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“Before that, I’d like your thoughts.”

“As your doctor?”

“Yes.”

Elise sat straighter in her chair. “You are in your 30’s, which means your fertility will start to decline. Add that to the endometriosis diagnosis and possible scarring. I’d say you would need to look at fertility treatment soon.”

“So, if I want a baby, I need to start now?”

“The sooner the better. I know after your operation you were keen to get started, but I think it was important to get your body back in balance. If you’re still determined to get pregnant, my advice is to take action.

“Wow, okay.”

“Let me give you some information to start off with. Give it a thorough read and when you’re certain, book an appointment.”

“Okay, thanks, Elise.”

“As your friend, Lydia. I’m excited, and I’m here for you. It could be rough, but I will do everything in my power to help you have a baby, if that’s what you want.”

* * *

“Mince onions? How the fuck do you mince an onion?” Maybe Spag Bol wasn’t a safe bet after all. Lydia had fought the urge to gag when handling raw meat. She’d almost cut a finger off when chopping the carrots and now she was supposed to figure out how to mince an onion.

The onion ended up being chopped into small bits because Lydia refused to lose her shit over a vegetable. With the table set and soft music playing, everything was ready.

Halle strolled in ten minutes later, her eyes scanning the dining room table. “What’s all this?”

“It’s me making you a home-cooked dinner that I’m 80 percent sure won’t poison you,” Lydia smiled.

“Wow, 80 percent sure. Who could say no to that? It smells great, Lyds. Thank you.”

They spent several minutes kissing. Lydia had to drag herself away before another meal went uneaten. “Sit down, I’ll plate up.”

“How was your day?”

Lydia had to smile as Halle tucked into the food, yet still gave her full attention. “It was good. I had my follow up with Elise.”

“I know. You wouldn’t let me come with you.”

“Because it was just a quick check-up, babe.”

“Still.”

“She’s put me on a double dose of the pill. It’s supposed to help curb the bleeding.”

“Great.”

“Hmmm.”

“Not great?” Halle put her fork down and took Lydia’s hand.

“I need to talk to you about something important.”

“Okay.”

“It’s about kids.” Easing into things didn’t seem to be Lydia’s forte. “I’ve been thinking about it more and more. I wanted some advice. Elise explained that I might need to start sooner rather than later. It could take months or even years. The endometriosis left scarring and has possibly affected my eggs.” Halle still hadn’t said anything. Her eyes were wide. Shit, had Lydia broken her girlfriend? Of course she had; Lydia was discussing babies for God’s sakes. “Um… thoughts?”

“We’ve only been together for a few days. That’s fast even by lesbian standards, Lyds.” Halle’s laugh was stilted.