Carmen leaves with promises to call me after her next doctor's appointment.

I watch her walk away from my office building, her hand resting protectively on her stomach, and feel something I haven't felt in years.

Hope.

Real, biological hope.

For the first time since this whole nightmare started, I might actually get what I've always wanted. A child who shares my DNA. A child who belongs to me completely.

The irony isn't lost on me. After years of lying about my fertility, after paying Dr. Weber ...