Page 54 of The Facilitator: Part 3
“Maybe we’ll do some research once we’ve spoken to the clinic when we get home.”
Later that day, I marinated some steaks for the grill. Lauren made a salad and coleslaw. I wrapped some potatoes in foil to bake, cleaned up some cobs of corn, and opened wine. I poured Lauren a glass and twisted off the cap from a bottle of beer for myself.
“Hello?” I heard. Alex was swinging the baby carrier. He and Gabriella rounded the house and came onto the back porch.
“Hey, something smells lovely,” Gabriella said. She stared at Lauren . “Is everything okay?” she asked, frowning with concern.
“Yes, just a negative test. But you’re here, my gorgeous godson is here, so all’s well in the world,” Lauren said.
“And I’m here, as is Mackenzie,” Alex said with mock indignation. Lauren laughed.
We sat on the deck and ate, making a mess, and licking fingers. We drank beer and wine, and we laughed. Gabriella did her utmost to make sure of that. She regaled Lauren of stories from my past, most embarrassing, but it worked.
Finally, the conversation turned to adoption.
“I think that would be amazing,” Gabriella said.
They started talking about the possibility while Alex and I cleared the plates. We took them into the kitchen.
“Mackenzie, this might be odd but…I’m just going to come out with this. Why don’t I donate sperm? I can’t thank you enough for a lot of things you’ve done for me, but I can do this.”
I stood staring at him. I frowned, comprehending the enormity of what he’d offered.
“Wow, I don’t know what to say. I think, sadly, the issue might be a little greater than just fucked-up sperm, though. The first eggs didn’t develop, she got pregnant the second time , and the third round hasn’t taken.”
“So what’s your next step?” he asked.
“We have to speak to the fertility clinic, but when we started all this, the likelihood of a pregnancy was slim to start with. I don’t know what the answer is now.”
“Can we leave this offer on the table?” he asked.
I nodded. “Obviously, Lauren would have to agree and…I don’t know, Alex. It’s a little overwhelming right now,” I said.
“The laws have changed in the UK, the child can access records and know I’m the donor,” he said.
“I don’t have an issue with that, if you don’t.”
“Not at all. Let’s have another discussion after your appointment and you’ve talked to Lauren,” he said.
I nodded. I walked to him and hugged him. I was choked, unable to speak any more. We patted each other on the back as we did, and then grabbed another two beers.
I thought on what Alex had offered for hours after. While Lauren and I were in bed, I told her.
“He did what?”
“Offered to donate sperm if we need it.”
“Do we?”
“I don’t know. If you want to continue with IVF then it’s an option. If you don’t we’ll adopt, but it gives us another option.”
“It’s not just my decision,” she said quietly, sitting up in bed.
“You’re the one going through all the sickness so I think it needs to be your decision alone,” I replied.
“I’m not sure about that.”
“Why don’t we just have that appointment and see what’s said. We can make a decision after.”
