Page 97 of Samuel

“Are you… I mean, do you want to…”

“Fuck, yes.” Sam jumped up from his chair and laced his fingers through hers, walking confidently into the small hallway off the waitingroom.

“Alright. I’ll just need you to give us a small sample into this cup…” Evie’s face flushed as the nurse placed a urine collection cup in her hand. “I’ll bring dad here down to room three and you can join us in there when you are all set.”

“Oh—”

“We’ll be fine, Bluebell.” He gave her an encouraging smile before walking down the hallway with the nurse.

“Hi, Evie. How are you feeling today?” Evie’s doctor walked into the room just as Sam finished helping her up onto the exam table.

“Good. We’re excited to see the baby.”

“We always love to see supportive partners at these appointments.” He nodded at Sam. “Listen, Evie, I’m going to stay for the scan, and then we can discuss what we see at the end.”

Evie nodded, but Sam felt his stomach drop.

“Wait. Why do you need to be in here for the scan? Is something wrong with the baby?”

“As far as we know, nothing is wrong with the baby,” Dr. Hayes replied.

“Evie? You’re okay, right?” The fear that something was going on in her pregnancy that she hadn’t told him about made him feel lightheaded.

“Sir, do you need to sit down?” The ultrasound tech pointed to the chair against the wall. The room suddenly felt too small.

“Sam?” Evie’s worried look had him fighting to take a deep breath.

“Sorry. I’m fine. Just… you’d tell me if something was wrong, wouldn’t you?” he asked. “I know I kept my heart stuff from you, and I wouldn’t be mad if you chose to keep something to yourself because of that. I just need to know how to help you.”

“Nothing is wrong with me or Jellybean.” She laced her fingers through his. “Get the chair and then come sit over here and hold my hand.”

He hesitated for a second, until she squeezed his hand again. Finally, he turned, grabbing the chair and moving it next to the exam table.

“Like Evie was saying, she and the baby are fine. We’ve been monitoring the baby’s growth and I’m just going to stay in and watch as the measurements get taken so I can let you know what we’re seeing without you having to wait.”

“Thank you, Dr. Hayes.” Evie crossed her ankles and held her hand out for Sam to take.

“It’s my pleasure. You got the perfect appointment slot. Right before my lunch. I just can’t resist getting a sneak peek of our little patients when I get the chance.”

“Everyone ready?” The tech lifted Evie’s shirt and Sam let his gaze fall on the curve of her belly. He’d memorized every inch of it in the weeks he’d spent with her. But something about seeing it just then, knowing he was about to see Jellybean, made it feel so incredibly special.

The wand rolled around her belly and the only sound in the room was the clicking of the computer mouse and a few keystrokes. Evie’s eyes were glued to the monitor, which was still facing away from them.

Her hand squeezed his, and he realized she was holding her breath.

“What is it?” he whispered.

“Something’s wrong. They always show me the monitor right away.” Tears gathered in the corner of her eyes.

The tech must have overheard Evie, because in the next second, the screen was turned right towards them.

“Sorry to make you worry. Your little peanut is right there. Look, she’s even waving to her mom and dad.”

“And she looks great,” Dr. Hayes added.

“Oh god. That’s our girl right there? She’s already got your nose.”

The picture of the baby was so beautiful. He could see her, brand new and bundled up in a pink blanket, safe in Evie’s arms. He could see her growing into a toddler, with her mother’s brown hair and big brown eyes. There would be a day when he’d put her on a horse for the very first time, like his dad had done with him. He could picture it all. Her whole beautiful life played out in his mind.

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