The Clearborn Society

<p>In the near future Washington D.C. becomes the battleground for a new definition of family. Widower Eric Knox still haunted by loss finds love again with Mara-a Lysa-9 synthetic whose wit and resolve prove she is more than manufactured. Using eggs preserved by his late wife they risk everything to carry a child in Mara's bio-engineered womb under the scrutiny of regulators and the glare of public opinion.</p><p></p><p>When their daughter Mellie Knox is born healthy America erupts. Supporters rally under silver ribbons while the Natural Guard network hacks trust and politicians push a Natural Child Protection bill. Allies gather-civil-rights lawyer Amira Haddad disability activist Camila Reyes reporter Naomi Park and pastor-engineer Elijah Brooks-forming a fragile coalition.</p><p>As power outages turn their porch into a triage hub and lawmakers press for bans Eric and Mara refuse cosmetic fixes and fight for recognition. At the Supreme Court the question becomes unavoidable: can personhood include someone made not born?</p><p></p><p>The verdict will shape law for generations-but the novel's truest stakes lie in bedtime feedings first days at school and the hard daily work of building a living house not a museum.</p>