Page 24 of Don't Fall For Your Grumpy Neighbor

“Okay, get that phone ready, Dad.”

Hearing Dr. Kass call him Dad has tears swimming in my eyes. I knew he was the father, but hearing someone call him dad feels different.

Once she puts the doppler on my stomach she only searches for a moment before the heartbeat is loudly beating around us. As we listen, Shepherd reaches down and grabs my hand, linking our fingers together. I close my eyes to keep the tears from spilling because it may seem like nothing, but it means so much to me in this moment.

“Should it be that fast?” Shepherd asks.

The doctor nods. “Absolutely. It’s a strong fetal heart rate at 155.” She pulls the doppler off, but looks at Shepherd. “Did you get that, or should we do it again?”

He squeezes my hand and says, “I got it, but I wouldn’t mind hearing it again.” As we listen again, he kisses the top of my head. “That’s our baby.”

A tear slips out this time as my emotions take over. “Yeah, it is,” I whisper around the lump in my throat.

Dr. Kass smiles as she pulls the doppler off and wipes my stomach clean. “You can feel the love between you two. It’s so clear to see how emotional this is for you both. If either of you have any questions or concerns at any time, please don’t hesitate to call. In the meantime, continue doing what you’re doing and I’ll see you again next month.”

I hate to move, but I need to pull my shirt back down and it causes Shepherd to take a step back. “Thanks, Doctor. It was great meeting you,” he says, sticking his hand out.

She shakes it and grins. “It was a pleasure meeting you, Shepherd. Take good care of your girl.” With that she leaves and I suddenly feel overwhelmed.

The doctor who is going to deliver my baby thinks Shepherd and I are in love. I hope she’s better at delivering babies then she is at reading relationships.

Feeling awkward after everything she said, I stand up and force a smile. “So, how about that food?”

Wow, did I just really say that?

Chapter 14

Shepherd

I listen to the recording of my baby’s heartbeat over and over while Felicity steps into the restroom at the doctor’s office.

I send the recording through to the group chat with my brothers and Griffin (who’s practically like one of my brothers).

That’s my baby’s heartbeat.

Callum: Should it be that fast?

Griffin: Anya says fast is a good thing. Congrats man, I can’t believe how real this is getting.

Paxton: Is the baby good? Everything look okay? What did the doctor say?

Everything’s great. Next appointment we’ll be able to see the baby and determine the sex.

Tripp: It’s a girl. I just know it. And look what I bought. (image of Tripp wearing a ‘Proud Uncle’ t-shirt.

Paxton: Where’d you get that? I want one.

Brock: Congrats, bro. Sorry I’ve been quiet. Millie and I just broke up.

Callum: Oh man, sorry to hear that.

Paxton: Sorry.

Griffin: Sad to hear that.

Sorry, buddy. I have to head out, taking Felicity to dinner so we can discuss things.

Callum: Good luck with that.

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