Total pages in book: 94
Estimated words: 90290 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 451(@200wpm)___ 361(@250wpm)___ 301(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 90290 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 451(@200wpm)___ 361(@250wpm)___ 301(@300wpm)
Noah nods as if he understands. He drinks the cup he brought me and takes it to the trash before coming back to sit next to me.
“I’m nervous.”
“Me, too,” I tell him. “But everything is good.”
I lean back and tap my fingers against my growing stomach almost as if I’m playing the drums, just like my dad taught me to do when he first met my mom. I still remember how he sat me on his lap and let me beat the drums with his drumsticks. He didn’t care if I did any damage. This was my outlet for the rage I felt after my father died. I can’t wait for my dad to teach his grandchildren how to play the drums and write songs. It’s my hope this child has either musical or athletic talent. I wouldn’t mind having a basketball player in the house or a piano player. Noah and I agreed we won’t pressure our child to do anything. Whatever they want to do, they can and when they want to quit, as long as they have a reason, we’ll let them. Knowing how Liam was raised is something Noah and I don’t want for our child.
When I see the nurse come out, I sit up, anticipating my turn only for her to call for another patient.
“We’ll be next,” Noah says.
“I know. The nerves have turned into anticipation. I’m excited.”
He reaches for my hand. “I’m probably going to want to buy one of these machines.”
I laugh, but I know he’s serious. “I’d never get any work done nor would we ever leave the house.”
“Nope. You’d be hooked up all day and night so we could see our little bean, growing and thriving.”
“Peyton Westbury.” The nurse calls out and I want to rejoice at the sound of my name.
Noah helps me stand and keeps his hand on the small of my back as we follow the nurse. We stop at the scale and then head into the room. “The tech will be in shortly. Please take everything off from the waist down and sit on the table. We’ll be right back.”
It’s always a sprint when you have to undress and put a gown on or a lap covering. In my case, I should’ve worn a shirt. After taking my dress off, I slip into the gown and tie the top strings to keep the girls somewhat hidden.
Not that he needs to, but Noah helps me onto the table and covers my legs with the medical blanket. He barely sits when the door opens.
“Hi, Mom and Dad, I’m Baxter.” He sits down on the stool and wheels toward me. “Before we start, are we finding out the sex of the baby?”
“Yes,” Noah and I say together.
“Okay so no big gender reveal party? You want to know?” Baxter asks.
“Yes, we’re not keeping it a secret,” I tell him.
“Excellent. All right. How’s the bladder?”
“Full.”
“That’s what I like to hear. You’re already my favorite patient of the hour.”
Out of the corner of my eye, I see Noah look at his watch. He smirks. If I had to guess, the hour changed and we’re Baxter’s first patients since. Baxter’s a funny guy.
He angles the computer so only he can see the screen and tells Noah to stand next to me. Baxter drops a blob of gel onto my stomach and then sets the wand on there. Instantly, the room fills with the sound of the baby’s heartbeat.
“Best fucking sound in the world,” Noah says to me as he presses the button on his phone. I have to agree.
“Do you want to record it, Dad?” Baxter asks.
“Already recording,” Noah told him.
“I’m going to take some measurements and then we’ll have a look,” Baxter says.
I turn toward Noah and hold his hand while we listen to the whooshing sound play around us. I swear I could listen to it all day and night.
“All right, Mom and Dad, let’s see what we’re having.”
Baxter turns the screen, giving Noah and I a chance to look as well. He sets the wand on my stomach again and the black screen turns a fuzzy white.
“Well, would you look at that?”
I’m looking and it takes me a minute to recognize anything.
“Is that?”
“Yes, it is,” Baxter says as he presses a series of buttons. “I’m printing pictures now.” Baxter presses the wand a bit harder into my skin.
“Uh, I’m going to pee if you do that.”
Baxter laughs. “I’m trying to get your son or daughter to cooperate so we can see . . . ah yes, thank you baby.” He presses another button and the screen freezes. I sit up on my elbow so I can get a better view. He brings the screen closer, showing us the details.
“If you can’t see for yourself, let me know and I’ll tell you.”
“Holy shit,” Noah says as he squeezes my hand. “Peyton, do you see this?”