Page 19 of A Mafia Christmas

“Beth, let’s have a seat.”

Beth immediately got nervous. “Is everything okay with the baby?”

Hollie smiled. “Yes, I’m sorry I worried you. I’d just like to go over some things I want you to do, and I can answer any questions you have.”

“Oh.” Beth sat at a little table across from Hollie.

“Everything looks good,” the doctor said. “I want you to take some vitamins I brought. I’d like you to get more rest and walk outside. The moving and air will help you feel better. You’re also underweight. I’d like you to gain at least five pounds in the next two weeks. That’s when I’ll be by to do a check-up. I’d like to have your check-ups once a month and then increase that to every week in the last trimester.”

Beth nodded. She felt better about having her here. “Dr…”

The doctor interrupted her with a smile. “Beth, please call me Hollie. I think you and I are going to be good friends.”

Beth smiled. “Hollie. Can you tell how far along I am?”

“From what I can see with the measurements, you’re into your second trimester, so about four or five months along.”

Beth’s eyes widened. “But I’m not really showing that much.”

Hollie smiled. “That’s normal. You’ll start showing around the twentieth week, that’s soon. That’s when we’ll be able to get more of a correct measurement, and you can get the sex of the baby if you want to know, when I do a sonogram.”

“I think I do.”

“Well, you have time to decide,” Hollie said.

“When will I start feeling the kicking? I think I feel it move, but I’m not sure.”

“It’s definitely moving. The heartbeat is strong. With the vitamins, weight gain, and exercise, you’ll be in great shape to carry this baby.”

Beth exhaled. She was going to do everything she could to bring the baby into this crazy world.

“Okay, the last thing is something I’m going to recommend. Aria told me a bit about the situation and your personality. She was right. You are the sweetest person I’ve ever met.”

Beth’s mouth dropped open. “Really?”

Hollie reached across the table to hold her hand. “Yes, really. And so, because of that, I’d like to bring in a counselor. She’s someone I know and trust. I think you need to talk to someone impartial, unlike anyone in the family.”

“They all have strong opinions,” Beth said and smiled.

“I can tell you’re going through a rough time, so I’d like to help.”

“I’ll do whatever you think is best for the baby.”

“And you, right?”

Beth nodded.

“The very last thing I want to tell you is that, by my guess, that baby is due on Christmas day.”

Beth’s smile brightened. “Oh, wow. I think that’s wonderful.”

Hollie grinned. “I do, too.” She stood and shoved some of the papers into her computer bag. She weaved her arm through Beth’s. “Would you show me out?”

“Sure.” They walked to the front door. Beth was surprised and pleased that Hollie hugged her.

“I will see you soon. Don’t forget the things I want you to do and if there are any problems, call me. I don’t care what time it is.”

“I will. Thank you.”

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