Chapter 4
Ettie decided to take the rest of the day off. She could talk to her mother while Lily was still at school. She needed to have a serious private discussion and Lily was at the age where she had started asking questions and eavesdropping. Andrea was in the kitchen when Ettie got home.
“Mom?” Ettie called out.
Andrea looked up startled.
“Ettie. What are you doing home so early? Is everything okay?” she asked.
“I took the day off. Mom, I need to talk to you.”
“What’s going on Henrietta?” Andrea asked concerned now.
“Mom. You know about Lily’s tuition. And our bills. I was talking to Gina and Abbie and I had this idea to become a surrogate.”
“What?” Andrea spluttered.
“ Having a child for someone.”
“I know what a surrogate is Ettie. Have you lost your mind?”
“Mother I’m being serious. I went to the Bloomfield Clinic, where Abbie had her procedure done about a month ago and I filled out the paperwork.”
“You did what?”
“Mom please let me finish. I need you to be on board with this before I make my decision,” Ettie pleaded.
“Ettie I…”
“Please mom. Listen.”
Andrea nodded.
“I really thought about this for a long time. They are willing to pay me seventy five thousand dollars plus living expenses while I’m pregnant, medical expenses. That would cover Lily’s entire tuition plus pay off the house. This could change our whole life.”
“Ettie. We can come up with the money another way.”
“There isn’t another way.”
“George…”
“I’m not asking George for anything. He chose to walk out of Lily’s life. He has his own family. We have to worry about ours.”
“And how does all of this work?” Andrea asked.
“This couple need a donor egg. I would have their baby and give up my rights.”
“Absolutely not. That is ridiculous Henrietta. Am I supposed to have a grandchild I don’t know?”
“Can you please try to keep an open mind mother? This baby wouldn’t be your grandchild. It would be their baby. I have already met with the couple. They seem great and I want to help them.” Ettie said uncertainly. She needed her mother’s approval.
“And do you really think you can just walk away from your own child?” Andrea demanded.
“Mom remember what you told me? About how hard it was for you to get pregnant? What would you have done if you didn’t have me? I could help someone who went through the same thing you did.”
Andrea contemplated her daughter for a moment. She was right of course. Ettie was her and Henry’s greatest joy. She didn’t know how she would have survived if she had lost Henry and didn’t have Ettie.
“I’m trying to secure Lily’s future. And this family could provide so much for this baby. He or she would have a good life mom.”
“Well it sounds like you’ve already made up your mind,” Andrea said pointedly.
“I need your approval,” Ettie whispered.
“Henrietta Fraser. There is a lot you need, but my approval was never one of those things. You know I support your choice. I don’t agree with it. I’m not happy about it. But I support you,” Andrea said.
“Thanks mom,” Ettie said, hugging her mother tightly, silent tears streaming down her face.
That night Ettie, Gina, and Abbie had dinner. Her friends had gotten a babysitter for Jordan.
“You sure about this?” Gina asked.
“I’m sure,” Ettie replied taking a bite of her pasta.
“Yes, but this is totally different,” Abbie said dumbfounded.
“It’s not that different. Your donor knows he’s a father but is not involved,” Ettie said matter of factly.
“Well yes, but he also didn’t carry Jordan for nine months,” Abbie pointed out.
“I thought you guys of all people would support me,” Ettie said, clearly irritated.
“Ettie we support you,” Gina interjected. “We just want to make sure that you’ll be okay at the end of this.”
“If you met them you would know I was making the right choice. They will love this baby. And I will be. I will be fine.”
*****
Henrietta’s decision hung over Roy for the next few days. He didn’t want to rush her or scare her off with his eagerness. Melissa reassured him that she had gotten positive vibes from Henrietta and was sure she would agree. Roy was still anxious, and probably would be until he heard from Henrietta. Roy had gotten good vibes off of Henrietta as well. He loved the way her face lit up when she spoke about her daughter. She was intelligent, witty, she had a warm laugh. Most of all she seemed to really look forward to helping them start a family. She was everything they were looking for. Even Melissa seemed happier about their decision after meeting her. Truthfully Roy had hoped that she would have made her decision then but couldn’t fault her for needing a few days to think about it. Roy had known right away, from the moment he saw her profile that she was the one. Meeting her just confirmed it.
