“Is there something you’ve been hiding from me these past couple years?” Jack asked, his words cracking. “What?” “Do you have a well-kept secret?” Carrie could tell her shrill laughter spooked Jack. She said, finally, “Nope. Th is is the child who calls to me in my sleep. I’ve told you about him. About a zillion times.” She guided Jack into the den … Jack’s eyes bugged at the baby portrait on the easel in the middle of the room. He stumbled forward, setting his bouquet on the edge of the desk as if he didn’t have the strength to hold it another second. Carrie air-kissed the portrait of the cherubic child and introduced him to Jack. “Sweetie, meet my former boyfriend. We’ve only recently parted ways. You see, I’m making way for you, and he, well, he’s making way for himself.” Carrie stopped, lest Jack think she was berserk and call 911. Jack stared at her for what seemed an eternity before whispering, “Darlin’, I know you’ve got this maternal instinct going, but this, it’s too much.” “No, Jack. It’s not enough. It won’t be enough until this child is in my arms and in my life.” —from Lifelines