Page 68 of Betraying the Mafia Boss

I don’t deny it because I’m comfortable enough around them to be honest. “I am. I wish Vincent was here with me. We’ll be hearing our baby’s heartbeat for the first time and he’s not here to hear it, too.”

Elene places a hand on my shoulder and gives it a gentle squeeze. “You know he would have been here if he could. This whole thing with Elio is a big deal for him and his priority is to keep you safe.”

I know she’s right, but my shoulders sag, nonetheless. I wished things were different and we were just a regular family, then he’d be here with me.

Jane gives me an encouraging smile, her eyes warm with reassurance. “There are many more appointments he’ll get to come with you.”

Elena nods in agreement, her expression filled with kindness. “And before that, we’re here for you every step of the way,” she adds, her voice soft but firm.

With their words echoing in my mind, I step out of the car and follow them into the clinic. The waiting room is quiet, the air tinged with a sense of anticipation. I check in at the front desk, my heart pounding in my chest as I wait for my name to be called.

I’ve only been sitting for a few minutes, but it feels like forever and my impatience is growing, along with the thoughts trying to creep into my head. The fear of what my future with Vincent would look like.

Finally, a nurse ushers me into the examination room. Jane and Elena follow close behind. I’d give anything to have Vincent here in their place, but their presence makes me feel a lot better than being alone would.

The doctor, a man in his forties, smiles at me through his glasses. “Good morning, Ms. Sullivan. It’s nice to finally meet you.”

My gaze swings between Jane and Elena, and they both smile at me. If the doctor has heard about me then one of them must’ve told him about me. It almost sounds like he’s been expecting me and he’s elated that I’m here. “Nice to meet you too.”

“I’ll perform an ultrasound so you get to hear your baby’s heartbeat. From what I hear, you’re about two months pregnant, but I’ll have to confirm it and create a hospital record for your prenatal care if that’s okay.”

“That’s totally fine, Doctor.” I rest my arm on his desk, my voice barely above a whisper. “When can I check the gender?”

“Fourteen weeks, but for a more accurate result I’d suggest you wait until eighteen weeks.”

“Oh.” I feel stupid for even asking. I’m a nurse and I already know all of that, but I’m so nervous about becoming a mother that my brain is a foggy mess. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome,” he says, adjusting his glasses on the bridge of his nose. “Do you have any more questions?”

“No, I don’t.” My chest flutters with excitement as I think of hearing my baby’s heartbeat. “One more thing, can I get a recording of the heartbeat? The baby’s father is busy with other things and couldn’t make it.”

“Certainly. I’ll make provisions for that.” He grabs a folder from his desk. “If that’s all, then I’ll get a nurse to prepare for the ultrasound.” The doctor pushes up from his seat and leaves the office.

“How did you get the idea of recording the baby’s heartbeat?” Elena asks, placing her hand on mine.

I shrug. “I’ve seen people do it a few times on social media.”

“That’s so sweet of you,” Jane says. “He’ll be happy.”

A wide smile spreads on my lips. Vincent is doing so much for me already, I’m excited I can do this one small thing for him.

Moments pass and I’m lying on a bed in the doctor’s office with my top raised and towel tucked into the waistband of my panties. The prenatal ointment goes on smoothly and I’m grateful that the doctor is gentle as he places the transducer on my stomach.

He answers all of my questions with kindness, despite how stupid I believe some of them sound. As I listen to the sound of my baby's heartbeat echoing through the room, a wave of emotion washes over me, filling me with awe and wonder at the miracle unfolding inside me.

I really can’t believe there’s a little human growing inside me.

After the appointment, Jane and Elena suggest we go shopping for baby items to celebrate. Eager to distract myself from the lingering nerves, I agree wholeheartedly, and we set off for the nearest baby store.

As we browse the aisles, my eyes light up at the sight of tiny onesies, soft blankets, and adorable stuffed animals. Jane and Elena are quick to offer advice and guidance, helping me navigate the overwhelming array of options and choose the essentials for my little one.

Elena picks up a blue onesie and looks at it like it’s the most adorable thing ever. “This is so cute,” she coos. “We should get this.”

“We should get it in both blue and pink. What if it’s a girl?” Jane asks.

Elena giggles “I think it’s a cute little boy. Lucas has been wanting a baby brother for some time now and I’m not getting pregnant ever again.”

“What if Sophia wants a baby sister?” Jane taps her lips, pretending to think. “Let me guess, you’ll have Isabella give birth to a baby girl?”

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