Page 25 of Say My Name

“That’s different from a known donor.”

“Yes.” The distinction matters. She needs to know I’m not blurring the lines.

“And considerably more complicated.” The challenge in her voice is exactly what I expected.

“In some ways. It also removes complications an anonymous donor creates.”

“Such as?”

I take the chair across from her desk. “You would know his full medical history. You could require any screening you want. You would know, in advance, that you trust him to make decisions for a child. Every legal and financial responsibility could be settled before you even begin.”

Elena lowers the cup slightly, her gaze sharp. “You’ve researched this.”

“I don’t make suggestions I haven’t fully analyzed.”

“You came with a presentation, didn’t you?”

“Four pages of notes.”

She closes her eyes for a second, a flicker of exhaustion and something that looks dangerously like amusement. “Of course you did.”

“A known donor could change his mind and demand parental rights,” she says.

“A co-parent would begin with rights and responsibilities. There would be nothing to demand later.”

“He could change his mind about how involved he wants to be.”

“Then you choose someone who has already decided he intends to show up.”

Her eyebrows rise. “You make that sound easy.”

It isn’t. But it’s a variable that can be controlled, and that’s the only kind of answer she’ll accept right now.

She’s right to doubt. “The question can be asked before conception,” I say, keeping my tone procedural.

“That’s a remarkably clinical way to put it.”

“I’m trying to speak your language.”

“My language involves an actual clinic.”

“That could still be part of the arrangement.”

“Could?” She leans back. “What other method is your mystery candidate considering?”

She tries to make the question casual, but she keeps both hands wrapped around her cup while she waits.

“A clinic, a sterile cup, or a turkey baster?” she asks when I don’t answer.

I stare at her. “You cannot be serious.”

“It’s a common cultural reference. I’m not recommending kitchen equipment.”

“Good. I was reconsidering your judgment.”

Her mouth twitches. She focuses on the tea, suppressing her laughter.

“What would you recommend?” she asks.