Between You and Me

“How does that work?” Logan asked. “They have, like, what, a database or something? Is that where you choose?” He picked up his utensils again and cut into his steak, taking a bite.

“Yes, exactly. And I’ve been going over them, and there are a few decent candidates based on the bios, but . . .” Her heart thudded so hard she wondered if he could hear it. “This is my child we’re talking about. I want to find someone who will bring a lot to the table, so to speak. It’s a tall order.”

“Well, sure it is,” Logan said. Now that she was talking, she supposed he’d relaxed some, because his eyes weren’t searing through her anymore and he was eating. Casual again, no problems here. “I don’t envy you that. Must be hard, and nerve-racking. Plus, you just hope these guys—the potential donors—are telling the truth, right? You don’t really know, since you don’t know them.”

“Yes!” she enthused, leaning in. “Exactly that! I know the clinic has a stringent screening process, but sure, those men can lie about some things, how do I know? So . . .” A new wave of determination zipped through her, and she folded her hands on the table as she leveled her gaze on Logan. “There’s a thing called a known donor. A lot of women go that route. They’re able to go into the process fully confident, because the donor is someone they know. Could be a boyfriend, or just a friend . . . someone they already know and trust.”

“Makes sense,” Logan said, and took another bite.

“I’m glad you think so.” Tess swallowed hard. “The thing is, I have someone in mind to ask. I know it’s a monumental thing to ask of someone, but I have gotten to know this man. And I think most of his attributes—both physical and emotional—are ones that I’d be proud to have in my own son or daughter. I just don’t know how to get the words out.”

Logan half smiled, still chewing . . . then stopped chewing. He swallowed hard, meeting her eyes. “Tess . . . this proposition of yours. It wouldn’t be . . .”

“Yes, Logan.” Her heart nearly thumped its way out of her chest, but she said, “I’m asking you if you’d consider being my sperm donor.”

Chapter Twelve

Logan’s heart nearly stopped in his damn chest. “You’ve got to be kidding me.”

“Not at all.” Tess met his stare, a confident gleam in her eyes that unnerved him. “There would be conditions, of course. And legal documents and the like I’d need you to agree to and sign. But yes, I want you to be my donor. The more I’ve thought about it, the more I know you’re a fantastic choice.”

“The more you—you’ve thought about this?” he stammered. “About me?”

“A lot.”

“This is nuts.” He practically flung down his knife and fork. “You’ve been here for what, two weeks?”

“Tomorrow will be three, actually. But I know what I know.”

“And what’s that, Tess?” He felt his blood race and start a low simmer. “What do you know?”

“That you’re a smart, caring, seriously decent man,” she said fervently. “That you possess quiet strength and deep compassion for others. You also have a sense of humor, dry as it is, and you’re clever and friendly. Those traits alone made me unable to knock you off the top of my wish list.” She fidgeted with the edge of her plate, rubbing at something that wasn’t there. “Add to all that your physical attributes, of which there are many, and it made so much sense. You’re . . . you’re the package deal I’ve been looking for. You bring so much . . . I’m convinced it’s the right choice.” She sat up a little straighter, took a quick breath, and met his stare directly. “So, that’s my proposition. I’m not asking for an immediate answer, but for you to think about it. Would you consider being my donor?”

He gaped at her, stunned speechless. His head was spinning.

“I’d need you to have a full screening, of course,” she continued. “Both medical and psychosocial. But we know each other. We’ve become friends. So we can actually talk about things, which is such an amazing advantage! I can ask you any questions directly, and I trust you’ll be truthful with me in answering them.” She drew a quick breath and licked her lips. “It just makes so much sense to me.”