Total pages in book: 100
Estimated words: 95307 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 477(@200wpm)___ 381(@250wpm)___ 318(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 95307 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 477(@200wpm)___ 381(@250wpm)___ 318(@300wpm)
“Are you sure? If you need to be there, I don’t mind calling and rescheduling. It’s not a big deal.”
He opens his eyes and I can feel their intensity clear down to my toes. “It is a big deal. This is more important, Winnie. You and Peanut are my priorities. The rest is fluff. I won’t let you change our big moment Thursday. I’ll run to Lakeview and cut the ribbon and then make it back to town by two for our appointment.”
“If you insist.”
“I do.” He places his hands on my stomach once more, earning another kick from the child within. “Do you hear that, Peanut? We’re going to find out if you have an innie or an outie in a couple of days.”
I laugh at his wording as excitement races through me. He’s right. In just a few days, we’ll know if we’re having a son or a daughter. A boy or a girl. Either way, I can’t wait, and I love knowing Harrison is just as ecstatic as I am.
“Gwen,” the nurse calls into the waiting room full of expecting moms.
I glance toward the door once more and slowly get up. My heart is pounding in my chest as I make my way to the doorway, giving the entrance to the office one last look. He’s not here. I know today was a big day for him and All Fit, but he promised to be here for this appointment. They’re even running a few minutes behind.
“You know the drill,” the nurse says as I prepare to step on the scale. When I do so, she moves the slide—and moves it some more. “Hmmm,” she says aloud, though probably mostly to herself.
“Is everything okay?” I ask and then glance at the number.
Oh.
“No, nothing’s wrong, per se. You’ve just experienced a bigger weight gain this month,” she adds with a smile.
I know I’ve enjoyed my late-night popcorn with M&M’s in it, plus the nightly big glass of chocolate milk, but I didn’t think it would actually result in a seven-pound weight gain in four weeks. Ouch.
The nurse has me follow her to room four for the ultrasound. The uneasiness I felt a few moments ago about the results of the scale is quickly replaced with joy as I think about the ultrasound and finding out the sex of the baby. “Dr. Taylor will be in shortly. She’ll do her normal measurements and then she’ll send in the ultrasound technician,” she informs before excusing herself from the room.
That excitement I was feeling is quickly replaced with sadness as I hop on the table. Alone. Has something happened? Why is Harrison late? He wouldn’t miss this unless it was an emergency. That sadness quickly transforms into fear as all the horrible things that could happen on the roadway filter through my mind.
A knock sounds, followed quickly by Dr. Taylor. “Good afternoon, Gwen. How have you been feeling?”
“Okay,” I reply, feeling anything but.
“Well, a few things today before we conduct the ultrasound. You’ve had a significant jump in weight gain since your sixteen-week appointment. We’ll do the urine test as soon as the ultrasound is complete. That’ll let me know where you sugars are. I’m just a little concerned about that. If you don’t have any questions, I’ll get the technician in here and we’ll take a look at your baby.”
That brings a wide smile to my lips. “I’m ready.”
I glance toward the door one last time, a movement Dr. Taylor catches. “You’re alone today?”
“He had a work thing.” It’s hard to keep the disappointment out of my voice.
She doesn’t say anything, just nods as she steps out of the room. Fortunately, the ultrasound technician enters quickly, keeping me from thinking about all those horrible things that could have kept Harrison away from this appointment. It’s the same woman as our first ultrasound, and it only takes her a few minutes to get everything set up and ready. My abdomen is exposed as she squirts a healthy glob of goo on my skin. Just as she sets the wand on my stomach, a knock sounds at the door.
“Come in,” the tech says.
When the door pushes open, my entire body seems to sigh with relief. Harrison is there, a look of complete guilt and pain on his handsome face. When his eyes connect with mine, everything seems to just fade away. He’s here. He’s all right. Everything else can wait.
“Right on time, Dad. We’re just starting to get a look at your baby,” the tech greets as he enters the room, closing the door behind him.
Harrison immediately comes to my head, kissing my forehead with a lingering kiss. “I’m so sorry,” he whispers against my skin.
“You’re here now. We’ll talk about it later,” I assure him, reaching for his hand. It’s large and warm and provides just the comfort that I need right now.