I cannot promise anything.
But cooperation now matters.”
Penelope finally looked up.
Her eyes were red.
“What does this mean for the baby?”
“That depends on what everyone in this room decides,” Diane said.
“But the starting point has to be honesty.
About the donor.
About the documents.
About what everyone actually wants.”
The room was quiet.
Then Penelope looked at me.
“I’m sorry,” she said.
It came out rough, like it had been stuck somewhere and finally broke loose.
“I’m sorry for what I did to the agreement.
I’m sorry I didn’t tell you about the donor.
I’m sorry I tried to—” She stopped.
Pressed her lips together.
“I kept telling myself it was for the baby.
But it was for me.
I know that.”
I looked at her for a long moment.
“Why Daniel?” I said.
“Out of everyone — why him?”
She was quiet for a moment.
Then: “Because he’s yours.
