Page 89 of Mountain Daddies

Susan shoots us a panicked look. “You’re doing great. Just breathe and relax,” I say.

“Yeah, Susan, it’s just routine,” Artie assures her.

“We’ll have ice cream after we’re done here,” Ollie says. “I promise.”

Susan reluctantly nods and follows the nurse out. The doctor turns to us. “So, how does it work? I know it’s not my place but I’m just an old lady trying to understand.”

I shoot her a glare. This is none of her business, and now she’s definitely being a little unprofessional. Before I can say anything, I get a text from Artie.Don’t you dare be rude. She’s the only ob-gyn in twenty miles. We need her.

I look up to see him glaring at me. I roll my eyes. I’m not the problem, the doctor is.

Artie turns to the doctor. “I know what it looks like, but I assure you that we care for Susan. All three of us. We’re partners in this together.” The doctor nods in understanding. “She’s not going to be alone in all of this.”

I keep glancing at the door, waiting for Susan to come back. I found her pregnancy test sticks where she had stuffed them. Most of them had two lines, but they were very, very faint. It was inconclusive, for all I could tell. Maybe it’s hot panic that made her think she might be pregnant. It’s all going to be fine. I probably overreacted for no reason. That’s the only thought that gave me enough courage to come down here.

“Do you know who the father is?” the doctor asks.

“It might be any of us,” Ollie says. “And Artie says it’ll be impossible to tell even when the baby comes.”

I glance at Ollie. I know for a fact that he hated the thought of starting a family or even committing to someone long-term. How has he accepted this so quickly? Am I the only asshole?

“Yes, since the three of you are identical triplets, you share most of your DNA,” the doctor explains.

Susan enters the room and looks around. The nurse comes in and hands an envelope to the doctor. “Congratulations, Susan! The bloodwork confirms that you are indeed pregnant.”

Shock leaves me reeling. I have to clench my fist hard to hold in my emotions. I’d convinced myself this was just a nightmare from which I was going to wake up anytime. Not anymore.

“Thank you, doctor. It’s both exciting and overwhelming,” Susan says. She has tears streaming down her face. I can’t move my body, let alone reach out to wipe them away. Everything inside of me is screaming.

“It’s completely normal to feel a mix of emotions during this time. Pregnancy is a journey filled with joy, anticipation, and sometimes a bit of anxiety. I’m here to support you every step of the way,” the doctor says.

My vision blackens. I feel like I’m about to pass out any second.

Susan reaches out and takes my hand in hers.

I take a deep breath, trying to steady my emotions. The news of Susan’s pregnancy hits me harder than I expected. I was wrestling with the idea, uncertain about my readiness to become a father. Part of me hoped the test would come back negative, buying us more time to figure things out.

I focus on being here for Susan, putting her needs first, even as I try to process my own apprehension. I don’t want to let Susan see my turmoil, so I put on a brave face, concealing my true feelings behind a stoic demeanor.

I steal a glance at Susan who is smiling to herself as she pets her stomach.

Seeing her hopeful smile, I find a glimmer of reassurance even through my own uncertainties. I remind myself that love and commitment can overcome any challenges that lie ahead.

I take a deep breath, pushing aside my fears for now.

“Now, let’s talk about what comes next. We’ll schedule regular checkups to monitor your health and the baby’s development. We’ll discuss prenatal vitamins, dietary recommendations, and any concerns you might have.”

The doctor explains the importance of prenatal care, but I unconsciously block her words. As we leave the doctor’s office, my mind buzzes with thoughts of our entwined future.

We step out of the clinic, the weight of the news still lingering in the air. Ollie, ever the joker, tries to lighten the mood with a playful comment. “Well, Susan, looks like you can eat to your heart’s content before the morning sickness kicks in. Enjoy it while you can!”

Susan chuckles softly, her eyes reflecting a mix of gratitude and exhaustion. “I’ll definitely take advantage of that.”

As we make our way to the restaurant, I find myself lost in thought. The reality of impending fatherhood is slowly sinking in, and I can’t help but feel trepidation.

My mind races with questions, but I push them aside for now, focusing on the present moment.

The restaurant we enter is cozy, with warm lighting and rustic decor. The walls are adorned with vintage photographs and framed artwork.

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