Page 56 of The Ties That Bind
“It’s so hard not to think of her,” she whimpered.
“Take my advice,radost moya. Do not dwell on the tragedy. It will only deplete your strength, and it does not honor Kylie’s life.”
She closed her eyes, soaking in his words. She knew they came from a heart that had suffered unspeakable loss—but had survived.
“You are strong. Say it,” he insisted.
“I am strong.”
“Today you meet your babe.”
“Yes!” Her heart started to race as that feeling of excitement she’d felt earlier today returned. “Do you think the baby is going to be a girl or a boy?”
He chuckled. “I am certain of the sex, but do not wish to spoil it for you.”
“Well, you do have a fifty/fifty shot.”
“Nyet.I know with the same certainty I did withmoye solntse.”
Brie giggled. “It’s easy to make that claim if you’re not willing to commit.”
“I will prove it to you.”
She grinned into the phone. “How?”
“You must have patience,radost moya.”
Brie laughed, assuring him, “I promise I won’t rub it in if you are wrong.”
“And I promise to lick you with my cat o’ nines for doubting me.”
“I didn’t agree to that!” she squeaked.
His sadistic chuckle filled her ears.
Dr. Glas walked into the room and smiled at her. “How are you feeling after the epidural, Mrs. Davis?”
As soon as Rytsar heard the doctor’s voice, he commanded, “Tell the good doctor I know the sex of the baby.”
Brie snickered. “I’m not going to tell him that.”
“Tell him,” he insisted.
“Tell me what?” Dr. Glas asked as he glanced over the readings for the fetal monitor.
“Rytsar claims he knows the sex of the baby.”
“Is that your friend who attended the last birth?”
“Yes.” Brie blushed as she answered, unsure if Dr. Glas understood the true nature of their relationship.
“May I?” he asked, pointing to her phone.
Brie nodded eagerly and handed it to him.
“Okay, I’ll bite. What’s your guess about the sex?” Dr. Glas asked him. “Okay, I stand corrected…it’s not a guess.” He winked at Brie.
She smirked, finding it hilarious that Rytsar was correcting her doctor.
