Page 165 of His Big Bad Stick

Can I?

I’ll be honest - it’s a blur.

From the second I jump out of the SUV to the second I’m standing next to Abrielle, holding her hand.

I don’t remember entering the hospital.

I don’t know what floor I’m on. What room number I’m in.

I lean down and kiss Abrielle’s hand.

She starts to cry.

My eyes move down to her stomach.

In the hospital gown, her bump is showing much more.

“You showed up,” Abrielle whispers.

“Tell me…”

I reach for her stomach, afraid to touch.

I look at Abrielle, trying to ready myself for whatever truth is about to come out of her mouth.

Her chin quivers and she blinks fast.

“Well, there you are,” a voice says from behind me.

I turn my head and see Dr. Whitney entering the room.

I let go of Abrielle’s hand and spin around.

“What the fuck is going on?” I yell at Dr. Whitney.

“Okay, tough guy, ease up a little,” she says to me. “Mom and baby are going to be just fine.”

I feel like I’m going to pass out.

Or start to cry.

Pull yourself together, Colver.

“What happened?” I ask. I turn back around and look at Abrielle. “What…”

“Let’s not get too technical here,” Dr. Whitney says as she walks around me. “We’ll call it some growing pains. But nothing to laugh at though.” She’s now on the other side of the bed. She’s checking machines. “There was very mild spotting. The baby has a perfect heartbeat. We’ve been monitoring the little one for a while. Pain has gone down for Mom…?”

Dr. Whitney looks at Abrielle.

Abrielle nods. “Did I cause this to myself? Did I panic or something…?”

“No,” I say loudly. “You’ve done nothing wrong, Abrielle. Ever.”

“Well, I can’t say ever,” Dr. Whitney says with a smile. “I don’t know her well enough. But in this situation, you did just fine, Abrielle. You ever have any worries, you come right to the hospital. With that said, we are going to have to keep a close eye on you for the rest of the pregnancy. Also means you’re going to need a lot of bed rest.”

“Done,” I say. “I’ll take care of this. All of it.”

“We’re going to keep you here for a little longer,” Dr. Whitney says to Abrielle. “But I’m very certain you’ll be home soon enough. Rest. Breathe.”

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