« We’ve already spoken with Dr. Nguyen, » she said. « Richard and I will meet you at our attorney’s office tomorrow. Mr. Pierce will explain everything. »
The line went dead before I could ask what there was to explain.
« They want us to come in together. »
The office was all glass and gray carpet.
Mr. Pierce sat behind a desk wider than my whole kitchen. Richard and Vanessa sat to one side, not looking at me.
« Emma, thank you for coming, » the lawyer said. He slid a folder across the desk. « My clients have made a difficult decision. Given the diagnosis, they won’t be accepting the child after delivery. »
I stared at him. I waited for someone to laugh or take it back.
« What do you mean, not accepting her? »
« Section nine of the surrogacy agreement you signed last spring, » Mr. Pierce said, tapping the folder.
« My clients have made a difficult decision. » VisualArt & Design »In the event of a confirmed fetal abnormality, my clients retain the right to decline placement. The infant will be transferred to the state foster care system following birth. My clients are released from all parental obligations, » the lawyer read.
