A Child for His Best Friend

“My fiancé, Eric Fletcher, wanted to have a child for his best female friend. That woman named Laurie Stephens believed in staying single, yet she wanted a descendant to carry on her genes. Eric chose to help her by putting our engagement on hold to honor his friendship. He tossed a "Sperm Donation and Joint Custody Agreement" in front of me, his tone cold and weary. "It's just about your insecurity, right? I added your name. All the property goes to you. Satisfied now? Sign it quick! Laurie's body couldn't wait for the optimal fertility window." I signed my name on the agreement calmly, then packed my sketchbooks without a word. Eric finally let out a sigh of relief, his face showing pure ease. He stepped closer to hug me, but I dodged away. "Once the child arrived and got on the birth certificate, we would marry right away. If you wanted, we could raise him together later. I would tell him you were a mom too." I tucked away that thin agreement and watched him indifferently as he started planning the nursery with excitement. He had no idea I had already arranged with his good buddy to get our marriage license next week.”