Page 70 of Planned Seduction
“Maggie and I had a meeting with them,” Miranda said. “They’ve decided to go ahead with artificial insemination through the clinic. They’re using a known donor, a gay friend of theirs.”
“Are they aware of the legal rights the man will have once the child is born?” Amy asked.
“Fully. So is the donor. That’s why we’re here. We’d like him to receive counseling before he makes his donation. He’s indicated his willingness to give up parental rights, but both women want to make sure he’s 100 percent okay with his choice.”
“And you’d like me to counsel him?”
Miranda nodded. “It wouldn’t be ethical for me to work with him, not when I’ve seen the couple. He needs someone objective.”
“I’ll do it with pleasure.” She’d wished she was involved in this case, and now here was her opportunity. Besides, it would give her something to focus on apart from Daniel. “What time frame are we looking at?”
“The sooner you see him, the sooner we can start the treatment,” Maggie said.
“All the details are in here?” She held up the file.
Miranda nodded.
“I’ll read through it now and give him a call. Is he expecting to hear from me?”
“He knows someone’s going to contact him.” Miranda stood.
“I’ll let you know what happens,” Amy promised as Miranda left. Maggie didn’t move.
With Miranda no longer in the office, Amy’s defenses dropped.
“Still feel shitty?”
“Worse. And don’t be nice. It’ll only make me cry.” It was too late, though. Her tears were already starting.
“Call him. Tell him you made a mistake and want a second chance.”
“I can’t. He’s not interested in hearing from me. If he was, he’d have contacted me.”
“Bull. You kicked him out right after he told you he loved you. Why would he try get in touch?”
Her heart heaved again, and she blotted her eyes. “I’m sure he’s relieved. He’s free. I bet he’s having the time of his life.” The last sentence resonated with bitterness.
Maggie frowned. “You dealt Daniel a shitty hand. You’ve been bloody unfair to him. I know you’re hurting, but how do you think he feels? His closest friend suddenly decides she doesn’t want to see him again. The woman he loves kicks him out. He lays his heart on the line and you say he’s talking crap. Exactly how much rejection do you think one guy can take?”
“How much rejection can I take? I can’t risk it happening again, especially with someone who means so much to me.”
“So without giving him a chance, you dump him.”
“You’re not being very sympathetic.”
“You’re not being very logical. For weeks I’ve comforted you, but there’s another side to the story—Daniel’s side. I suspect he’s as miserable as you are. If you weren’t so stubborn, you’d see that.”
“He’d have hurt me, Mags. I didn’t have a choice.”
“You’re already hurting, and Daniel had nothing to do with it.”
“He has everything to do with it.”
Maggie stood. “You’re miserable. The only way you’ll feel happy again is if you and Daniel get back together. Do yourself a favor and phone him.”
“That’s it?” Amy stared at Maggie as she opened the office door. “You’re giving me orders and walking out?”
Maggie shrugged. “I have a patient, and you’re being stubborn. You love him, phone him.” She closed the door behind her.
