The day Joey was to have her tubal ligation finally came. She was extremely excited, but she was also tired since she had to get up early. Alessandro took her to the hospital, where they listened to the doctor tell them how the procedure would go. Joey dressed in a hospital gown, and she was taken into another room, where she was given anesthetics.

When Joey woke up, the doctor told her that the surgery had been successful. She was able to go home that day and was told not to do anything strenuous, which was fine with her since she was really sore. Alessandro took her home, and she slept the rest of the day.

Recovery took only a week. During that time, Mr. Peabody would stay while Alessandro was gone. Both her father and her husband took very good care of her while her body was healing.

One Saturday after Joey was well enough to leave her home, Mr. Peabody took her out to lunch for a father-daughter outing. As they ate, the canine asked, "How are feeling, Josephine?"

Joey smiled. "I feel amazing! I am so happy that I don't have to worry about getting pregnant at all. My mind is at ease."

Mr. Peabody smiled. "I am so glad to hear that. All I want is your happiness."

"I am happy, Daddy. I have a great husband, a wonderful father, a nice home, and I'm going to school to have the career of my dreams. I couldn't ask for anything more."

"I am proud of you, Josephine. You have come so far, and your life has gotten better. You deserve all the success and joy you have received and will continue to receive."

"Thank you, Daddy," Joey said, and they hugged.

Later, Mr. Peabody took Joey home. She found that Alessandro, his parents, and Christy were waiting for her. Christy went to Joey and hugged her. Joey saw that there was a homemade cake on the table. "What's going on?" Joey asked.

Alessandro kissed her. "We wanted to celebrate you getting well from your surgery."

Joey smiled. "You guys didn't have to do this."

Alessandro's mother said, "We know the surgery was important to you, and we all wanted to show you our support."

Alessandro served the cake, and everyone complimented Mr. Peabody, for he was the one who made it. Various conversations were made. Christy talked about law school and her new boyfriend that she had met there. Alessandro's parents talked about their hobbies and careers, and Mr. Peabody talked about an invention he was currently working on.

Joey sat back and took in the whole scene. She was so thankful that she had people who loved and supported her. The pain of her childhood lessened with each new memory that was made with someone who mattered to her. Life would never be perfect, but she cherished moments like this and would try to keep them in mind any time she questioned if life was worth living. She had her answer in front of her.

It was.