Page 55 of Hitched

“How did it go with Peg?”

“Great. She’s with my mama and da. She’s in good hands. That bairn has inherited two sets of grandparents overnight and is in her glory.”

We drive to the doctor and are seen right away. He arranges for bloodwork but does a pregnancy test, which confirms that I am, in fact, pregnant. At which time I gush with excitement. “I didn’t know you were trying to have kids.” Dr. Richardson says.

“I wasn’t. This is a complete surprise, but a welcome one.” I explain.

Caleb’s hand is in mine.

“Congratulations. Did you drink the water?”

“I started to. I’ve got some time, I think.”

“You’ve always had a small bladder, Laney. You’ll be fine with half the recommended water.” Dr. Richardson chuckles.

We go downstairs to get my bloodwork done and then head over to the radiography lab. Once again, I’m seen right away, and I don’t know who is more excited, me or Caleb, as the technician squirts the gel on my belly. “I’ve heard about this, Laney.” Caleb says, and then he addresses Rita, the technician. “Is it true that we can hear the baby’s heartbeat?”

She answers by turning the sound on, and there it is. The pulse practically makes the room shake it’s so strong. “Oh, that’s a Harris bairn for sure, Laney.”

“It’s half McAdams, I’ll remind you.”

Rita chimes in. “This baby is already quite large, Ms. McAdams. You’re about ten weeks along. Almost through the first trimester.”

“Wow. We must have made the bairn on the first try.” Caleb says, impressed. His hand is in mine, as we both stare at the sonogram screen. The bairn’s heart is as clear as day, beating away, as it moves with subtle twitches.

“Everything looks very good, Laney.” Rita states. “Very healthy. All the measurements look good. Did you get your bloodwork done?”

I nod. “Yes, we just came from the lab.”

“Would you two like a moment alone?” Rita offers with a reassuring smile.

Caleb nods, so proud. “Yes, lass. That would be nice.”

Rita gets up and leaves us, giving us a wink on the way out. “God, we’re celebrities, Caleb.”

“I think we are, lass. And this bairn is going to be so spoiled.” He kisses my hand. “But first, I want to spoil you.”

“You don’t have to do that, Caleb.”

He reaches into his pocket, grabbing his phone out, and he first records a snippet of the baby’s heartbeat, as it pitter patters away on the screen. Then, he sets the camera on and props the phone up, to record us together, as he grabs something else out of his pocket. “I know that this isn’t the most romantic way to do this, Laney. But I think this moment is so special, that I didn’t want to waste it.” He pulls the most beautiful diamond ring out of the inside of his palm, pinching it between his thumb and forefinger. “This ring belonged to my grandma, and my mama wanted me to have it, to give to you, with her blessing.” He looks at me, as the tears pool in my eyes. He swallows, and I can see the tears pooling in his eyes, too. “Now, I got your da’s blessing before we left, too, Laney. I want you to be my wife. Not because of my da’s orders, or just because of the bairns, but because of you. You are the only woman for me, Laney McAdams.”

His voice cracks as a tear falls down his face. “My heart is all yours, Laney. I love you with every breath I take. I’m yours forever.” He licks his lips, and then sniffles, as I gasp a breath, and I wipe the tears off my cheeks. “Will you be mine forever, Laney McAdams? Will you be my wife?”

I nod, and another gasp comes out, as I lean in and kiss his lips. He kisses me back tenderly, cupping my face in his hands, as he sets the ring on the tip of his thumb. “God, I love you so much.” He exhales.

“Yes, I’ll be your wife, Caleb.” I gasp, as tears continue to fall down my cheeks. He pulls back, both of our faces are wet with tears, and he places the ring on my finger. Miraculously, it fits perfectly, like it was made for me. And it’s almost like it seals the deal, like it was meant to be. We hug each other, and then we kiss again, as we hear a knock at the door.

“You two ready?” Rita asks, popping her head inside.

“Aye, come on in. I’m done proposing.” Caleb says, wiping his eyes.

Rita smiles. “I had a feeling. Do you know how many proposals we have in this place?”

“I’m not surprised.” I scoff, good-naturedly.

“Congratulations.”

“Thank you.” I say, wiping my face.

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