"Jessie, if you feel that way, then why don't we at least a think about in vitro?"

"Danny, I'm too scared to do that!"

"Why?"

"Because what if it doesn't work? Or what if it does and something happens?"

"You can't think like that, honey.  You have to be positive."

"I want to Danny, I really do.. I just."

"Jess, you either try it and see what happens or spend the rest of your life forever wondering if it could have worked. I don't want you to regret this decision."

"Yeah.. You're right."

"So will you try it?"

"I'll think about it."

"That's okay. Take your time."

**

The next day she and Danny worked a little later than usual, so Dorothy and Albert picked Grayson up from school.

Jessica went over to their house after work to pick him up.

"Hi honey, how are you doing? You look exhausted!"

"Heh, thanks mom!" Jessica smiles.

"I'm sorry, but you do! Is everything alright?"

"Yeah.. I just have a lot on my mind right now."

"What's wrong?"

"Can we sit down and talk?"

"Sure."
Dorothy started to panic. She had no idea what was on Jessica's mind.

Grayson was busy playing with his grandfather, so Jessica and her mom were able to speak in private.

"What's on your mind, sweetheart?"

"Okay so.. There's a lot of stuff I've kept from you because I don't want you worrying about me."

"Oh baby, what is it?" Dorothy panics.

"Well going back two years ago when you had your stroke, I thought I was pregnant, so I went to the doctor and it was just an ovarian cyst. I still have it, but it's nothing to worry about, so I've chosen not to go through surgery.
You know Danny and I tried and tried for a baby, and nothing ever happened, but what I didn't tell you is that I was on a drug called Clomid, and I took HCG shots.. What it is is that my body doesn't ovulate on its own anymore, so that's why I'm unable to get pregnant. The doctor said I could do IVF, and I asked if there was a chance of it not working or having a miscarriage and he said yes."

"Well that's with anyone, baby."

"Yes mom, but I'm terrified! I can't lose another baby, and I can't take another negative pregnancy test, but if I don't try this then I'll never know. What if it works? What if I have another baby? Sarah.. She offered to be a surrogate, but I don't think I could handle someone else carrying my child. I know it works for some people, but I couldn't do it. I'm so grateful for her kind offer, but I can't accept it. I want to carry my own child.
.. Mom, I don't know what to do." Jessica says to her mother in tears.

"Oh sweetheart! I wish you would have just come to me sooner! I.. Wow... Jessie, I think you need to just take some time. Listen to what your heart is telling you. My advice to you is.. Do what feels right, and don't live with regrets."

Jessica wipes her cheeks and Dorothy continues.

"If you choose not to go through with IVF, then you and Daniel can always adopt. No you wouldn't carry the child, but it would be unlike something you've ever experienced before. You'd be giving that child a family. A home. You would give that child love. That's all he or she wants."

"I've never thought of adoption before... and it's different. With a surrogate that would be my own child in another woman.. But with adoption, I'd be giving a home to a child that's in need.. I have a lot to thank about. Thank you for talking to me, mom."

"No problem, honey! Now wipe those tears because if that little boy sees you, he's not gonna be a happy little guy!" Dorothy nods.

"That's true." Jessica chuckles.

**

"Danny, I was talking to my mother today about everything that's been going on, and she gave me some advice. I'm going to really think about IVF.. but if we don't go down that path, I'd really like to look into adopting a child."

"Adoption? Hm.. I never thought of that."

"Me either! I think it might be something I'd like to do." She says with a smile.

***

A week has past and Jessica has done research, and prayed about her decision.  She finally came to realize that this is what she wanted.

"Danny."

"Yes, baby?"

"I've been think... A lot, and well.. I'm willing to try in vitro."

"You are!" Danny's eyes widen and he gets a huge smile on his face.

"Yes. I'm still really nervous about it, but I have to try. If I don't then I'll regret it, I know I will."

"Awe baby! I'll be by your side the entire time, I won't ever leave you. Jess.. This will work. I know it will."

Jessica smiles softly before Danny kisses her cheek.

***

Jessica called her doctor and they asked to see her later on in the week to run some tests.

Jessica was nervous, but with Danny with her, she felt a little better.

First they sent her for blood work before doing a vaginal examination.

"Mrs Lange, I really really wish I could tell you that IVF would be right for you, but given your results, I'm afraid we cannot do it."

"What?" Jessica's heart dropped.

"I'm so sorry."

Her eyes filled with tears and Danny wrapped his arms around her.

"It's okay, baby. It's okay.."

"Why doesn't anything work out for me?  I hate this!"

Danny felt horrible for her. He didn't understand why she couldn't have it done.  Then horrible things started running through his head.

"What's wrong with her?  What if she's sick?  I can't take anything happening to her."

***
I'm sorry!