Page 31 of Can We Try?

“Explain,” Grandma says. Her voice is soft, and I know she’s trying to understand, and I know I’m not doing the best job of explaining this to her.

“Maggie and I spent a night together,” Lachlan says, speaking up. “It was one night, one neither one of us will ever forget. We remained friends, and when she found out she was pregnant, we decided to raise this baby together. We’ve not been romantically involved since that night, but we are both dedicated to being the best damn parents we can be to our son or daughter.”

Tears prick my eyes because every damn day this man shows up for me. He knew without me telling him that I was struggling with this, and the way he described our situation was perfect.

“I see. So, when is the baby due?” Grandma asks.

“The middle of March,” Lachlan says proudly. “Miss Doris, we actually have a surprise for you.”

I turn to look at him, not sure what he’s talking about. “You do?”

“The doppler,” he reminds me.

“Oh.” I brighten. How could I have forgotten about that? “We do.” I turn back to my grandma and smile widely.

“Let me run out to the truck. I’ll be right back.” Lachlan stands and smiles at me before walking out of the room. It’s not until the front door opens and closes that my grandmother speaks.

“You care about him.”

“Of course I do. He’s my friend and the father of my baby.”

“Outside of that. You care about him.”

“He’s… one of the greatest men I’ve ever met. He spoils me and wants to take care of me and this baby. It’s hard not to care for a man who puts you on a pedestal after accidentally getting you pregnant.”

“He cares about you too. I can see it in his eyes.”

“Yeah,” I agree, because I know he does—not the way she’s thinking, but he does.

“Are you ready for this?” Lachlan asks, stepping back into the room. He holds up the doppler, and his smile, it’s radiant.

“What is this?” Grandma asks him.

“This little gadget will let us hear the baby’s heartbeat.”

“Really?” Grandma leans forward, her eyes brightening.

“Yes. We went to the doctor for our twelve-week checkup, and they used one, and when the doctor told me we could buy one to use at home, I ordered it that day.”

Lachlan kneels before me, his eyes locked on mine. I nod, and he lifts my shirt and gets to work, placing the doppler on my bump. It takes a few seconds to move the wand around, but then, there it is. The sound of our baby’s heartbeat.

“Grandma Doris, that’s the heartbeat of your great-grandchild,” Lachlan says proudly.

“Oh my word.” Grandma places her hand over her mouth, and tears shimmer in her eyes. “Such a blessing,” she says, and Lachlan grins up at me.

Something moves in my chest, and there is this overwhelming feeling of rightness that washes over me. This isn’t the way I imagined becoming a mom, but I’m starting to believe this is how it was meant to be.

I’m on the couch sipping some water. I’m out of ginger ale, and this morning, the nausea is intense. This is the second day in a row, and I’m not a fan. I rub my baby bump. “Take it easy on Mommy, huh?” I whisper just as there’s a knock at the door.

A quick glance at the clock confirms it’s just after six in the morning. Who could be knocking on my door at this hour? I remain in my seat, because what if it’s someone breaking in? Rationally, I know a burglar wouldn’t be knocking on the door; well, maybe a stupid one. I’m just tired and letting my mind run wild. I mean, no one I know would be on my doorstep at this time. What if it’s a serial killer asking to use the phone or something? I’m a mom now, or will be. I have to think about these things. My phone chimes, making me jump. I move quickly to grab it from the side table and my stomach rolls. Morning sickness is a bitch.

* * *

Lachlan: I’m at your door.

* * *

What? My heart starts to race. Why is he here so early? I look like hell, but I can’t do anything about that now. Slowly, I stand and make my way to the door, willing my stomach to behave. Twisting the lock, I open the door, and a rumpled Lachlan greets me.

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