Page 47 of Rhett

I nod. “Yeah, I could probably do that. I don’t even know where to begin.”

“I’ll put some feelers out. Your place is really cute. I’m sure we can find someone who would want to take it over for you.”

We hang out a little longer before I take my leave. I know my brothers are both going to make fantastic uncles.

25

Rhett

I pace anxiously in the waiting room of the doctor's office, checking my watch every few seconds. Sofia's ultrasound appointment was supposed to start fifteen minutes ago. I hate that I'm running late because of work.

The receptionist went to check in the back if they’d started yet, but when she comes out Sofia emerges from the back with her. Her face lights up when she sees me. Not even caring that we have an audience, she rushes toward me.

“Rhett! You made it.” She pulls me into a hug.

I kiss the top of her head. “I'm so sorry I'm late, baby. Did I miss anything?”

She shakes her head. “No, they were running behind, so we just got started. The doctor said you can come back with me now.”

Relief washes over me as I follow Sofia to the exam room. I was terrified I'd missed seeing our baby.

The ultrasound technician greets us warmly as we enter. “All right, let's take a look at this little one.”

Sofia lies back on the table and lifts her shirt, exposing her small but noticeable baby bump. I take her hand as the tech spreads the gel on her stomach.

The tech moves the wand around on her stomach, typing information into the little computer. She then turns the little monitor toward us, the grainy image appears on the screen, and my breath catches. There is our baby, so much bigger than the last time we saw them.

“There's your baby,” the tech says with a smile. “Everything is looking great. Would you like to know the gender?”

Sofia and I exchange a look. We had discussed finding out ahead of time but hadn't made a final decision.

“What do you think?” I ask her softly.

Sofia bites her lip, then nods. “Yes, I think I'd like to know.”

The tech moves the wand, getting a better angle. “All right, let's see what we've got here... Congratulations, it looks like you're having a little girl!”

I feel tears spring to my eyes as I look at Sofia. “A daughter,” I whisper in awe.

She squeezes my hand, her own eyes shining. “Our little girl.”

As we leave the appointment, walking hand in hand to the Jeep, I'm overwhelmed with emotion. We’re having a daughter. I already love her so much.

“I can't believe we're having a girl,” Sofia says softly as we drive home. “It makes it feel so much more real somehow.”

I reach over to take her hand. “I know what you mean. I keep picturing a little girl with your beautiful blue eyes.”

Sofia laughs. “As long as she has your dimples.”

We fall into a comfortable silence, both lost in thoughts of our future daughter. I can't wait to meet her and watch her grow. To teach her and protect her. To love her unconditionally.

As we pull up to Sofia's apartment, I turn to her. “Marry me?" she freezes.

She looks at me in surprise. “What?”

“Marry me,” I repeat. “I want you and our daughter to have my last name. We could fly to Vegas, take a long weekend.”

Sofia looks at me closely. “You’re serious?”

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