Page 37 of His Protective Bear

Hunter kissed me the moment he saw me at the diner, not caring who was watching as he studied my face for a moment, “You feeling okay?” he asked.

I nodded, “Yeah. Just a little tired, but I’ll be fine. I didn’t get to bed early enough last night.” I quickly added because I knew how protective he could get. Plus, it was true since I’d been home, I found it hard to go to sleep. I missed falling asleep with Hunter’s arms around me or me draped on top of him. I just missed him.

The ride to the hospital was quick, and we talked the entire time. The funny part was I couldn’t remember what we’d talked about. All I knew was that Hunter had really become my best friend.

We walked hand in hand to the entrance, and the admissions clerk at the desk smiled at us. “Mr. Hallbjorn, welcome. We are so excited to have you. Congratulations.”

“Thank you, Francine.” Hunter smiled at the nurse.

“We’ve got an appointment to see Dr. Matthews?” Hunter said.

“You know the way. He’s expecting you.” She nodded in the direction I assumed was his office.

Hunter led us down a hallway until we reached the right office. He knocked on the door and entered when ‘come in’ was called out.

“Hey Doc,” Hunter said.

Ian Matthews, our doctor, stood when we entered and came over to us. “Hunter,” he said as they shook hands.

“Doc,” he pulled me forward, “This is my wonderful mate, Sage.” Even I heard the pride in my voice. And no matter how many times I heard it, it always surprised me.

“Nice to meet you, Sage.” Ian held his hand out to me.

“You too, Dr. Matthews. Thanks for fitting us in.”

“Of course, it’s no problem,” he said. “Come on, then let’s get this show on the road. I know you both have to get back to work.” He moved towards the same door we’d just come through. “Let’s get to the checkup first. Then you can ask whatever questions you have.”

Hunter never let go of my hand as we moved from the office to a room across the hall. This one had an exam table and an ultrasound device. There were two large TVs, one tilted over the bed and one across from the stool clearly for the doc.

Dr. Matthews went over to the sink and washed his hands. “Please get up on the exam table, Sage.”

Hunter helped me up and kissed me for good measure. “You ready?” he checked. I leaned into his chest, my legs dangling off the table.

“Yeah, I am.” He knew how worried I was that our baby would be the same as me. And even though I believed Hunter when he said he wouldn’t care, I just didn’t want that for our child.

“I can hear you thinking,” Hunter whispered. “Please stop worrying.”

“Okay, you two, ready to meet your little one?” Dr. Matthews asked when he came over.

“Yes,” I said. And Hunter squeezed my hand.

“Please lay down and lift your t-shirt up, Sage.”

I did as he asked. Even though we were only about five weeks along, I could see my stomach wasn’t as flat as it used to be. Not quite a bump, though. I still couldn’t believe I was actually pregnant. I never thought I would experience this.

Hunter and I shared a smile, and he squeezed my hand again.

“Ready?” Ian checked.

We grinned and nodded, “Yup. Ready,” I said firmly.

Dr. Matthews smiled and squirted the gel on my stomach. Hunter’s grip on my hand tightened slightly, but he caught himself and released his grip. I followed all of his movements with my eyes until an image appeared on the monitor in front of him.

The quiet seemed to stretch out, and Hunter and I exchanged a look.

“As best as I can tell, it looks like the Hallbjorn twin streak is broken,” Ian said. He looked at us. “You appear to have a healthy little one coming right along. Congratulations, you two.” he grinned.

“And everything is okay?” I asked.

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