The weekend passed and they still had not heard from Henrietta. He was sure she would call on Monday. By Tuesday he was walking on eggshells, knots in his stomach. He had to resist the urge to call her. Finally on Wednesday during a meeting, his secretary came in with a note that simply read please call Henrietta Fraser and her phone number. Roy signaled to Mark who leaned over as his brother whispered something in his ear. Mark nodded.
“Sorry gentlemen, ladies. I have to take care of an urgent matter. I leave you in the capable hands of my brother,” Roy said nodding to the small group.
As he exited the office he caught sight of his father's disapproving face. He knew his father didn’t think Mark was ready but he really didn't have time to think about that right now, he needed to call Henrietta.
She answered on the second ring.
“Hello,” she answered.
“Henrietta? This is Roy Gardner. How are you?” Roy asked eagerly.
“I’m fine. I’ve been trying to reach you and your wife. I didn’t realize the number you gave me was your work number, but I wanted to speak to you both,” Ettie said.
“It’s my cell. I just had all my calls directed to the office. I was hoping you would call. Would you like to meet for lunch somewhere?” Roy asked.
“Yes, that would be perfect,” Ettie replied. “Where would you have in mind?”
“How about Searsucker? It’s on Colorado,” Roy replied.
“Okay. It will take me a while to get there, about an hour and a half. Is two thirty okay?” Ettie asked.
“Where are you coming from?” Roy inquired.
“I live in Southgate,” Ettie said carefully.
“Oh. I had no idea. Would you like to meet somewhere closer?” Roy recovered.
“No. Searsucker is fine. I’ll see you both soon,” Ettie said, hanging up.
Roy quickly dialed Melissa’s cellphone. It went to voicemail. He tried three more times before she finally answered.
“Hello?” Melissa snapped.
“Mel. I’ve been trying to call you,” Roy exclaimed.
“I know. I’m in an important meeting,” Melissa stated.
“Melissa. Ettie wants to meet us for lunch at two-thirty. I think she had decided,” Roy said excitedly.
“Today? I have an important client I can’t reschedule Roy. You have to go without me.”
“Mel, I can’t go without you! That’s ridiculous. I’m sure the client will understand.”
“Roy I’ve taken off so much time already. I already rescheduled this meeting once. I can’t just change plans at the last minute. Call Henrietta and reschedule,” Melissa said exasperated.
“I can’t do that. She’s already on her way and she’s coming from Southgate,” Roy protested.
“ I just can’t make it Roy. I don’t know what else to tell you. Call me if there is any news,” Melissa said hanging up the phone.
Roy was perturbed. He couldn’t believe Melissa could brush off something as important as this. He wanted to call her back but he knew that it would only lead to more arguing. He didn’t get her. He blew off an important meeting. Surely this client wasn’t more important than their child. He didn’t want to have a negative vibe when he saw Henrietta so he filed it away, he would talk to Mel about it later. He headed to the company gym where he showered and changed for his lunch date.
As Roy drove towards the restaurant, his excitement grew. In the back of his mind there was a nagging voice asking him if Melissa was as invested in this journey as he was but he brushed it off as annoyance with her from earlier. When he arrived, Henrietta was already waiting.
“Hello Henrietta,” Roy beamed at her.
She flashed a smile back at him.
“Is Melissa on her way?” Ettie asked when she didn’t see her appear.
“No sorry, Melissa was swamped at work. I’m sorry.”
Ettie frowned.
“Your table is ready Mr. Gardner,” the hostess said. “Right this way.”
Roy placed his hand on Ettie’s shoulder guiding her to the table.
As they sat down, Ettie could tell that Roy was bursting with excitement. To be honest, she was pretty excited herself, she was a little disappointed that Melissa wasn't there.
