Page 55 of Psycho Saints

The day of our appointment arrived, and nervous energy thrummed through me as we entered the doctor's office. Dr. Hanson, a kindly older man who'd been caring for me since the pregnancy was confirmed, greeted us warmly.

"Ready to find out, Scarlet?" he asked, prepping the ultrasound machine.

I nodded, squeezing Cristian's hand. The cold gel made me shiver as Dr. Hanson moved the wand over my swollen belly.

"Well, looks like you've got a healthy baby boy in there," Dr. Hanson announced. "I know you also wanted to know who the father was from the genetic testing when you came in. Are you ready?" he asked, the wand freezing over my stomach as my heart skipped a few beats.

"Yes," I breathed, and he nodded and smiled.

"Cristian's the father."

Cristian's face lit up, his grip on my hand tightening. "A boy," he breathed, eyes shining. "My boy."

I turned to him, my lip trembling at the array of emotions in his eyes as Tyrone nodded and Julian slapped him on the back with a grin.

We were having a son. This was our little baby boy.

"It'll be good to finally meet little Xavier," I said slowly, watching Cristian's reaction carefully. He’d told me very little of his best friend who’d died right before he wound up in his coma, but I knew he was important, and it was the name he’d wanted before Tessa had aborted their child. It only seemed fitting now. "Is that name okay?"

His eyes widened, his smile faltering before he nodded, his eyes glittering with unshed tears. It was a sight that made my own eyes water.

"Xavier… It's perfect. Our son," he whispered as he rested his cheek on the top of my head, his voice catching. "Our son."

I let out a choked sound as Dr. Hanson showed me the ultrasound in more depth, speaking with us while my mind reeled.

I was in an odd haze, but thankfully Tyrone was asking questions for me, and before I knew it, we were back in the car and headed home.

The drive was oddly quiet, Cristian lost in thought as he held my hand tight, gazing out the window with an expressionless face. Something had shifted with him as we'd walked out to the car, where he'd looked down at me and his smile had faltered before he'd gone silent.

I didn't press, still caught up in my own emotions.

When I finally settled in the living room, Julian pulled me close, his fingers working through my hair. Tyrone and Cristian had celebrated with a drink of whiskey before they'd both headed off into the house, Tyrone to work, and Cristian to do God-knows-what.

"Braid?" Julian asked softly, a habit he'd picked up during those long nights at the hospital.

I leaned back, letting his gentle touch soothe my nerves as we sat in contemplative silence, his fingers working my hair softly.

The silence between us was comfortable, but I could sense he wanted to say something.

"How are you feeling about it all?" Julian finally asked, his voice soft.

"I'm happy," I replied. Despite the unconventional circumstances, a warmth spread through me at the thought of our growing family.

Julian's hands paused for a moment. "So am I."

I hesitated, then voiced the concern that had been nagging at me since we left the doctor's office. "Cristian seems a bit funny about it."

Julian resumed braiding, his touch soothing. "It's a big thing to learn that you're going to be a parent. He could have a lot of emotions going on given what happened last time."

I nodded, remembering the pain in Cristian's eyes when we'd discussed his past. With Tessa and everything. "Perhaps I should go to him and tell him there's no need to worry. I want this baby as much as he does."

"Maybe that's a good idea," Julian agreed as he finished my braid and outstretched his hand for the scrunchie on my wrist. "I've got a few things I have to do anyway, but find me after if you need to talk or anything." He finalized my braid before kissing my cheek and helping me rise before he headed off.

I pulled out my phone, texting Cristian to ask where he was to save me scouring the entire mansion. His reply came quickly: outside under the oak tree. I headed out, resting one hand on my growing belly as I stepped into the pleasant warmth of the sun's rays.

The oak tree stood majestic against the afternoon sky, its branches spreading wide. As I approached, I saw Cristian sitting in the sunken seating area built there, cushions scattered around him. He was strumming softly on his guitar, an instrument he'd decided to learn for the baby.

I joined him, sinking onto a cushion beside him. Cristian offered me a small smile, but I could see the trouble in his eyes. The music faltered for a moment before he resumed playing, a gentle melody floating on the breeze.

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