Page 96 of Geordie

He's a natural. He goes through the segment without hesitation, knows where to look when he's talking to the camera, and generates a genuine warmth. At the end, the crew claps their appreciation and Harv invites them to sample the mac and cheese we've created. Mr. Station Manager returns, slapping Harv on the back and inviting him to his office to finish the meeting. I pull him aside to say I have to return to San Pacitas for a late doctor's appointment.

There are only a few people left in the waiting room this late. I was lucky to get this appointment. The next opening they had available would have put my pregnancy at almost fourteen weeks. The smiling receptionist greets me with the news that the doctor is running late. That's okay, because Geordie hasn't arrived either.

My phone vibrates as if on cue. A picture of Geordie and I from the dancing party I arranged flashes on the screen.

“Hey,” I say.

“I'm sorry, I'm running late. Disasters always come in threes.”

“How many have you had so far?”

“Two with another looming.”

“What's going on? Trouble at the winery?”

“Crisis on top of crisis. It means I'll be late for the appointment.”

“Don't worry, the doctor is running late. She's finishing up a delivery. You might be on time after all.”

He breathes a heavy sigh through the phone. “How are you feeling?”

“Tired, but excited.”

“You work too hard. I still say you went back to the restaurant too early.”

“Come on, Geordie, let's not rehash this; pregnant women work. I was going crazy being away from the restaurant. You would continue working if you were pregnant.”

A chuckle comes through the phone. “I would, lass, I would. I've got to go. I'll be there as soon as I can.”

The only people left in the waiting room are me and the receptionist. It's late and I'm sure she would like to go home. I read, pace, and go to the bathroom twice until my name is called. This is a different tech that I follow. The only sound in this abandoned, eerie hallway is the soft pads of our footsteps. I'm shown to the same cool, dim room as before, a sheet, blanket, and a gown already placed on the examining table. She lets me know the doctor will perform the exam.

I unbutton my shirt, wishing Geordie was here sneaking peeks at me while I undress. He tries to be covert, but he's about as transparent as a hammer, but as a comfort, I couldn't ask for better.

I continue undressing, leaving my blue satin bra in place. I need the support; my breasts are tender, courtesy of me being a baby carrier. Grinning, I welcome every nuance of pregnancy. For me, each moment is a miracle.

Sitting on the table, legs dangling, I can hear Geordie saying,Lay back on the table, Leannan, rest.The way he uses the Gaelic words for love is soothing and how he rumbles the words in a half whisper… it's like a sexy lullaby.

There's a light tapping. “Come in,” I say.

Dr. Rivera swoops in, white coat flapping. “Sorry for the wait. Babies have their own timetable. How are you feeling?”

“Pregnant.”

She chuckles, slipping into the chair behind the machine. “I meant anything unusual, or out of the ordinary.”

I shrug. “Nothing.”

“No spotting, cramping, belly pain?”

I shake my head. I've experienced none of the symptoms I feared.

“Wonderful. Will Geordie be with you today?”

“He was delayed at work. He's on his way.”

She sits back, eyeing me with concern. “We can wait a little longer if you like? I know how important these visits are to him. I'm sure he has a million more questions he wants to ask. It's no problem.”

I've waited long enough. I'm ready to head home to a warm bath and put my feet up. There will be other doctor appointments for Geordie to attend. We're co-parents, so there will be times when we tag team taking turns running this child from doctor appointment to baseball games. “No, it's late enough. I don't want to keep you any longer.”

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