My husband was constantly visiting our surrogate mother to make sure she was okay. I hid a tape recorder, and what I heard ended our marriage.

“But sometimes it comes with you,” Claire said. She sounded unsure.

“Just for appearances,” Ethan’s voice continued. “Once the baby is born, she’ll relinquish her rights.”

Claire hesitated. “Is that why you keep all the medical records?”

“Exactly,” Ethan said. “If he changes his mind, I’ll prove to the court that he never connected with the pregnancy.”

A soft crackling sound was heard in the recording.

Then Claire spoke again. “I just don’t want to hurt anyone.”

Before anyone else could answer, I spoke.

“I want to make something clear.” I looked directly at Claire. “I love this baby. I prayed for him. I longed for him for years. I have no intention of giving up my rights. Ethan lied to you.” Then I turned to look at my husband. “And now I’d like to know why.”

Ethan looked around. His parents, mine, and all our friends were staring at him, waiting.

“Everyone is misunderstanding me,” he began.

“Really?” I asked quietly. “Then why don’t you explain?”