Chapter 40
“Sierra,” he greets warmly, gesturing for me to sit. “What brings you here? I thought your next appointment is in a month p>
The words tumble out in a rush. “This morning, I woke up with cramps. They weren’t too strong at first, but then I noticed blood. Not a lot, but it scared me. I thought…” My throat closes. I swallow hard, blinking back tears. “I thought maybe I was losing the baby p>
His expression softens, but his tone stays reassuring and steady. “You did the right thing by coming in. Let me ask you a few questions, and then we’ll do an exam to check on the baby, all right p>
I nod quickly, clinging to his composure like a lifeline.
“Did you notice the color?” he asks. “Pink, red, dark red or brown”
“It was a light red p>
“Have you had any other symptoms p>
“No. Just those p>
He asks more questions and I answer as best I can, wringing my hands nervously on my lap.
“Okay, now I need you to lie on the bed, just like you did last time,” he tells me in an assuring and warm voice.
I cling to that warmth, trying to use it to steady me.
When he begins the examination, my entire body tenses. Every second feels like a lifetime, my heart pounding so loudly it drowns out the hum of the machines.
Finally, he looks up, a smile easing across his face. “The baby’s fine p>
The words hit me like a wave, and all the air rushes out of me at once. My hand flies to my chest.
“Oh, thank God.” A shaky laugh escapes me, mixed with tears I don’t bother to hide. “I thought–I thought I was losing him p>
Maybe it’s relief, but for some reason I’m not afraid to cry and be vulnerable in front of him.
“You’re already referring to the baby as him; do you wish for a boy?” he gives me a full–blown smile and heavens, he’s really good–looking.
He has one of those smiles that blinds you before reeling you in like a fish caught on a fishing rod.
“I don’t mind having a girl.” I shake myself from the trance and reply. “But for some reason, referring to the baby as him, just feels right p>
“Mother’s instincts,” he says as a way of explanation.
He stares at me for a while before continuing. “What you experienced can happen for many reasons. Sometimes it’s just the body adjusting. Sometimes stress plays a big role. But there’s no sign of danger to your baby right now. What I want you to focus on is rest, keeping yourself calm, and avoiding unnecessary stress as much as possible p>
I nod quickly, relief flooding every part of me. “I’ll try. I–I promise I’ll try p>
Damn it! That will be a hard promise to keep, especially with Noah breathing down my neck like a fucking dragon. Maybe I should really consider moving.
He offers another reassuring smile. “You’re not alone in this. And you’re stronger than you think p>
Something about the way he says it makes warmth bloom in my chest. I blink at him, swallowing back the lump in my throat. “I almost went crazy thinking that I was losing my baby p>
“It normal. It your first time being pregnant and anything out of the normal would worry you p>
I smile as I pull my sweater down and get down from the examination bed. “Really, thank you. For this and for that day, when you… when you pulled me back from the car p>
His smile deepens, though he shakes his head like it’s nothing. “Anyone would have done the same p>
“Not anyone,” I say quietly, holding his gaze for a moment longer. 1
The silence lingers, not heavy but… steady and comfortable. Finally, I force myself to rise, giving him a grateful smile. “Thank you again, Dr. Adrian p>
Seriously? Why was I thanking him so much? I’m starting to feel a bit embarrassed.
“It’s always my pleasure to help,” he replies warmly.
“Bye, take care and see you on my next appointment.” I leave so fast after those words, you’d think the devil was on my trail.
I pay my bill and step outside, the cool air brushing my face. For the first time all morning, I feel like I can breathe again.
But as I drive home, the relief dulls into guilt. In my panic, I left without feeding my sweet girl. I step harder on the gas, eager to get home to make sure he’s okay.
Pulling into the driveway, I’m already rehearsing how I’ll spoil her with extra treats. But when I climb out of the car and turn toward my house, I stop dead in my tracks.
Standing at my doorstep looking like she owns the place is Brook.