Page 53 of Beautiful Storm

“Yeah, we’re good.”

I smile as he leaves, and when I’m done getting changed, I have another text waiting for me.

Amelia: In case you forgot, the ultrasound is tomorrow at 9:15am. If you want to come. I sent you the details a few days ago

And just like that, shit gets real.

Luke: I’ll be there

I just don’t know if I’m ready for it.

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

Luke

I’m fifteen minutes early for Amelia’s ultrasound appointment, and as I stand in front of the old, run-down clinic, I realize arriving early was a bad idea.

It gives me too much time to think. To panic. I should have taken my time this morning, had a long shower, and cooked myself a decent breakfast. But the second I finished my workout, I was antsy. Rushing for no reason.

While I’ve never been to a pregnancy ultrasound before, I’ve seen enough TV shows and movies to know they’re a big deal. And the idea of that scares the hell out of me.

This situation is strange enough without adding a shared, intimate moment. But I can’t not be there. It wouldn’t feel right.

At nine fourteen, Amelia still hasn’t arrived, and my panic grows.

Am I at the right place?I wouldn’t be upset if I wasn’t because this place has definitely seen better days, but I said I’d show up, and that’s already a touchy subject for her. I don’t want to fuck it up first go, because let’s face it, I’m going to mess up at somepoint and I’d prefer it was further down the track, when I’ve already proven myself a little.

God, who the hell am I?

This kid alreadyownsme.

My phone buzzes in my pocket, and I halt my pacing.When did I start pacing?Shaking off my thoughts, I rush to check it and find a message from Amelia.

Amelia: I’m up next. I guess I’ll see you later today

What the hell?Didshegive me the wrong address?

I hit call on her name and take a deep breath so I don’t snap at her when she answers. She’s a pain in my ass but she’s also carrying my child, so I guess I should be nice to her.Within reason.

Amelia answers with a gruff hello, almost forcing the words to fly out of my mouth, but I remain calm. “I’m out in front of the address you gave me. And I’ve been here for fifteen minutes. Where areyou?”

“I’ve been inside for twenty.”

“What? Where’s your car?” I turn around to search the parking lot again, but it’s definitely not here.

“Um, it doesn’t matter. Can you come in? We’re up next.” Before I can answer, she rushes out a “please” and a little tension leaves my body.

“Yep, I’m on my way.” I hang up and open the door just as a heavily pregnant woman steps out.

“Oh, thank you,” she says with a smile. “Good timing.”

A young girl follows behind her, gripping the back of her dress as she dances along, and when they step out into the sunshine,she jumps excitedly. “Can we call Dad? He said to call as soon as we were done.”

The woman’s smile widens, projecting so much warmth my chest tightens. That’s not in the cards for us. Instead, we’re welcoming our child into an already broken home. And I know with absolute certainty that Amelia would never have wanted that. This must be killing her.

I continue to stare after them as they walk hand in hand, until Amelia whisper-yells behind me.

“Luke. We have to go in.”

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