Page 23 of With Every Breath

“It’ll be ok,” I reassured her as we climbed out of the Jeep. I wrapped my arm around her shoulder as we walked through the doors.

The waiting room was bright and airy. Lot of plants were placed around the all-glass space. The receptionist smiled as we approached the desk.

“I have a four o’clock appointment with Dr. Handley.” Bailey blew out a deep breath as she rocked on her heels.

“Have a seat. I’ll let her know you’re here.” She pushed back from the desk as we headed toward two of the many chairs in the room. I don’t think it was too long before a nurse ushered us into the back. We were shown a small exam room. Bailey sat on the table while I settled into the chair in the corner. Mere seconds later, a nurse came in.

“I’m going to borrow her for a moment to get a blood draw.” She smiled at me as Bailey followed her out of the room. Once she left, I began reading the posters on the wall. The more I stared, the more I began to let doubt fill me. Was she really ok? According to some of this literature, you could seem fine for months before noticing that anything was wrong.

I probably would have fallen further down the rabbit hole if Bailey hadn’t come back. We sat, staring at each other. She kicked her feet like a child would against the exam table. “Don’t do that,” she grumbled.

“Do what?” My head snapped in her direction from where I’d been reading more words about the seriousness of cancer.

“Look at me like I’m sick. You’ve never done this before. You’re supposed to be the strong one.” She scowled.

“I’m sorry. You’re right. I’ve never done this before.” I shifted and released a breath just as there was a knock on the door.

“Hi, Bailey. I’m Dr. Handley. How are you feeling today?” A woman with long dark hair lowered herself onto a stool, and flipped open a folder, I’m guessing was Bailey’s chart.

“Fine, but I can’t say the same about my fiancé. Can you tell him I’m fine, so he’ll relax?” She laughed nervously.

“Your numbers look great.” The doctor smiled back at Bailey and then nodded at me. “I know these appointments can be daunting, but you’ve done well over the years. You’re eating healthy, exercising, and coming to these checkups. There’s not much else you can do right.” She set the chart to the side. “Fiancé, huh?” She grinned.

“Yeah. We’re getting married in a few months.” All the worry seemed to melt away as Bailey and the doctor chatted. I kinda let my mind go, not wanting to eavesdrop and feeling a sense of relief with the outcome. I didn’t really come back to the conversation until I heard the word ‘baby’.

“I know Dr. Fromm had told my parents that I might have trouble conceiving because I was so close to puberty when I got sick. He said treatment might affect things, but it might not. We wanna have kids. How will I know?” Bailey blushed as she looked away. We’ve always used protection because she doesn’t have a regular cycle.

“We can’t know for sure how the treatments affected you until we run some tests. I’m going to refer you to a fertility doctor who specializes in these types of cases. She can let you know what your odds are with conceiving, and where things stand as far as you carrying a baby to term. I’m not saying that you need a fertility doctor, but Dr. Bradley can give you a more finite answer.” She made some notes, and then stood. “I’ll set that up for you and give you a call with an appointment time.”

“Thank you.” Bailey shook the doctor’s hand before she left the room. “Let’s get out of here.” She jumped from the exam table.

“Were you really just talking about babies with her?” I whispered as we made our way outside.

“Yeah, don’t you wanna have kids?” Her brow furrowed.

“I haven’t really thought that far ahead. I mean, I’d love to be a dad, but I didn’t think you wanted kids. At one time you didn’t want to date me because something might happen. Now, you’re talking about extending our family. I guess I’m just surprised.” I hugged her.

“You’ve shown me so much over the last five years. I see my future in a different way, and being a mom is something I want.” She climbed into the Jeep.

“Well, I think I can help you with that.” I laughed as I cranked the engine.

As I pulled out of the parking lot, Bailey unfastened her belt, and stood up. She leaned against the roll bar, raising her arms in the air, and squealed as the spring air whipped around her. It’s one of the few times I’ve seen her so carefree. In that moment, I hoped that I could feel that one day.

Chapter 11

Bailey

“Why didn’t you talk me out of this?” I sighed as I flopped back against my bed.

“Since when do you ever listen to me?” Madi laughed. I was trying to pack for this destination wedding that Dex and I had planned. It sounded like such a cool idea when we first made plans, but now I was second guessing everything.

“You still should have tried,” I grumbled.

Madi sat up. “You’re going to have a great time, and then you’re coming back here for a big party. It’s going to be great. You’ll see.”

“I honestly don’t care about any of that. I’m probably the only female on the planet who doesn’t want a princess day.” I sat up and stared at my half packed suitcase.

“You’re not the only one, but I’m surprised your parents agreed to this. I mean, only child, and they’re not going to be there?”

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