Page 101 of Need You To Choose Me

Blake’s hold on me tightens.

My lifeline.

“But… I’m trying my best to eat healthy, and to avoid everything you’ve said. Maybe I sho?—”

“You did nothing wrong, Savannah,” Dr. Gonzales says gently. “This is something that’s completely out of your control. Gestational diabetes isn’t like regular diabetes. I’ve treated many women who were top athletes, made sure they ate healthy, and still, they had gestational diabetes. The good thing is, we caught it early, so we can treat it accordingly.”

“What can we do to help her?” Blake asks. “Will she have to start taking medication, or what’s the process here?”

“To begin with, I would like you to try managing your blood sugar levels with a diet. This basically means that you’ll keep adiary of your blood sugar levels after every meal and jot down what you ate. It’s also important to drink a lot of fluids and move as much as possible. Ideally, your fasting blood sugar will be under 100 mg/dL, and just after a meal, it shouldn’t go higher than 200 mg/dL. If that doesn’t work, and your levels stay up, we’ll have to put you on insulin.”

My mind spins as I try to process all of this information and not freak out. “I can do that.”

At least, I think I could.

“I’ll prepare you a few brochures to look at when you get home, and I’d like to see you in my office in a couple of days so I can check you out and you can ask any additional questions you might have.”

“Thank you, doctor,” Blake says. “We appreciate that.”

Dr. Gonzales glances at the IV. “Your IV is almost done. I’ll tell the nurse to prepare your discharge papers and to come and unhook you.” She starts for the door, only to look over her shoulder. “Also? Try to keep your stress to a minimum, Savannah.”

I let out a strangled laugh. “I think that’s easier said than done, doctor.”

Dr. Gonzales nods in understanding and leaves the room, the silence settling over the two of us.

I pinch the bridge of my nose, feeling the weight of this revelation settle over me.

Gestational diabetes.

I have gestational diabetes.

It was still hard to wrap my head around it.

I’ve heard the term before, but I never looked into it much. I never thought I’d need it. What a freaking joke that was. But what if Dr. Gonzales was wrong? What if I did something that caused all of this? Maybe if I were more careful, none of this would have happened. Maybe…

“Hey.” Blake crouches down so we’re at the same level. Determination shines in his gray eyes as he forces me to look at him. That calloused hand cups my cheek, sending shivers through my body. I bite into my lower lip, tears blurring my vision. “I know this is scary, but you’re not alone in this, okay? You heard the doctor, this shit happens, and there is nothing that you could have done to stop it. The most important thing is that we caught it in time, and that you both are doing well. We’ll figure out the rest together. I’ve gotcha, Blondie.”

A lump forms in my throat, and I force it down, my voice coming out raspy, “Blake, I…”

My words are cut off when the door bursts open, and Levi appears in the doorway. “Sav! Are you okay?”

Blake stands, his shadow falling over me, so I use this moment to look away and brush my cheeks, wiping the tears away.

Blake wraps his hand around Levi before he can jump onto me. “Easy there, buddy. Savannah isn’t feeling well.”

“You’re not going to faint, are you? That was scary.”

“I’m not going to faint.” I shake my head, forcing out a smile. “I’m sorry I scared you. I’ll be better soon.”

“Good.” Levi nods. He slips out of Blake’s grasp, and before either of us can react, he comes to me. He hugs my legs and presses a kiss against my belly. “There, all better.”

He flashes that toothless grin at me, proud of himself, and my heart melts.

This little boy will be my undoing.

“What was that for?” I ask, trying to keep my cool, which isn’t easy when he’s being so freaking sweet.

“Daddy usually kisses me when I’m sick, and it makes me feel better, so maybe you and my baby brother will feel better too.”

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