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Liz seems oblivious to Dr. Landon’s subtle warning. She flashes her white teeth at the doctor. “Ethan plans to be at all appointments going forward.”
The doctor smiles warmly at Liz before turning her steely eyes to me. “Well, isn’t that wonderful news?” she asks. The doctor’s tone hardens only enough that I’m barely able to catch the change. I can see I’m not one of Dr. Landon’s favorite people.
“Yes, I’m going to be here from here on out. Whatever Liz needs, I’ll make sure she gets it.”
Dr. Landon seems satisfied with my answer because she nods, reaches for her laptop, and begins scanning the information on the screen. “I see you submitted your blood sugar readings. They’re a bit higher than I’d like, but you’re doing a great job of monitoring everything. I don’t see aneed to put you on insulin at this time. Just keep taking the medication I prescribed. It seems to be working. We’ll continue to monitor you closely these last few weeks.”
Liz’s shoulders immediately relax. “That’s a relief. Thank you so much,” she says.
Dr. Landon taps some notes on her computer. “We’ll also be watching your blood pressure. Patients with gestational diabetes are at higher risk for high blood pressure, and I notice yours is a little higher than normal. I’m not concerned at this time. However, if you don’t have a blood pressure monitor at home, it might be a good idea to get one.”
I’m already pulling out my phone, preparing to order a monitor for Liz. “I’ll order one right now. Should I hire a home-based nurse as well?”
The corner of Dr. Landon’s mouth twitches as though she is amused. “That won’t be necessary, Mr. Anders. I’m sure Liz can monitor her blood pressure, especially if she has you there to help her.”
I could swear I see a twinkle in the doctor’s eyes as she says that last part. Just maybe she’s warming up to me. I’m still tempted to hire the nurse, but I hold off for now. Liz would probably be pissed if I did it without asking. Dr. Landon continues. “Let’s go ahead and check the baby’s heartbeat.”
Liz takes my hand as the doctor pulls the equipment over to her. I’m so shocked by the action that I almost take a step back. Liz hasn’t initiated any form of touch since I came back to town.
The doctor spreads gel over Liz’s stomach and gently moves the wand around. I hear some whooshing sounds coming from the machine. I don’t want to look like an idiot by asking if that’s the heartbeat, so I stay silent. Liz and the doctor arelistening intently.
The doctor moves the wand to different places around her abdomen, and I begin to wonder if something is wrong.
When the sounds of a heartbeat finally burst from the speaker, I feel my stomach do a somersault. I must’ve been holding my breath without realizing it. That would explain the light-headedness I’m feeling. Liz squeezes my hand tightly, and I see the wetness in the corner of her right eye as she gazes up at me.
Holy shit.
I’m going to be a father. I didn’t know how that would make me feel until just now. This appointment made it real. Maybe a little too real.
“This is our baby, Ethan,” Liz says softly, awe in her voice.
If Dr. Landon notices what Liz just said, she doesn’t show it. I’m pretty sure the doctor had already guessed I’m the father anyway. It’s not like we’re hiding it. It just feels surreal to hear it being said out loud. Besides my brothers, no one else knows our secret.
Soon, everyone will know. And I’m feeling strangely okay with that.
The rest of the appointment goes quickly. Dr. Landon gives us some instructions and makes us promise to continue monitoring and following instructions. Liz schedules her next appointment for the following week, and we head back to her place.
The sound of the heartbeat resonates with me all the way back to Liz’s apartment. I didn’t expect to walk away from the appointment feeling . . . well, I don’t know how I’m feeling.
Panicky? Scared? Yes, for sure.
But also something else I can’t name. It’s put me into a pensive mood.
Liz and I huff up the three flights of stairs to her walk-up apartment. I’m thankful she’s finally decided to wear flats instead of her usual high-heeled shoes. The high heels were making me nervous the farther along she got into the pregnancy.
I wonder how she plans to go up and down these stairs after the baby is born. I wonder where the baby will sleep in Liz’s one-bedroom apartment.
There are so many things I want to ask her. There are so many things we need to discuss. Up until now, I didn’t think it was my right to ask her these questions. However, I’m going to be a part of this baby’s life, so I need to be involved in some important decisions coming up.
Eventually, we’ll need to find a way to have these honest conversations.
Liz finishes unlocking her apartment door. As she is pushing open her door, I hear the sounds of heavy footsteps coming up the stairs. We turn toward the sound in time to see a man cross the threshold of the stairwell doorway. He’s a stocky guy, wearing baggy jeans and a blue t-shirt. In the darkened hallway light, I’m not able to make out any of the features of his face. AnI Love NYCbaseball cap is pulled down low over his eyes, and he is carrying a bouquet of red roses and white tulips. They appear to be similar to the flowers that were delivered to the hospital a few weeks ago.
He walks up to Liz. “Are you Liz Blakely?” he asks in a low, gravelly tone.
She looks at him curiously. “I am.”
“These are for you,” he says. He practically shoves the flowers at her. Without waiting for a response, he turns and walks swiftly to the stairs. Seconds later, I can hear him pounding down the stairs.
