Page 48 of Summer Nights

She covered her belly with her hand. "The baby was unexpected, but now I'm growing to like the idea of being a mother. I never thought I would be, and that makes me scared that I could lose him."

I stood and moved closer to her. "That's probably normal. But if it happens, I'll be right by your side."

I wanted to remind her she could have another baby, but that might not be with me. This baby was the link between us. The one thing that had the power to break down her impenetrable walls.

It wasn't just that. I couldn't imagine not becoming a father now that I'd gotten used to the idea of it. I hadn't planned for this, but I wasn't ready to lose him or her either. I wanted to meet this baby.

A knock sounded on the door.

"Come in," Ivy said.

"I'm Dr. Edison. It's nice to meet you both." He shook our hands. "Are you ready to see your baby?"

"Yes," Ivy said, her voice wavering slightly.

I reached for her hand, interlacing my fingers with hers as she lay back so the doctor could perform the internal ultrasound.

When the blob appeared on the screen, I wasn't sure what I was seeing.

The doctor pointed to a small mass. "This is your baby."

I was overcome with emotion. We were having a baby. This was real.

"Is everything okay with the baby?" Ivy asked.

I had a feeling she felt a little guilty for not wanting this pregnancy at first. Now she was all in and scared she'd lose the baby as a result of her initial reluctance.

Dr. Edison nodded. "Everything looks great. Want to hear the heartbeat?"

"I didn't even know we could do that yet," I said.

"Sometimes you can." The doctor withdrew the wand and used a second instrument on her belly. When the whooshing sound filled the room, I asked, "Is that the heartbeat?"

"It's more rapid than ours."

I couldn't get over how fast it was beating. It was as fast I'd imagine a butterfly's would be.

When he removed the instrument, the sound fell away, and I was left with the overwhelming sense of protectiveness for Ivy and the baby she was carrying. It was my job to support both of them.

"Do you have any nausea?" Dr. Edison asked Ivy.

"No, actually. Does that mean the baby isn't as strong or viable?" Ivy asked, and I was struck that she hadn't shared this concern with me. I figured she was relieved not to have morning sickness.

"Some say that nausea can verify the pregnancy is still viable. I think that comforts those that suffer from it. But a lot of new moms don't experience any discomfort. You're one of the lucky few."

Ivy's forehead wrinkled. "But miscarriage is still a possibility?"

"In the early stages. So it would be a good idea to wait to tell your family and friends for another month."

The doctor finished the exam and then turned away to wash his hands. "You can schedule your next appointment in a month. Congratulations to you both."

He walked out, and I was struck by the fact that he was the first one to congratulate us.

I helped her get off the table. "It's hard to believe, isn't it? We're going to be parents."

She moved to the chair where her clothes were carefully folded. "It makes it more real."

"It was kind of amazing though, hearing the heartbeat."

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