Page 136 of Beautiful Storm

“Sorry, what?” He speaks into the phone. “Yes, I’ll check.”

“Have you had any pain, nausea, or vomiting?”

“Nausea, yes, but that’s been constant. As long as I eat, I’m better.”

“Okay. And what about swelling?”

“Swelling?”

“Yeah, your legs or face, etc.”

“I don’t think so.” I frown but keep my eyes closed.

“Weight? I mean she’s having a baby so yes, she’s putting on weight.” He pauses. “I don’t think I can answer that without getting punched.”

What?My eyes flash open until it pains me and I close them again.

“Okay, doesn’t her doctor have a record of this?” He pauses again. “Oh, right. Okay. It’s possible she’s putting on more weight than just the baby, but I haven’t noticed.”

Oh God. I bury my head under the pillow and shrink away. Am I putting on more weight than I should? It’s possible it happened gradually, but I’m avoiding old photos of myself, so I have nothing to compare.

“Yep. Now? Okay. Tomorrow. Thank you.”

I pull the pillow tighter around my face, barely hearing his rushed goodbye, and then wait for him to fill me in.

Seconds pass by before the pillow disappears and something warm covers my eyes. “I wasn’t sure if warm or cold works better for you as the Internet mentions both, but I didn’t want to shock you with cold. Let me know if you’d prefer it.”

My heart pounds in my chest as the warmth soothes me.God, this man.“Warm is better. It’s what I used to do.”

“Perfect.”

“What did the doctor say?”

“We have an appointment tomorrow.”

“What?” I sit up quickly, making myself dizzy as the cloth drops into my lap. “Why? It’s a migraine.” I subtly grab Luke’s hand to steady myself, and when I open my eyes he’s dimmed the lights.

Luke raises an eyebrow as his face scrunches, and while I know he wants to snap at me, he’s doing so out of love.

“Okay. You don’t have to say anything. Tomorrow is good. We need to make sure Jelly Bean is okay.”

“And you,” he practically growls. “How is it possible you and Preston lasted so long when you’re so goddamn stubborn?”

“I wasn’t like this with him. It’s something I reserve for you.”

Luke’s frustration makes way for his smile and he huffs out a disbelieving laugh. Though I have no doubt he believes me.

“What time tomorrow? I have to let work know.” I close my eyes again and lie backdown, reaching for the cloth but not finding it. I’m just about to open my eyes when it covers me again, a little cooler this time.

“Nine a.m.”

“Thanks. Does that affect your practice?”

“Don’t worry about me. Come on, I’ll take you upstairs so you can sleep. Hopefully you’re better in the morning and we can stop panicking.”

I want to argue but now’s not the time. If it puts Luke’s mind at ease, I’ll go to the doctor. “Thank you. I appreciate your help.”

“Good.”

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