Page 10 of Captiva Book Club

Becca and Christopher nodded eagerly. “I’m ready,” Becca said as she lay her body down on the table.

“All right then, let’s get started.”

The doctor squirted the cool gel onto Becca’s belly and began moving the ultrasound probe over her skin. The room filled with the rhythmic whoosh of the baby’s heartbeat, and the screen flickered with grainy images of their child.

“There’s your baby,” the doctor said, pointing to the screen. “Let’s see if we can get a good look.”

Christopher leaned in closer, his eyes wide with wonder and anticipation.

“There we go,” the doctor said after a moment. “Looks like you’re having a girl.”

Christopher’s eyes filled with tears, and he squeezed Becca’s hand tightly. “A girl,” he whispered. “We’re having a girl.”

Becca smiled, his own eyes misting over. “I knew it,” she said softly. “I just knew it.”

Dr. Madden printed out a few images from the ultrasound and handed them to Christopher. “Congratulations, you two. I’ll leave you to have a moment.”

“Thank you, Dr. Madden,” Christopher said, waiting for her to leave, his expression, one of pure joy. “She’s beautiful, Becca,” he said. “Just like her mother.”

Becca laughed, wiping away a tear. “We’re going to have a daughter,” she said. “Can you believe it?”

Christopher nodded. “I can. I can’t wait to meet her.”

They spent a few more minutes looking at the ultrasound pictures before getting ready to leave. They were almost at the door when the nurse found them.

“Congratulations. Dr. Madden told me the good news. A little girl.”

“Thank you,” Becca said. “We’re over the moon about this news. Thank you for being so caring and supportive.”

The nurse smiled. “It’s hard not to care. I feel like a surrogate aunt for all the mothers we see. I’ve even got a few photos in my wallet of some of the babies we’ve delivered.”

“Well, then, we’ll make sure you get a photo of our little girl when she arrives.”

As they stepped out of the doctor’s office, Becca felt a sense of calm for the first time in weeks. “I feel closer to the baby now more than I ever thought possible,” she said.

Christopher smiled. “I know exactly what you mean. Imagine how we’ll feel when she’s finally born.”

The plan was to drive home from the hospital and have an early lunch, but Becca was too excited to pass up an opportunity to go baby girl shopping.

“Come on, how often do we both have the day off? Let’s have some fun looking at pretty pink things.”

“Oh my. I can see it now, suddenly I’m outnumbered with two girls in the house. I guess there’s no point in shopping for footballs, basketballs or baseballs?”

Becca laughed. “Why not? If I remember correctly, I beat you in volleyball the first day I met you years ago. I don’t see why our little girl can’t do the same.”

“Good point.”

“So, do you think we should tell our families now, or wait until we get to Captiva?” Becca asked.

“I think we should wait. It’ll be a nice Christmas surprise.”

Becca nodded. “I agree. It’ll be fun to see their reactions in person.”

On the way to the mall, they talked about their plans for the nursery, and then brainstormed ideas for girl names. By the time they reached the mall, Christopher was already talking about what kind of college their unborn child should consider attending.

Becca smiled and laughed at his suggestions, and occasionally told him he was jumping the gun a bit. She might have burst his bubble here and there, but she knew he wouldn’t pay her any mind.

Becca understood that soon, their home would be filled with more toys and gifts before the baby was even born.

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