Page 9 of Baby Makes 3

I nod. “I see.”

“When I get the lab report back, I’ll call you.”

“Thank you, Dr. Shaw.”

She leaves us, and we sit in silence for a few moments. Finally, I stand and reach for Jamie’s hand. “Let’s go.”

* * *

That evening, Jamie holds me on the sofa while I process my emotions—or at least try to. I turned off the lights, so we’re sitting in the dark. The darkness is for my benefit.

Gus lies on the floor beside the sofa, wanting to be close. He’s highly sensitive to human emotion.

“I’m so sorry,” I tell Jamie. “This isn’t how I envisioned our life together.”

Jamie, my steadfast anchor, holds me tightly. “I know you didn’t, but it’s out of our control.” He kisses my temple. “Honey, I can handle any disappointment as long as I have you. I love you, and we’re getting married. Nothing has changed. There’s more than one way to build a family. We have options.”

I know we have options, but I still feel like I’m in mourning. We’ve lost something precious. I guess I always pictured us having a little Jamie with auburn hair. Now that’s never going to happen.

* * *

The weekend comes and goes. Dr. Shaw calls Monday afternoon to confirm what I already suspect. I’m in menopause… perimenopause at least. I’ll likely have random periods for a while longer. There’s a small chance that I can still conceive.Very small, but not impossible. According to Dr. Shaw, I have fewer viable eggs now. She puts the chance of us conceiving on our own at two percent.

In other words, not likely.

For the next few days, I do my best to rally my emotions. When I hurt, Jamie hurts, and that’s the last thing I want.

On Thursday morning, Christy arrives at the studio shortly after I do.

Midmorning, she comes back into the studio. “What’s wrong?” she asks. “You’ve not been yourself all week.”

I swallow hard. “It’s okay. I’m just dealing with some disappointing news.”

“Is there anything I can do to help? Is it about Jamie?”

“No, it’s not Jamie. He’s been wonderful. No, it’s um—I found out—” I blow out a heavy breath. “Jamie and I have been trying to conceive, but—” I shake my head. “It’s not likely now. I’m in early menopause.” I take a deep breath. “We’ll get through this. It’s just tough.”

There are tears in Christy’s eyes when she says, “I’m so sorry.” And then she hugs me. “You and Jamie would be amazing parents.”

“Thanks, Christy. Maybe someday.”

Chapter 6 – Molly

“I’m expecting a delivery of supplies today,” I tell Christy. “Would you let me know when they arrive?”

“Will do,” she says as she sorts the day’s mail. She frowns. “It’s all bills.”

I laugh. “At least you only have to open them. I have topaythem.”

As I turn to head back into the studio, Christy says, “Molly, wait.”

I stop and turn back to her. “Yes?”

“Can I talk to you for a minute?”

“Sure.” Whatever she wants to talk about, it seems serious based on her expression. “What is it?”

“You’ve heard me mention my older sister, Melanie.”

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