“Then let’s get started.”

“Joyce, there is one more thing that I need you to do on a separate matter.”

“What’s that?”

“Marcus Allenwood has agreed to be a sperm donor should I decide to have more children. He’s getting a vasectomy but he’s agreed to donate to a Cryobank prior to the procedure. He’s giving up all parental rights for any future children that I or a future partner might give birth to using his sperm. I need legal papers drawn up to that effect.”

“Is this arrangement contingent on you adopting this baby?”

“No they are separate and independent of each other. Marcus and I have very similar physical characteristics. I asked him to be a donor before I found out Francesca was pregnant. He’s never made a commitment until now.”

“You do realize that if your partner gives birth to these children you will need to go through the process of second parent adoption or you will have no legal claim to them?”

“Yes I am aware of that and when the time comes I hope you will assist us with the legalities.”

“I can certainly do that. I’ll get started on the paperwork and have it delivered to you in the next day or two.”

“Thank you Joyce.”

***

Bette had arranged to meet Dr. Emma Rothman for lunch after her meeting with Joyce. They met at one of their favorite Italian restaurants. Bette was already seated when Emma arrived. She gave Bette a hug and sat down. They browsed the menu for the lunch specials and placed their orders before they start talking.

“So how was your trip to New York?”

“I guess the best way to describe it is life-changing; on both the personal and professional front.”

“That sounds interesting. What does Peggy have in store for you now?”

“She wants me to be the curator of her private collection and has commissioned me to build two museums to exhibit them; one in New York and one here in Los Angeles. She also wants to sell some of the pieces and to donate others.”

“Sounds like a huge undertaking, but I know you’ll be up for the challenge.”

“It’s enormous but that’s only a part of it. You remember me telling you about wanting Marcus Allenwood to be a sperm donor for me?”