Book <b>2 </b>Icing
Two weekster, Emma found herself in Katie’s living room, surrounded by children’s toys and family photos. What had begun as a formal surrogacy consideration had evolved into something more personal–a genuine connection between two women with different life experiences but shared understanding.
“Tim took the kids to his mother’s so we could talk,” Katie exined, serving tea in mismatched mugs. “Though I apologize for the dinosaur invasion in the living room.” <fn864b> Read full story at find(?)ovel</fn864b>
Emma smiled at the stic triceratops on the coffee table. “It’s nice, actually. Seeing a real family home.”
“As opposed to a magazine–perfect one?” Katieughed. “Definitely real here. Complete with crayon on the walls and mysterious sticky spots on every surface.”
The casual warmth of Katie’s home contrasted sharply with the formal meeting rooms and medical offices that had dominated Emma’s fertility journey so far. Here, surrounded by evidence of family life, the possibility of parenthood felt tangible.
<b>“</b>Alek couldn’t make it?” Katie asked, settling beside Emma on the sofa.
“Board meeting,” Emma exined. “He sends his apologies.”
“Men and their schedules,” Katie said with good–natured understanding. “Tim’s the same way -always on call for emergencies.”
Emma sipped her tea, gathering courage for the real reason for her visit. “We’ve been discussing moving forward. With surrogacy, I mean. With you, if you’re still interested.”
Katie’s face brightened. “Really? I’d be honored.”
“We still have questions,” Emma rified. “About the process, expectations, boundaries.”
“Ask away,” Katie encouraged. “Total honesty is the only way this works.”
For the next hour, they discussed practical and emotional aspects of surrogacy–medical protocols,munication during pregnancy, involvement in doctor’s appointments, delivery ns. Katie answered with straightforward rity that gradually eased Emma’s lingering doubts,
“Some intended parents prefer distance,” Katie exined. “But in my experience, being involved throughout the pregnancy helps with bonding. I’d wee your participation as much as you’refortable with.”
Book 2 Icing
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“I’d want that,” Emma said, surprising herself with the certainty. “To be part of everything.”
“And Alek?”
Emma hesitated. “He’s more protective of boundaries. Worried about blurring lines or imposing on your family.”
“Amon concern for partners,” Katie nodded understandingly. “But this journey works best when everyone finds theirfort level. Some fathers connect <i>more </i>after birth, others want to attend every appointment.”
As their conversation continued, Emma felt increasing certainty that they’d found the right person to help build their family. Katie’s warmth, professionalism, and obvious joy in parenthood created a foundation of trust that made the clinical aspects of surrogacy feel
human.
Emma’s phone buzzed with a text from Alek: Meeting runningte. Everything ok with Katie?
Better than ok, she replied. I think we’ve found our surrogate.
His response came immediately: That’s wonderful news. Can’t wait to hear details. Love you.
The simple message warmed her. Their journey through grief toward this new possibility had strengthened rather than weakened their bond.
“Good news?” Katie asked, noting Emma’s smile.
“Alek’s excited about moving forward,” Emma exined.
“Excellent timing,” Katie said. “Because I have something to tell you.”
She retrieved a folder from a drawer, sitting back beside Emma. “I had my medical screening updatedst week. Perfect health, hormone levels ideal.”
“That’s great,” Emma said, relieved.
“The doctor said we could begin the process whenever you’re ready,” Katie continued. “With your egg retrieval, then fertilization, then transfer.”
The reality of what they were discussing suddenly hit Emma–creating a life, their child, with this woman’s help. The magnitude of it brought unexpected tears to her eyes.
“Sorry,” she blinked rapidly. “It just became very real.”
“It’s overwhelming,” Katie acknowledged, squeezing her hand. “Beautiful and terrifying all at
once.”
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As Emma left Katie’s home that afternoon, she felt lighter than she had in months. Not healedpletely from their loss, but moving forward toward something new and hopeful.
She called Alek from the car. “She’s perfect,” she said when he answered. “I think we should
move ahead.”
“You’re certain?” His voice held no pressure, only support.
“I am,” Emma confirmed. “She makes it feel… right. Like we’re creating family, just in an unexpected way.”
“Then let’s do it,” Alek said, joy evident in his tone. “I’ll call the agency tomorrow.”
Emma smiled, feeling something long–frozen inside her begin to thaw. “I can’t wait to tell Grandpa. He’s been not–so–subtly hinting about great–grandchildren since I was twenty.”
“One step at a time,” Alek cautioned with augh. “But yes, this is definitely worth
celebrating.”
As Emma drove home, past families in parks enjoying the summer evening, she allowed herself to imagine their future–a child with Alek’s blue eyes perhaps, or her stubborn chin. A family built through science andpassion rather than traditional means, but no less real
for it.
Some obstacles in life, like icing in hockey, required adjustment rather than abandonment of the y. This wasn’t the path she’d originally envisioned, but it was beginning to feel like exactly the right one.
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