Chapters 22, 23 and 24 Summary

Dolores makes an appointment for an abortion but is torn. She is certain the baby is a girl and she begins referring to her as Vita Marie. She toys with the idea of slipping away and having the child but fears that she'll lose Dante during that time. She finally makes a list of the things she loves about Dante—his hands, voice, sex, dedication to work, "he loves me back" and "he made me somebody new". She weighs that against things she loves about Vita Marie and has nothing on that side of her list. Dante goes on a skiing trip the day after Christmas while Dolores stays at home and prepares for the abortion. Mrs. Wing, the landlady, goes with Dolores for her appointment. Dante then asks Dolores to marry him. Dolores is emotionally drained and aches for...