Page 8 of Holiday Hitch

A moan escaped Zoey’s throat as Robin placed a finger delicately over her mouth.

“If you want me to fuck you in public, you’re going to have to be a little quieter,” Robin laughed.

But just as Robin's hand was making its way up Zoey's side, there was a knock at the door and a soft, “Can I come in?”

Zoey cleared her throat as Robin pulled her hand away, her face flushing red as the doctor entered the exam room.

Robin wanted to believe that the doctor had no idea what they had been getting up to, but it was obvious from her face that she knew she had interrupted something.

But ever the professional, Dr. Morales let the incident pass without notice. Sitting down on her stool and pulling up Zoey’s chart, she asked “So, how have you been feeling?”

Zoey smiled and shrugged, “Pretty good.”

Zoey was always cautious to temper her expectations at the doctor’s. But as she peeked at the holly garland draped across the drab, beige walls, Robin had a good feeling about this visit.

Zoey had been feeling more nausea and was far more cuddly than usual. It could have been the holiday season, but something deep inside of Robin told her that it wasn’t just the time of year.

Dr. Morales smiled and said, “Well then, why don’t we take a look?”

Zoey nodded, even though a part of her was worried about what would show up on the screen. After one too many false positives, they had agreed to stop taking over-the-counter tests. Robin watched as Zoey leaned back on the table, the paper crinkling under her body, and delicately placed her legs in the stirrups.

Zoey somehow managed to make it all look so seamless despite how awkward she felt being examined. Between regular egg retrievals and embryo transfers in the last year, she’d had plenty of opportunities to perfect the choreography.

Robin took a big deep breath and tried to calm her nerves, knowing that it was entirely possible that Zoey would need a steady hand after this appointment.

It had been a far bumpier journey than either of them had anticipated. But if everything went to plan, it would all be worth it.

“The nurse already collected a sample, correct?” Dr. Morales asked as she began the exam.

Zoey nodded as she thought about crouching over the toilet and peeing in the cup just a few minutes earlier.

“Alrighty, here we are,” Dr. Morales said as she began the ultrasound. There was a moment of silence as she got her bearings, but Robin watched her face carefully.

The doctor always tried to keep her face as neutral as possible, but Robin could see a smile lifting at the corners of her mouth.

“Okay, give me one second,” Dr. Morales continued. But after a moment, she looked up to Zoey with a smile and said, “Congratulations.”

Zoey’s mouth fell open as she processed the doctor's words, “Are you joking?”

“So long as the sample comes back positive, I would call this a success,” Dr. Morales said.

Robin nearly jumped into Zoey’s arms on the table as she realized what the doctor had said.

“Zoey Greenwood is going to have my baby!” Tears welled in her eyes as she thought about the great love of her life becoming the mother of her children.

Dr. Morales interrupted and said, “Obviously, nothing is certain just yet, but it means the embryo we implanted has taken. A lot can happen, but as long as you keep your stress at a manageable level and nothing else changes, we can hope to see this baby to term.”

Before the couple could get too excited, she reminded, “Because of your age, it is really important that you take extra care with your health and wellbeing.”

Robin couldn’t help but laugh at the thought of Zoey Greenwood keeping her stress low. She felt like her partner was born with a stick up her ass. And sure, moving back to New Winford had helped, but even in her relatively laid-back lifestyle, Zoey always managed to find a project to amp up her anxiety.

But if they were going to be parents, Zoey would have to take some things off her plate. Even if she really didn’t want to.

“We’ll see you in about four weeks for your six week scan,” Dr. Morales said, “So unless something changes or feels off in the meantime, call it a Christmas miracle.”

Looking at Zoey now, it was hard to imagine a baby growing inside her. It felt like a dream come true.

Dr. Morales made her way to the door, collecting the paperwork from the countertop. She turned back to smile at the couple, “Congratulations, you two. I’m not really supposed to say this, but I was really rooting for you.”

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