after Megan discovers that she’s late—and, as she puts it, “not for the bus.” The thing is, this is not just a matter of bad timing. The newlyweds have decided they never want kids. Ever. After a bout of denial, Megan tries to come to terms with the issue on her own. As one of her best friends babbles on enthusiastically about how she is trying to get pregnant, Megan half-heartedly convinces herself that she actually likes babies and even visualizes herself with a little one in tow. However, as the days go on, the cloud of overwhelming dread simply won't lift. And with so many people clamoring for attention, Megan is having a difficult time finding a spare moment to talk to the one person who must help her with this decision: her husband.

French effortlessly takes on a heavy personal dilemma without diminishing the fun.