“Me?”

“Bette there is no doubt in my mind that you would make a wonderful parent for this baby. I know how much you want a family and you did always say that I would be the perfect donor to father children for you.”

“Marcus this is different. I always envisioned having a life-partner and being in a committed relationship when I decided to have children. I never considered being a single mom.”

“I know Bette. I never thought I would be in a situation like this either. It’s breaking my heart to have to make this decision. I’ve struggled with it for months. We want what is best for this baby and we know we can’t provide it. We don’t have any family that could take the baby. Adoption is the only option for us.”

“Marcus I understand that and I will support you in any way I can to make sure this baby is placed in a good home. I just don’t know that I can provide that right now. Peggy wants me to curate her private art collection and to build museums to exhibit her works both here and in Los Angeles. I will be traveling between the two coasts for the next couple of years. How can I provide a stable home environment for an infant during this time?”

“I know the timing isn’t the best and Peggy mentioned all this to me but she feels that it can be worked out. It’s totally up to you. There is no pressure. I will understand if you say no. This doesn’t change anything between us Bette. Whether you adopt the baby or not our relationship doesn’t change. I am giving up full parental rights. I will have no connection to the child unless the adoptive parent or parents want me involved.”

”What about you Francesca. Do you feel the same way?”

“Bette I am also giving up full parental rights. I will not have any further contact with the baby after the adoption. For me it will be better to cut all ties. That is the reason I don’t want to know the sex of the child. I am trying to distance myself emotionally so that I can do this. I’ve talked to a therapist. I know I will have some issues to deal with but this is really for the best.”