Page 110 of Used

Kicks come through my belly, jostling me from my mental spiral, and my hand goes to my stomach.

“Hey, baby,” I whisper, smiling down at my bump. “You having a party in there for Mama?”

If nothing else, this baby is worth it.

I’ve wanted and worked for this for years. No matter how things came about or what complications came along with all of it, this baby is worth it.

“I’m so excited to meet you soon, baby,” I tell my bump. “I only hope that I’m good enough for you.”

As though she’s listening to every word I say, I get a firm kick in the gut at my admission.

“Oh. You’re gonna be a sass master. I can already tell.” I smile. “Gonna be quite a handful for Mama, aren’t you?”

A knock at the door startles me, snapping my attention away from my baby and back to the realities of the moment.

“Elsie?” Marshall’s voice comes through the door.

I sigh. “Come in.”

Marshall opens the door and pops his head in. “Hey. I brought breakfast. Wanted to make sure you ate something before the appointment.”

“Oh, thank you,” I reply, genuinely grateful for how kind and thoughtful he’s being despite my cruelty toward him.

Another kick comes at my gut, and I huff out a breath before telling Marshall, “Baby has been moving around a lot this morning.”

“Oh.” He says, gesturing to the empty space beside me on the bed. “May I?”

“Yeah. Sure.” I say, situating myself up on my pillows a little better.

He comes over and sits next to me, his gaze fixated on my belly.

“You’ve scheduled everything with your doctor, right?” He asks. “Induction and everything?”

“Yeah. It’s on the calendar for September 25.” I say with effort after a significant kick to my bladder. “She’s really active this morning.”

Looking up, I spot tears in Marshall’s eyes.

“Here,” I say, reaching to place his big palm on the spot where he might be able to feel the most movement.

“That never gets old.” He sighs. “Buenos días, mi pequeña ciruela de azúcar.” Good morning, my little sugar plum.

Another kick comes through at his greeting, and I let out a laugh.

“She’s always been a sucker for your voice.” I smile down at where I can feel our daughter.

“You said she.” Marshall looks at me with light in his eyes. “You believe me? That we’re having a daughter?”

I shrug. “You just seem so sure.”

“I am.” He says, his tone laced with more meaning than I’m able to handle at this hour. “Elsie...”

“No. Marshall. I know you want to talk, but I just can’t handle it right now. Not today, okay?” I shake my head and chuckle. “Right now, I just need help getting up so I can go to the bathroom. Baby is being a bitch on my bladder.”

“Okay.” He says softly as he stands and holds out his hands to help me get up. “Come out for breakfast when you’re ready.”

“Thank you,” I say when I’m standing. “I’ll be out in a bit.”

He nods and then leaves me alone in my room once again.

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