"But no matter Roy," she said. "I wanted to tell you both at the same time... but I just wanted you to know that I have decided yes I will be your surrogate."
Roy's face broke into a brilliant smile.
"Oh my god Henrietta, you have just made me so happy. Both of us, Melissa and I, thank you from the bottom of our hearts. You have no idea how grateful we are to you. We wanted a family for so long and because of you, our dream is finally coming true.”
Ettie laughed.
"I am more than happy to do this. If you are this happy when the baby's born I'll be even more grateful."
At that moment the waiter came to take their order. Roy insisted on champagne to toast the occasion. Ettie reminded him that she needed to have a hospitable womb. They spent the afternoon getting to know one another better. Ettie told him about Lily. Roy smiled at the way she glowed when she spoke of her. Roy told her about his family, about his nieces and nephews and a little more about himself. Ettie opened up to him about Andrea and her recent illness. It was easy to talk to Roy, and Roy found it easy to talk to Ettie. Before they knew it they had spent two hours at the restaurant.
"Look at the time. I can't believe that's it's so late. I need to go pick Lily up from dance class."
Roy glanced at his watch.
"It's been almost three hours. I can't believe they didn't throw us out," Roy joked.
He signaled the waiter for the check. Roy walked with her to the valet where he also waited for his car.
"Henrietta, thank you so much, you'll never know what this means to me," he said hugging her.
She felt good about her decision.
"Roy, if we're going to be working together I think you should call me Ettie. I actually dislike Henrietta," she said laughing.
"Henrietta is a mouthful. I like Ettie. Trust me I know, my first name is actually Royston."
When the valet brought Ettie's car around, she flushed with embarrassment. She never
thought about it but Roy was in a different class from her. Her little 2000 Toyota Corolla stuck out like a sore thumb around here. Right behind them another valet pulled up with a sleek black Acura.
"This is me, obviously," she said pointing at the car. Roy didn't make any comments, instead he held her door open and flashed his brilliant smile once again.
"So I'll see you tomorrow morning to sign the paperwork," she said with a bright smile of her own.
As she drove off she felt butterflies in her stomach. Roy Gardner was an amazing man. He was funny, he was kind, he was smart and interesting. And he was gorgeous. That thought stopped Ettie dead in her tracks. She shouldn't be thinking like this. It wasn't a first date. What was wrong with her? This was just a business transaction, he was going to be the father of the child she was carrying. For another woman. She chalked it up to all the hormones from the medication, still she could not help but feel slightly envious of Melissa Gardner as she made her way home.
When Roy got home Melissa still wasn't there and still had not called. He thought about calling her but this was something he wanted to tell her in person. Melissa didn't get home until about three hours later. At this point he was emotional.
“Where were you?” he asked as soon as she opened the door.
“I was with the client,” Melissa said defiantly, not used to his tone.
“Why didn't you call me back?” Roy questioned.
“My phone was in my purse. I didn’t check it until the meeting was over and then I was already on my way home. What is going on Roy?”
“I needed to talk to you. I had to meet Ettie all by myself,” Roy complained.
“Ettie?” Melissa questioned.
“Henrietta doesn't like to be called by her full name. She prefers to go by Ettie. You would know that if you were there.”
“Well that's rude,” Melissa said sarcastically.
“I’m sorry. I was waiting for your call,” Roy said. “I thought you would have at least wanted to know what happened.”
“I was busy at work,” Melissa said slamming her briefcase on the table. “I'm sorry that I can't just drop everything last minute. This is my company. I'm the one who's responsible when things fall apart.
“I work for my own company too,” Roy said. “This was important Melissa.”
“Oh please,” Melissa scoffed, rolling her eyes. “You work for Daddy.”
She paused seeing the hurt and shocked look on Roy’s face.
“I'm sorry. I didn't mean that,” she corrected. “I am sorry, I just had a really long day. I know this was important but my client was important too. Can you please tell me what's going on with Ettie?” she asked trying out the name.
Roy looked at his wife and took a deep breath, trying to shake off his attitude with Melissa's indifference.
