Page 41 of After the Red Carpet
“Some people find out so they can design the nursery, but you’ve never been a planner, and I sure as hell can’t imagine we’re going the traditional pink or blue route.”
Ella giggled. “That’s for sure. It’s just . . .”
“What, sweetheart? Do you want to find out?”
“I feel so close to you and to our baby, closer than I ever thought I could be to anyone. We’re connected in a way that’s impossible to explain.”
“I know. I feel it too,” Finn said, leaning his forehead against hers.
“It would be nice if our baby had a name. Bonding, you know?”
“Then let’s find out,” he said with a smile.
She kissed him lightly.
“The first time we spoke about having a family, soaking in that bubble bath, you said you fantasized that we’d have three children. Two girls, and then a boy. Do you still picture it that way?” he asked.
“Yes, but it doesn’t matter. All that matters is that we’re doing it together.”
“If we had a daughter, we said we’d call her Betty. We never came up with a name for a boy.”
“I have an idea I think you’ll like,” Ella said, “but let’s wait until we need a name.”
“Okay.”
“You know what can’t wait, though?”
“What’s that?”
“Me. I need you right now, so I hope you’re ready for the next round,” she said, wrapping her arms around his neck and kissing him passionately.
“MRS. FORRESTER, I AM A LITTLEconcerned about your weight. By the eighteenth week, I would have expected you to have gained a little more than you have. Usually, we see a two-to-four-pound weight gain in the first twelve weeks, and then a pound or two each week after, so you’re below the typical benchmark. Have you been eating the recommended daily calories we discussed?” Dr. King asked.
“Yes,” Ella replied, looking alarmed. “I’ve never eaten so much in my life! I’ve made a point of it. I’m exercising, running and doing yoga, which you said was safe since I was already athletic, but I’m not overdoing it. I don’t know why . . .”
“Relax,” Dr. King said, smiling warmly. “You have an ultra-lean body type to begin with, and some women don’t really start to gain weight until later in pregnancy. You may be one of those lucky women who naturally carries small. Let’s just keep an eye on it.”
“All right,” Ella replied. “I just started to feel the baby move a few days ago. Little flutters, like a butterfly whizzing around. Finn can’t feel it yet. Is that normal?”
“Yes, perfectly normal. It will probably be a few more weeks until the baby is large enough and their kicks are strong enough for someone touching your belly to feel it. Now, would you two like to see your child?” she asked.
“We can’t wait,” Finn said with a grin.
“Please lie back and lift your gown. I’m going to rub this jelly on your tummy. Sorry if it’s a little cold.”
Finn held Ella’s hand, and they smiled at each other with joyful anticipation.
“Okay, I need to push down to get a clear image, so this could be a bit uncomfortable. Ah, there’s your baby.”
“Oh my God,” Finn muttered. He looked at Ella, and their eyes welled up.
“That’s our baby,” Ella mumbled, smiling through her tears.
“Let’s listen to the heartbeat,” Dr. King said as a beautiful thumping noise filled the room.
Finn leaned down and kissed Ella’s forehead.
“Would you like to know the sex? Your baby isn’t shy and I have a clear view.”
