“Marcus and his girlfriend Francesca are going through with an unwanted, unplanned pregnancy. They’ve decided to give the baby up for adoption. Neither one of them can or wants to care for the baby. Marcus is so convinced that he doesn’t want to be a father in the truest sense of the word that he is going to have the procedure. They are not staying together as a couple. After the baby is born she is going home to Italy and he is going on an international group show with his art. They are trying to find suitable parents for the baby through a private adoption. They involved Peggy in their search and she suggested me as the ideal adoptive parent.”

“I see. Are you considering it?”

“I’m beyond considering it doc; I’m doing it. I just left my lawyer’s office. She is starting on the legal work. I just wanted to talk to you first before I tell Marcus and Francesca.”

“So you are going to be a mom. Congratulations! I’m thrilled for you Bette.”

“Thanks doc. I’m kind of nervous. Do you think I can do this? I mean being a single mom is a big responsibility.”

“Hun being a parent even with a partner is a huge responsibility but I have no doubt that you will be a wonderful mother to this baby. You can give so much to a child and you will get so much back. I know the alpha in you would have preferred to have everything in order. You had it all figured out but sometimes things don’t go exactly as planned. Sometimes they go the way they are meant to. If doing this feels right then go for it but it has to be your decision Bette. Don’t let others including me influence you one way or another.”

“It does feel right doc. I want to be this baby’s mother. I never realized how much I wanted this until now. I don’t even know if it’s a boy or a girl but it doesn’t matter. I want this baby.”

“Have you figured out how you are going to juggle family and career?”

“I think James and I have it worked out and we can do it with Francesca help.”