Page 135 of Bae

“At just under four weeks, a sonogram would show nothing,” the doctor replied. “It’s just too soon. I would recommend waiting until six weeks. Then you’ll be able to see everything much clearer.”

I was about to argue, but Rimmel put a hand to my cheek. “He’s right. We’ll wait a few more weeks.”

“You sure?” I asked, searching her eyes.

She smiled and nodded. From within my arms, she glanced over her shoulder at the doctor. “Thank you.”

“You’re very welcome. If there isn’t anything else, I’ll have your paperwork waiting for you at the desk out front.”

Rimmel nodded, and the doctor left.

She reached around, took one of my hands that was at her back, and guided it around to cover her flat stomach. A tear fell down her face.

“Are you happy, sweetheart?” I asked, rubbing against her stomach.

“So happy,” she whispered. Soon as she said it, some familiar guilt crept into her eyes.

“Hey,” I said. “It’s okay to be happy. This baby deserves that.”

It was like my words flipped a switch inside her; her eyes literally lit up.

“You’re right,” she mused. “This baby does, and I already love him or her as much as Evie.”

I nodded once. “This is a lucky baby because he has a big sister watching out for him.”

“Yeah.” Her eyes softened. Then the rest of my words registered. “Him?”

I shrugged. “Or her. I’m thrilled either way.”

“You gave me another baby,” she whispered, lower lip wobbling. “Thank you.”

My chest felt tight, and I hugged her close. “I love you, Rimmel.”So much.

Her voice was muffled against my shirt. “I love you, too.”

“C’mon. We gotta go,” I said, sitting her down on the bed so I could crouch in front of her and offer my back. “Someone didn’t feed herself today, so now I’m gonna have to stand over her to make sure she eats. Especially since she’s eating for two now.

She laughed and climbed on, and I stood up. “I left my vitamins at home.” She worried. “I didn’t think… I should have brought them.”

We were going home later tonight. It wasn’t like it was a big deal.

But my girl wanted vitamins, and she would probably worry until she got them.

She was damn well going to get them.

“Vitamins and food,” I said and started forward.

“Romeo?” She patted me on the upper chest, her voice right beside my ear.

“Anything,” I told her and stopped walking.

“I don’t want to tell anyone about the baby until I’m further along.”

“No one?” I confirmed.

“Obviously we’ll tell Ivy and Braeden. Trent and Drew,” she said, like they didn’t count.

They didn’t. They were family.

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