Briana's Mother

From the Diary of a Surrogate Mother

Celeste's POV:

It's been two weeks since I gave birth to my last surrogate baby. I need to make this entry into my diary before the postpartum hormones make me forget how I came to be Brian and Justin's surrogate. As I said, this will be my last surrogate child. My next pregnancy will be for me.

The first thing that people ask me is why, why am I a surrogate mother? Why do I go through all of the pain and body changes to give birth to a child that I will give away? My answer is, love.

It started about eight years ago when my oldest sister had trouble holding onto her embryos. My sister is my hero. She helped to raise us and I would do most anything for her. She's beautiful and smart. She married a wealthy man and has a beautiful home. When they decided to become parents, she conceived right away. Within two months, she lost the baby. It happens. After some time they were encouraged to try again. Again, she conceived with no problem and then lost it again within her first trimester. They were devastated.

They say third times the charm. She conceived, had her cervix sutured and stayed in bed. It didn't work. That's when I made the decision and offered to be their surrogate. Her ova were harvested and fertilized by her husband's sperm. An embryo was implanted in me. You see I'm also very strong, healthy and very stubborn. I was determined to help them bring their child into this world.

It worked. Nine months later, my niece was born. Two years later, so was my nephew.

About a year later I was approached by another couple. This time it was different. They were referred by my doctor. An older couple who had trouble conceiving. The baby would be a product of my ovum and the husband's sperm. They asked me to think about it. Their age made them unlikely candidates for adoption but they had so much love to offer a child. I couldn't say no. We had them thoroughly researched and they paid my medical expenses and offered me a little 'bonus.' My eventual goal is to go to medical school. Maybe study infertility and help other couples. We were rewarded by a healthy baby boy. And I deserved a rest.

In the year 2011, I was again approached by another couple via my doctor. I hesitated because they are a same sex couple, two men, to be specific. I wasn't sure if I could do it. I needed to meet with them, talk with them, find out why two men would want to burden themselves with a baby. And that's when I met Brian and Justin.

They stormed into the doctor's office with such power that the doctor and I were startled into silence. The contrast between the two men is well, like night and day. One tall, older, dark, with an intensity of deep hazel eyes that inspires intimidation and awe. Oh, one more thing, he's drop dead gorgeous. The other man, younger, shorter in stature but not short on energy. He appeared to be no more than twenty but appearances can be deceiving. He was so articulate and very animated. He did most of the talking while his partner grunted at the appropriate moments. And did I mention that he's so adorable that you wanted to eat him up. Skin so creamy, eyes like the sky and blond white hair. He looked like he could be one of my brothers.

We talked, or rather Justin talked and I listened. They showed me pictures of their home and of their family. They showed me the room that would be converted into the nursery. They also offered proof of their financial stability and affidavits of their character and commitment to each other. They also came very prepared with statistics and legal documents with their commitment to me while I carried their child and afterwards. All very impressive. But what most impressed me is their love. Their love for each other and the love they're prepared to bestow on their child.

It was Justin, who spoke volumes about how much Brian and his son are close. And how Brian wanted Justin to be the child's father. And how Brian was ready to convert the room. And that Brian was planning to work from home to help care for the child. The world according to Justin consisted of Brian, and by all accounts the reverse was true of Brian. And yet, they have enough room in their world to give love to a child. Of that I have no doubt.

As I said, throughout the interview, it was Justin who was doing all the talking. I began to wonder if Brian could speak at all but then I did have his business card in my hand. It amazes me that someone in advertising could be so quiet. I had to ask.

"Mr. Kinney, I've heard Mr. Taylor's reasons for wanting a child but you haven't said a word. Why is that?" I expected Brian to make his plea. Instead he pulled out a photo from his pocket, looked at it, then looked at me and Justin.

"Smile," Brian demanded.

"Pardon me?"

"Smile," he said again in a low sultry tone. I didn't know what my smile would do but I smiled.

"No, not like that."

"What?"

"Think of a happy thought or moment in your life."

I sat back for a minute then thought of the day I gave birth to my sister's little girl. The thrill and elation that was on her face and that of my brother-in-law. And I guessed I must have smiled.

"Done deal, Sunshine." With that, Brian Kinney stood and went to for the door. "I'll be outside waiting." Brian Kinney left the room.

"I don't understand, what just happened?" I asked Justin.

"He likes you and he hopes you'll consent to be our surrogate."

"He likes me?" I was stunned.

"Will you be our surrogate?" Justin asked with so much hope in his eyes and voice. I couldn't say no.

"I'd be honored."

"Great!" Justin said as he gave me a hug then he shook the doctor's hand. "Let us know our next step. You have all our phone numbers. We'll be waiting for your call." Then Justin left.

The doctor and I sat there with our mouths hanging open for a few seconds when I realized they had left the picture on the table. I took it into my hand and gave it a good look. It was a photo of Justin, an older blond woman and young woman with strawberry blond hair. On the bottom was written, 'me and sis with Mom.' That's when I noticed their smiles. The woman was stunning, the girl so very pretty and then there was Justin smiling radiantly. The doctor took the photo to have a look for herself. She nodded and mumbled 'aha.' Like it all made sense. But not to me.

"I still don't understand," I said hoping she could explain.

"Well, besides the simple facts that you're blond, blue eyed and fair skinned, the odds are in Justin's favor that a child you produced, would look the same. When Brian asked you to smile that second time, it was quite radiant. It must have reminded him of Justin." The doctor pointed to Justin's glowing smile. "I guess that cinched the deal."

I shook my head. Brian loved Justin so much that he wanted to give Justin a child with Justin's smile.

You see what I mean about love.

-end snippet #4-

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