The story takes place in San Francisco in the 1980s. Diane and Cindy, a lesbian couple, pay an acquaintance Sam to father a child for Diane. But after the baby boy Charlie is born, Diane finds herself in a tug-of-war between a strong-willed Sam who wants to maintain contact with his son and an equally strong-willed Cindy who insists he get out of their lives. Diane's attempts to balance their competing demands while trying to do what is best for the baby lead to lies, intrigues and cover-ups galore. Things reach a head when Cindy leaves her and Sam makes it plain he doesn't wish to abandon his bachelor life to become a family man. Diane is forced to rethink her balancing act and to seek out her own true needs and desires.