Page 254 of Before Dawn

She offered a small, understanding smile. “We’ll need more frequent check-ups, with ultrasounds every two to three weeks to monitor progress. Managing your stress is also crucial. Emotional or physical strain can have a negative impact, so we’ll work to keep that to a minimum.”

Mikkel tightened his grip on my hand, his thumb tracing soothing circles on my skin. “We’ll do whatever it takes.”

Dr. Sang continued, “I’ll also recommend certain supplements to support the pregnancy. And if you notice anything unusual—cramping, bleeding, anything—you come see me immediately.”

I nodded, absorbing everything she was saying. This was our chance, and I wasn’t going to take it for granted.

“I’ll give you a detailed plan,” she said, “but the most important thing is to listen to your body. Rest when you need to, and don’t hesitate to reach out with any concerns, no matter how small.”

Mikkel nodded along with me, his eyes never leaving mine. “We’ll be careful. I’ll make sure of it.”

Dr. Sang smiled again, this time reassuringly. “Good.”

As we left the appointment, the sunlight seemed to shine a little brighter, but it couldn’t compare to the warmth in my chest. Mikkel gently guided me to the car, his hand resting on my back.

“Careful,” he mumbled, his voice laced with concern as we neared the curb. His arm wrapped protectively around me, as if the slightest misstep could harm me or our baby.

I smiled, teasing him. “Mikkel, I’m not fragile.”

“I know,” he said, but his brow furrowed. “I just want to be sure you’re okay.”

Once inside the car, he carefully adjusted the seatbelt over my belly, even though there was nothing to show yet. His sweet, thoughtful gesture made me reach out and squeeze his hand.

“I promise I’ll be careful,” I whispered.

He sighed, running a hand through his hair before turning to face me, his expression serious. “I’m happy, but also terrified. We’ve wanted this for so long, and now that it’s happening, I just don’t want anything to go wrong.”

“I know,” I whispered. “But we’ll do everything we can to keep this little one and me safe.”

Mikkel’s gaze softened, and he leaned over to kiss my temple. “We’re in this together. Whatever it takes.”

I nodded, a swirl of joy, hope, and a little fear stirring inside me. But more than anything, I was grateful to have Mikkel by my side.

“There’s one thing, though,” I said after a moment. “I don’t want to tell anyone just yet. Not your friends, not even our parents. At least not until we’re farther along. I just want to be sure.”

Mikkel met my gaze, his eyes understanding immediately. He nodded. “Of course,mi vida.215”

“Thank you,” I breathed, relief washing over me. “It’s just... after everything, I want to be certain. I know it’ll be hard to keep it a secret, but—”

He cut me off with a soft kiss, his lips brushing against mine gently. “We’ll wait. We’ll do this at our pace.”

Ismiled against his lips, feeling a sense of peace. “Three years later, and I’m still in awe of everything you do, and every word you say.”

He chuckled softly, pulling back just enough to meet my eyes. “I’m doing what any man would do for the woman he loves.”

“I love you, too,” I whispered, leaning in for another kiss. “So much.”

Mikkel exhaled, visibly relaxing. With one last glance at me, he started the car, and we drove in comfortable silence. Everything felt a little less heavy as we faced this new chapter together.

Mikkel

FIVE MONTHS LATER

I’d been planning this for what felt like forever—nearly three years of carefully mapping out every detail, imagining how it would go, and praying for the right time. But how could I ask her when she was already carrying so much? Our fertility struggles had been a heavy burden, and I couldn’t bring myself to add to it. I couldn’t do that to her.

Then, five months ago, everything changed. She was pregnant. I remember that day so clearly—the shock in her eyes when she saw the test, the way her hand shook when I held it. We just stood there, barely breathing, not daring to believe it was finally happening. That moment made all the waiting and heartbreak worth it.

The pregnancy had been hell for her—sick, constantly nauseous, unable to keep anything down. She was pale and exhausted, and I hated seeing her like that, feeling powerless to make it better. But she stayed strong, pushing through. The mood swings were hard, too—one minute, she was furious, the next, she was in tears. I did my best to be what she needed, even when I wasn’t sure what that was.

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