The first year of their marriage was everything the young bride dreamed it would be. She and Robert were happy and, despite not having a society wedding, they were at the top of the informal Philadelphia social registry. The position, and attention it brought, didn't mean anything to Carolyn, but the elevated status pleased Robert, so she was happy for his sake.

Their daughter, Candace Elizabeth, was born a few weeks after their first anniversary. The baby was named after Robert's paternal grandmother, but he didn't bothered to consult his wife. He told her what he'd named her, after the baby's name was registered. Carolyn called their daughter Candy, believing 'Candace' was too formal for their bundle of joy. Her parents were relieved and thrilled at the arrival of their healthy little 'Candy.'" The Muirs turned up their noses at the nickname, and refused to use it, believing the name was too common for a Muir grandchild. Despite her being named after his mother, Ralph's disappointment that Candace wasn't a boy was obvious, and he blamed his son's wife for that failure.

Carolyn fell easily into her new role and doted on her blonde haired, blue eyed little one. Robert kept his distance. She suspected he, like his father, was disappointed the baby wasn't a boy. He didn't say anything specifically, it was the impression she got from his behavior. She thought he would eventually warm up to their new addition, but he took no interest in the baby at all. He considered the care and feeding of their daughter the responsibility of her mother alone.

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Candy was sixteen months old when Carolyn began to recognize the signs that she was with child again. Wanting to be sure, she waited another month before sharing the news with Robert. When she did tell him, his reaction was not at all what she expected. He said all the right things, but something was off. His eyes didn't match his words. They almost appeared flat, uninterested – even annoyed. His continued lack of interest in Candy, and his reaction to her latest news, worried Carolyn, but she convinced herself she was imagining things and began making preparations for the new baby.

As the months passed, her figure expanded, but being petite, she didn't put on any excess pounds, it was all baby weight. Robert feigned interest in their 'son' – he was confident it was a boy this time – but she still thought something wasn't right. He never talked about the baby, unless she brought up the subject, and he was spending more time away from the family. When he was home, he didn't pay much attention to his wife or daughter. Lately, if he spoke to Carolyn, it was only in a perfunctory manner.

Finally admitting her concern to herself, Carolyn worked up the courage to speak to him about her fears.

"You're imagining things," he replied unpleasantly. "Of course I'm excited about the baby, especially if you give me a boy this time. I'm not here a lot because I'm busy at work, that's all!" He raised his voice almost to shouting. "You being in 'the family way' is not easy for me, you know. Look at you! You're fat, you're tired, irritable, needy, and suspicious about every little thing I do, or say. When I come home, Candace is always in the way, making noise, and demanding your attention. Is it any wonder I prefer to spend more time away from here?"

His disparaging remarks were like a slap in the face. Refusing to let him see the affect his words had on her, she left him in the parlor without saying a word. On her way upstairs, she heard the front door slam as he left the house.

A few minutes later, sitting in the rocker, next to the crib, her hand caressed the baby she was carrying, while her toddler slept nearby. With tears running down her cheeks, Carolyn wondered what she was going to do. Her husband left no doubt of his true feelings about her, and their growing family.

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She saw little of Robert the next few weeks, but when he did return, his conduct was much improved. He apologized to her for his atrocious behavior, blamed it on pressure at the office, and begged her forgiveness. He made a point to be home in the evenings, and began giving his wife the attention and consideration she had been accustomed to earlier in their marriage. She didn't know what brought about the change but was relieved things were no longer as stressful as they had become. She was no fool, though. He had destroyed any trust she had in him.

Unbeknownst to Carolyn, Ralph Muir had gotten wind of his son's latest indiscretion and put his foot down. He threatened to reduce Robert's salary if he didn't keep his fly buttoned and play the role of the good husband and father. The Muir Company was negotiating a major expansion, and Brad Williams' bank was handling the financing. The elder Muir did not want anything to interfere with those plans. If they fell through, it would cost the business hundreds of thousands of dollars, if not millions.

Even though Robert was treating her better, and spending more time at home, Carolyn still found herself saddened and concerned by her husband's indifference toward their children. His attitude made her feel as if he'd be much happier without them. Could a father really not be interested in his own child because she was a girl? Would his behavior be any different if the new baby were a boy? How much worse would it get if the baby was another girl? She wanted answers but was afraid to talk to him. She knew it wouldn't take much to throw their lives into turmoil again. So the balancing act she maintained every day continued.

A short time later, things changed in quick succession on several fronts. Robert deemed they needed a bigger house to show off their increasing affluence. By this time, she was used to his inflated ego and need to feel important. Moving was the last thing on her mind, but she didn't want to rock the boat, so they moved to a bigger house, in a more prestigious neighborhood. Then, after they were barely settled, her confinement began to prove far more difficult than the first. Carolyn had several false alarms, with contractions in her sixth month,, and was ordered to bed by her doctor. She wouldn't be able to care for Candy, or herself. They were going to have to hire someone to come in to help take care of their toddler, and the bedridden mother-to-be.