Page 60 of Triplet Babies for the Billionaire
I nod. “I did, but she works so much. She can’t come out here to help. It’s just…hard.”
Noah makes a soothing sound, rubbing his thumb over the back of my hand. “I had no idea, Blossom,” he replies. “I’m so sorry.”
I shake my head, my hair slipping over my shoulders. “I don’t talk about it much,” I say softly, my hand running over my belly contemplatively.
“I actually don’t talk about my mom with anyone. She was so young when she had me, and she’s just kind of never gotten her life running right. It’s a little…embarrassing at times, I guess.” My voice gets smaller and smaller until my words trail off.
“Well, she did a lot of things right,” Noah asserts, reaching over to lift my chin and look me in the eye. “She raised you to be a thoughtful, kind, competent woman who is going to be an amazing mom.”
The tears I have been trying to keep in check slip down my cheeks, and I give him a watery smile. “Thank you,” I whisper with a sniffle.
It feels surprisingly good to be able to be honest with him about my mother.
I had held back about her on purpose, thinking he would be ashamed of my past, embarrassed by my mom’s mistakes. But he had proven me wrong yet again, embracing everything that made me who I was without a second thought.
I met a nice man, finally,I think to myself.I wish my mom had been able to do the same thing.
Before long, a nurse comes to the door, her clipboard in hand. She gives us a smile as she calls my name. “Blossom?”
I stand up, Noah’s hand in mine, and we follow her down the hallway. My nerves are starting to settle, but I still feel a little on edge. Noah’s been quiet, but I can tell he’s just as invested in what’s happening today as I am.
The nurse leads us to the examination room, where she takes my height, weight, and blood pressure. The usual check-in stuff. She asks a few questions about my medical history, and I answer them without hesitation, even though my stomach churns a little with worry.
For some reason, I’m always convinced that I am going to hear bad news at these appointments.
Once she finishes, she smiles and tells us the doctor will be in shortly. As she leaves, Noah sits on the edge of the examination table beside me, and I notice how his fingers drum lightly against his thigh. It’s a nervous gesture, but I can tell it’s not just for himself. He’s nervous for me too.
The silence between us is comfortable, but it doesn’t last long. We start talking about random things, anything to fill the void between us, and it’s almost funny how quickly the awkwardness disappears. We both laugh at something stupid I said and the tension slips away.
Suddenly, there’s a knock at the door. I glance over at Noah, and his eyes lock with mine.
It’s time.
The doctor enters the room with a warm smile, her face kind and welcoming, and I feel a wave of relief wash over me. She’s an older woman, maybe in her fifties, with a calm demeanor that puts me at ease right away.
“Hello, Blossom,” she says, her voice gentle. “How are you feeling today?”
“I’m good,” I reply, my voice steady. “Just a little nervous, I guess.”
She nods in understanding. “Completely normal. Now, let’s get you checked out shall we. Go ahead and lie back, and we’ll get started.”
I slide back onto the examination table and lift my shirt as she talks to me about what she is looking for during thisappointment. She takes a moment to glance at me, and then her brows furrow slightly.
“Well, you’re looking a bit big for fourteen weeks,” she says casually, her voice kind but observant.
I freeze for a moment, a little thrown off by the comment.
I knew I was showing earlier than I had expected to, but I didn’t think it would be that noticeable. Before I can even think about it too much, I feel Noah’s hand find mine, his fingers squeezing gently.
His smile is warm as he looks at me, as if to say,I’m right here with you. His touch steadies me, and I can’t help but feel better knowing he’s by my side.
“Don’t worry,” Noah whispers, leaning in close. “Everything’s going to be fine.”
I nod, trying to push down the sudden wave of uncertainty creeping in.
The doctor begins to prepare the ultrasound machine, and I feel a wave of anxiety creep up my spine. She applies the cold jelly to my tummy, and I flinch slightly at the chill. She’s already positioning the ultrasound wand, and I can hear the faint hum of the machine powering up.
Noah’s hand tightens around mine, and I try to steady my breathing, focusing on the sensation of his fingers against my skin.
