2
“If you really want to see Kevin one last time,
why don’t you get on your knees and beg?
Maybe he’ll have a change of heart.”
My mother–in–law was practically drooling at
the thought.
Г
Last time, I actually listened to her. Five hours
on my knees, my joints screaming in protest.
And yet, at the funeral, his parents acted like
Stacey’s arrival was no big deal, twisting the
truth to defend her. They knew.
My mother–in–law always treated me like dirt
because my parents died young, I had no one
to back me up. Now, she’s trying to humiliate
- me.
I squeezed out a few tears, shaking my head
sadly. “Dad’s right. It was Kevin’s dying wish.
As his wife, I have to respect that.”
And with that, I turned on my heel.
“Hold it!” My father–in–law bellowed. “Where
do you think you’re
do you think you’re going? My son only has
hours left. Who’s going to handle everything if
you leave? You expect us old folks to do it
all?”
I choked back a sob. “I just can’t bear to
watch him go. I’ll be back at the first sign of
trouble, I promise.”
My mother–in–law whispered to my father-
in–law, “Let her go. She… she knows.”
She cut herself off but it was too late.
Yeah.
Stacey was in that room, and they wanted to
say their goodbyes without me around.
Sure enough, my father–in–law said, “Don’t
“Okay,” I said.
I left the hospital and punched the address of
that fertility clinic into my GPS.
I walked in, spotting a young guy behind the
counter. His name tag said “Liam Hall“.
I went up to him. “My husband stored some
frozen sperm here. Can you look it up for
me?”
Liam didn’t even look up. “Sorry, we don’t
offer that service.”
Figures.
I pressed on. “I want to see the manager.‘
11
Liam finally glanced at me, his tone dripping
with sarcasm. “That’s me. And I’m telling you,
no can do.”
I raised an eyebrow. “Is that so? What if I
bought this place?”
Liam’s eyes widened. “What? You’re… you’re
crazy.”
I smiled sweetly. “Name your price.”
Liam’s eyes lit up like a Christmas tree. “Five
million!”
I pulled up a chair and sat down. “Let’s see.
This place has been open for three years,
using the most advanced technology to
guarantee over 90% sperm viability.
“Too bad the fees are outrageous, and you’ve
L
been bleeding money since day one. The only
reason you haven’t closed down is because
you’re stuck with all those contracts.”
Liam rolled his eyes. “It cost me a million to
get started. Can’t go any lower.”
“Deal.”
I wired the money, Liam pulled up the
member info.
I found Kevin Evans and scrolled down, my
gaze landing on a name.
“Derek Johnson.”
Liam chuckled, “He’s African. He committed a
crime here, ran over and dropped off his
sample before the cops caught up to him, in
<
case he wanted a legacy someday.”
I grinned. “He’ll do.”
