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We both looked up as Mimi’s physician, Dr. McKenzie, walked in instead of the nurse we’d expected. I supposed this was the benefit of going to a small-town medical center. There was obviously a good chance your regular doctor would come see you, rather than leaving you to an unfamiliar physician’s care.
“So what’s up?” the doctor asked. She smiled warmly, crossing her arms and leaning her hip on the edge of the exam table while studying Mimi.
“We’re worried. I’ve been having cramps. Does that mean…?”
Concern colored the doctor’s face. “Have you noticed any spotting or heavier bleeding?”
My wife shook her head, her hand tightening on mine.
“Well, then, let’s check you out and see what’s happening. Okay?”
* * * *
Mimi leaned her head on my shoulder as I carried her into the house. She was exhausted and had fallen asleep on our way home. Exhausted physically, but not emotionally. After hours at the hospital, a thorough examination, blood work and an ultrasound, the doctor had deemed our baby safe. In fact, Mimi was even farther along than initially thought. The physician told us the cramps Mimi had experienced were common, caused by her body adjusting and the hormones from the baby.
We’d even gotten to see our little nugget fluttering around inside my beautiful wife’s womb. My heart was so full.
“Are you alright?”
Mimi startled as the door flew open behind us along with my mom’s exclamation. I turned toward my mother with my wife still nestled against me.
“What’s wrong?” my mother asked.
My arms tightened around Mimi. “Nothing.”
“Fran called me and she said that Paula called her because Jennette saw you skidding into the hospital’s lot. Obviously, something happened.”
“Let me down,” Mimi whispered to me, tapping my shoulder.
“You need to go to bed,” I argued.
“I don’t.”
Mimi made a face at me, her wide eyes yellingdo it now. Gosh, she was going to be a good mom. Giddiness rose inside me. We were having a baby. I’d gotten to see him or her today, and I swear a little hand waved hi. Probably my imagination.
I slowly lowered Mimi until her feet touched the floor. She turned toward my mom, and I pulled her back against my front while we faced this. My mother studied us both, with concern etched onto her face.
“You’re not hurt,” she said slowly, her gaze scanning over us. “Are you sick?”
Mimi shook her head. “We were a bit worried. About me…”
She glanced up at me. She was farther along than we’d thought, already starting her second trimester, according to the measurements. Now, she silently checked with me, wanting to know if we should share. I nodded, reading her question.
My wife faced my mom again. “…and the baby.”
“Oh, well, okay… What?” My mother’s shriek was probably heard all the way to downtown Sweetville. “Ababy?”
She closed the space between us and grabbed Mimi’s hands. “You’re pregnant?”
“Yes.” My wife beamed. Nothing could dampen the joy binding us.
My mom shook her head. “I actually thought you two weren’t trying. That Judd wanted kids, but that you didn’t.”
“I do want kids. Very much. Is that why you don’t like me?”
My mother’s lips parted, and I knew she gasped, even if we couldn’t hear it. “Notlikeyou?” Her focus flicked briefly to me, and I knew she had to be recalling our conversation about the way she’d treated Mimi. “Judd, can I speak with Mimi alone, please?”
My arms tightened around my wife. She tapped against my forearm and gazed up at me. “It’s okay. We should talk.”
She gave me the slightest of nods, urging me to believe her.I love you,she mouthed.
I whispered it back to her, praying whatever my mom told Mimi didn’t send us off-track again.
