Page 43 of Burned By Fire

20

EMBER

Thursday, July 14th

Six weeks later

Gripping tightly onto Sol’s hand, we make our way into the obstetric/gynecology department. I’m so nervous, but it helps that I’m not doing this alone. I check in at the reception desk before we take a seat. “I think I’m going to pee myself,” I say.

“Try to think about something else. Have you heard from your mom?”

By the time I returned to the hospital, I’d already missed her. Maybe it’s for the best that she’s gone, but it’s difficult not to regret what happened.

“No. She’s probably sunbathing on a beach somewhere. A fresh start is what she needed. Other than me and her sister, there’s nothing else here for her.”

“I know she’s your mom, but Jackie and I are your family.”

I kiss his lips. It’s just a quick, soft peck, but it leaves me wanting more.

Sol’s been pandering to my every need since we officially got together. He’s sweet and caring. I feel drunk on love. “Indeed you are.”

A sonographer calls my name, and I squeeze Sol’s hand hard one more time before I stand up. We follow her into a room and answer her questions. It’s just basic things like my name, address, and date of birth.

“I’m Claire, and I’ll be doing your scan. Once you’re ready, please lie down on the bed,” she says.

Butterflies swarm in my stomach as I do as she asks. Claire moves my pants down to my hips and tucks some white paper into the edge. She squirts some warm gel onto my tummy. I close my eyes while she starts to scan, and Sol rests his head next to mine.

“Congratulations, guys.” She turns the screen to show us. “Here’s the baby, and right there is the heartbeat.”

“Wow,” Sol says in awe.

My heart races as the little person moves around on my screen. “It feels more real now,” I say.

Tears stream down my cheeks as I’m overwhelmed with emotion. I love this baby before we’ve even met.

“Everything is looking great. I’ll print you some pictures, and we’ll see you at twenty weeks for your anatomy scan,” Claire says.

Just before she finishes the scan, she shows us our baby’s features, and I watch in amazement. The rest of the appointment goes well. Claire rubs the gel off my tummy, and I pull my pants up. We thank her, and when we leave the hospital, I’m on cloud nine.

“I guess now’s the time we start telling people,” I say.

“Do you think Jackie will kill me?”

I grit my teeth and frown. “About that. She already knows, but I made her promise not to say anything until after today. You’re not upset, are you?”

“No, I’m not upset.”

“My aunt has been good to me, although I’m not sure the office building is the right place to raise a baby. I’m going to have to look for somewhere more suitable.”

We make it back to the car, but instead of letting go of my hand, Sol pulls me close. “Move in with me.”

“Don’t you think it’s a bit soon?”

He kisses my cheek. “It might be early days in our relationship, but we’re doing everything our way. Don’t move in with me because my place is suitable for a child, but because you want to.”

I open my mouth to argue, but no words come out. Every argument I have falls flat. I’m spending most of my time at Sol’s anyway, and I sleep over all the time. Giving up the office space won’t be hard because it’s not a real home. When the building is empty, the place is lonely. “Okay.”

“Yes! This makes me so happy. Let’s go get your stuff.”

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