Page 165 of Unspoken Words
I scoffed. “Yeah, great. Thanks for that.”
“You’re welcome.” She cracked up laughing then yawned and groaned, her forehead furrowing.
“What’s wrong?”
“Nothing. I just need to get up. I’m tired, and my back is sore.”
“Here, I’ll help you.” I guided her to her feet, her movements slow and stiff.
“I might go and have a nap. Is that okay?”
“Whatever you need.” I tucked her head under my chin. “You sure you’re all right?”
“Yeah. Just beat.”
“You want me to come with you?”
“No.” She stepped back. “You stay with Max. Enjoy the sun.”
“Okay. Sweet dreams, fiancée.”
She smiled and held up her ring finger. “Oh, I will.”
*
Ellie endedup sleeping forthe rest of that day and through the night till morning. She’d also slept part of the following day and evening after. Her energy levels were fast dwindling, and the dread I’d been fostering in the very pit of my stomach was rising fast. Thankfully, her next routine check-up day had arrived.
Resting her hand on her belly, Ellie stared out of the car window. “She’s not moving about as much today.”
“But she’s moving, right?”
“Oh, yes. I can feel her. She’s just not kicking me as much as she usually does.”
“Even kickboxers need a rest, baby. I’m sure she’s fine. You can still feel her, so that’s the main thing.” I drove the car into the hospital car park and found a spot as close to the door as possible. “Do you want a wheelchair?” I asked as I helped her stand, closing the passenger side door behind her.
“NO! I do not.”
I laughed at her shock.
“That wasn’t funny, Connor Bourke.”
“I know. I was serious.”
“So am I. I can walk. I’m perfectly fine.”
“And if you weren’t …”
“But I am.”
I didn’t argue any further even though I knew I was right.
She winced. “Jesus! I need to pee, AGAIN!”
“Really? You’d be close to filling a pool today.”
Her face turned the shade of her hair, and I couldn’t help but laugh. “I’m kidding. Come on, we’ll stop at the toilets before we head to Dr Goodman’s office.”
“You try being a bloody whale with a piss tap,” she grumbled.
