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“Oh. I haven’t read about those,” I mumbled.
Quin sobered at my revelation. “You’ve been reading about ultrasounds?”
I walked to the edge of the bed and tucked a lock of hair behind her ear. “Pregnancy, but yeah. I started right after you told me, then after the other night—” I shook my head, remembering how scared I’d been. “I wanted to make sure I didn’t miss any other signs that you were in distress.”
“Wow.” Her eyes shimmered with emotion. “I don’t know what to say.”
“I’ve rendered you speechless? This feels like a Kodak moment.”
“Ass.” She rolled her eyes.
“Are you two ready to see your baby?”
I reclaimed my seat, bringing it closer to the exam table so I could hold Quin’s hand. The next few minutes, the doctor called out numbers to the nurse, taking measurements which ended with our due date.
January twenty-seventh.
Our eyes were glued to the monitor screen while the doctor pointed out different things, but honestly, the only thing discernible was a tiny black blob. Then, she adjusted the angle of the wand slightly and the awkward noise of the ultrasound changed into the fast whooshing of our baby’s heartbeat.
It was the most incredible thing I’d ever heard and if I hadn’t already been sitting, it would’ve taken me to my knees. I don’t think it fully hit me until right then and there. We created a life… a baby.
Quin’s grip on my hand tightened to the point of pain. Cutting my gaze to her, the breath was stolen from my lungs for the second time in as many minutes. Her face was blotchy and red, her bottom lip quivered through the ear-to-ear grin, while tears streamed down her cheeks, yet she was still the most beautiful woman I’d ever laid eyes on.
“Thank you, Firefly.” I leaned over to capture her lips.
“If you tell anyone I cried, I’ll junk punch you,” she muttered against my mouth.
I threw my head back and laughed.
This woman would probably be the death of me, but I couldn’t think of a better way to go.
_______________
THERE WAS Acalmness in the air as we left the doctor’s office. A calmness I knew would soon turn into a raging storm when I brought up the whole money situation. She’d already given me the side-eye when I whipped out my credit card to pay for her appointment, so I was well aware our upcoming conversation would be met with resistance.
Stopping at her car, I cleared my throat and pulled the envelope from my pocket.
“Here.” I held it out to her.
“What’s this?”
She took it and I saw the instant she realized what I’d given her. Her sparkling emerald eyes narrowed into sharp points as she thrust the envelope back in my direction.
“No.”
“Baby.”
“Do notbabyme, Allesandro del Toro. Are you out of your freaking mind?” she shrieked.
“Just hear me out, please. Five minutes.”
She nodded and the clock started ticking down.
“You’re burning yourself out working three jobs.” Her jaw ticked and I knew I had to hurry. “I know you take care of your parents, but you aren’t alone anymore, Quin. I’m here for you… for them. Let me help.”
She started to shake her head, but I stepped into her and took her face in my hands.
“Stress isn’t good for the baby.”
