Russ Brennan needed a bone marrow transplantation. His sister was the only family member he had to test, but she was not a close enough match. When a search through the National Marrow Donor Program database yielded no potential donors, Russ faced the terrible truth. If he did not find a donor, he would live five years at most.

Tempe rose through the fog of regret and sadness and emerged as her determined scientific self. She had lost enough time with her brother over the years, and she would be damned if she gave up on him so easily.

The late nights at the lab spent reading and researching the disease had become routine. After a month of verifying various leads on experimental treatments and so-called miracle cures, Temperance's search began to lose steam.

"Hey, Bren. I brought sustenance." Angela waved the paper bag of Chinese takeout in front of her friend's face.

"I guess I could use a break." Brennan dug in to the lo mein container with her chopsticks. "Thanks, Ange."

"So I was watching Lifetime last night and there was this movie on that I thought you'd be interested in."

"I doubt it, Ange. I'm really not in the mood for another John Clooney marathon."

"It's George, sweetie." The artist let out a sigh and continued. "Anyway, this movie was about the family of a young girl with leukemia. I think her name was Anissa something."

"Ayala. Anissa Ayala. Diagnosed in 1989. Her parents conceived a sister in hopes of creating a donor match. The marrow transplant was successful two years later."

"So, you know the case then?"

"Of course."

"Have you thought about maybe,….I dunno, trying for a 'miracle baby' yourself?" Angela winced at her own words, bracing herself for her friend's long-winded diatribe on her reasons for not wanting children.

The fact that Brennan's response was quiet reflection piqued Angela's interest. "So you have thought about it?"

"Yes. It would be irresponsible to ignore the facts. And the facts are that there are over forty documented cases of these so-called 'miracle babies'." Temperance's expression remained as stoic and detached as ever, but her friend sensed her unease.

"You know, Bren, it's not the craziest idea in the world. You having a baby?" Her dark eyes sought understanding in her best friend's cool blue ones. "We make our lives out of faith and hope….and love."

Brennan's eyes glossed over with unshed tears. "I love Russ. I do, Angela. I love my brother. But I can't just change my mind. I don't do that."

"Sweetie, just know that you're not alone. Whatever you decide, I hope you know that you have all of us here to help you. We're like a big geeky cyborg family." Her bright smile reached out to her friend. "But there's love. Lots of it."

The possibility of her bringing a child into this world made her nauseous. The reality of her desperation was sinking in, and she felt physically sick with anxiety. "I don't know, Ange. I'm so scared."

"Sometimes love is all you need."

"Yeah, that and a sperm donor…" she silently added.