Later than initially planned (things got a bit heated in the shower), we are finally sitting side by side on the sofa, laptop rested on my lap and Bridget's head resting on my shoulder. I have absolutely no clue where to start with this search, I mean, it's a completely foreign concept and I've read very little on the subject before, I do know that our main options would be for one of us to carry the baby or adoption – but that is literally the extent of my knowledge. I am kind of hoping Bridget will be a bit more clued up, I highly doubt she could be any less informed than me, and if that is the case, then holy shit we are doomed!
"Right, so umm Gidge, what sort of options should we look at? I really am out of my depth here." I add a nervous chuckle as I place my hands over the keyboard.
"Well I guess my first preference would be for one of us to carry the baby, obviously you are younger than me so naturally speaking any doctors we visit would probably say you have a higher chance of success, what are your thoughts on that Franky?"
"Age wise I understand, but we've got to think of my time at Wentworth Gidge, I was in a lot of altercations, and more often than once beaten within an inch of my life – yes I am younger genetically but my body has had to withstand a lot more than yours has babe. Oh honey, don't cry, that was all so long ago now and I survived it." I take Bridget's head between my hands and give her a small peck on the lips to comfort her, I always forget just how hard it is for her to be reminded of my days inside and being attacked by other prisoners.
"I'm sorry Franky, I don't mean to get so emotional, it's just all the fights and attacks, not to mention the fire right before I finally thought we could be together, seeing it on the news and rushing down to the prison, only to be told by Vera you were rushed to hospital, my heart was breaking, but also, at the same time was filled with so much love, not to mention pride when I found out you helped save little Joshua, when Bea told me you had literally shielded him with your own body to protect him, I thought for sure you were dead." Bridget's sobs increased as I tried to wipe her tears and whisper comforting words into her ear, after a while the sobs stopped and I held her as close to myself as possible until she had calmed.
"Gidge, you were the one that made me fight to go on that day, if something had happened to me before I got to hold you in my arms and tell you that I loved you, I would never have forgiven myself. Please, let's not think of all that, it's in the past now and I want to make this a happy time in our lives, okay? Promise me, no more tears my love, please." I look into her eyes and see almost all the signs of tears have gone apart from her slightly puffy eyes.
"Okay darling, I promise no more tears over the past, now let's actually put the laptop to use and search for clinics nearby that we can enquire to."
"Right, let's see, umm okay, I guess I'll just start with the obvious then" I say with a smile as I type 'Fertility Clinics Melbourne'.
"Wow, okay that seems like quite a few hits, don't suppose you've heard of any of these before Gidge?" I ask my wife with hope in my voice.
"Actually, third one down, 'Oceanview Drive' I think I have driven past there on my way to work before. Go on to their website, maybe I'll recognise the building." I do as my wife says and click on the webpage.
"Oh yes Franky, I do recognise it, it's not far from the house at all, is there contact information? I have a feeling it will be much easier going in for a consultation to hear our options rather than trying to research them ourselves." I nod along to my wife and her very valid point.
"Let me see, ah, there we go, there's a phone number and an email address, phoning will probably be quicker, let me just see when they are open." I scroll down the webpage and a grin starts to form on my face.
"What do you say we give them a call now? They're open on weekends Gidge" I ask her and see a smile resembling mine plastered across her face.
"Let me get the phone" she replies.