Page 171 of Chasing Sparks

The nurse nods as she positions herself at the end of the table. “Absolutely. We use it all the time, especially in early pregnancy. Ms. Thorne, can you scoot down a few more inches?”

“Sure.” I grit my teeth and comply, sliding down the table. Nothing like having my lady bits on display for an audience. “You’re positive it won’t hurt?”

Yes, I’m a novice at this. The closest I’ve come to this machine is seeing one in a medical drama, and even then, it was only used as a backdrop while the main characters had sex against it.

No one ever said Hollywood was realistic.

“Not at all. I’m going to estimate the gestation of the baby and let you hear the heartbeat. Just give me one second.”

Terror slices through me, and I hesitate to look at the screen. What if somethingiswrong? What if I’ve messed this pregnancy up with too much worry and work?

“Hey,” Ash whispers, leaning close to place a kiss on my forehead. “It’s going to be fine.”

“Promise?” A tear slides down my cheek, and Ash sweeps it away with his thumb.

“There’s your baby,” Dr. Fulton says, his voice steady and reassuring. “Right as rain.”

Never have words sounded so sweet. My head turns toward the screen, a smile breaking across my face at the sight of the tiny little alien in my stomach.

“She’s fine?” I ask.

“It’s a little early to tell the sex yet,” Dr. Fulton replies, his tone light. “But your baby looks great.” He flips a switch, and the room fills with a pulsating sound. “Strong heartbeat.”

“See? I told you everything would be fine,” Ash says, shooting me a devastating grin.

“I’m glad when you’re right.”

“I’malwaysright.” He smirks, leaning back in his chair and giving an exaggerated tap to his temple, as if pointing out his superior intellect.

“On that note, I’m leaving again,” Dr. Fulton interjects with a laugh before printing out a strip of sonogram photos and handing them to us.

“Escaping to safety, huh?” I joke, clutching the photos in my hand.

“Absolutely. I’m no fool.” Dr. Fulton washes his hands, pausing by the door with my chart. “Everything looks great, but Ash informed me you have a tendency to run yourself down.”

Thanks for throwing me under the bus, Ash.

“I’m busy with the store.”

Dr. Fulton nods. “I understand, but your dizziness is concerning. It’s likely due to a combination of hormonal changes, low blood sugar, and dehydration, which are all common in early pregnancy. However, stress and overexertion can make it worse. I want you to take a few days off. Get some rest. Let someone else do the heavy lifting for a change.”

That’s where things get tricky. How can I manage that when I live alone?

Eddie still has a few things at my place, but my brother’s been working crazy hours on a construction project he’s under the gun to finish. I haven’t seen the man in days, although I’m grateful he’s got work after I put the kibosh on restoring the Dean Estate.

So, I’m sans help, unless I hire someone to wait on me—and that is definitely not my style.

“She’s coming home with me,” Ash states matter-of-factly.

“I’m what?” No, that’s not possible. I shake my head, but Ash is undeterred by my objections.

“You’ll stay at the farm so I can take care of you.”

“No,” I hiss, the dread rising into my throat. “I can’t stay with you.”

“If you don’t want to stay there, I can admit you for a few days,” Dr. Fulton says. “But we need you to rest. This is a crucial time, and you’re not doing yourself—or the baby—any favors by pushing too hard.”

Fuck you, Dr. Fulton.

---