“Why?” She held her hands over her eyes, as if shielding them from bright sunlight.

“Just documentation.” I thought a photo of Lucia and Amelia together could highlight their differences—differences I could make even starker with a little editing.

“No!” she said.

I felt pressure in my lungs.

“I can’t imagine anything less appropriate than that,” she said. “Are you crazy?”

I felt the blood behind my eyes. I felt my scalp burning. “It’s possible that you’ll end up with several choices. And you may want a reminder of who she is and what she looks like.” I focused on slow and sustained breathing.

“I appreciate your desire to be helpful, Delta. But, no.”

“OK. Just tell me how I can help you.”

“This is how you can help me.” She looked at me, and then at Natalie. “Both of you.” She scanned the room and I wasn’t positive what she was looking for. “Just keep your mouth shut.” Amelia turned her back and picked up several used dishes and glasses from the coffee table.

“Just keep your mouth shut,” Natalie quietly mocked her mother’s voice. Amelia didn’t seem to hear. She walked down the hall to deposit the dishes in the kitchen sink.

I pretended not to hear. I was still recovering from Amelia’s dismissive and hurtful comments. Moreover, if I had heard, I would have had to say something or do something. I didn’t want to cause any friction in their relationship. I wanted to support their family. Honestly, I did. My goal was to strengthen the bond between Amelia and Natalie, but still provide Natalie with a sounding board and another badly needed perspective. I wanted Natalie to have a warm, loving home. To the degree that Amelia was absent and unable to attend to Natalie, I would step in and offer my assistance. I wanted Amelia to have the baby that she dreamed of having, and I strongly believed that I could help her. Together, we could achieve her dream.

I knew that Lucia’s baby was not the right one for the Straubs. I loved them. I wanted what was best for them.

CHAPTER NINE

“What a beautiful home,” Lucia said. “Natalie, I love your unicorn collection.” She and Fritz returned to the library after touring the house.