Page 57 of Her Baby His Gift

“You don’t have to worry about Elaina.”

Harlem narrowed her eyes. “You didn’t.”

Carter tried to look innocent. “Didn’t what?”

She lowered her voice. “You broke up with her on her birthday?”

“Of course not. Elaina . . .” He shrugged. “She decided we needed a break.”

Harlem wasn’t fooled one bit. “What did you do to convince her she needed a break?”

“I didn’t do anything. She gave me an ultimatum.”

“Whatever it was, you were supposed to chooseher, Carter.”

“Couldn’t do that.”

Harlem stared at him. She had a feeling their breakup had something to do with the baby. “I’m sorry.”

“I’m not. It is what it is.”

Before Harlem could ask what the ultimatum was, the nurse called her name. “Ms. Thomas?”

Nervously, Harlem stood.

Carter stood too. He watched that vein at the base of her neck beat wildly. He had a strong desire to kiss it. Instead, he leaned down and spoke for her ears only. “You’ve got this.”

Harlem hated to admit it, but she was glad Carter had come with her. She held his gaze, then nodded.

Carter captured her hand in his and squeezed. “Let’s do it.”

*****

Carter walked around the room, looking at the photos on the wall he missed the last time, while Harlem laid on the table. He stopped in front of one image in particular. “This picture would give any man nightmares.”

Harlem turned her head to see what he was looking at. She laughed and snorted at the same time. “You’re an idiot. That’s just the uterus of a woman.”

“Damn. It looks so big. I have to say I’m intimidated.”

Harlem shook her head and rolled her eyes.

The OBGYN walked into their room just in time. “Hello, Ms. Thomas. Mr. Owens. How are we today?”

“I’m a little nervous but good.” She said.

“There is nothing to be nervous about. I’ve just reviewed your chart. You’re doing great, and so is the baby.”

Carter came and stood next to Harlem at the head of the bed.

“Let’s see the baby shall we?” Dr. Jones flipped the switch and turned down the room's lights before walking back over to sit on a stool opposite Carter. The monitor was already on. He then began to part Harlem’s gown.

The last time Dr. Jones exposed her stomach in front of Carter, Harlem wasn’t the least bit embarrassed. This time, she turned crimson.

He could tell that she was uncomfortable and tried to put her at ease by focusing on the movements of Dr. Jones. It was interesting watching him pour the clear jelly-like substance onto Harlem’s belly. Carter began to study his every move in earnest. “You need that for the ultrasound too?”

“Yes. This time what we are doing is called ultrasound imaging. It’s also called ultrasound scanning or sonography. We are using this small probe called a transducer and placing gel directly onto Harlem’s skin. High-frequency sound waves will travel from the probe through the gel onto her body. The probe collects the sounds that bounce back.” He glanced up at Carter, then down at Harlem. “This is how you will be able to see the baby on the monitor.”

Dr. Jones began to slide the device across Harlem’s stomach. It took a few moments until he found what he was looking for. “There he or she is.”

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