Page 145 of His Big Bad Stick

It’s the most romantic thing in the world.

Dr. Whitney smiles when the baby shows up on the screen.

My eyes well with tears.

I look at Colver and his jaw goes tight and his eyes go intense.

He loves the baby already. I can sense it. I just know it.

I reach for Colver with my left hand and as soon as I touch his hand, he squeezes mine.

“So, back on the ice, huh?” Dr. Whitney asks. “Finally.”

“I needed the break,” Colver says.

Dr. Whitney looks at him. “Sure.” She looks at me. “Are you going to the game?”

“No thank you,” I say with a cocky smirk.

“Good for you,” Dr. Whitney says.

“What’s with all the hockey hate?” Colver asks.

“I don’t hate hockey,” I say.

“Neither do I,” Dr. Whitney adds.

“I’m just exhausted,” I continue. “Everything is hurting. Aching. I’m just… tired…”

“Growing a human will do that,” Dr. Whitney says.

“What do you mean everything hurts?” Colver asks, his face getting even more serious. “Why didn’t you tell me?”

“Colver, it’s okay,” I whisper.

“It’s not okay,” he says. “Do you hear this?” He nods to Dr. Whitney. “What’s going on with her? With the baby?”

“Whoa,” Dr. Whitney says. “Take a deep breath, Colver.”

“Don’t tell me to take a breath,” he says.

“Colver, it’s okay,” I say. “Hey. Seriously. It’s okay. I’m just tired. That’s all.”

“Listen to this heartbeat,” Dr. Whitney says.

She touches a button on the ultrasound machine and there’s that whooshing noise again.

Colver’s eyes light up. He swallows hard.

That’s as much emotion as he’ll show, which is fine.

He’s here. He’s protective.

He’s worried about me and about the baby.

“Hear it?” Dr. Whitney asks. “That’s a strong heartbeat. Healthy heartbeat. Everything is perfect with the baby. You may not like this simple, smartass answer, Colver, but your… Abrielle is growing a life. Her body is sharing itself with this little life. Everything she eats and drinks and does. Her body is in a functional state that never stops to keep things going.”

“I’m not an idiot here,” Colver growls. “But if she says she’s hurting…”

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