Page 106 of Tiers of Joy

“Really?” I ask, grinning.

“Yes, it will feel like trapped wind for a while until the stronger kicks happen.” She answers, getting the machine ready.

“Now let’s listen to baby’s heartbeat.” She says, placing the wand on my stomach.

The room fills with the whooshing sounds of the baby’s heartbeat.

“Holy shit! Is that his heartbeat?” Gaige asks.

“Yes, all sounding good and healthy. Now according to your notes you will be back in a couple of weeks for your scan and the sexing of the baby. Do you have any questions you’d like to ask?”

“So we have to wait another four weeks until we can find out that it’s a boy?” Gaige asks and I laugh.

“It might be a girl.” I point out.

“It’s a boy.” He states.

“How would you know that?” I smile and shake my head.

“Because if it’s a girl I’m bound to end up in jail. The universe can’t be that cruel.” He says with certainty.

“Want to place a bet?” I challenge.

“Sure, go for it.” He accepts.

“If it’s a girl, I get to name her. If its boy, you get to name him.” I offer.

“Deal.” Gaige smiles and shakes my hand.

“Um, did you still want me to answer the question?” The doc asks smiling.

“Oh shit sorry, yes please doc.” Gaige.

“Yes is the answer. It gives us more chance to be sure that we have it correct. Depending on if it’s a boy, you may spot his little ding-a-ling.” She laughs.

“Oh we’ll definitely be able to see it.” Gaige winks.

I roll my eyes. What is it with men and penis size?! Mind you, if it is a boy I don’t want him to have a tiny pecker and get the piss ripped out of him in school. Great, I’ll add that to the other list of worries I have. It will slot in nicely in my worry file with ‘I hope its not born with teeth’ and ‘I hope it’s not born hairy’.

We thank the doctor and leave.

“Can we swing by Ted’s hardware store on the way back?” I ask.

“Sure, what are you looking at getting? Need new bits for the bakery?” He asks.

“I was going to suggest we look at paint for the nursery?” I suggest nervously.

“You don’t want to wait to find out the gender first?” He asks.

I shake my head.

“No. I was thinking about a nice light room with neutral colours. Unless you want to do something different?” I ask.

“That sounds great to me,” Gaige states kissing my hand.

I’m standing in the paint isle and I can’t choose between two colours. Biting my lip I turn and ask Gaige.

“Which one? Sandstone or Hazel Nut Cream?” I ask.

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