Page 111 of Does He Know?

Emerson nods.

“Let’s get some vitals then, shall we?”

“Sorry about them,” Emerson says. “They’re a little protective.”

“Girl, nothing wrong with that. That’s what family is for.” She begins to check the cut and clean it, declaring that she doesn’t need stitches, just a butterfly bandage. Apparently head wounds bleed, making them appear worse than they are.

“See,” Forrest taunts his sister, and laughs when she groans in frustration.

That simple act between brother and sister has everyone relaxing. For me, it’s the time I got with her on the way here when I was holding her that I finally relaxed a little. Otherwise, it’s hard to tell how I’d be reacting right now.

The nurse taking Emerson’s vitals talks to her about what happened. “I’m going to draw some blood just so we can rule out a few things.”

“Like what?” Monroe asks.

“Dehydration, and a few others. We’ll have the results soon.” She smiles at Monroe, and then at Emerson. The nurse, whose name is Tabitha, is quick and efficient and is out of the room in no time after drawing some blood and hooking Emerson up to IV fluids.

“You all should go. Monroe can stay. I’ll be home later.”

“Not happening, little sister,” Forrest says, crossing his arms over his chest.

I’m glad he declined, because I’m not leaving.

The room is full of whispered chatter, as we’re all afraid of being too loud and getting kicked out. Emerson laughs at something Maddox says, and she looks so carefree and happy. I relax even more. The stress of the afternoon is still there, but seeing her like this helps ease some of the worry.

After thirty minutes, there’s another knock at the door, and an older gentleman steps in. “Well, it looks like I’m late to the party.” He smiles. He walks to the bed and holds his hand out for Emerson. “I’m Dr. Jacobs.”

“Nice to meet you. Emerson Huntley, but you already knew that.” She chuckles.

“I did. Are we okay to speak freely in front of your guests?” he asks her.

“My family, and yes.”

Dr. Jacobs nods. “Tabitha filled me in, but why don’t you tell me too? Just so we’re sure to cover all of our bases here.”

Emerson goes on to tell him how she was hot, then dizzy, and she fainted. Dr. Jacobs slips on some gloves while he listens. Once she’s finished, he listens to her heart, checks her pulse, and smiles warmly at her. “I have your bloodwork results, and we’ve concluded a diagnosis. Are you comfortable with receiving those results, or should we clear the room?” he asks her.

I stand up tall from where I was leaning against the wall. I notice the rest of the guys do the same. Monroe, who is sitting in a chair next to the bed, sits up straighter. Dr. Jacobs has our rapt attention.

“They’d just stand at the door and listen.” Emerson laughs. “It’s fine. They’re my people.”

Dr. Jacobs nods. “Very well. Emerson, I believe you fainted because you’re pregnant.”

Emerson’s mouth falls open, and I take a step toward the bed and stop. Blood whooshes in my ears. “Did you just say pregnant?”

“Yes,” the doctor confirms.

I don’t think. I act.

I rush to the side of the bed and drop to my knees. I take her hands in mine. Her eyes are shimmering with tears, and I swallow back my own. “We’re having a baby,” I whisper. I slide my hand over her still flat belly. My heart is racing so loud, I’m sure that everyone in the room can hear it.

Emerson nods and smiles as a tear rolls down her cheek. “I didn’t know.”

“We know now,” I tell her. I bring her hands to my lips and kiss each palm.

“What the fuck is going on here?” Forrest’s voice is low, and I can tell he’s barely containing his anger.

Standing, I lean over the bed to kiss Emerson softly on the lips. “Love you, baby girl,” I whisper.

Source: www.allfreenovel.com