Page 96 of Samuel

“Actually, I wanted Evie to hear what happened to me that day. And for her to be able to ask any questions she might have.”

“We can do that. Let’s start at the beginning, yes?”

Evie nodded, and he placed his hand over the baby, letting the stress of reliving his medical event melt away with each roll and kick she gave him.

“November eighth of last year, Sam was hospitalized following full cardiac arrest.”

Evie reached for his hand.

“Sorry, did you say November eighth?”

“Yes.”

“What is it?” Sam asked.

“That’s the day,” he watched her draw in a breath, pressing her hand down harder onto his. “That’s the day I had my embryo transfer. November eighth is when I got pregnant with her.”

In that moment, Sam felt everything click into place. The last spot in the deepest part of his chest, that ached with the uncertainty of why he’d survived when so many others didn't, crumbled away.

“Thank you for taking the time to explain all that to me.” Evie’s voice pulled him back into the office.

“It was my pleasure. Sam, we’ll see you back in three months for your check-up, okay?”

“Of course.”

“And we wouldn’t mind if you brought Evie and the baby the next time you come in.”

“He won’t be coming to any more appointments on his own, I can promise you that.”

“Are you sure you want to be here with me?” Evie looked up at him with bright eyes, but he could see the worry behind them.

“Didn’t you just sass my doctor about how I’ll never go to another appointment alone? Same applies to you. I want to be here.”

His hand slid over to her bouncing leg, which stilled almost immediately under his touch.

“Are you nervous?”

“No.” She sighed. “Maybe? I know she’s fine. I just always get worked up and worry until I’ve heard her heartbeat.”

Her back fell against the back of the seat, and Sam slid his hand over her belly.

“This is becoming a thing.”

“What is?”

“You touch my belly to calm your nerves.”

“What can I say? I love touching you, and I love feeling her kick my hand. Besides,” he smiled. "Isn't it good luck to rub a pregnant lady’s belly?”

She laughed. “I don’t think I’ve ever heard that. And what do you need good luck for, Cowboy?”

“Well, Jellybean and I have been talking. We decided we are trying to get her mama to fall in love with me. She and I are a team already, you see. Just need one last thing to fall into place.”

“Sam—”

“Evelyn Williams?” A nurse in bright pink scrubs called out her name before she could finish what she was going to say to him.

She stood, pausing for a second before turning back towards him.

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