Robert though hadn’t seemed to clue in on Landon’s early decision. His mister inundated Stephanie with questions, going overboard on her and her family’s medical history, their levels of education and again on their political affiliations.
When the questions ended, and they had maybe as long as a minute of silence, Stephanie dropped her hands to her lap and said, “If you guys chose me, I’ll consider it an honor. Your schedule fits mine perfectly. Dr. Richardson told me you were looking for a fresh egg donation. I’m good with whatever you decide.”
“You all done?” the waitress asked, reaching for his and Stephanie’s plates.
“I am.” Landon watched Stephanie turn a bright, friendly smile to the waitress. He really liked that maneuver, making sure everyone around her was respected and comfortable. Robert did that same thing all the time. Landon nodded, extending his plate.
“Did Sophia’s firm talk to you about payment?” Robert asked and hurriedly added his last bite, encouraging the waitress to take his plate too.
“She did. You two are very generous. My family and I have worked hard to support me through medical school, your generosity will help. I’m willing to begin my clinical evaluations when I return to Minneapolis.”
“So, money’s your motivator in doing this?” Landon asked.
“No.” She shook her head and looked down at her hands in her lap. “The truth is my older brother is gay. He’s ten years older than me. His coming out happened when he was twelve years old and he didn’t out himself. Times have changed and I understand they have, but his life hasn’t been easy for him. It pleases me to give you two something like this. Especially now that I see it’s you,” she said, nodding at Robert. “It’s my way of putting good out into the world.”
“Thank you,” Robert said, in his normally kind way. “What involvement do you want in our lives if we move forward?”
“I’ve thought about this quite a lot. I believe Dr. Richardson stayed in your life, is that correct?”
“She did and has. We always knew her and what she did for us, but my parents were my fathers.” Robert seemed direct and clear in what he’d allow and not allow.
“I don’t intend to stay in Minnesota after med school. I’d like to travel with a Doctors Without Borders type program, but I understand the value of staying in all your lives, at a distance. Is this the only pregnancy you plan?” she asked.
“No,” Robert answered with certainty. “We’ll have at least one more, most likely more.”
“I’ll let you decide my involvement. How’s that?” Stephanie offered.
Robert seemed good with her answer, giving a firm nod. His hand came to Landon’s thigh, giving a firm squeeze. “We need to talk more about it.”
“Okay, well, it’s been a pleasure to meet you. My brother’s going to be excited I met you. Your father helped my brother,” she added, explaining how she recognized Robert.
Robert was no longer dealing with all his guilt and depression. He seemed profoundly sincere when he said, “My father was a great man, one I aspire to be like every day. I hear things like what you’ve said quite a lot. What I can say, he helped me meet my husband and he guides my decisions to this day.”
Robert’s hand at his thigh gave another gentle squeeze. His loving gaze lifted to Landon. He couldn’t help shifting the hand behind Robert’s back to his head, moving his mister closer for a kiss on the lips.
Stephanie beamed at them then gathered her things and scooted out of her seat. “Thank you for driving all the way out here and thank you for lunch.”
Robert pushed out of the booth, taking her hand in a shake. “Thank you for wanting to be a part of our journey. We need to talk, but we’ll let you know either way.” By the time Landon got to the edge of the booth seat, she lifted a hand to him and started out of the restaurant. Thankfully, Robert took Stephanie’s seat across from him.
“So, what do you think?” Robert asked. The sparkle in his eyes and the way he leaned across the table were big indicators of his excitement.
“I like her. She fit every one of our requirements,” he said honestly, finding no reason why he should say anything more. Between Robert and Stephanie, he could see a really great kid coming from the two.
“Me too,” Robert nodded, steepling his fingers together.
“She’s got a long way to go before we really know if she’s truly a candidate, right? We need to check out her background and her mental soundness?” he asked, feeling like Sophia wouldn’t have suggested her had she not already done those things.
“Yep, you’ve paid attention. I like her too.”
“What happened to my lecture of not getting too excited and how we’re not taking the first woman who steps up?” Landon reminded Robert with a playful tilt of his head.