This story is AU.
~*~o~*~
Marty met Todd in front of the fountain at Angel's Square. Both were on their lunch break. They had been married nearly eighteen months, but unfortunately it wasn't all sunshine and roses. Considering she was in her forties, Marty's biological clock was ticking. She wanted a baby desperately, but with Todd's intimacy issues, it hadn't happened. After several months of trying for a baby with no success, it had put a great strain on their relationship. Finally, Marty knew she must insist Todd see a counselor. As much as they loved one another, Todd had serious issues stemming from his traumatized past. He had never truly forgiven himself for having hurt her all those years ago, and as a result their love life was nearly nonexistant. When Todd did make love to her, he was always holding back as though he feared he may hurt her again. He seldom slept and never remained in the bed with Marty for long. His sleeping issues were taking a toll on him. He looked tired and worn. Marty feared that if something didn't happen to change the situation soon that their marriage could not last.
Todd was sipping coffee in front of the fountain when Marty arrived. "Hey," he said as he pulled her down on the ceramic bench right next to him.
"Hi," Marty responded. "How is your day going?"
"Not so good. I hate working with Victor. He's nothing but an ass," Todd cursed.
"I'm sorry, Todd. I know you despise him, but you just gotta make things work. The judge decided that everything you own you must share with him, considering your father's will wasn't specific and he left everything to his only male heir, unknowing that he actually had fathered twin sons."
"I know.. and I am trying to make the best of it, but damnit, I hate him," growled Todd.
"I don't want to talk about Victor. I want to talk about us."
"What about us?" Todd asked as he tensed.
"Todd, we have been trying for months to have a baby ... and for one reason or another, it just isn't happening," Marty stated quickly. "I think you know what I am talking about..."
"I don't want to talk about this."
"We HAVE TO talk about this," she insisted. "Todd, something is seriously wrong. I went to the doctor, and she said everything's fine with me. There's no reason I can't get pregnant. And you have three kids, so I know there's nothing wrong with you. There's something deeper going on... something psychological."
"Ohhh come on, Marty. I don't want to hear that shrink crap," growled Todd.
"I'm sorry, Todd... but you have to listen. I know you love me, you want to be with me, and you'd like to have a child with me... but you have issues. You can't deny it. I truly want a baby. I told you that from the very beginning when you asked me to marry you. Having another child means the world to me. Cole, my son, is locked up in prison. And I miscarried my baby with John. At my age, I need to hurry and get pregnant... and it just isn't happening. Would you consider... adopting a baby?"
Todd shook his head. "No. Marty, everything will be fine. You'll get pregnant soon. Let's not stress about this," Todd said as he tried to dismiss the subject.
"I can't get pregnant when you barely touch me!" Marty cried out, sounding almost hysterical. "I need you, Todd. Don't you get that?"
"Will you calm down?" Todd said in a hiss. "Everyone on the freakin street is going to hear you!"
"I don't give a damn. I want you to take the rest of the day off work and go home and MAKE LOVE TO ME!"
Todd stood up, throwing his coffee cup into a nearby garage can. "I can't. I have a busy day at the office and lots of stories I need to edit. I'll be home late again."
"You're always late," Marty bit out.
"Well, I own my own business and I have to-."
"Get some counseling, Todd!" Marty exclaimed. "I love you so much, but you really need some help. WE need some help! I can't go on like this anymore. I truly can't. I want the man I love back. Where is he?"
"Marty, I love you..." Todd spoke as he drew her into his arms. Gently he kissed the top of her head. "I swear to you, everything's going to be okay."
He held her a moment, then he was gone. Marty stood there with tears swimming in her dark-blue eyes. She felt like she was losing her husband, and she feared that their marriage was on the edge of destruction. She wanted to fight for him, but she just couldn't do it on her own. She needed Todd to stand up and fight as well. Alone, she was powerless. With sadness in her eyes, she left Angel's Square.
~*~o~*~
After a long day at her psychiatric practice, Marty had gone to Llanview City Park to get some fresh air. She had just sat down on a park bench when she saw someone slowly approach. To her surprise, it was Victor, Todd's twin. He was pushing a baby carriage containing his infant daughter he and Tea had named Elena Liliana Lord.
"Hey, Marty," he said as he sat down on the park bench next to her. He reached into the carriage to withdraw his dark-haired baby girl. The baby cooed and waved her arms as she looked at her daddy.
"Hi," Marty said softly. "How's the baby?"
"She's doing good... but I think she might be teething. She doesn't sleep that well at night," Victor responded.
"How about Tea and Dani?"
"Tea's great. And Dani's starting college in the fall," Victor replied.
Marty nodded because she didn't feel much like making small talk. Her earlier argument with Todd was still fresh on her mind. She loved him with all her heart, and she feared she may be losing him to his own doubts and insecurities.
"So... uhhhh... how are things going with you and Todd?" Victor questioned cautiously.
"Alright," Marty lied.
Victor sighed as he raised his daughter to his shoulder and gently patted her back. "I know there's something wrong. Marty, you can't lie to me. My brother's been insanely moody these past few weeks. I know there's something going on with the two of you," Victor stated.
"Why don't you just stay out of it, Victor? What I have with Todd is none of your business."
"Because I still care about you, believe it or not. I want you to be happy... and if he isn't making you happy, I guess I'll have to kill him..."
"Ohhh my God, you sound just like him!" Marty exclaimed as she rolled her eyes at him.
"Well, we do have identical DNA."
"Identical DNA- yes. You are both ruthless, jealous, possessive, and hot-tempered, that's for sure. But there are definite ways you are different."
"And what would that be?"
Marty just stared at Victor, refusing to answer the question. The pain in her heart was tearing her in half right now. She wanted a baby with Todd so very much, but moreover, she wanted him to give all of himself to her. It hurt her that no matter how desperately she tried to reach out to him, he always ending up pushing her away.
Marty's gaze settled on the beautiful baby in Victor's arms. His eyes lit up when he looked at his precious daughter. While he held the baby, Marty could see the part of him she had once fallen in love with; his charm and his tenderness. Seeing that precious little girl in Victor's arms, Marty longed for a baby of her own all that much more.
"What is it?" he asked as he saw her eyes fill up with tears.
"I want a baby so badly, but I fear I might not be a mother again..." Marty finally admitted.
"You and Todd are trying to have a kid?" Victor asked.
Marty nodded. "Yes... very unsuccessfully."
"What's the problem?" he questioned.
"Todd doesn't want me..." she said in a sad little whimper. Suddenly the pain overwhelmed her, and she broke down and cried. She didn't care that she was in the park and that strangers might see her tears; she was just so heartbroken.
Seeing the tears rush from her eyes, Victor took her into his embrace. He had tucked his daughter back into the carriage so he could give Marty his full attention. "How could he not want you?" he asked as he held her close. She cried on his shoulder as he caressed her hair. As he whispered words of comfort and tender endearments, she found what she had been seeking for months in the warmth of his embrace.