Page 66 of The Baby Twist
“Nothing personal of yours was damaged. The couch, the coffee table, and the floor took the brunt of it, but who cares about those things. They can be replaced. I’m just thankful that you weren’t in the apartment when it happened. I’m taking care of everything, so I don’t want you to worry.”
“How long until it’s livable?” I asked.
“The landlord didn’t know, but he said he’ll keep me updated.”
“I’m so tired. This day has been awful.”
“I know, and I’m sorry.” He leaned over and brushed his lips against mine.
“Good evening, you two.” Dr. Lewis smiled as she walked into the room.
“Hi, Dr. Lewis. This is Lucas Thorne, the baby’s father.”
“Nice to meet you, Mr. Thorne.”
“Likewise, Dr. Lewis.”
“How are you feeling, Jenna?”
“I’m feeling much better.”
“Your blood pressure is up and looking good, and the baby’s heart rate is perfect. I know they did an ultrasound down in the emergency room, but I want to do one more just to be safe.”
I looked at Lucas, who gave me a warm smile as he held my hand. Dr. Lewis pulled up my gown, squirted some gel on my belly, and moved the transducer back and forth over it.
“You weren’t here for the last ultrasound, were you?” she asked Lucas.
“No. I wasn’t. I was out of town.”
“Well, here’s your daughter.” Dr. Lewis smiled.
“Wow. She looks so much bigger than her last picture,” he said.
“That’s because she’s grown since then.”
I looked at Lucas, and the smile on his face as he stared at the monitor melted my heart.
“Everything looks great. Your daughter is thriving. Just get some rest tonight, and you can go home tomorrow after breakfast. I want you to take it easy and rest for the next three days. I want to see you in my office next week for a recheck of your blood pressure. We will have to monitor that closely until the baby is born. But more importantly, I want you to stay hydrated and stress-free.”
“I will, Dr. Lewis. Thank you.”
“You’re welcome. It was nice to meet you, Mr. Thorne. Take care.”
“You look tired,” I said to Lucas. “You should go home and get some rest.”
“I’m not going anywhere. I’m staying with you tonight.”
“No, Lucas. You need to sleep in your own bed.”
“No, Jenna. I need to be where you are. I won’t sleep a wink at home knowing you’re in here by yourself. Scoot over and let me climb in with you until you fall asleep.”
I gave him a wide smile as I moved over as much as possible. He climbed in and pulled me close as he rested his hand on my belly.
Chapter Thirty
Lucas
I lay there with her, and everything felt right for the first time in my life. She told me earlier that she doubted I would ever regret anything I said or did. My biggest regret was not telling her how I truly felt. It took almost losing her to admit that I loved her. I hated myself for that. I promised her when I got back from Maine that I’d always be here for her, and I was. Just not in the way she needed me to be. As my hand rested on her belly, I felt the baby kick. Glancing over at Jenna, I saw she was sound asleep. I slowly moved my hand across her belly, and with each movement came another kick. I didn’t want to leave the bed, but she needed to be comfortable, and the bed just wasn’t big enough for two people. Instead of sleeping on the pull-out couch in the room, I brought the lounge chair up to the bed and held her hand while I slept.
