Page 44 of After the Red Carpet
As soon as the doctor left, Finn took a deep breath and left a lingering kiss on Ella’s forehead. “Sweetheart, you know I think you’re the most beautiful woman in the world, and I love your pregnant body,” he said, placing a hand on her belly. “I’m so attracted to you and I always will be. Nothing is more important than your health and Betty’s health. It’s natural to gain weight, and . . .”
“What are you saying?” she snapped.
“Just that you’ve always been so thin and toned. I can understand if maybe you’re a little anxious about your body changing. But you don’t need to be, and—”
“You think I’m not eating enough? That I’m purposefully undereating because of some vain beauty standard?”
“I don’t think you’re vain at all, just that maybe you’re concerned about . . .”
“You don’t trust me,” Ella said, shaking her head in hurt and anger. “How could you think I would put anything above our baby’s health? You’re not listening to me. The doctor isn’t listening to me,” she said as her eyes filled with tears. “I’ve been eating just like I’m supposed to be. It has to be something else. There might be something wrong with the baby, and . . .”
“Ella . . .”
Just then, a nurse came in. “I’m ready to take you to the lab for your blood work, Mrs. Forrester.”
“I’ll go with you,” Finn said.
“Stay here,” Ella insisted, looking away from him.
He sighed, kissed her forehead, and said, “I’m sorry I upset you.”
The nurse helped her into a wheelchair and they left. Finn wandered out to the waiting area and found Joyce, who was wringing her hands with worry. She jumped up and asked, “How are Ella and the baby?”
“They’re both okay. The doctor is running some tests, and then Ella will probably be released.” He paused and said, “Joyce, I haven’t been home much since filming began. Has Ella been eating well?”
“Yes. She used to just have breakfast and dinner; she’d be too busy with work to stop for lunch, so I would just bring afternoon tea to her office. Ever since she found out she’s pregnant, she’s been having me make her three meals a day, plus a couple of snacks. Instead of tea, she has a greenjuice every afternoon for extra folic acid for the baby. She still likes to eat clean—fish, lean meats, and lots of fresh veggies—but she’s added more carbs to her diet too, like multigrain toast.”
Finn huffed and said, “Thank you.”
“I’ve read up on nutrition during pregnancy. I think I’m well-versed. Did I do something wrong?” Joyce asked.
“No, not at all. I did.”
He returned to Ella’s room and waited until the nurse brought her back. When they were alone again, he stroked her forehead and said, “I’m so sorry, sweetheart. I was grasping at straws, desperately trying to find an answer, something we could fix. I’m just scared.”
“You didn’t trust me. Do you know how hurtful that is?” Ella asked. “You broke our pact. We promised that our relationship would always be at the center of our lives.”
“Idotrust you. I’m so sorry. Hurting you is the last thing I ever want to do. Please, Ella, let’s just focus on making sure that you and Betty are both well. Let’s focus on how much we love each other and how much we love her. Nothing else matters.”
She nodded.
Dr. King came into the room and asked, “How are you feeling?”
“Fine.”
“All right, I’m going to discharge you. Please take it easy for a day or two. Skip your workouts. If you feel dizzy, lie down. A fall could be dangerous for you and the baby. I’ve put a rush on the labs, and I’ll call you later today with the results. If nothing out of the ordinary turns up, just continue taking your prenatal vitamins and make sure you eat and sleep well. We’ll take it from there.”
After the doctor left, Finn noticed Ella’s morose expression and realized she needed to be cheered up. He kissedher temple and said, “I can’t wait to get my girls home so I can spoil you rotten. I’ll be at your beck and call.”
She smiled dimly.
“How’s Betty?” he asked, placing his hand on her belly. “This has been an adventurous day. Has she been kicking up a storm?”
“It kicked a little while ago,” she said despondently.
Finn winced, but he tried not to show it.
“Please hand me my clothes,” Ella said.