“She's decided that she'll become our surrogate,” he said evenly, trying to gauge her reaction.
“That's great,” Melissa exclaimed with forced enthusiasm. “So what's the next step?”
“We have to go to Dr Klein's office in the morning,” Roy explained.
“What time do we have to be there?” Melissa asked.
“At nine. Ettie will meet us there,” Roy answered.
“Okay Good. We can ride together,” Melissa said trying to smooth things over. “And then you and I can get brunch and you can drop me to the office. I'll take a car home.”
“Sounds great,” Roy said.
Melissa walked over to him and hugged him.
“I really am happy,” she whispered.
He kissed the top of her head.
Later as they were eating dinner, a superb baked pheasant with root vegetables that Ellen had prepared, Roy brought up something that had been on his mind all day.
“Melissa I wanted to talk to you about something,” he said suddenly.
“What's that? she asked.
“You know I really got to know Ettie today. She’s an amazing person and she is doing us a really great favor.”
“I know,” Melissa said.
“Mel I know we offered to pay her seventy five thousand to be the egg donor but I was thinking her mother is sick with cancer. Her daughter is only ten and they live in Southgate. She drives an older model car. I think maybe she is doing this for the money.”
“Okay, so what are you saying?” Melissa asked slightly confused.
“I was thinking that what she's doing for us is asking a lot. I know the clinic arranged the fee but I think that we should offer her more money, it's not like we can't afford it,” Roy reasoned.
“I see,” Melissa said. “I don't understand. Did she ask you for more money? Is she trying to extort us?”
“Of course not Melissa,” Roy said annoyed. “She didn't even bring up the money. She seems like a great person. This is something I was thinking on my own.”
“I was just asking,” Melissa defended. “It’s not like she couldn’t just look you up and see how much you’re worth. It’s all over the internet. I personally think the money is enough. Probably more money than she would see at any time anyway.”
“You don't know her or her life Melissa. That was very uncharacteristic of you, you’re normally not such a snob,” Roy replied.
“I'm just trying to protect us too,” she retorted angrily.
“It wasn't even her idea Mel. It was mine. Just remember she'll be carrying our child for nine months. Don't you want her to be comfortable and safe? Have a happy pregnancy?”
“We’re also paying all her expenses for those nine months,” Melissa added.
Roy looked at his wife for a long moment before he finally responded.
“There isn’t a price I’m not willing to pay to have our family,” he said softly.
“Oh, now I'm the horrible person?” Melissa asked, looking down at her plate.
“I didn't say that.”
“If you want to give her more money, then fine, give her more money,” Melissa said throwing her hands up. “I’m not hungry anymore. I’m going to go do some work in the office.”
Roy didn’t feel that hungry anymore either.
Promptly at nine a.m., Melissa and Roy along with their lawyer and friend Justin Richards arrived at the clinic to sign the paperwork for their agreement with Ettie. She was accompanied by a woman who was an older version of herself, except for the eyes. Roy recognized her right away from Ettie’s description. He held his hand out.
“You must be Andrea Fraser,” he said. “You have an amazing daughter. This is my wife Melissa and my attorney Justin Richards.”
Ettie felt a rush of panic. She hadn't thought to bring along a lawyer, not that she could have afforded one if she did. In fact, bringing her mother was a last minute decision. Andrea had insisted on coming along. Ettie was irritated at first but now she was grateful. Her mother helped to calm her nerves. Andrea and Ettie looked over the paperwork while Justin explained the various clauses. Ettie’s hand shook as she signed several documents. Andrea sat tight lipped the entire time. Ettie didn’t look up but she could feel her mother’s gaze on her. She knew Andrea supported her decision but that didn’t mean she agreed with what her daughter was doing.
“There is just a few changes to the standard contract,” Justin said suddenly.
“Changes?” Ettie asked.
“Yes. We have enclosed a non disclosure agreement. You are not allowed to discuss your experience publicly or mention the Gardner’s by name,” Justin explained.
Roy looked up. Ettie could tell by his expression that he knew nothing of the amendment. She glanced over at Melissa who didn't look surprised in the least. Ettie wasn’t sure how she felt about that.
