Page 63 of While We Waited

The doctor settles on a stool next to the ultrasound machine. “Do you want to know the sex of the baby?”

Nova raises an eyebrow at me.

“I do. Nova isn’t sure yet.”

“If you want to know, we’ll find out,” Nova says.

“You don’t have to do that.”

“Do what?”

“Allow my wants to trump yours. Your wants are just as valid as mine.”

Dr. Katz sighs. “I love the caring baby daddies. They’re the best.”

“I think our doctor has love on the brain,” Nova whispers to me. “She should join Maya’s book club.”

“Well,” the doctor prompts. “Yes, to the baby’s gender?”

“Lady’s choice,” I say.

Nova nibbles on her lip and I fist my hand before I reach forward to free her lip from her teeth. It’s not my place. Not yet.

“Okay,” she breathes out.

I smile. “Okay?”

“You’re smiling. Definitely the right decision.”

“Here we go.” The doctor lifts up Nova’s gown to reveal her belly. It’s still mostly flat since she hasn’t ‘popped’ yet.

I’m fascinated by the sight of her naked skin. I squeeze Nova’s hand to stop myself from touching her. Now is not the time. Soon, though. I hope.

“This is going to be cold.” The doctor squeezes gel onto Nova’s belly and Nova gasps. “Sorry.”

The doctor places the probe on her belly and glides it around. “Before I determine the sex, I’ll check the baby’s health.”

“Baby Sprog is okay, isn’t he?”

“We’ll find out now,” Dr. Katz reassures Nova.

I push Nova’s hair off of her forehead. “I’m sure the baby’s fine. And, if not, we’ll deal with it.”

“You’re always calm.”

“It helps to remain calm when a three-hundred-pound defense lineman is barreling his way down the field at you.”

“I knew it! You’re Double Crown. I’m delivering Double Crown’s baby.” The doctor appears excited about the idea.

“It’s Nova’s baby, too,” I point out.

She clears her throat. “Of course.” The doctor glides the probe over Nova’s belly. “Look here.” She points to the screen. “Here are the baby’s fingers. Five on each hand.” She glides the probe to a different location. “And here are the feet. Let me count the toes. Five on each foot. The baby is looking good. Do you want to hear the heart?”

Nova’s eyes light up with excitement. “Yes, please.”

The doctor flips a switch on the machine and the room fills with the whoosh-whoosh sound of our baby’s heartbeat.

Nova squeezes my hand. “It’s Sprog. Our baby.”

---