Page 137 of Beautiful Storm

My OB-GYN, Kelly, asks me to do a few tests before checking my blood pressure and performing a mini ultrasound to check on Jelly Bean, and when she’s done we’re asked to wait.

We’re alone for barely a few minutes, but it feels like hours as Luke paces the room, his muscled arms momentarily distracting me as he continues to rake his hands through his already mussed hair.

When Kelly returns with a neutral expression, Luke drops to the chair beside me as if he’ll be scolded for standing, and leans forward with interest, making me smile through my nerves.

I reach for his hand and curl my fingers through his, watching as his body instantly relaxes into the chair. He throws a quick smile my way, but when Kelly clears her throat, his focus shifts.

“You’re in the early stages of preeclampsia.”

“What?” I ask as Luke huffs out a breath.

“I was worried about that,” Luke says, drawing my gaze.

“You were?”What in the world?

“You did the right thing by calling our emergency line last night and coming in today. Most symptoms present like general issues, for you a migraine. Others present with indigestion type pain, while some show nothing at all. Because we’ve caught it early, we don’t have to do anything rash. Amelia, I’ll start you on some medication for your blood pressure, and we’ll monitor the baby regularly.”

“We can come in weekly,” Luke advises, making me snort laugh.

“That’s going to cost you and at this stage—”

“It’s not an issue. Please.”

“Okay.” Kelly smiles. “You’ve got yourself a good man here, Amelia. Hold on to him. I’ll have our receptionist schedule a weekly appointment, but I need you both to promise to remain calm. Stressing will make this worse.”

“Of course,” I answer before Luke can argue again. “I’ll make sure I take it a bit easier. I have a job that can be considered stressful at times, but I have a lot of people who can help me.” A thought hits me and my stomach churns. “Am I still okay to work?”

“For now, yes. But if your condition worsens, you may need to finish up earlier than expected.”

“Okay.” I let out a sigh of relief. “I’m happy to do that if I need to.” But for now, I need to make sure everything is in order before I go.

“Great.” Kelly stands and we both mimic her movement. “Here’s your prescription for the blood pressure medication, and I’ll see you next week. But if anything happens in the meantime, please don’t hesitate to call. You caught this early, but it’s a serious issue.”

“We know. Thank you.”

Luke’s quiet as we leave, but the second we’re in his truck, he spins my way. “Are you okay? How are you feeling? Are you sure you should be working? What can we do?”

“Woah. First, thank you. Kelly’s right; I’m lucky to have you in my life and on this journey with me. I don’t say it enough, but Luke, you’ve been my rock through all of this and I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

He stares at me for a moment before he does a double take. “Did you really just say that?”

“Yes.” I shove at his shoulder and laugh, but of course, his muscled body doesn’t budge. “That was me. I said that. I’m sorry I haven’t said it enough so you actually believe me.”

“I believe you. And thank you.”

“You’re welcome.” He opens his mouth to speak again but I cut him off, preempting his concern. “Second, I promise to take it easy at work. I’ll speak with our first assistant director and get him to take on a bit more responsibility. He’s more than proven himself and has been an AD for years. I’m actually going to mention him for my role while I’m taking time off.”

“Okay, but I’m going to talk to everyone there and make sure they keep an eye on you.”

“You don’t have to—”

“Please, Amelia. I’ll feel better about everything. You’re not the only one stressing.”

“Oh, I know. And thank you. We can talk to the crew together.”

“Good. Let’s grab your medication and head to the stadium then. If we’re quick enough, I should be able to make it onto the field before practice begins.”

“What happens if you don't?”

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