A knock comes to our door and my OB comes in. Dr. Harper’s light brown hair falls in a braid over her shoulder, and she’s got this bright smile on her face. “Hi, Mia, I see we’re having a baby, congratulations!”
“Thank you.” I smile at Adam. “We were a little surprised, but we’re really happy.”
“You know, sometimes they really are the best surprises. My surprise just turned six and he’s the part of my life.” Dr. Harperputs her stethoscope in her ears. “I’m going to listen to you real quick. Deep breaths.”
I breathe deeply, despite biting my tongue to not ask five more questions as she listens. I’ve been seeing her for the past few years and never knew she had a son. But I guess when I’m here there’s really one objective, and the goal is to get in and get out with just a yearly appointment.
“All sounds great.” She loops it back around her neck. “It looks like your due date is November 14th. Your ultrasound looks beautiful, and the heartbeat is strong.” She looks over her chart again. “Not sure if you’re big on old wives’ tales, but 162 could be a girl.”
“Really? I hadn’t thought about signs of the gender past cravings. My mom said sweets means girl and salty is a boy, but I’ve really only drank water like crazy.”
“Yeah, that’s about how all the tales go. There’s no real proof. I’ve seen some be right, a lot wrong, but a healthy baby is what really matters. The tales are more for fun. As for the cyst, it’s relatively small and they are quite common during the first trimester. As long as you’re not feeling any major discomfort or pain, there’s nothing to worry about. I will have you come back in two weeks so we can just double-check it’s not growing.”
“Is there anything I need to be careful of outside of the typical pregnancy stuff these apps and books tell me?”
“Rest is usually a good one, taking things just a little easier. Especially if you do start to feel any cramping or sharp pains in your pelvis.”
Mmm, rest. I can feel Adam’s eyes studying me. He’s got a comment about this, I’m sure of it. Slowing down isn’t exactly either of our strong suits.
“But if I’m feeling fine…”
Both of them laugh, which I find slightly offensive.
“Then you’re good,” Dr. Harper replies. “One of the best things you can do is listen to your body. If you’re feeling tired, then rest. Make sure you’re eating and drinking throughout the day. Your body is going through a lot of changes right now, so give yourself some grace. If you have questions or concerns, you can always call and leave a voicemail for our nurses, and we’ll call back when we can.”
“What can I do to help?” Adam runs his hand down my back. “She’s not good at relaxing, and neither am I. Realistically, I do very little at this stage… I just want to be helpful.”
As if he’s not already done more than enough. He’s already got people feeding me and is going to marry me so I can have the house I want. I feel like I need to do something for him at this point.
“I’ve been at this for quite some time, and I must say I don’t get that question from dads often. Don’t get me wrong, I’m grateful to see many supportive dads, but thegoing the extra milepartner is always my favorite. There’re not many action items I can give you, but ask these questions. Ask her questions and help when you can…or stay out of her way when she wants.”
Chapter 28
Adam
“Congratulations, Mr. and Mrs. Reyer. You’re officially married.”
My jaw clenches on impulse. There’s no regret tied to the wet ink still on that marriage license, but it’s now clear to me that I’ll be bringing up the topic of last names to Mia soon.
Her hand links through mine. “Thank you. Is there anything else we need to do?”
The officiant slides the paper into his briefcase. “Nope, I’ll take this over to the clerk’s office down the hall, and you’ll receive your marriage certificate in the mail in the next week or so.”
Mia smiles. “Perfect, thank you for your time. We appreciate it.”
He tips his head to us both. “There’re many times I’m in this courtroom for not fun things, so thank you for letting me do one of the more fun things. You all have a great day.”
You know with the baby appointment and making this huge life change—it really has been a great day with Mia.
God, the sound of our baby’s heartbeat is about to be my ringtone…hell, my walk-up song. And now she’s officially my wife.
The most breathtaking, amazingly confident, and capable woman is mine. Fuck, I need a ring on her finger soon.
Callie lets out a squeal behind us. “Congratulations, you guys. Thank you for letting me and Will be here.”
Turning, she wraps both of us in a hug.
“Thanks for coming, Cals.” I nod to Will. “You too, man.”
