Page 444 of The Tempted

I smiled at him before Dr. Goodwin squirted the cold gel like substance onto my belly. Bones’ eyes diverted to the screen as the doctor moved the wand around my belly, until Pea appeared on the screen.

My perfect little baby.

That image would never get old.

I listened as Pea’s heartbeat sounded, strong and healthy and I couldn’t wait to hold her in my arms.

I couldn’t wait to meet the love of my life.

Bones looked amazed by it all and smiled when Dr. Goodwin pointed out Pea’s features, freezing the image of her perfect profile. After the sonogram was over, the doctor printed out several photos of the baby and handed them to me. She instructed me to make another appointment for next month and informed me that Pea was progressing wonderfully and was right on track.

I wiped the gel from my belly and pulled my shirt down, turning toward Bones.

“Thanks for getting lost and sticking around with me. It was nice not to be alone,” I said, as he walked with me to the door. “Eric,” I mused.

He nudged me playfully.

“Bones,” he corrected. “Anything for Pea, even if it means giving up my real name,” he joked.

I folded one of the sonogram photos and ripped it off the strip before handing it to him.

“A gift from Pea, to say thank you,” I offered, holding the picture out for him.

He glanced down at the black and white grainy photo before slipping it into the inside pocket of his cut.

“C’mon, I’ll walk you out,” he said.

Of course I took him up on his offer because hanging out with Bones made me feel closer to Riggs. I wanted to say something, give him a message for Riggs that we were still here if he had a change of heart. But I knew that would only break what was left of my heart if he didn’t take me up on the offer.

Stay strong, I reminded myself.

You’ve got this.

It’s his loss.

But each day that passed was another piece of my heart lost to Riggs and the dreams I thought we could make come true.

Dreams.

What a joke.

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