My Body, My Choice.

My Body, My Choice.

Spades – Point of View

Ace and I decided to try gestational surrogacy, which was complicated. We wanted biological children, at least from one of us, and we had to find an egg donor and a surrogate mother. This would have been easy to find if we didn’t currently rule Moscow. Our potential children were already very powerful, and it was essential to approach this in a careful manner.

We debated using an anonymous donor, but Ace would never allow that. We wanted to know whose eggs we were using for our child. It gave us headaches, and we told our family about it. By this point, we had been married for almost eight months, and we were impatient to start a family.

That morning, we were having breakfast in Florence with our family. Cateleya would be crowned Queen of La Cosa Nostra in a couple of months. She got married to Levi a few days ago, and we were celebrating their union.

“How’s it going with the shipments?” Valentina asked, and I glanced at her. We had a bit of a problem with missing shipments, but we handled it. It turned out to be some idiots trying to fuck us over.

“Perfectly. I wanted to skin them alive, but my darling husband wanted to use them as an example. He’s often so boring.” Ace scoffed as he pushed a bowl of protein towards me.

I couldn’t hold back my grin because he was my husband and I was his. He made me feel so loved. Our marriage had been nothing but roses. Well, we had our ups and downs. Ace could never change. He was still the same headstrong and obstinate man I fell in love with. Marriage had sharpened him, but also softened him. I loved him more every single day.

“So, marriage is good, I see?” Marie grinned, her diamond ring sparkling under the flashing lights. She and Caine got married two months ago. They honeymooned in Paris for a month and have been bouncing with happiness ever since they returned.

“Yeah, yeah, marriage is wonderful.” I smiled briefly and focused on my food.

“You don’t sound too convincing,” Viola noted from across the table, and I glanced at her. Her wife was beside her. The table was surrounded by our loved ones, Camilla, Ana, June, Armani, Rue, Alex, Viola, Danielle, Isabella and her husband, Ashley, Irina, my mother, Valentina, Levi, Cateleya, Marie and Caine. Yet, there was a void in me.

“It’s nothing. Marriage is wonderful.” Ace said, but his voice wavered, and I glanced at him.

“Is this about the baby?” Levi asked, and I smiled sadly.

“More like the lack thereof.”

“You could adopt,” Irina suggested, but from the sound of her voice, she didn’t want us to adopt. We didn’t want to adopt either. We wanted biological children, which seemed impossible.

“I don’t understand what the problem is, Spades.” Mom leaned forward, and I smiled at her, warmth spreading in me. I was glad to see my mother hale and hearty.

“They want biological children. So, they need an egg donor and a surrogate, a carrier, whatever you call it.” Camilla explained.

“I thought you were looking into egg donors? What seems to be the problem?” Rue frowned at us, concern etched on her face.

“Probably because they don’t want strangers donating eggs for their children. Could create a bit of logistical problem, seeing as they rule Moscow.” Armani responded dryly, and I chuckled.

“You can’t blame us.”

“We actually can’t. This must be done carefully. Why not anonymously?” Levi suggested, and Ace snorted.

“Because that’s the opposite of carefully, idiot. Keep up.”

Levi and Ace still had their verbal spars. It was wonderful.

“I can help you with a surrogate. It will be done discreetly.” Ana disclosed, and I glanced at my husband, who shrugged.

“Alright.”

“Or,” Caine dragged out the word, and we looked at him.

“Or what?” Cateleya urged.

“Or I can donate my eggs. I have been thinking about it ever since you guys got married. I have frequented the hospital just to make sure I am fit, and I am. I have spent the last year fixing my diet and training my body. Also, ever since Caine and I agreed, I have been working out, making sure my eggs are healthy. I know you are gonna argue, but I see no reason for that, because this is the perfect idea. You need eggs, and I am willing to donate mine. We can even do that thing where you and Ace have each biological children.” Marie blurted.

For a second, everyone was silent. My brain short-circuited. It stopped working.

“Absolutely fucking not.” Ace snapped, pulling me back to my body.

“Excuse me?” Marie countered, confused.

“You are not donating your eggs for us. We could never ask you to do that. What the hell?” He fumbled over his words.

“Fuck off, Ace. You are not telling me what to do with my body. It is my body, my choice. I don’t even like you that much. I like Spades.” She countered, grinning widely.

She was lying. She liked him very much. She preferred him to me on some days. He was obviously worried about her.

“Are you sure about this, Marie? It is a huge thing to do.” I finally spoke. My mind was a mess.

“It’s nothing. You are my best friend, Spades, and I love you very much. I’m just trying to help you. You and Ace have built something enviable, and I want to make your family complete.” She whispered, and my chest caved in, warmth flooding in.

“We will pay you back. We will even the scores.” Ace declared, and I shook my head, laughing.

“Pay her back by shutting up, idiot. Worry about finding a surrogate.” Caine cut in, smiling.

“If you are serious about this, Marie, then we can get started immediately. I am certain finding a surrogate will be the easiest thing to do.” Camilla smiled.

I glanced at my husband, my heart pounding really loud. We were going to be parents.