Page 17 of A Love So Sweet

“How did you know?”

“I was there when Dr. Corvine told you about the benefits, remember? And I could see the worry all in your eyes. I knew it wouldn’t be long before you voiced your frustration if the time came. But if it makes you feel any better, I don’t think you should worry about it.”

“You don’t?”

“No, I don’t. Maybe you should look into the benefits of using baby formula, and that may help you calm your fears.”

“I don’t know.”

“Where are our options?”

“A milk bank?”

“A milk bank.”

“Yeah. New mothers who have an overflow of breast milk sometimes donate that milk to a milk bank, and it’s there for mothers who want to feed their children breastmilk but don’t have that option.”

“Do you think that is something you would be comfortable using?

“No,” she said plainly. “But I figured if it’s a thing, then it must be safe, right?”

“Possibly. Maybe we should do more research before we make a decision.”

“I’m sorry.”

“What are you sorry about?”

“I want to be a great mother, and it already seems as if I’m failing at that. I’ve been a mother all of what… a week?”

Allison sulked, and Lance embraced her firmly. “Beauty, please don’t be so hard on yourself. You’re doing fine—and using all the resources provided for us. No one expects you to be perfect, not even Malakai. But he does want you to feed him, so whichever decision you think you’ll be most comfortable with, let me know, and we can go from there, okay?”

“Alright.”

Lance kissed her on her face and left the room.

Ring!

“Hello.”

“Heeeey. I tried to give you some space before calling to bombard you with questions, but I’m dying to know how you’re doing,” Bri said.

Allison sighed. “I’m exhausted. But besides that, I’m also out of breast milk. So, I’m considering going to a milk bank to feed Malakai.”

“Oh. You don’t sound so happy about that.”

“Would you be if you had to feed your child with another woman’s milk?”

“It’s safe to do so, or it wouldn’t be possible.”

“That’s not the point.”

“Hey, I get it. Trust me, I do. It’s a bonding moment, and it’s precious. Normally, you would want to hold on to that but, it won’t make your connection with Malakai any different.”

“That’s what I keep telling myself.”

“It’s true. What does Lance think about it?”

“He wants to make sure I’m comfortable with whichever decision we make. I hate to sound like I’m whining, but I can’t help but feel like a lesser mother by not being able to provide the very nutrients he needs, you know?”

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