Chapter 12 - Hannah Refuses to Be Managed
The first time I spoke directly with Hannah was by video call with both lawyers present.
Not romantic.
Not emotional spectacle.
Structured.
She wore scrubs.
Hair tied back.
She was between shifts.
“I need to say something before either of you starts,” she said.
Miranda was on another screen.
I nodded.
Hannah continued.
“I entered this agreement to carry a child for two intended parents who represented that they were making decisions together. I did not agree to mediate a divorce.”
Fair.
Miranda said:
“I understand.”
Hannah looked at her.
“You told me Garrick hated medical appointments and wanted you to handle communication.”
Miranda stiffened.
“He does.”
I almost laughed.
“I attended every appointment before the pause.”
Hannah looked at me.
“I did not know there was a pause.”
“I know.”
She continued.
“I’m not going to be used as proof that either one of you owns the baby more.”
Correct again.
Her lawyer laid out communication protocol.
Medical updates through counsel or joint approved channel.
No surprise visits.
No direct pressure.
No requests that Hannah alter prenatal care for litigation.
Birth plan determined primarily by her medical needs, with intended-parent access consistent with hospital policy and court orders.
I agreed to everything.
Miranda agreed too.
Then Hannah asked me:
“Do you want this child?”
The question took the air out of me.
“Yes.”
Not because boy.
Not because heir.
Because he was coming and I had participated in creating the circumstances, however badly managed.
Miranda looked at me.
Something changed in her face.
Perhaps she had expected me to say:
Only if I control him.
I did not.
Then Hannah asked:
“Do you want him even if Miranda gets equal parental rights?”
“Yes.”
That mattered even more.
May you like
A child is not useful only if custody favors you.
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