Page 49 of Shattered Hearts

Mum is silent, and I reach out, putting my hand over hers. She lets out a sob.

I sniff and feel water on my face. Wait, I think it’s more tears. I don’t care because they’re tears of joy. They’re the best kind of tears.

I choke out an exhale, and I cover my mouth, my vision blurring. Fiona pushes some buttons, capturing some measurements and photos. All I can focus on is the little bean with tiny arms and legs, and a miniscule face that I can’t wait to—

“Everything is looking perfect. You won’t feel this yet, but your baby is starting to wriggle, which is also a good sign,” Fiona talks over the top of my thoughts.

It brings a grin to my face as I wipe it clean.

“It’s beautiful,” Mum coughs out, squeezing me tighter. Sadie nods in agreement.

“It’s perfect,” I utter under my breath, bringing a fresh round of tears to my lashes. It’s absolutely perfect, and I’m already in love with him/her.

Fiona finishes up, wipes my abdomen clean, and instructs me use the bathroom to relieve myself. Coming back into the room, Sadie and Mum talk quietly on either side of the table. They give me heartwarming smiles that make my fingertips fizz with delight.

“I can’t believe I got to see that,” Sadie murmurs, rushing over to hug me.

I embrace her tightly, eyeing Mum.

She stands and approaches us, pulling me into her own hug. I bury my face in her neck. “Are you as happy as I am?” she whispers in my ear.

Nodding against her, she kisses my hair before letting me go, her eyes glassed over.

“I am.”

Walking out of the room, we find Fiona out in reception. She hands me an envelope. “Just something for you to cherish.”

“Thank you.”

She smiles before handing me some papers. “This is an outline of what to expect over the next two trimesters. Your next ultrasound will be at nineteen weeks, but until then, you might want to consider some classes for you and…” Her gaze flickering off for a second before clearing her throat. “Well, you can come alone or bring a friend. It’s up to you.”

“Thank you, Fiona,” I say, before she reminds me that I’m going to be a single mum.

“I’ve booked an appointment for you already.” She hands me a small card with a date written out for seven weeks’ time. “But you’re welcome to come see me if you have any questions or concerns. That’s what I’m here for.”

I head out of the clinic with Mum and Sadie, the papers and envelope clutched in my hand. As soon as we’re sitting in the car, I pull out the sonogram photos, and my eyes fill with tears for the second time.

Sadie and Mum gush over them once more, making me giggle.

“Laylay.” Sadie’s voice breaks through the tears we’re both shedding. I peer sideways at her. “You’re going to be an awesome mum.”

My heart melts at her words.

Yeah, I think I am.

Chapter Nineteen

Laynie

“We have a spot this weekend you can fill. I know it’s a bit of short notice,” Garrett says through the phone.

Humming, I check the calendar app on my phone just to double check, although I doubt I have anything on besides baking. It’s all I do with my spare time.

“I can make it this Saturday. How much is it for the spot?”

“It’s fifty bucks for the lot, and that comes with a fold out table and chair. Everything else you’ll need to bring with you. The setup starts at seven, and the market opens at eight.”

I nod, adding the information into my phone. “Thank you very much, Garrett.”