“No, babe. I mean it. But I’m not thinking about me. I’m thinking about you, and I know this is something you want so badly, even if you’d never admit it. You say you’ve made peace with it, but you haven’t. Not really. How could you?”

She didn’t want to cry, but the tears seemed to have a mind of their own. They came in a great torrent that reminded her of the aftermath of her third miscarriage. This subject could be counted on to make her cry every time it came up.

Nick wrapped his arms around her and held her until she got it all out. “It’s okay, Sam,” he whispered, stroking her hair. “I’m here now, and no matter what happens, we’ll deal with it together. Whatever you want to do is what we’ll do.”

“I don’t know what I want to do,” she said, sobs hiccupping through her. “I can’t even talk about this without bawling my head off. Can you imagine what a mess I’d be if I had the surgery and managed to get pregnant? I’d spend the whole time panic-stricken, waiting to lose it.”

“I can’t picture that. The Samantha I know and love is ballsy and fearless and so courageous it often takes my breath away.”

Touched by his faith in her, she attempted a smile. “You haven’t seen her pregnant.”

“I’d love to see her pregnant, but only if it’s what she wants.” He leaned in to kiss her and wipe away the remaining tears. “I love you, no matter what, and I’ll support whatever you decide to do.”

“Thanks,” she said, “for getting me, and for understanding how this would hit me without needing me to draw you a map.”

“Don’t put pressure on yourself to decide anything right away. We’ve got plenty of time.”

“My eggs aren’t getting any younger.”

“Puleeze, you’re a spring chicken.” He kissed her again. “Are you going to tell me what else Harry had to say?”

“Do I have to?”

“Uh-huh.”

“He said to say hi to you,” she said with a big smile.

“Fabulous.” He poked her ribs. “What else?”

She made a face at him. “He’s making me give up soda.”

Nick’s mouth fell open. “You’re kidding.”

“I wish I was. Be prepared to see me at my very worst, starting tomorrow morning when I don’t get my daily kick start.”

“Thanks for the warning.”

“You think it’s funny now.”

“So that was it? Just give up the soda and see what happens?”

“For now. He was very thorough, your pal Harry. I hope you’re not planning on having him over or anything. I doubt I could make eye contact.”

Nick hooted with laughter. “That sounds like a dare.”

“Don’t you dare!”

“Do you feel better, babe? About the other thing?”