Page 14 of Justice

We don't have to wait long before another nurse calls my name. As she leads us back, taking my vitals with practiced efficiency, I can't help but marvel at how different this feels from my first appointment. The fear and uncertainty that had threatened to overwhelm me then have been replaced by a nervous excitement that bubbles in my chest.

The exam room is small but bright, with cheerful posters of fetal development lining the walls. I hop up onto the paddedtable, the paper crinkling beneath me as I settle in. Christopher takes up his position beside me, a steady presence at my side.

I look up at him, struck once again by the intensity of his gaze. "Thank you for being here with me," I murmur, reaching for his hand.

He leans down, pressing a soft kiss to the top of my head. The gentle gesture sends a warm flush through me, and I have to blink back the sudden sting of tears. "I wouldn't want to be anywhere else than here with you," he says, his voice low and sincere.

A flutter of movement in my belly—whether from the baby or just butterflies, I'm not sure—accompanies the swell of emotion in my chest. I tilt my head to rest against his shoulder, breathing in the familiar scent of his cologne.

A knock at the door announces the arrival of my doctor. Dr. Patel enters with a warm smile, laugh lines crinkling around her eyes. Her salt-and-pepper hair is pulled back in a neat bun, and her presence immediately puts me at ease.

"Well, looks like today's the big day!" she says, her enthusiasm infectious. "Are we ready to see if you're having a little prince or princess?"

I nod, suddenly too overwhelmed to speak. Christopher squeezes my hand reassuringly.

"All right then," Dr. Patel continues, settling onto her rolling stool in front of the ultrasound machine. "If you could lie back and lift your shirt to just under your bra, we can get started."

As I comply, memories of my first exam shortly after I found out I was pregnant flood back. The terror I'd felt, lying on a similar table with my mom beside me instead of Christopher. The shock of seeing that internal ultrasound wand for the first time. So much has changed since then, but the flutter of nerves in my stomach feels eerily familiar.

I take a deep breath, focusing on the comfort of Christopher's hand in mine as Dr. Patel squirts the cold gel onto my exposed belly. The anticipation builds as she presses the probe to my skin, moving it in slow, practiced movements.

And then, suddenly, there it is. The rapidwhoosh, whooshof our baby's heartbeat fills the room, strong and steady. My own heart seems to skip a beat in response, and I feel Christopher's grip on my hand tighten.

"There we go," Dr. Patel murmurs, her eyes fixed on the screen. "Let's see if this little one wants to cooperate and show us…"

She doesn’t say anything for a few moments before she beams at us. “Looks like you’re having a baby girl.”

A wave of emotion crashes over me, leaving me breathless. A girl. We're having a little girl. My eyes blur with tears as I stare at the grainy image on the screen, trying to make out the tiny features of our daughter.

"A girl," I whisper, my voice thick with awe. I turn to Christopher, expecting to see the same joy reflected in his eyes. Instead, I'm met with a sight that makes me laugh.

Christopher's face has drained of all color, his eyes wide and unfocused. His grip on my hand has gone slack, and for a second, I genuinely worry he might faint.

"Christopher?" I squeeze his hand, bringing him back to the present. He blinks rapidly, his gaze finally focusing on me.

"Holy shit," he breathes, running his free hand through his hair. "This is… I mean, I…" he trails off, seemingly at a loss for words.

“Maybe you should sit down.” I try to pull him by the hand into the chair while I’m laying back.

The doctor breaks into uncontrollable laughter. “Every time one of the MC guys learns they’re having a daughter, they totallyfreak out. Like father, like son,” she jokes, and I can’t help but laugh along with her.

I have heard similar stories when it came to my dad finding out he was having a daughter.

Christopher takes a napkin and wipes my stomach off sweetly. I swear the doctor and I both look like we are going to swoon.

I always find it amazing how these big, tough guys with tattoos and riding Harleys can be so gentle with the people they love.

He fixes my shirt for me and helps me down, not letting me go until he is sure that I’m steady on my feet.

“I will see you in a month,” she tells me, and waves as she walks out the door, leaving us alone.

Christopher grabs my purse off the ground, putting it over his shoulder, and I suck in my lips so I don’t laugh at the ridiculous look of him carrying my hot pink purse.

We leave the clinic and walk down the street to the bakery. “Should we order some cupcakes with the inside the color of the gender, and then we can get everyone to take a bite all at once?” I suggest.

“That’s a good idea,” he agrees with me, and we give our order. We take a couple of donuts and a drink while we wait until the baker finishes making all of the cupcakes.

Christopher takes a seat where he has a clear view of the entire bakery. He never fully relaxes and I hate that he’s always on edge, never able to relax.

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