Page 186 of The Silver Fox Brother

"We ran some tests while you were unconscious. Blood work, checked your vitals." She pauses.

"We also ran a pregnancy test."

My heart stops.

"The results came back positive," Dr. Patel says, her voice gentle.

"You're pregnant."

The words don't register at first.

Pregnant.

I stare at her, unable to speak.

"Were you aware of this?" she asks.

I shake my head slowly. "No. I didn't know."

Dr. Patel sets down her tablet.

"Have you been sexually active?"

"Yes." The word comes out barely above a whisper.

"Are you with a partner?"

I nod, but my mind is racing.

"How far along am I?" I ask, my voice shaking.

"Without an ultrasound, it's hard to say for certain," Dr. Patel explains.

"Based on your hormone levels, I'd estimate around four weeks. But we'll need to schedule an ultrasound to get accurate dating and make sure everything is progressing normally."

I feel tears welling up in my eyes.

"I also want to talk to you about taking better care of yourself," Dr. Patel continues.

"You're severely dehydrated and your blood sugar is very low. For a healthy pregnancy, you need to eat regularly, stay hydrated, and get adequate rest. Do you understand?"

I nod but I'm not really hearing her.

"Are you okay, Miss Hayes?" Dr. Patel's voice brings me back.

"I know this is a lot to take in."

I look up at her. "Yeah. I guess I'm okay."

There's a knock at the door, and a nurse pokes her head in.

"Dr. Patel, there's someone here asking about Miss Hayes. Knox Sterling?"

My heart races.

Knox.

Dr. Patel looks at me. "Would you like me to send him in?"