Ettie took a deep breath and signed the document.
“We would also like to talk about your living arrangement,” Justin added.
“My living arrangement?” Ettie asked confused now.
“Yes. As you are aware you live some distance from the Gardner’s. They would prefer it if you would live with them for the duration of your pregnancy.”
“I can’t do that. Why didn’t you tell me this sooner?” Ettie questioned.
“Roy told me that you live in Southgate. It would be difficult for us to be at your doctor appointments and we would like to be there,” Melissa explained.
“Well I can’t. There is no way. My mother, my daughter. I have obligations.” Ettie trailed off.
“Of course we can’t ask her to do that Melissa,” Roy interjected.
“I just think it would be easier for everyone involved. When does your daughter finish school?” Melissa questioned.
“In June but my mother is not well. I can’t be away from her.”
“That is understandable. You don’t have to live with us,” Roy said.
“Well, wait a minute. I want her to see Dr. Blue as her OB/GYN,” Melissa stated. “Can you make it to those appointments?”
“I have my own doctor,” Ettie said somewhat annoyed at this point.
“Yes. But Dr. Blue is one of the best in the state. The country even,” Melissa argued. “You wouldn’t have to pay for anything,” she added.
Ettie looked at her mother, who she could tell was trying her hardest to remain silent.
“I can see Dr. Blue. That’s fine,” Ettie conceded. “But I can’t leave my mother and come live with you.”
“Okay, I understand that. But how about this, once your daughter is out of school why don’t you, her and Andrea come and stay in our guest home. You’ve already agreed to take a leave of absence at work. Just until after the baby is born. We will take care of all your expenses at your home while you are away,” Melissa optioned.
“Can you give me a moment?” Ettie asked. “Mom can I speak with you outside for a minute.”
Ettie and Andrea stepped out of the room. Roy grew nervous after ten minutes had passed.
“Why are you pushing this issue Melissa?” he fumed.
“I thought about what you said and I want the pregnancy to go along smoothly,” she said staring him in the eye.
He could tell that she was not backing down on this point.
Finally Ettie and Andrea returned. Roy looked up in anticipation.
“I’ve decided against my better judgment, after Lily gets out of school we can come and live with you for the duration of the pregnancy,” Ettie stated.
“Thank you Ettie,” Roy said gratefully.
“Now that we’ve cleared that up, there is a matter of the financial agreement. There have been changes made to that agreement as well,” Justin continued.
It was Melissa’s turn to be shocked now.
“Henrietta. Ettie. What you are doing for Melissa and I, we are extremely grateful. We know that no amount of money can ever repay your generosity. So we’ve decided that seventy-five thousand is not enough. We would like to pay you two hundred and fifty thousand,” Roy said sincerely.
“Two hundred and fifty thousand dollars?” Ettie exclaimed. “That’s, I can’t accept that. That’s insane,” she said shaking her head.
“Please Ettie. We insist and we know how that money could change your life. Please accept,” Roy pleaded.
“I don’t know what to say,” Ettie stammered.
“Ettie,” Andrea said beside her.
Ettie thought about Lily and her future. This would ensure that she went to college, that their bills were caught up. It would indeed change their lives.
“Yes. Thank you so much,” Ettie gushed.
They signed a few more documents when suddenly Ettie spoke up.
“Wait,” she said, “I have a condition of my own.”
“And what condition would that be?” Melissa interrupted alarmed.
“When the baby is born, I want them to hand the baby to you first. I remember when they handed me my daughter that was the moment we bonded and I fell in love with her. I just want you to have that moment too Melissa.”
Melissa blushed. She wasn't expecting that and she felt quite embarrassed for thinking the worst.
“Thank you,” she managed finally.
After the paperwork was signed Justin left them, shaking hands with everyone and hugging Melissa. They were then joined by Dr. Klein. He smiled at the three of them.
“That was the easy part. Now comes the exciting but harder part,” Dr Klein joked.
