AllFreeNovel
Share Us
She went around to his side and did as he asked. Dr. Harrison picked up a large needle from the tray next to him, and my eyes widened.
“Holy shit.”
Phoenix had the right to say that. I wanted to hop off the table and run. Instead, I tightened my grip on his hand. He was my lifeline, whether he wanted to be or not.
“You’ll feel a small pinch and pressure.” Dr. Harrison said. “It’s important that you don’t move.”
“Okay.” I wouldn’t risk anything happening to the baby, so I would do as he said and be a statue. Phoenix scooted closer, and both of us locked onto the monitor.Please, little baby, don’t move.
The doc positioned the needle then inserted it into my stomach at an angle. I gasped then whimpered, squeezing the hell out of Phoenix’s hand. We could see the needle inside me on the monitor. The pressure was intense, and lightheadedness swirled, but I blinked away the black dots on the edge of my vision.
Then it was over. The pain left, but not the pressure from my bladder. “Can I get up and use the bathroom?”
“Yes, of course.”
Phoenix helped me stand and walked me to the bathroom door. “I’ve got it.” I released him and went inside by myself, locking the door then shoving my leggings down as quickly as possible. I fell onto the toilet seat, thankful I didn’t pee all over myself. After washing my hands, I went back into the room.
But I felt sick. “I think I’m going to throw up.”
“Have a seat, Aspen.” Dr. Harrison’s voice sounded far off.
Phoenix guided me to the chair, but I lost my grip on the world around me, and everything went dark.
“Mommy, let’s go.”
Wild blond curls dance in the wind, and a tiny hand brushes them out of her eyes. She has the face of an angel. A masculine roar sounds, and my little girl is swooped up in muscular, tatted arms. Squeals of laughter ring over the hypnotic roll of waves as they break along the shore.
I push up from my towel, brush off the sand, and join them as Phoenix flies her like an airplane to the water. The sun beats down on us, and carefree laughter spills from my lips. We’re at my favorite place, and I’m spending the day with my family. I love everything about this afternoon.
Phoenix turns, our laughing little girl secure in his arms as he calls for me to join them, and I run over hot sand to the lapping waves to do just that. The foamy water tickles my skin as I wade in after them, not mistaking the spark of heat in those unusual silver eyes of his. Then his muscular arms sweep me against his side, and our little angel’s tiny hands reach for me too. It is the best kind of day.
“Aspen!”
The bright, warm day morphed into a dim examination room, but I reached for my little girl and him, not wanting our time together to end. A sense of panic and anxiety filtered in as they faded away. I moaned as they disappeared, and a bitter smell assaulted my senses.
With a slow blink, Phoenix’s stricken features swam before my eyes. I had to open and close them a few more times to bring him into sharp focus. He bent before me, both my hands in his. He looked scared. “What happened?”
“Here, drink this.” The doctor pressed an orange juice into my hand, which Phoenix seemed reluctant to release.
I took a few sips, and the doc moved back. Phoenix did not.
“Your blood pressure dropped, and you passed out.” Dr. Harrison explained, “It sometimes happens after emptying your bladder and the high-stress situation. Nothing to worry about.”
Becca busied herself with organizing the room, probably for the next patient. The doctor waited patiently for me to finish the drink. I handed the empty cup to Phoenix.
“How are you feeling?” the doc asked.
“I’m fine.” A muscle jumped along Phoenix’s clenched jaw, and I watched it in fascination, more embarrassed I’d passed out than anything.
“The results will be sent to your doctor’s office in two weeks. Nothing strenuous for the next twenty-four hours. That includes lifting anything over twenty pounds. Try to keep your mind off the test results in the meantime. And if you have any questions, please call.”
“Thank you.”
Phoenix stood and walked to the door with the doctor. He spoke to him, but I couldn’t hear what he said. Then he was at my side, helping me stand. I didn’t need him to, but I let him because that experience had been over the top. I wasn’t going to touch on the vision I’d had while passed out. I’d seen her twice.
Her.
I held Phoenix’s gaze as he came back to me. He helped me to my feet, and I moved as if in a daze, surprised when we were outside and standing by my car. I couldn’t hold it in anymore. I had to tell him. “We’re having a girl.”
