Page 107 of One Reckless Night

Amelia glanced at me, then nodded. “We want to know.”

I didn’t say anything. I was still processing the fact that this was happening at all. It was still early, but it was definitely a tiny human in there. My last time around any of this was during my rotation in the OB field. That had been almost fifteen years ago. I marveled at the human brain, but there was so much more to the human body. Like how it could do this.

“Congratulations, you guys are having a boy.”

Amelia’s face lit up, her eyes shining as she squeezed my hand. “A boy,” she whispered, her voice filled with wonder. “Did you hear that, Jared? We’re having a boy.”

I nodded, my throat tight. I’d never been one for sentimentality, but in that moment, something inside me shifted. It wasn’t just the idea of becoming a father—it was the realization that this tiny, fragile life was ours. A part of her. A part of me. A person who wouldn’t exist if it weren’t for the two of us.

“Yeah,” I managed to say, my voice rough. “I heard.”

The tech continued to move the wand, capturing images and measurements. I couldn’t tear my eyes away from the screen. The baby—our son—was so small but already so distinct. I could see his tiny hands, his little feet, the curve of his spine. It was surreal to think that in just a few months, he’d be here, in our arms.

“Everything looks good,” the tech said, breaking the silence. “Strong heartbeat, good growth for this stage. You guys are doing great.”

“That’s a relief,” Amelia said.

“Yeah,” I agreed, though relief didn’t quite cover it.

I felt a surge of protectiveness so fierce it almost knocked me off my feet. If anything happened to her or the baby—my son—I didn’t know what I’d do. I’d scorch the world and lay it at her feet if it meant keeping them safe.

It was overwhelming in a way I hadn’t expected. I was going to be a dad. The realization hit me like a ton of bricks, and suddenly, all the old feelings of inadequacy and rejection came rushing back. I wasn’t good enough for this. I wasn’t good enough for her.

When the tech left, I stood up, my chest tight. “I need to make a phone call,” I said, my voice rough. “I’ll be back in a few minutes.”

Amelia nodded. “Okay.”

I stepped out of the room. I needed air. I needed to clear my head. I found myself walking toward Neuro, the one place in the hospital that always felt like home. It was quiet today, though, and part of me wished for an emergency—something I could jump in on, something I could fix. But there was nothing. Just the usual quiet conversation and the soft beeping from the machines up and down the hall.

Shawn found me wandering aimlessly. “Jared,” he said, clapping a hand on my shoulder. “You look like hell.”

I let out a humorless laugh. “Feel like it too. What are you doing here?”

“Follow-up on one of my cases,” he said. “I was just going up to OB to check on Amelia. How’s she doing?”

I nodded, still feeling dazed and confused.

“Come on,” he said with a laugh. “Let’s get some coffee.”

I followed him, my mind still spinning. We grabbed coffee and found a quiet corner to sit. Shawn didn’t say anything at first, just sipped his coffee and watched me with that knowing look of his.

“I know you’re not okay,” he said finally. “But you will be.”

I shook my head, staring down at my coffee. “I don’t know, Shawn. This… it’s a lot. I’m not sure I’m cut out for it.”

“Cut out for what? Being a dad? Loving someone?” He raised an eyebrow. “Because last I checked, you’re already doing both.”

“It’s not that simple.”

“It never is,” Shawn said. “But you’re not alone in this, Jared. You’ve got people who care about you and Amelia. And that little nugget. People who want to help. You just have to let them.”

“It’s a boy,” I said.

Shawn’s face broke into a big grin. “Congrats, man. That’s awesome.”

“Yeah, thanks.”

“You’re freaking out, but it’s not like you’re the first man to ever panic at the thought of being a father,” he said. “You’ve got nieces. I’m sure Michael can give you some advice.”