Page 56 of Single Chance

“Did you have problems when you were that young?”

“I always had painful periods, but everyone complains about cramps, so I didn’t realize there was anything wrong at first. It kept getting worse though.”

“You were Sam’s age,” he said, frowning. “She doesn’t talk to me about girl things even though I’ve tried to be open with her, as uncomfortable as that is.” He grimaced.

“You’d probably know if there was reason for concern.”

I was sitting on the edge of the table, my legs dangling, ankles crossed for some false sense of modesty. I didn’t realize I was drumming my fingers on the surface until Chance reached over and covered my hand with his.

“Are you nervous?” he asked.

I was about to deny it until our gazes met and I recognized the concern in his eyes.

“Yes.”

“This is routine, right?”

“Yes.”

Seconds ticked by in silence. He kept his hand on mine, leaning over from the chair against the wall. Eventually I said, “Being high risk, I’m worried about what they’ll find.”

“Like?”

“Like no baby forming in the sac. Or no sac. Or anything else abnormal. Which I know sounds odd since none of this was planned, but…”

He scooted his chair closer, then wove our fingers together. I appreciated that touch of concrete support so much.

“Let’s think positively,” he finally said.

I studied him from my higher perch. “Do you mean that?”

“Why wouldn’t I?”

“I mean, you’ve said you’re in this, but I just wondered if… Things would be simpler for you if…”

He squeezed my hand. “Stop. I don’t want anything bad to happen. I understand how much you want to be a mom.”

I nodded but couldn’t think what to say.

“I want you to get what you want, Rowan. And I’m willing to be at your side for it. So…positive thoughts. Everything is going to be okay.”

We’d soon find out, because the door opened, and the ultrasound tech entered.

“Good afternoon. My name is Janie, and I’ll be doing your ultrasound today.”

We made small talk while she readied the equipment. By now I was so nervous I commented on autopilot. I couldn’t have told you what we discussed.

Janie glanced at me and paused her preparations. “Breathe, Rowan. This won’t hurt.”

I nodded. That wasn’t what I was afraid of.

Chance seemed to understand, and he enclosed my hand in his again, standing against the side of the exam table. I was relieved to have him with me, physically close, emotionally supportive. As determined as I was tonotdepend on him, I recognized how reassuring it was to not be alone in this.

“Okay,” Janie finally said. “Let’s have a look.”

I made eye contact with Chance. A connection came alive between us, nearly tangible. In his eyes were empathy and support. For an instant, it was just the two of us in this monumental, private moment. He squeezed my hand and smiled before the moment ended.

I held my breath as the tech got the wand in place, squeezing my eyes shut as I tried not to think about Chance being right there forthat.

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