Page 89 of The Way We Score

I think we were both stunned. We were definitely changed.

“That’s a good sound!” The technician smiles, moving the wand over my abdomen.

Just like before, a steady, rhythmic whooshing fills the air around us, and my mom’s hand flies to her mouth. “Is that the heartbeat?”

“Yes, ma’am.” The fellow slides the wand around, and the black-and-white image changes shape. “The doctor will be in soon, but this is a good sign. If you can, try to relax.”

He stands, going to the door, and we thank him.

It’s quiet as we wait. Mom sits beside me, holding my hand, but we don’t speak. I don’t want to talk. All I can think about is the apple-sized baby I was told I could never have, and how much I don’t want to lose it.

And how much I want Garrett here with me.

I blink, and another tear hits my cheek. I don’t care about my trust issues or our past. I need his strong arms holding me. I’ll worry about what it means later.

“It’s been almost two hours since he texted last.” Mom’s voice is quiet as if she can read my mind.

My phone is in my hand with all Garrett’s texts, from the first one telling me he was waiting on the pilot to file a flight plan to his next one telling me they were boarding. The pilot promised to get him here as fast as possible. His final text said he had to go into airplane mode, but he’d let me know as soon as they touched down at Callahan.

The girls’ group chat blew up, but as much as I love them, I just can’t right now. For better or worse, I only want one person. Two, if you count the doctor.

Mom seems to understand. She walks to the sink in the sparse room and pulls several towels from the metal box hanging on the wall. Holding them under the faucet, she squeezes the excess water before returning to where I lie.

“Want to put this on your eyes? It might help.”

Her expression is worried, and even if it’s not at all what I want to do, I smile and nod. Placing the cool brown paper towels over my eyes, I do my best to quiet my thoughts.

With my eyes closed, I picture an apple baby tucked inside me, its heart beating so strongly, so steadily. I think about Henny Lane sitting on her nest, protecting her unfertilized egg.

For whatever reason, since I’ve been home, Henny and Ihave developed a connection. She’s so devoted to her plain, beige egg. I can’t let her be disappointed. I want all her efforts to be worth something.

I’m sure a therapist would have a field day with that.

“We’re getting Henny Lane a chick.” My voice is slurry, and I realize I’ve fallen asleep.

A warm hand smooths my hair off my forehead, and a deep voice answers. “What are we getting?”

Squeezing my eyes, I blink them open, and I hiccup a breath when I see Garrett beside me. Concern deepens the fine lines around his blue eyes, but they’re warm with emotion.

“You’re here.” I don’t mean for my voice to break. I don’t mean for tears to leak out of the corners of my eyes again.

His smile is so comforting. “The pilot said he probably broke some air-speed records to get me here. I think Logan told him what was up.”

Pushing against the mattress, I move to a sitting position. Smoothing my hands over my face, I clear my throat. “You missed the ultrasound. We could still hear the heartbeat.”

“Your mom told me it was strong, just like before.” He sits back, looking up at me with so much confidence.

“Where did she go?” I look around the space.

“I think she needed to walk around. I just got here, so she might be giving us a minute.”

“We’ve been waiting for the doctor so long.” I glance at the door, wondering what’s happening.

The door opens slowly, and Garrett and I both look. I’m expecting my mom. Instead, it’s a woman with dark brown hair and tan skin, who looks my age or a little older.

“Hello, I’m Dr. Pierce. What’s going on in here?” She smiles, and her upbeat demeanor quiets my stress over how long it’s taken.

“That’s what we’re hoping you’ll tell us.” Garrett’s tone is equally upbeat, and I’m glad he’s talking to her and not me. I might be less understanding.

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