Page 117 of Wine & Whiskey
Evan smiles at the physician as she moves to Shae’s side. “We appreciate you doing this for us. Shae’s a little bit nervous, but I assured her she’s in good hands.”
Amy laughs as she sits down in front of a monitor attached to a rolling cart. “Thank you. And, after all of my middle of the night calls for Lexie’s infamous ear infections and mysterious fevers, I definitely owe you. So, I’m happy to do it.” She types on the keyboard before tapping on the screen with her fingertip. “Ah, here we go. There’s your little one, Mom and Dad.”
Dad. She cringes from Evan’s growing smile and knowing nod before turning back to the screen. A small sob escapes her mouth as tears trickle down her temples at the white oval wiggling on a fuzzy, black screen. No real idea of what she’s looking at, except it’s the only connection to Nick she has left.
Evan’s lips brush her ear. “I told you that you’d be glad we came.”
“Looks like about six weeks.” Amy winks at her. “So, we know what you two were up to around that time.”
She smiles through her tears. The shower. Clinging to Nick, seeking his forgiveness, and instead, he gave her the purest symbol of his love.
“I know that look. Mom remembers.” Amy turns back to the side table and picks up a white tube. “Okay, not much to see yet, but let’s listen to the heartbeat.”
A shiver runs through her at the cold, sticky gel the doctor spreads across her stomach before pressing a gray rod connected to a small speaker against her skin. Wrinkles begin to crease Amy’s forehead as she tilts the wand in different directions. “Hmmm…I’m not quite able to pick it up.” Amy looks up and gives her a small smile. “How have you been feeling? Any morning sickness, lightheadedness, breast tenderness?”
During the last eighteen hours, her feelings have run an emotional spectrum, dread and worry interlaced with joy and happiness. Yet knowing she’s pregnant for such a short time doesn’t diminish the fierce love swelling in her heart. “No.” Her voice strangles with fear, and she clears her throat. “Is that bad?”
“Not necessarily. Sometimes this early we can’t always detect the heartbeat and some women don’t experience noticeable symptoms of pregnancy at first.” Amy looks from Evan to Shae, making her tremble even more at the subtle frown still lining her forehead. “Let’s not panic. We’ll do some blood work to test your levels. We’ll do the first test today and then again on Monday. That will let us know what’s going on.”
Her heart plummets. Mired in shock and surprise, she worried about telling Nick, terrified of breaking him from the stress. Never considering the possibility she may not need to protect him at all. “Okay.”
Amy’s smile brightens while she wipes off the translucent ointment with a small yellow towel. “You’re young and in great shape. There’s no reason not to be optimistic. Just keep doing what you’re doing—eat healthy and work out—and fill this prescription for prenatal vitamins.”
The wheels of the stool squeak as Amy rolls to the counter behind her and picks up a leaflet and book and hands them to Shae. “Here’s a list of foods to avoid, such as alcohol, raw meat, unprocessed cheese, things I’m sure you already know. I also have a book for you to read. Pregnancy is a natural function of the human body, however, that doesn’t mean everything is always self-explanatory.”
The kind words and positive attitude alleviate a bit of her fear. Maybe everything will be okay. It has to be. “When will I hear something?”
“I’ll send the sample over to the lab as soon as we’re done here. We should have the results later today. I’ll call you myself, okay?” Amy picks up a pen and jots down a brief note. “Here’s my number to put into your phone so you’ll know it’s me.”
“Thank you. I really appreciate it.”
“You’re welcome. Now let me get what I need to draw your blood.” Amy stands up and walks out of the exam room.
Evan leans down and kisses her forehead. A shudder runs through her at the feel of his lips on her skin. “It’s going to be okay. I know it is.”
Her confidence begins to wane as the possibility of more heartbreak grips her chest. “What if it’s not? I don’t think I can take it.”
“You have me. I’ll always take care of you, no matter what happens. I love you.”
Amy’s return saves her from responding. “Okay, I’m going to have you rest your arm on your leg.” After she disposes of the needle and labels the vial, Amy pats Shae’s shoulder. “You’re all done. I’ll call you as soon as I have the results.”
“Thank you.”
Evan shakes Amy’s hand before he guides Shae out of the office. They walk through the professional complex to the parking garage and stop in front of a bank of elevators. He smiles and tucks a wayward lock of hair behind her ear. “When do you want to start moving your stuff? We could have you settled by tonight if we begin packing as soon as we get back to your house.”
She cringes at his relentless pressure, at his assumption her decision has already been made. “What are you talking about? I never said I would move in with you.”
He wraps his arms around her waist and pulls her against him, a playful smile lighting up his face. “Married people live together, you know? We’ll get you home and then figure out our plans for the wedding. Maybe a small ceremony at the house. I don’t want to do it at the courthouse, or anything tacky like that.”
A marriage proposal should signify commitment and hopefulness, not deceit. She wants a family with Nick, not a life with Evan built on lies. Nick deserves to know the truth, but adding a baby to the duel between his love for her and hatred for himself may be more than he can stand. How can she protect him, yet still live with herself?
Pushing him back, she shakes her head. “Please stop it. I never said yes. I’m not sure what I want. Right now, all I can think about is getting the test results back.”
“Okay, I’m sorry. But we can’t wait too long, or Nick could figure things out.”
Her stomach turns at the desperation imbued in his voice. He doesn’t care about the baby. Doesn’t have the fierce protective love a father should have. All his impatience is so she can’t be with Nick. “Please take me back to my house. I don’t want to discuss this here.”
“Good idea. Maybe Carrie and Nathan can talk some sense into you.”
