Page 64 of Heartbeats & Highways

“Willa?” I asked in confusion. “Waverly’s sister?”

“Yes.”

“She’s got a baby?”

“She’s still pregnant. Third trimester. She’s making Duke’s life hell. Come on, babe. Eat the croissant, you’ll feel better.”

I took a croissant and tore a piece off. It melted in my mouth. I hummed with pleasure.

Savage’s gaze heated. “If you keep making those kinds of noises, I’m not going to be able to keep my hands off you. And we’ve got an appointment to get to.”

“Appointment?” I asked after I swallowed.

“Doctor’s appointment,” he clarified. “Doc was able to squeeze you in this morning before work.”

“Oh.”

Savage unscrewed the pickle jar. I could smell the vinegar immediately and my nose wrinkled. He got me a glass and poured a shot’s worth into it.

“Plug your nose,” he suggested as he inched it toward me.

With a sigh, I picked it up. I lifted it in a silent cheer. “Bottom’s up.”

We sat in the waiting room of the clinic. I bounced my knee in nervous agitation. Savage placed a hand on my thigh and gave it a squeeze.

“You’ve got nothing to be worried about,” Savage stated. “Doc’s great. You’ll like her.”

“I don’t have much experience with doctors,” I admitted.

“What about when you were a kid and got sick?” he asked.

“My family prayed over my bedside if I got sick. If I broke a bone . . . well, let’s just say you didn’t want to break a bone.”

Savage looked at me like he wanted to ask more questions—but thankfully, a woman in a white lab coat and cropped blonde hair strode into the waiting room.

“Savage,” she greeted with a wide smile.

“Doc.” Savage stood up, and I followed suit. “This is Evie.”

“Evie.” Doc smiled and turned a shrewd blue gaze to me. “Nice to meet you.”

“You too,” I murmured.

“Shall we?” Doc gestured to the hallway. “Savage, we’ll see you after?—”

“No,” I interrupted. “He’s coming with me.”

“Oh. Okay. That’s your choice. Let’s get you and the baby checked out,” Doc said, once again gesturing to the hallway.

Nodding, I walked a pace behind her with my hand clasped in Savage’s. We arrived at the end of the hallway, and she pushed open the door, gesturing for us to go in first. She closed the door behind her.

“Sit,” Doc said, patting the exam table.

Savage let go of my hand and I scrambled up onto the padded table, the crisp white paper crinkling under my bottom.

“Savage said this is your first prenatal visit.” Doc picked up the tablet.

“Yeah.”

---