Page 90 of Zone Protection

Her head turns, and she looks at me.

“What’s going on, Em?”

“I’m fine. Just want to hear what the doctor says so we know what we’re dealing with.” She releases my hand and stands, then turns her back to me to undress.

I nod. “Okay, yeah. But the doctor in Arizona said everything looked okay, right?”

“I mean, other than the possible hole in the heart, yes.”

“Are you worried that it’s the same thing as your sister?”

She looks over her shoulder at me and scoffs. “Yes, Archie. My sister literally died from a heart issue, so, yeah, I have feelings about this.”

“I’m sorry. I’m just trying to get you to talk to me. I want to understand how to help you.”

“You can’t really help me, Archie.” She turns back to face me once she’s tied the gown.

“Well, I want you to tell me how you’re feeling.”

The technician comes in before Emma can reply, and she preps her computer and probe thing that she uses on Emma’s stomach.

She lifts Emma’s shirt and squirts some liquid on her belly, then takes the probe and runs it across her stomach.

We hear the baby’s heartbeat right away, and I reach over to hold Emma’s hand again.

“Okay, Mom and Dad, let’s take some pictures of baby.” She moves it around, stopping to take some measurements, and taps a few things into the computer. “Heart rate looks good. Measurements are good. I’m not sure if they went over this with you yet, but we’re measuring the possible hole in the heart that they believe they saw in Arizona.”

“Yes, I’m aware,” Emma says, not in a mean way, but more mechanical-sounding. Robotic almost.

“I have all the numbers the doctor needs. Do you guys want to know the sex of the baby?” She looks at Emma first, then me.

“I think we decided to wait, right, Em?” I answer for both of us.

She just nods and lets go of my hand to take the tissue from the technician.

“No problem. I love surprises, but sometimes, parents want to know for nursery design and clothes. Moms start to want to nest near the end of their pregnancies.”

“Nest?” I ask.

She hums. “It’s when the mom feels the need to get everything prepped and ready for baby. Bedroom, clothes, all the baby needs.”

“I see. Well, baby, if you want to do that, we can.”

Emma finishes cleaning off her belly. “I’m good. Let’s just wait.”

“Okay then, I’m all set. Here are a few pictures for y’all to take home. Have a good rest of your day, you two.”

No reply from Emma again, so I answer, “Thank you. Same to you.”

Emma shifts around on the table and sits up.

“You need anything, darlin’?”

“Archie, I’m good. I appreciate you asking, but I’m fine. If I need something, I’ll tell you.”

Now, I only grew up in a house with one woman, but I know that tone well enough to know to keep my mouth shut.

A few minutes later, the doctor comes in with her nurse.

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