“I’m with the city plan.” The pregnancy itself would be covered. “Crystal left money to cover the implantation.” There was also some money in trust for each of the children and a small annuity to help Pia with monthly expenses.
“Then the choice is yours.” Dr. Galloway studied her. “Let the past go, child. It’s time to think about the future. Whenever you’re ready, I’ll be here to help.”
“Should I do anything special as far as food or vitamins?”
The doctor shook her head. “We’ve done a blood draw. I’ll have the results in a few days. You’ll go on prenatal vitamins then, along with any additional supplements you might need. For now, relax.” The older woman smiled. “No, I take that back. Go find a good-looking man and have sex.”
Pia felt herself flush. “Is that medical advice?”
Dr. Galloway laughed. “Yes. You’re going to be pregnant with triplets, Pia. Your body won’t be your own for much longer. Enjoy it while you can. Is there anyone special in your life?”
She immediately thought of Raoul—her hunky pregnancy buddy. “Not really. I’m not dating.”
“My advice stands. Just make sure you take precautions. Then when you’re ready, we’ll take the next steps.” She rose and walked around her desk. “You’re doing an extraordinary thing, Pia. I’m so proud of you.”
Pia thanked her and left. Information swirled around in her head. She was pleased that the implantation could happen relatively easily, and she appreciated Dr. Galloway’s attempts to reassure her about what had happened in the past. Pia knew logically that she wasn’t to blame for the loss of the baby she’d carried before, but she couldn’t help feeling that being terrified rather than happy had been wrong. And that she would be punished later.
Which meant what? Did she give in to the fear and not have Crystal’s children? That didn’t seem right, either. If she went forward with this, she was going to have to take a leap of faith. On her part, she would do everything right. Take the best care of herself, live perfectly. It would be up to the babies to take care of the rest. A reasonable plan, she told herself. A rational response.
But she couldn’t help but wonder if Crystal would have left her the embryos if she’d known the truth.
PIA HAD BARELY BEEN BACK in her office five minutes when Marsha called.
“They’re here,” the mayor said, sounding desperate. “I knew they were coming, but still.”
“Who’s here?”
“Reporters. They’re everywhere. I need you to come to City Hall and dazzle them.”
“Is this where I tell you I don’t feel especially dazzling?”
“No, it isn’t. We’re desperate. Charity is going to take questions, as well. I need young, confident and sexy. Anything that doesn’t scream pitiful spinster.”
Despite everything that had happened that morning, Pia burst out laughing. “I don’t think we use the ‘S’ word in this century, Marsha.”
“They’re going to use it. Count on it. You’ll come?”
“I’ll be there. Give me fifteen minutes.”
“Make it twelve.”
PIA MADE IT TO CITY HALL in ten minutes, only to find that the mayor wasn’t kidding. There were several news vans parked along the street, with reporters setting up for outdoor shots. It was a perfect fall day—crisp without being too cold, blue sky, the changing leaves adding bursts of red and yellow.
She could see Charity talking to two reporters at once, and a crowd of residents starting to gather. Sucking in a deep breath and reminding herself to speak in coherent sound bites, she stepped toward the cluster of reporters.
“Hello,” she said as she approached. “I’m Pia O’Brian. I work for the city. Mayor Tilson asked me to come by and see if you have any questions.”
Immediately three cameras focused on her. Bright, blinding lights clicked on. Pia did her best not to blink like a mole in the sun.
“What’s your name?” one guy asked. “Can you spell it?”
She didn’t think Pia was a tough one, but she did as he requested.
“What’s with the man shortage?” a young male reporter asked. “How are you driving them away?”
“Is it a sex thing?” another man asked. “The women in town not putting out?”
The assumption being they must be doing something wrong, Pia thought, but she did her best not to let her irritation show.
“Demographically, we’re not as balanced as other communities,” she said calmly. “There are fewer males born per one hundred births than in other places. As the father determines the gender of the child, you’ll have to speak to the men in town to get your question answered.”
The youngest of the three reporters around her blinked, as if he couldn’t remember what he’d asked. All the better for her, she thought.