Page 53 of Stepping Into Tomorrow

“Yeah. Okay.”

He turned forward once more, the sun hitting his dark brown skin, highlighting the sharp angles of his face. His full beard was dark and ruffled from him running his hands through it. His arms flexed as if he could feel her gaze. His strong nose was just a little crooked, as if he’d broken it at some point in his life. It was the only thing not symmetrical on his face. He didn’t look human but carved from marble like the Greek gods of Olympus. Poseidon, god of the sea, sitting on this green knoll and feeding her fruit and asking her questions.

Two obsidian orbs crashed against hers like a tidal wave, sending her spinning into a riot of emotions before receding and pulling her into their fathomless depths. She found unspoken promises of loyalty and a fierce protection in them. Her belly flipped and fluttered. Nervousness or excitement—maybe a bit of both. It was hard to tell the difference sometimes.

Maybe this wouldn’t be so lonely after all.

25

NASH

Weeks later, Nash sat back in the chair of the clinic waiting room. The sides bit into his thick thighs and waist. Apparently, it wasn’t built for giants. Bella’s attention remained focused on the clipboard in front of her, the pen in her hand moving fluidly across the pages of paperwork asking for her information.

A few other men sat with their partners, most of which were pregnant, or had a newborn in their arms. One dad wrangled a toddler away from the water cooler by the door. A couple of kids played in the corner where there were a few toys and books laid out.

He shifted in the uncomfortable seat. This would be his life now.

“Isabella Bates?” a woman in a white lab coat and purple scrubs called.

Bates? Right, she was married. Noveas was her maiden name. We still have so much more to learn about each other.

Bella stood, offering the woman a smile. Nash followed her.

“I’m Karlie, and I’ll be doing your ultrasound today. Go ahead into this room.” She pointed to her right.

Bella entered and climbed onto the paper-covered bed in the center of the small room. If he’d felt like a giant in the waiting room, he was a goddamned mountain in here. The room was barely bigger than a closet. He pressed himself into yet another small chair across from the tech, Bella lying between them on the table.

Karlie scooted her chair closer, slipping gloves on and starting the ancient-looking computer. “Alright, are we ready to see your little bundle today?”

“Yes,” Bella answered.

“Are you Dad?” Karlie asked.

Dad? The word barreled over him. He didn’t trust his voice, so he nodded.

Bella stiffened. A fissure of guilt swirled in his gut. His baby wasn’t here yet and he was already fucking things up with her mama. Or his? It could be a boy.

“This might be a little cold. Sorry.” Karlie lifted Bella’s shirt and then tucked Bella’s pants down lower. Bella’s stomach still looked as soft and dimpled as it had that night, but now more of a bump protruded from her lower belly.

Bella cleared her throat, her cheeks flushing as she stared at the ceiling. Was she nervous?

“Okay, so we got your records from your previous doctors but they didn’t include an ultrasound. Is this your first one?” Karlie asked.

“Yeah. I found out just before I moved and then everything was just so busy,” Bella answered.

“Is that bad? Should we have come in earlier?” Nash asked.

Bella turned to him, brows drawn together, eyes narrowed.

“It’s no problem. She’s far enough along now that we can probably skip the transvaginal part and try it on your belly. I’m sure Doctor Wright will want to get some bloodwork today too.” Karlie answered as she squirted some clear jelly on Bella’s stomach. Bella flinched.

Karlie picked up an attachment for the computer and pressed it against Bella’s stomach, both women’s eyes focusing on the grainy screen.

A moment later, a pulsing, whooshing sound filled the room. Chills raced up his spine, every hair standing on end.

Karlie smiled. “Baby has a strong heartbeat.”

“That’s the baby?”

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