Page 56 of Zone Protection

“I’m going to take a guess that the reason why you aren’t seeing one of the university doctors is because of this, correct? You don’t want the coach to know you’re pregnant yet?” She looks at Emma.

“Yes, I’m just not sure what my options will be for school if I lose my scholarship because I can’t play. I’m premed, so not exactly an ideal time for me to lose my scholarship,” Emma tells her.

“Okay, so the good news is that you can still play golf as long as you’re comfortable and assuming there are no complications with the baby. But I have to suggest that you inform your coachand the training staff that you are pregnant.” She pats Emma on the shoulder. “Archie, take care of Mama.”

“You know it. Thanks, Doctor.” I tip my chin at her and smile.

After the doctor walks out, the nurse hands Emma a few papers with orders for blood work and a pamphlet with the testing options. We walk to the checkout counter and schedule her next appointment, which falls right around Christmas.

When we leave the office, I reach for her hand. She looks over at me and smiles.

“What?” I ask her.

“Nothing. I’ve just never really been in a relationship before. I mean, I had a boyfriend in high school, but it wasn’t that serious. Not like hold-my-hand-in-public serious.” She squeezes my hand.

“Me neither, but if you’re gonna let me hold your hand, I’m gonna hold it.” I bring our hands up to my mouth and kiss hers.

“Archie Griffith, you are a softy. And I dig it. I’ll allow the hand-holding.” She tugs my arm to bring me down far enough to kiss me.

“I think you like me, Emma Tucker.” I grin against her lips.

“I think you might be right, Archie Griffith.” She gives me one more kiss, and we continue our walk to my truck.

Once we get in my truck and get buckled, she turns to me. “So, I’ve been thinking. You can’t go to your parents’ for Thanksgiving, right?”

“Right. I can’t get there and back before the game. And we have practice, so timing doesn’t work out. My parents host Thanksgiving, so they can’t get up here either. Why? What did you have in mind?” I reach over and put my hand on her leg.

“Well, I know you had a meal with your friends, but what if you came home with me for the day? It’s only an hour away, so you wouldn’t miss any time from practice. And I think my parents should meet the father of their grandchild.” She puts her hand on top of mine.

“I can do that. My parents are anxious to meet you, too, so we’ll have to make that happen at some point before the baby is born.”

“The next few months will be busy for you if you guys keep winning, so I’m not sure when that can happen, but I would like to meet your parents and your brothers for sure.” She looks out the window and then back at me. “I want this baby to be loved so hard.”

“Darlin’, this baby will be spoiled rotten and will always be loved.” I smile.

She nods. “And do you think your family will like me?”

I bark out a laugh. “My mama has been praying for another female in the family for years. I think I mentioned she’s the only girl in her family, and she is close to both her mom and my dad’s mom, but I think they’re always looking for another hen in the henhouse.”

She laughs. “Well, I am definitely that.” She rubs her belly.

“So, we should talk about what the doctor told us today and make some decisions, right? I’d like to take a look at some of these tests, but I want to know what you’re thinking too.”

“Well, the ultrasounds will happen regardless, but it does bring me some comfort in knowing that they’re going to do fetal echocardiograms to monitor the baby’s heart. As for the amniocentesis, I’m not sure that’s something I want to do just because of the potential risks involved, but we can talk about it more once you’ve had time to look at it. The fact that my belly is still smaller concerns me a little, but I haven’t gained much weight, just mostly changes in my shape, so I’m going to try not to stress about that unless she seems worried.” She wraps her fingers around mine and squeezes.

“Okay, I’m here for you, and I just want to make sure you and the baby are okay.” I lean in and kiss her forehead. “So, Thanksgiving is tomorrow. Are we going together, or should I meet you there?”

“I’ll probably head up early and help my mom cook. You have practice in the morning or no?” she asks.

“No, we have tomorrow off, but I have to be back tomorrow night. We have an early Friday practice.”

“Okay, I haven’t decided if I’m spending the night. I might even go up tonight actually.”

“You sure you want to drive up there at night? I know it’s only an hour away, but I’m not crazy about you driving in the dark.”

If she wasn’t pregnant, I probably wouldn’t think twice about it.

“I’ll be fine. I think I’ll text my mom real quick to see if she needs any help tonight or if she just wants me to come in the morning.” She pulls her phone out of her bag and taps on the screen. “She’s making some of the dishes tonight, so I think I will head up in a bit. After you drop me off, I’ll pack a small bag and head out before it gets too late. The other girls left earlier today anyway, so I might as well.”

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