*****
Dr. Klein wasn’t kidding. It turned out that being a surrogate was not as easy as just signing a few legal documents. Ettie was put through a series of more tests. She was given a prescription for FSH and HCG injections, to increase her egg production. A few weeks later her eggs were harvested. The eggs were then fertilized in the lab and developed for several days before they were implanted back into Ettie. Then they played the waiting game. After four days, Ettie was called back into Dr. Klein’s office where a blood test was performed. She received a call from Allison three days later requesting that she come to Dr. Klein’s office the next day at two pm. When she arrived she was shocked to find Roy and Melissa also waiting.
“Well congratulations you three. It looks like you are having a baby,” Dr. Klein said.
Ettie smiled and looked over at the pair. Roy whelped and hugged his wife. Roy beamed while Melissa wore a frozen smile on her face.
“We have to celebrate,” Roy announced.
“I have to get home. To my mother and my daughter,” Ettie protested. She then realized maybe he meant just him and Melissa. “I’m sorry. I assumed…” she started.
“No you assumed right. I meant the three of us,” he said. “Thank you Ettie. Thank you so much.”
Ettie looked at Melissa. She seemed to be in shock. She knew how she must be feeling. Overwhelmed with happiness.
“No. I do need to get home. You two should go out and celebrate of course. Congratulations. You’re having a baby,” Ettie laughed.
Melissa and Roy decided to go to one of their favorite spots for dinner. They let the champagne flow freely.
“I’m so happy honey. I can’t stop smiling,” Roy exclaimed.
Melissa laughed.
“Me too. It’s finally happening. I’m going to be a mother,” she said slightly shocked.
“Yes and you’re going to make an amazing mom. This baby is so lucky to have you,” he said clasping her hand.
Melissa beamed at him. Maybe all of her negative thoughts was just fear. Maybe they could have it all.
Later that night, the effects of the alcohol doing its job, Melissa grabbed Roy as soon as he opened the door. She kissed him passionately on his mouth, hungry for his taste. As Roy deepened the kiss, Melissa reached up and loosened his tie, and helped him shrug off his jacket. It had been a long time since they'd had a night out, just enjoying one another’s company. They needed this. He wrapped his hands in her hair and brought his lips to her neck kissing her softly. She moaned in anticipation.
“I want you Roy,” she whimpered.
That was all the encouragement he needed. He picked her up and carried her up the steps to their bedroom. Roy lay Melissa down on the bed and removed the rest of his clothes. Then he worked on hers. Unzipping her dress, he gently pulled the garment down over her shoulders. She only wore lacy black underwear and using his thumbs he hooked them over her hips, sliding them down her smooth caramel legs. Roy kissed Melissa’s neck and then trailed his tongue over her breasts and stomach finally bringing his mouth to the soft flesh of her vagina. She raised one leg allowing him complete access as he licked and sucked on her folds letting his tongue dart in and out of her expertly. She quivered and moaned against him, her body arching with desire. He inserted two of his fingers into her while his tongue licked tiny circles against her throbbing clitoris. Soon she was soaked in desire and he lapped up her juices hungrily. Without warning she pulled away from him and brought her mouth to his erect penis. She licked his shaft and suctioned his cock gently at first and then with more pressure until he was saying her name. Finally he couldn't take it anymore and flipped Melissa onto her back. He raised one leg over his shoulder and trailed kisses along her thigh. In one swift motion he entered her as she sighed in pleasure. Melissa wrapped her hands in Roy’s hair as he drilled into her. Slow at first and then faster as his desire grew. She moved her hips to meet every movement. Their bodies were slick with sweat and Roy loved seeing Melissa’s naked form beneath him. The way her lips parted in pleasure made him want to ejaculate and he filled her up with his seed. Melissa wrapped her legs around him pulling him into her deeper and held him to her as they both caught their breath. Melissa kissed his forehead. It had been a long time since the made love like this. Without the pressure of trying to conceive a baby and Melissa had missed these moments. She was reluctant to let him go. That night for the first time in, Melissa couldn’t remember, she slept peacefully in his arms.