Page 35 of Stat: Love In Scrubs
“I’m sorry,” she said finally, soft but sure. “She sounds… she sounds like she knew how to love.”
“She did,” I admitted, my throat tight. I forced a small smile, glancing at Esa. “Gave me her. Plus a whole lot of memories. That’s more than I ever deserved.”
Yara rested her spoon against her cup, fingers brushing mine on the table, before she pulled back.
“I stayed in something too long once. Thought it was love when really I was holding on to being chosen, even when it hurt. Makes me wonder if I’ll ever really know the difference.”
I wanted to tell her she would—that she already did. But Esa chose that exact moment to lean across the table and smear whipped cream on Yara’s nose. Yara squealed, swatting at her while Esa cackled like it was the funniest thing she’d ever done.
And just like that, the heaviness broke. I sat there, heart full and aching, realizing I wasn’t just watching my daughter connectwith Yara. I was watching the possibility of something I thought I’d never have again.
We stayed at the shop for another hour, talking and playing eye spy with Esa, until it was finally time to head out. On the way out to the car, I noticed The Hamptons pushing their stroller, walking hand in hand. The moment they noticed me, a big smile came across their faces.
“Dr. Wilder, it is so good to see you!” Mrs. Hampton spoke first.
I was happy to see she was in a good place, although we had a check-up not long after the birth. I loved to keep tabs on the couple for a bit longer, especially if their births were more difficult.
“Nice to see you two. How are you feeling? Everything alright with you and the baby?” I questioned.
“This one here has been staying on top of it, making sure I don’t overdo it. But we’re in good health. Thanks to you. You kept checking in, and even when you weren’t there, I know you sent in the nurses to keep tabs on us. It felt good to know my voice mattered, even for the small things.”
I waved her off. “That’s my job.”
Mr. Hampton spoke up. “No, you did more than your job, and we can’t thank you enough.”
When I heard things like this, it made my chest tight. I came into this field not to be recognized for doing what I was supposed to do. But, for doing what I needed for women of color. We lost far too many black women to negligence, and if I could help it, it wouldn’t happen around me.
The couple turned to face Yara and Esa, then waved.
“I’m being rude. I immediately went into doctor mode when I saw you. This is — Yara and my baby girl Esa.”
I got stuck because I wanted to shout from the rooftops that she was mine. But I also knew too much too fast would send Yararunning in the opposite direction. Not to mention, we hadn’t talked about what we were to each other. I made a mental note to lock this down soon.
“It’s so nice to meet you both! You’re lucky to have him.” Mrs. Hampton added.
I shook my head as Yara smiled.
“Absolutely, and congratulations on your new addition,” Yara told them.
The Hamptons smiled widely.
“Don’t let us hold you up. Please enjoy your afternoon.” I told them.
We said our goodbyes, then made our way to the car. Once we were inside, Esa was practically bouncing off the walls from her sugar overload.
“They were a really nice couple,” Yara said.
“Yeah, they’re good people. I’m glad to see they’re doing so well.”
“Ms. Yara, are you coming home with me and Daddy?” Esa asked from the backseat, shocking us.
I glanced in Yara’s direction. I definitely didn’t want our time to be over, but I also didn’t want to make her feel like she had to come back to the house.
“It’s up to you… no pressure.” I added.
“I would love to, but I still need to stop by my house to grab a bag if you don’t mind me staying over.” She added.
My dick hardened at the thought. She didn’t have to tell me twice. If Esa wasn’t in this truck, I would have hit an illegal U-Turn. The thought alone made me chuckle.
