At his mom's suggestion, Clark took Lois to see a couple of larger apartments and after some discussion, and some financial help from Perry, they put a 'down payment' on a top floor apartment with a spacious loft and a very convenient balcony. Lois pointed out that Superman could fly in and out without being seen... once he was back in business, of course.

"Clark, I don't fully understand what's going on inside your head," Sam started. "But I assure you, Mira wouldn't be in very much pain from a simple marrow extraction." The reasons behind all the young couple's actions no longer seemed important to Sam, and the doctor in him wanted to help. "I really don't think there are any medical reasons for you to worry."

Clark faced his father-in-law. "That's what Dr Klein said, but I've read that things can go horribly wrong. She'll be sore and it won't be easy to handle her."

"All that's true. But, the chances of things going wrong are very rare, and the recovery rate of a baby is so much quicker than that of an adult. Mira is a very healthy baby, and within a few days, she'll be as active and energetic as a child who hasn't been through a thing. Clark, please don't make a drastic decision because you're afraid of causing your daughter pain. She'll get over that short trauma far more easily than growing up without a father. Don't do what I did!" Sam's voice was thick with remorse.

"Well, you have a mother-in-law there that thought you two having a baby was insane… until she met her granddaughter, that is. She might try to hide it, but anyone can see she's as proud as can be of that little girl." Jonathan smiled at Ellen, as she nodded her head firmly in agreement. "And what about Sam? He used to believe he needed a boy to make his life complete. I'm sure he has a few doubts now."

"A lot, Jonathan," the other man agreed. "I'm hoping this little treasure will help me mend a few fences, too, Clark."

"Then there's Perry. I'll bet he hasn't been out of that newsroom at lunch time in years," Jonathan continued. ...

"Clark, it's time for us to leave; you have to discuss this with Lois. But, before you do, think of this -- if Lois lost you, it would kill something inside of her. She's just learned to trust again.... Don't take that away from her. Don't let her turn into someone like me." Ellen spoke sadly, without rancor, and everyone listening was touched deeply by her words.

Sam coughed and flushed guiltily, while Clark stared at his mother-in-law. Coming from Ellen, that had to mean a lot, and he realized there was a great deal of truth in what she had said. He rose and saw his guests out, and all the while the points for and against the transplant continued to reverberate in his brain. Ellen was right about one thing: he needed to talk to Lois, and the sooner the better.

"I used to stand for hours watching you sleep," Martha whispered after a while. "I couldn't believe I'd been given such an incredible gift."

"I know exactly how you feel. Mira is amazing." He turned his mother to face him. "I just didn't want to hurt her."

"Clark…"

He put a finger to her lips to stop her protests. "I'm going to fight. I know now to choose to leave her would be worse than any marrow donation could ever be."

"Thank you."

"Thank you," he told her as he pulled her in for a hug. "I love you, mama."

"Oh, honey, I love you."

I'll forgive the name 'Mira.'