Page 47 of Forbidden Desires

The scan feels like it drags on forever, but eventually, Dr. Victor straightens up, offering me a kind smile. “Good news, Suzie. Everything looks fine. Your baby is showing a strong heartbeat, and no signs of distress. Granted, it is still very early in your pregnancy and there is still a lot of risk, but I’d say you have a guardian angel watching over you and your little one.”

My breath comes out in a shaky exhale, a flood of relief washing over me. I press a hand to my stomach, a small comfort to the life growing there.

Dr. Victor steps back, giving me space. “I’d like to keep you overnight for observation, more for the bump on your head than anything else. You definitely have a mild concussion, and paired with your pregnancy it’s better to be safe than sorry.”

“Thank you,” I whisper, my voice breaking slightly. “Did anyone bring in my bag and phone, doctor?”

He smiles in response. “I’ll check with the nurse, and have her bring it in, if they have it.” He pats my shoulder gently before stepping out, leaving me alone.

After a while—I’m unsure how long as I dozed off a nurse returns with my bag, and I quickly dig through looking for my phone.

I dial the home number, and the second they answer, I let out a shaky laugh, tears slipping down my cheeks.

“Hey, it’s me,” I say softly, wiping my face.

“Suzie.” Monty’s voice is warm and steady, laced with a mix of relief and concern. “Baby, we were so worried! Are you okay? The clinic called us?—”

“I’m fine,” I interrupt, my throat tightening. “They’re keeping me overnight to keep an eye on me… and the baby.” The words are soft, almost a whisper, but I know they both heard me.

“Did you say baby?” Lo asks first, his tone controlled and even.

There’s a brief silence before I finally respond. “Yeah.”

Monty clears his throat and I can hear Lo whispering something in the background but the words are indistinct. Finally, they put me out of my misery.

“We got some things to talk about, Suzie.” Lo sounds almost like he’s reprimanding me. “But for now, I’m just glad you’re okay. We were worried.”

I take the out he’s giving me. “I’m sorry for scaring you.”

“It’s okay,” Lo says. “But it means we’re moving our visit up. We need to see you.”

I sniffle, smiling through my tears. “You don’t have to do that.”

“We want to,” Monty insists. “You should have your family with you.”

“Thank you,” I whisper, my chest aching. “I love you both. And give Annie my love.”

As the call ends, the door creaks open, and my breath catches when Pete and Dexter walk back in. This time their faces show emotion—worry etched into every line.

Pete steps forward first. “Is the baby okay?”

I nod, keeping my eyes trained on the blanket. “The baby is fine.”

Dexter shifts awkwardly, and the silence feels heavy. Pete sits at the edge of my bed, his voice low. “Were you planning on telling us, Suzie?”

I never thought I could miss Pete’s nickname for me so much as I do right then. I’d give anything to be his babygirl right now.

“Yes,” I respond, my voice barely above a whisper. “I was going to tell you both when I was ready.”

Pete exhales slowly, his posture softening. Dexter excuses himself quietly, leaving us alone. His absence causing the fractures in my heart to splinter deeper.

“I expect nothing from you,” I murmur, my words spilling out before I can stop them. “I just… I want you to know thatyou’re both welcome in the baby’s life if you want to be. But you don’t have to feel obligated?—”

“Obligated?” Pete’s voice cuts through mine, sharp and incredulous. “Suzie, this isn’t about obligations. This is?—”

Before he can finish, the door opens, and Dexter strides back in, his arms full. A massive bouquet of balloons floats above him, tied to a stuffed bear almost as big as I am. In his other hand is a vase of vibrant flowers.

“For the baby,” Dexter says, holding up the bear. “And for you.” He shows me the flowers, before carefully setting everything down.

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