Page 34 of Interception

“I don’t want this getting out. You should’ve worn a baseball cap and shades.”

“What movies have you been watching? I’d draw more stares being in a doctor’s office with shades on. Stop worrying about everyone else and focus on what we’re here for.”

“It’s okay for you. You’re a beloved Titan. I’m going to be painted as the woman who tricked you into staying with me.”

“Did you trick me? Did you get pregnant on purpose?” I already know the answer. I know Zee better than she’d like to think.

“Of course not. How could you even ask me that?”

“I wasn’t. I was simply pointing out that I know, and you know that isn’t the case. Haven’t you wondered why I never asked how this could’ve happened? You were on the pill.”

“I just assumed that you’ve been wondering about it. I never intended this at all.”

“Trust me, I know you aren’t thrilled to be tied to me for the rest of your life. You regularly make it known. If it were any other woman I’ve slept with, I probably would’ve questioned her intentions. With you, I’m one hundred percent sure that we’re the minuscule number who are the exception to the rule. I like to think that it’s fate, no matter how irked you seem to be at having my child growing inside you.”

“That’s not…” She’s about to explain away her obvious disappointment that I’m the guy who knocked her up, but the receptionist calls her name, and it’s time to see this baby.

Once the door closes and the prying eyes of the waiting room are behind us, Zee reaches for my hand as we head down the hallway to the exam room.

“So, you’re not ashamed for the staff to know we’re together? Only the rest of the general public?”

“Can we not have this conversation right now? I’m sorry I hurt your feelings. This is just new territory for me. I’m adjusting.”

“It’s not exactly old hat to me. I’ve never knocked anyone up before. And contrary to your aversion to being my girlfriend, I’ve never had a woman I’m seeing be unwilling to admit she’s with me. Are you ashamed of me or something?”

“No. I just know that when this hits the press, they are going to be judging me. It won’t be you who gets vilified.”

“All the more reason to admit that we’re a couple, not just casual fuck buddies. Surely, it would be better if they know that we’re in a committed relationship?”

“Are we committed? You’re stuck with me. It’s not the same thing.” I want to walk away right now. It shouldn’t be this hard to prove that I’m in this.

“I’m not even answering that question because you already know the answer.”

We sit in silence until the technician comes into the room.

“Hi, Zoey, and…” she looks me up and down, “… Cooper Danford. I’m a big fan.” This isn’t helping my case with Zee that we can be anything less than a high-profile couple in this town. “Let’s see how the baby is doing.” After the initial recognition of who I am, she switches to being completely professional and tries to set Zee at ease, explaining everything she’s doing.

She turns the screen to face us, pointing to a tiny moving person. Holy shit! That’s my baby.

“Wow.” It’s all I can manage. Incredible.

“Baby is roughly the size of a fig right now.”

Our fight from only moments ago is forgotten at this moment. I reach out and grab Zee’s hand, lifting it to my lips and pressing a gentle kiss to her palm. “That’s our baby.” I can see tears welling in her eyes, but she starts blinking furiously to get rid of them. She’s always got to be in complete control of her emotions, and I’m at a loss for why that should be.

“Is everything okay? Does it have all its limbs? Is there a heartbeat?” This is the first time Zee has sounded like an expectant mother. A warmth spreads throughout my body, my heart fit to burst. I’m such a sap when it comes to her.

“Everything looks great. Right on track.” She presses a button, and a rhythmic sound fills the room. “And yes, there’s a very strong heartbeat.”

“That’s our baby’s heartbeat?” Fuck. I’m going to cry like a pussy in a moment.

“Yes.” Her expression changes, and her brow furrows as she moves the wand over Zee’s stomach.

“Is everything all right? What’s wrong?” Zee squeezes my hand as I question the technician. She looks worried.

“Hold on just a moment.” She moves the wand again, tapping buttons on the machine while we anxiously await her response.

“Something’s wrong. Oh God, Coop, something is wrong.”

---