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"We're having a baby together, Gray," I laugh. "It would be impossible to come on too strong...especially because I love you too."
Relief floods his face, and he pulls me into a deep kiss. It's like everything has fallen into place--our love, our family, our future.
We pull apart, and Gray looks at me, his eyes shining. "I can't wait," he says. "To be a dad, to be with you, to build a life together."
I smile up at him, feeling a sense of joy that I've never known before. "Me too," I whisper.
We spend the rest of the night talking and planning, feeling like we're on top of the world. I can't believe how much has changed in just a few short months--I went from feeling lost and alone to having the love of my life by my side, and a little one on the way.
As Gray wraps his arms around me, I close my eyes and let out a contented sigh.
This is what happiness feels like.
Chapter fifteen
Gray
It'sthedayofClaire's first ultrasound and I'm scared as hell.
We sit in the waiting room of the only clinic in Fern Hollow--Dr. Banks' place. She's a nice lady, younger than expected, blonde. She stitched me up more than a few times after construction accidents, and I know she'll take good care of Claire, but I'm still nervous.
As we wait in silence, Claire fidgets with her fingers, her eyes glued to the floor. I reach over and take her hand in mine, giving it a reassuring squeeze. She looks up at me and forces a small smile.
"I'm scared," she whispers.
"I know," I reply. "But whatever happens, we'll get through it together."
She nods, but her eyes still betray her anxiousness. I wish I could take away her fears, but I know it's not that simple. Claire told me this is the first time she’s ever tested positive, but the first few weeks are really sensitive and things could go wrong.
I wanted to tell her that everything would be okay, but I don’t know, so I just held her hand instead and made sure to drive her to the doctor myself. I wasn’t going to let her do this alone.
After what feels like an eternity, the receptionist calls out Claire's name. We stand up and follow her down a brightly lit hallway, passing by a woman carrying a baby of her own. Claire's eyes linger on the kid, and I squeeze her hand once again.
"That's gonna be you by the end of the year," I murmur. "Smile on your face, a healthy baby in your arms."
"I hope so," she whispers.
"I know so," I smile.
Dr. Banks is waiting for us in her office, a warm smile on her face. She greets us both and gestures for us to take a seat.
"Hi, Claire," she says. "It's so nice to finally meet you. And Gray--always a pleasure."
"Hey, Dr. Banks," I say, trying to smile through my anxiety. I don't want Claire to know how nervous I am. "Just excited to finally meet the kid."
"I know it can be overwhelming, but everything's going to be just fine," she says. I guess she can sense how freaked out we are; she probably meets with parents like us all the time. "And please, you can call me Reagan; no need for formalities in a town this small."
"Thanks, Reagan," Claire says. "I have to admit, this is pretty nerve-wracking. I didn't even think it would happen, and now it finally is and I feel like every little discomfort is something wrong with the baby."
"That's just how it goes," Reagan says. "But don't worry too much. Let's get you a peek at your little one."
Claire nods, and Reagan gestures for her to lie on the bed and pull her shirt up. Her belly is just barely swollen, but it makes me proud to see what I've done to her--what we did together. Reagan applies a layer of gel on her stomach and I hold my breath.
"Here we go," Reagan says as she turns on the ultrasound machine. "Let's see what's going on in there."
The room is silent except for the sound of the machine. Reagan looks intently at the screen, and Claire and I stare at it too, trying to make sense of the blurry shapes.
And then, we see it. A tiny little shape, wriggling on the screen. I can't believe it--that's our baby. Our kid. I feel a lump in my throat as I watch it move, and Claire's hand tightens around mine.
