Page 17 of A Seed Of Peril

Julie nodded in understanding.

“It’s worse when I get up in the morning and move around or when I’m just standing. Sometimes when I cough or sneeze, it hurts, too.”

“Any bleeding, severe cramps, or unusual pain anywhere?” Julie asked. I shook my head. “Are you leaking any fluid?” I shook my head again. “It’s classic round ligament pain, and unfortunately, as your baby grows, it’ll only get worse. As your uterus gets bigger, those muscles and ligaments will also grow and stretch, causing the pain.

“I suggest taking up some light exercise such as walking, swimming, or maybe even yoga or Pilates. There are safe yoga and Pilates exercises for pregnant women. Any of those suggestions will help make those muscles and ligaments stronger and may help ease some of the pain and discomfort, as crazy as that may sound.” She chuckled. “Strengthening those muscles and ligaments will definitely help when it comes time to deliver.”

I didn’t want to think about delivery.

“For relief at night, try buying a pregnancy pillow if you don’t already have one, or put a regular pillow or two between your legs while you sleep. It’ll help to align your spine, easing the discomfort.”

My pregnancy pillow was my everything, and I intended to use it long past delivery. I was mad at myself for not buying one before I even got pregnant, although that might have gotten me strange looks from Dominic.

“If that’s all you wanted to discuss, I’ll go ahead and schedule your next appointment, and if you’d like, I can also email you some recommended exercises you can easily do at home.”

“I think I’m all set,” I expressed, leaning myself again against Dominic.

“Sounds good,” Julie said. “Let me go ahead and get you a new appointment card.” She stood up and put the chair back in its original spot before writing the information for my next appointment. When she came back over, she handed Dominic the card. “I’ll see the three of you in four weeks. Like always, if you need to reschedule, just let me know. If any concerns or questions should arise, call me.”

Dominic and Julie shook hands. “Thank you, Julie.” They dropped their hands. “Have you given any thought to my offer of working here full-time?”

“I’m still mulling it over, Mr. Rosini. I apologize.”

“No need,” he said. “And please, call me Dominic.”

“Of course,” she said. “If that’s all, I’ll see you next month.” After our goodbyes, Julie left the room.

Looking up at Dominic, I asked, “Carry me?”

He handed me the pictures and paperwork and scooped me up in his arms, walking us out of the exam room.

On our journey through the basement, I opened the envelope containing the pictures and pulled them out.

Watching our son grow so much so fast was remarkable to witness. It was all still surreal. I smiled widely at the picture of him sucking his thumb. I was glad to capture such a moment. He showed off his feet, too. It was cute.

We can’t wait to hold you and cuddle you and kiss you, my sweet boy. We love you so much.

“It’s amazing. He looks so much different in just a month. Time is flying by so fast… It’s kind of scary.”

“Watching you nurture our unborn is what’s amazing,” Dominic said.

My stomach did its nervous dance the longer I looked at the photos. Four months… That was all I had left of this pregnancy. I bit the inside of my lip, putting the pictures back in the envelope. I held my belly as Dominic climbed the basement steps, blowing out a silent breath.

“Are you okay,Bellissima? I can feel you shaking.”

“I’m scared everything will go horribly wrong.” I buried my face in his shirt. “I’m scared me or the baby won’t… I’m scared we won’t make it.”

Dominic walked into our room and set me on my feet. He then closed the door and stepped up to me. “Lilith,” he said, slipping his fingers under my chin and moving my head. He didn’t speak at first, only stared. He then slid his hand along the side of my face, brushing it with the pad of his thumb.

“I know you’re afraid. I guess I am, too. Fear of the unknown will eat you alive if you let it. You can’t allow yourself to suffer when neither you nor I can predict the future. We can only take life one day at a time, and since Julie has no concerns, neither do I, and neither should you.”

Until I met Dominic, the last people that made me feel safe with just their words were my parents. I leaned into Dominic, bringing my hands to his chest and holding his shirt as he held me in his arms. He was my safe place. When he held me, I always knew everything would be fine.

“Why don’t you get some rest? It’s been a tiring morning.”

He wasn’t wrong. Between my morning shower, my ultrasound, and my physical examination before the scan, I was pooped, but then, I remembered my commitment to Katrina.

“I promised Katrina I’d take her shopping, and I wanted to visit that new thrift store that just opened.” I looked up at him. “I wanted to find some new shirts and some leggings and maybe see what they have for baby stuff.”

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