Page 159 of Unspoken Words
“Very.”
I passed her the cup of water and positioned the straw while she drank. “Not too much,” I said, pulling it away from her lips.
She frowned but then smiled. “Yes, Dad.”
My eyebrow drew up. “You trying to be funny?”
“No. I’m just basking in your fatherly skills.”
I knew where she was heading with the conversation, and I couldn’t help but smile at her strategy. “I do have very good fatherly skills through years of practise.”
“I know,” she said, taking my hand in hers and placing it on her belly. “I’ve seen them in action. You’re a wonderful father, and I can’t wait to see our baby in your arms, and for Max to be a big brother.”
My stomach tightened, and I must’ve shown the discomfort.
“What’s wrong, Connor?” Ellie let go of my hand and stiffened. “Are you not happy we’re having a baby? Because if you’re not, I will do this on my own. I’m not afraid. I’m blessed.”
I placed my hand back on her tummy and caressed the side of her face with my other hand. “Of course I’m happy. All I’ve ever wanted was a family with you.”
“Then what’s wrong?”
“I’m terrified. Your life is fragile right now.”
“I know.” She covered my hand on her face with her palm and leaned into my touch. “But I can do this. I know I can. I’m strong enough.”
“But are you? I mean, really?” A tear descended my cheek, her eyes overfilling as she watched it fall. “I nearly lost you. You were there, in front of me, like you’re supposed to be, and then you were gone, and there wasnothingI could do about it.”
“I’m sorry.” She nuzzled my hand and closed her eyes. “That must have been awful for you to watch.”
I scoffed. “Worse fucking thing imaginable.”
A gentle knock sounded on Ellie’s door, and we both told whomever it was to come in.
Turning my head, I looked up to see Dr Goodman enter the room, pushing what looked like a small TV on wheels.
“Hello, Ellie. Hello, Connor. I was just about to finish my rounds but thought I’d check on the baby before I leave. Would you like to see him or her?”
Ellie shot up, straight. It was the most movement I’d seen her do since waking. “Oh my God! Really?”
“Yes.”
Her ECG sparked to life like a fire alarm, sending my heart rate soaring along with it. “What’s happening? Ellie, are you o—”
“She’s fine, Connor. She’s just a little excited which we need to settle down,” Dr Goodman said, her expression composed and serene.
“Yes, yes. I’m fine. I’m calm. I’m settling down.” Ellie tried to subdue an excited squeal, and all I could do was metaphorically pick myself up from the floor and consider hooking myself up to the damn ECG machine as well.
“Okay, this may be a little cold at first.” Dr Goodman squirted a jelly substance on Ellie’s tummy then moved a joystick-looking device across her skin. She pressed a few buttons on the machine, and a mixture of black, grey, and white swirls appeared on the screen. “If you look at the area I’ve just measured—”
“I SEE IT!” Ellie shouted. “I mean, I see him or her.”
“Ellie, please stay calm,” I said.
“Look, Connor, right there.” She nodded enthusiastically and pointed at the screen.
I hesitantly removed my eyes from her and let them settle on the monochrome image before me, my face tingling, my heart dancing.
“Say hello to your baby.” Dr Goodman pressed another button. “He or she is 2.3 centimetres long.”
