Page 64 of Christmas with Three Cowboys

“You’re not from around here,” he says, studying me closely.

“You’re not from around here either,” I reply with a wry smile.

“No, I am not,” he laughs and offers me a hand. “I’m Ramon.”

“It’s nice to meet you, Ramon,” I reply and shake his hand. He holds it for a second longer than I’m used to, firmly as his eyes narrow with twinkling curiosity. “Well, if you’re sure you’re okay, I should be going.”

“I promise you, I’m fine,” he says again with a smile.

I offer a little awkward wave and head in the direction of the doctor’s office, happily munching my bear claw along the way.

I arrive at the doctor’s office and sign in, waiting for my name to be called, thankful there was a cancellation for today so I could get an appointment.

The tech calls me back and goes through the basics before squeezing warm jelly on my stomach and moving the wand over. Suddenly, the room is filled with the sound of a rapid thumping.

“Should it be that fast?” I ask, immediately concerned.

The ultrasound tech smiles and turns the screen so I can see the tiny little bean in the middle. “Yes. Babies’ heartbeats are very fast and yours sounds perfectly healthy. Congratulations, Mama.”

I stare at the little image on the screen, no more than a blip at this point, but I feel an instant connection, an instant knowledge that I will do whatever I can to protect that little life.

After the exam is over, I head into a room and wait for the doctor to come in.

“I’m pleased to give you a clean bill of health,” Dr. Hartman says with a warm smile as he enters. “You’re right where we’d expect you to be in your first trimester and your vitals are good. Tell me, how are you feeling overall?”

“Well, the morning sickness lasts well into the afternoon some days,” I admit.

Dr. Hartman laughs lightly. “Yes, it’s not an aptly named affliction. Have you found anything that works to help ease the symptoms?”

“Yes, so far lemon and ginger tea have been lifesavers.”

“Both great options. How are you feeling emotionally? Pregnancy is a major step and can make you feel anxious.”

I nod. “I’ve suffered from panic attacks over the last few years, though, thankfully, they haven’t seemed to have gotten any worse so far. Usually, I use breathing techniques to calm down.”

“Sometimes you need a little extra help if they get bad enough. Pregnancy can increase symptoms of anxiety. I can prescribe medication you can take if needed, or you can try a natural route first to see if that helps,” Dr. Hartman offers.

“I think I’d like a natural route,” I tell him.

He starts writing options down on a piece of paper. “Chamomile is your friend. Valerian root as well. Lavender. I’m adding a few supplements you can pick up from the drug store’s holistic section as well as your prenatal vitamins. I want you to start them right away. Charlie, the pharmacist, will help you with this.”

“Thank you so much, Doctor.”

“You are most welcome, Miss Carson. I will see you again next month, and don’t forget, you have my number in case you need anything. Let’s just hope the weather won’t keep you isolated up there on the ranch.”

“I certainly hope not. Thank you again, Dr. Hartman.” I collect my paperwork and head out the door. I hurry to the pharmacy before calling Darla to pick me up.

As soon as I step out of the clinic, the cold air smacks me in the face. My lower back hurts, and my legs feel heavier than usual. I just got a clean bill of health yet I still feel so damn sluggish and worn out? I head to the pharmacy and get the supplements and prenatal vitamins I need. I shove them all deep into the bottom of my bag before I pull out my phone to call Darla.

20

Melissa

An hour later, I’m sitting in the living room, having a cup of chamomile tea when Darla walks in. She was uncharacteristically quiet on the ride home, and the way she’s looking at me now makes me nervous.

She sighs heavily as she collapses into the armchair by the fire. “Don’t think for a second that I don’t know what’s going on here.”

“What?” I feel the blood drain from my face.

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