Page 18 of Breathless

Chapter Five

Fiona

Fiona stared at the screen in wonder, her eyes filling with unexpected tears as she got her first look at the new life growing in her womb. This was real. She’d kept denying it, couldn’t believe it was happening, but…she was having a baby.

Wyatt Finn’s baby.

This is as real as it gets, Fi, and the clock is ticking. No more trying to act like you’re not going to be a mother in about six months.

“It’s too early to tell the sex yet,” the doctor said, maneuvering the ultrasound wand inside her to get a better image, “but the heartbeat is strong and the fetus looks healthy.”

Fiona took a deep breath and nodded at the smiling woman. “Healthy is good.”

The lines on the screen changed as Dr. Kim’s other hand flew over the keyboard, fingers tapping buttons and sliding around the touchpad. “The measurements say your estimate was right on the money—you’re at about twelve weeks, which puts your due date around December 30th. A holiday baby,” she added jovially.

Suddenly the clock started ticking much louder. “I, uh, I have to get to work.”

“Oh. Okay, well, here, I’ll get you a couple of copies to take with you.” The doctor deftly removed the ultrasound wand and took off her gloves, before turning to grab a few printouts of the sonogram, handing them to Fiona as she stood up. “Go ahead and get dressed, and then we’ll have a quick chat.”

After she left, Fiona scooted off the table and wiped the gel from between her legs with the paper drape before balling it up and shoving it into the waste bin. Classy.

She put on her skirt and underwear with jerky, mechanical efficiency, her mood fluctuating between joy and all those other messy, unwelcome emotions trying to kick joy’s ass.

Anxiety. Dread. Loneliness.

December 30th.

For some reason that sounded a lot sooner than six months.

You have to tell them.

She ignored the whisper in her brain as she stepped into her flats. By the time the doctor knocked and came back in, she was already standing there, keys in hand, ready to go.

“Are you all right, dear?” Dr. Kim asked. “I know this is a lot to take in, but you’re looking a little pale. Still taking it in?”

“It’s a process,” Fiona said weakly.

The doctor leaned against the table and crossed her arms, wearing a look of kind but genuine concern. “We haven’t talked about the father yet.”

Did they have to?

“Yeah, that’s…it’s complicated.”

“I take it this is an unplanned pregnancy?”

“The most unplanned. As in, not the one I planned to have at all,” Fiona said with feeling. When she saw the startled look on the doctor’s face, she hurried to add, “But not unwanted. The farthest thing from unwanted.” She put a hand protectively over her belly. “I want this baby.”

It was the first time she’d said it, but she meant it with all her heart.

She couldn’t help but wonder if her mother had felt the same.

No. She doesn’t get to be here.

“I’m so glad.” The doctor smiled in relief. “Now I can say congratulations. We’ll see you again in a month, but don’t be afraid to call for an appointment sooner if you need something or have any questions or unexpected changes in your emotional state. I’m here for more than just the physical health of you and your baby. This is a life-altering experience, even in the best of circumstances. We take a more holistic approach to pregnancy here. I’d like you to think of us as part of your family.”

“Thank you,” Fiona said, blinking away the threat of tears again. “It’s nice to have someone in your corner.”

You’d have to tell people for that to happen.

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