Mark had now made it onto the sofa and was watching TV in a dressing gown. “Hello cutie.” His words softer and more affectionate than his gruff vo...ce would want to let on.“Hi,” Katie replied, but the smallest suggestion of her giddiness was betrayed in her voice.Mark turned off the TV and looked up casually.“Ah, I see you’ve been out."“Yeah, I got some milk,” Katie said, as coyly as she could, holding up the milk and making a half-hearted attempt to hide her revealing outfit by standing behind. By the time I stopped the tractor and stood to take a step to the ground – I was shaking all over. The crowd cheered and clapped until I waved them off, like there was nothing to it – like I knew what I was doing. Then, I looked around to find Lucia. She was smiling and waving to me as I walked back toward the flatcar.I waved for Tom to come up with us and he waved back to tell me no, shaking his head.I motioned for Alejandro to sit on the tractor so Joaquin could start this one. He was even. I could avert this happening, at least this time, by tendering her the meaningless and empty apology she was seeking from me.I had little doubt, if I'd been willing to put it to a vote, that all the other wives would vote for me to give Brenda her apology. In my place, Joyce wouldn't even have to think before doing so. She was more practical than I, and untroubled by having to cater to some of Brenda's special needs."If I went over there, I'd resent having to do it. I'd feel like I was being. .. especially when they're not really sure why they're getting divorced." I know why I'm getting divorced," I said evenly. I felt unclean, though. I felt ... broken."Of course you do," he said agreeably. "Otherwise you wouldn't be here. I suppose your proof of wrong-doing is in that folder on your lap. I want you to know right now that we're in a no fault divorce state; it means you don't have to have a reason for the divorce. I don't need to see your proof and I really don't want to see it.".