Page 88 of Shattered Hearts

The harshness of my tone makes her freeze, brows rising a little. I open my mouth to apologise for my tone, but she lets out a small breath. “I didn’t realise that this was so concerning for you, Gray.”

“I just—I don’t want to think—” My voice cracks faintly like a vintage cassette. “I don’t want to lose you, Mum.”

“You’re not, sweetie.” I’m wrapped up in her arms, my heart thundering. “I promise you that it’s nothing bad. But if you’re this worried about me, then I will make an appointment to see someone. Okay?”

I exhale slowly, nodding. “Thank you. I worry about you because Reid has struggled with migraines his whole life. What if it’s the same thing?” Or what if it’s worse? I can’t bring myself to say that out loud, but from the way she’s looking at me, I can tell that she’s thinking the same thing.

She nods again, kissing my forehead before dropping back down onto the heels of her feet. “I’ll get it checked out. I don’t want you to worry about me.”

“I’ll always worry,” I murmur. “You’re my mum, of course I worry.”

“I know, dear. I’ll book something today and get it looked at, okay?”

My chin dips. “Okay.”

Rubbing at my chin, I decide to take a shower while I’m up here. I need to warm up anyway after that conversation. I’m just praying that Mum sticks to her word and makes that appointment, because if it was something serious…

Grabbing some clothes from the new pile she left on the top of my dresser, I head to the bathroom. Stripping off, I turn on the water. I hear my phone vibrate. Stepping in, I wash under the steady stream of hot water, steaming up the small room. By the time I get out, it’s like the bathroom is full of fog. I can’t even see myself in the mirror. Wrapping a towel around my midsection, I step out and reach for my phone. I needed time to think about everything. Mum. Laynie. The baby. Honey Haven. Knox.

No wonder my mind is aching.

Picking up my phone, my heart thuds the moment I glimpse the message, and I can’t stop the smile spreading across my face as I reread it several times, excitement bubbling inside me like champagne.

Chapter Thirty-One

Laynie

The machine beeps as Fiona snaps some more measurements and photos. Mum holds onto my hand, staring at the screen as I cry silently. I thought I would only tear up the first time, but I was wrong. This is just as beautiful as the first appointment.

“That should be enough,” Fiona states, not taking her eyes off the screen as I hold in my pee so tightly that I think I might combust.

I have never been so happy to hear the words, “You can relieve yourself,” in my life. I ran out of there as soon as I could.

Returning to the room, Mum waits for me at the chair. I sit back down and she takes a hold of my hand.

“Why are we waiting in here?” I ask.

“Fiona told us to. Maybe she has something for us?”

That makes my pulse leap. Is it good or bad?

Before my mind has time to spiral, Fiona steps through the doorway carrying a stack of papers in her scrubs. “Oh, good, you’re back.” Settling in her chair, she turns to Mum and I. My hand tightens around hers, and I hear her swallow.

Something doesn’t feel right.

“By this time, the baby should be between a range of length,” Fiona begins. I bite down on my lip to keep it from shivering. Why’s it suddenly so cold in here? “I took the necessary measurements, and your baby, while healthy, is smaller than we would like.”

A lump knots in my throat, and I try swallowing it down, but it doesn’t budge. “Smaller?” is all I get out.

Fiona nods.

“What does that mean?” questions Mum, whose grip on my hand doesn’t falter.

“Well, it’s something we’ll need to monitor for now. It’s nothing to be too concerned about, but it is something I have picked up which might lead to problems the further you get in your pregnancy.”

My heart jumps into my esophagus as my knee jiggles anxiously. “What problems?” I squeeze out.

Fiona looks at Mum, giving me a moment to try and collect my breathing that’s quickened. “Early birth is highly likely, for the baby’s safety. Then there’s also the rare chance of organ damage or decreased oxygen, but again, those don’t seem to be an issue right now.”