Page 20 of What if It's Us

Ledger

I mean…well, I know you wouldn’t know from like, experience, but does it? Feel good?

Ledger

The only videos I can find on sperm extraction involve male infertility or blockages. But just so you know, I mean, for your records or whatever, I don’t have any blockages. I’m like a surplus warehouse over here.

Me

LOL. Good because I’m just teasing you. They don’t hook your dick up to a machine. And yes, you’ll jizz in a cup. Actually, I’m considering giving this a try in my home rather than in a clinic. I can buy insemination kits online if that’s okay with you. Keeps your anonymity and all if we keep this out of someone’s medical office, and if it works, it’s cheaper than a clinic doing all the procedures since insurance doesn’t cover fertility treatments. Maybe we can start there?

Ledger

Whatever you need. But if a clinic would make you feel better, don’t let the cost scare you away. I can help with that too.

Me

That’s very sweet of you, Ledger, but I don’t need your hard-earned money. I think we should definitely talk about all this. Maybe we could meet in the next couple days to talk a few things over first? Then make sure you’re still in after that?

Ledger

I’m not going to go back on my word, Marlee. If you want to have a baby, I’ll give you one. I’ll do whatever it takes.

Something in my chest swirls and my cheeks heat as I read his words.

I’ll do whatever it takes.

The Ledger Dayne I know as a professional hockey player is a man who works hard to hone his craft. He never settles for mediocrity and he’s always pushing his teammates to be the best they can be on the ice. He’s an encourager. I’ve always liked that about him. He’d make a great coach. I know he helps Harrison Meers with his youth summer league and though I don’t go down to the ice to watch very often, I imagine he’s pretty damn good with those kids.

It makes me feel good to know somehow or another, in this messy process of wanting to become a mom, someone has my back. And it feels extra special that that someone is Ledger Dayne.

Me

Lunch tomorrow? I’ll be at the arena in the morning and then I’m free the rest of the day.

Ledger

I’ll be there. Just let me know where and when.

Me

How about Palm Park? Picnic lunch, maybe? It’s supposed to be beautiful tomorrow. It’s a small park so it’s never very busy. Just an occasional dog walker here and there so we should be able to talk without being spotted or overheard.

Ledger

Sounds good. How about I grab lunch from Harold’s? Let me know what you like and I’ll pick it up on the way over.

Me

Deal. I’ll bring dessert.

Ledger

Perfect. See you then. G’night Marlee.

Me

G’night Ledger.

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