Chapter 44
Katie Winters had the kind of laugh that filled a room—warm, genuine, without pretense. Emma found herself smiling in response as Katie described her five-year-old's recent dinosaur obsession.
"He corrects the museum guides," Katie said, eyes crinkling with amusement. "They're very patient with him."
They sat in a quiet corner of a café near Massachusetts General, where Katie worked as a pediatric nurse. For their first meeting, Emma had suggested somewhere casual rather than the sterile agency offices.
"Your children are adorable," Emma said, admiring photos on Katie's phone—a boy with a gap-toothed grin and a slightly older girl with serious eyes and wild curls.
"They're my everything," Katie said simply. "Which is part of why I want to do this. Having them changed my life in all the best ways."
Alek, who had been quietly observing the exchange, leaned forward. "And your husband supports your decision?"
"Tim's completely on board," Katie nodded. "He's seen firsthand how fulfilled I am by helping families in the NICU. This feels like an extension of that work."
Emma studied Katie carefully. Where she had expected to feel awkwardness—discussing another woman potentially carrying her child—she found surprising comfort. Katie's straightforward warmth dissolved the clinical aspects of surrogacy into something more human.
"May I ask a personal question?" Katie directed this to Emma, her expression softening. "Dr. Rivera mentioned you experienced an ectopic pregnancy. That must have been traumatic."
Emma tensed slightly, but Alek's hand found hers under the table. "It was," she acknowledged. "We're still processing it, honestly."
"I can't imagine," Katie said. "Just know that if you choose this path—with me or another surrogate—it doesn't diminish your role as parents. You'd be creating a life together, just with some help carrying it."
The simple statement, delivered without pity or judgment, loosened something in Emma's chest. Katie understood what many didn't—that surrogacy wasn't giving up, but finding another way forward.
"We're still considering options," Alek explained carefully. "But your perspective is incredibly helpful."
"No pressure," Katie assured them. "This is a huge decision. You need to be completely comfortable with it."
As they parted ways an hour later, Katie surprised Emma with a quick hug. "Whatever you decide, I wish you both the very best. You'll make wonderful parents, however it happens."
In the car afterward, Emma found herself unusually quiet, processing the meeting.
"Thoughts?" Alek asked gently.
"I like her," Emma admitted. "More than I expected to."
"She seems genuine," Alek agreed. "Motherhood clearly brings her joy."
"It made it feel... possible," Emma said, finding the words as she spoke them. "Meeting her, seeing her with her children's photos. I could picture it."
Alek reached for her hand across the console. "I could too."
"Remarkable improvement," Dr. Winters declared, reviewing Franklin's latest test results. "Whatever you're doing, keep it up."
Franklin snorted from his chair in the study. "What I'm doing is ignoring half your ridiculous restrictions."
Emma exchanged exasperated glances with Natasha, who was completing her final week in Boston before returning to her residency program.
"My grandfather believes medical advice is a starting negotiation position," Emma explained to the doctor.
"Most patients do," Dr. Winters said dryly. "Fortunately, the numbers don't lie. Blood pressure down, heart rhythm stabilized, oxygen levels improved."
After the doctor departed, Franklin looked smugly vindicated. "See? Nothing wrong with a man enjoying an occasional cigar."
"The improvement is because you're taking your medication correctly," Natasha corrected, gathering her medical notes. "Which happened only after I created that color-coded system for Walter to administer."
"Details," Franklin waved dismissively. "The point is, I'm well enough to increase my involvement with the team again."
Emma tensed, remembering the recent friction with Alek over the Matthews trade. "Gradually, Grandpa. No rush."
"Speaking of the team," Franklin said, "how is our Russian CEO handling the Lavoie acquisition?"
"The trade was finalized yesterday," Emma reported. "Matthews went to Chicago along with our second-round pick. Lavoie joins us next week."
"And you supported this decision?" Franklin raised a bushy eyebrow.
"I supported the process," Emma clarified. "Alek presented all perspectives, including yours, and the management team made an informed choice."
Franklin studied her face. "Diplomatic answer. You'll make a fine politician someday."
"I'll leave politics to you," Emma smiled. "I'm still learning the hockey business."
"You're doing just fine," Franklin's expression softened with rare sentimentality. "Your grandmother would be proud of the woman you've become."
The unexpected comment caught Emma off-guard. "Thank you, Grandpa."
Natasha cleared her throat. "As touching as this is, I need to finalize Franklin's care plan before I leave. Emma, can I steal you for a consult?"
In the hallway, Natasha handed Emma a folder. "My detailed instructions for Walter and the nursing staff. Franklin will try to manipulate them into loosening restrictions once I'm gone."
"I'll keep an eye on him," Emma promised, touched by her sister-in-law's thoroughness.
"Also," Natasha lowered her voice, "Alek mentioned you met with a potential surrogate?"
Emma nodded. "Katie. She's wonderful, actually. We're... considering it seriously."
"That's a big step," Natasha said carefully. "How are you feeling about it?"
"Still processing," Emma admitted. "But more open than I was before meeting her."
"I'm glad," Natasha squeezed her arm. "You and my brother deserve happiness, however it comes."