Spirit Daughters by Carol Potenza

Author:Carol Potenza [Potenza, Carol]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Tiny Mammoth Press, LLC

Chapter Twenty-Nine

When Nicky and Franco arrived for their appointment at Santa Fe Fertility Solutions, they were greeted on the threshold by name and graciously invited to hang their damp outerwear by the door. Nicky smoothed her sweater over her bellyband holster and surreptitiously studied the cool spa-like waiting room. Cream and aqua, its mahogany furniture sculpted in waves and curves, very upscale, very soothing. Two other couples occupied the room: one, whispering and smiling, the woman obviously pregnant; the other, hands knotted together, sending envious yet hopeful glances at the first woman’s rounded abdomen.

In a hushed voice, the twenty-something receptionist handed Franco a tablet and asked them to fill out a digital form. Then they were led down a hallway to a second room, where the receptionist ushered them inside with a murmured “The doctor will be with you in a moment,” before he left, pulling the door closed behind him with a discrete snick.

A few minutes later, a second, internal door opened, and a slight woman, eyes a faded blue behind rimless glasses and chin-length blond-gray hair framing a softly wrinkled face, stepped inside. She wore a perfectly pressed white coat, her stethoscope looping out of the large patch pocket at her hip.

Painted in soothing grays and tans, the walls were lined with glossy black-and-white photos of parents and singles staring with awe and joy at tiny babies. Nicky gazed longingly at the pictures, then, brows puckered, mouth taut with nervousness, caught and held Franco’s gaze. He extended his hand to her. Undercover persona firmly in place, she took it and held on like he was her lifeline before she turned her attention to the woman.

“Welcome, Monique and Frank. I’m Dr. Summerweaver, and I’m so happy you’ve accomplished this first difficult step. Talking with someone can help with your journey. Please, take a seat.”

Journey. Marica Santibanez had used that same language, probably heard from Kristina Tioux.

Two chairs faced one that held a black tablet facedown on its seat; no table or desk created a barrier between them. Nicky and Franco settled into theirs, hands still linked.

“Difficult step?” Nicky tightened her expression. “I thought it would solve our difficulties.”

“This is just the beginning.” The doctor smiled, her attention on Nicky. “This bond—between you as a couple and our practitioners and associates—will become, in so many ways, a partnership. And because we believe in truth and openness at our clinic, you need to know your quest for a child may not be successful, no matter which path you decide to take.” She paused, a note of warning in her voice. “And it will test your relationship.”

“We’re not worried about us,” Franco said. He lifted their clasped hands and brushed Nicky’s skin with his lips, brown eyes melting into hers. A surge of attraction and trust beat through her. Damn, he was good.

“Infertility treatment puts a high level of stress on couples. It makes some stronger, but, statistically, one in five will ultimately break apart. There are no guarantees a full-term pregnancy

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