Page 72 of Baja
My wandering thoughts are interrupted when the baby’s heartbeat fills the room.
“Your baby’s heartbeat is strong.” Dr. Collins tilts the screen toward me, giving me my first look at my baby. “And I am happy to report that everything looks normal. Judging by the baby’s measurements, you are twelve weeks along. So, it looks like you’ll have a Christmas baby, Alice. I’m marking your due date for December twenty-fifth.”
“Holy crap,” Sukie murmurs under her breath, her eyes widening as she exchanges a glance with Dr. Collins. The moment feels charged with unspoken words, but my attention is consumed by the tiny figure on the screen—my baby.A swirl of emotions fills my mind, pushing aside my curiosity about their exchange.
“I’ll print you some pictures to keep,” Dr. Collins chirps. She glances over, her smile warm and reassuring. “Would you like to know the sex of the baby, or would you prefer to wait?”
“You can tell already?” I ask, my heart racing with a mix of excitement and disbelief. The thought of knowing my baby’s gender feels monumental, yet it also brings an unexpected weight.
Dr. Collins nods confidently, her eyes sparkling with the joy of sharing this moment. “Yes.”
“I… I want to wait,” I finally respond, my voice trembling slightly. It doesn’t feel right to unveil such precious news without Nash by my side. After all, I had once declared that I didn’t want any more children, and never in my wildest dreams did I imagine experiencing this miracle at my age. Yet, as I gaze upon the tiny heartbeat flickering on the screen, a profound connection stirs within me. There’s a part of the man I love growing inside me.
Twenty minutes later, Sukie and I walk out of the doctor’s office, and I can’t help but notice the uncomfortable silence between us. I want to know what she’s thinking.Is she upset?Halfway through the parking lot, I turn toward Sukie.
“I just want you to know this is not something I planned. I never in a million years thought I’d get pregnant at my age.”
Sukie gives me a confused look. “Wait. Do you think I’m upset or something?”
“You’ve hardly said three words since the doctor told me I was pregnant. I know this must be awkward for you and all, but?—”
“I’m pregnant, too,” Sukie blurts out, covering her mouth and eyes wide like she can’t believe her words.
And now I’m the silent one.
I open and close my mouth, trying to figure out what the hell is happening.
Did she seriously say she’s pregnant too?
Sukie uncovers her mouth. “Harlem and I are having a baby. I was twelve weeks yesterday, and I’m due on Christmas Eve. We haven’t told anyone because I wanted to wait until I was out of my first trimester.” Her hand again covers her mouth like she’s trying to stop herself from saying anything else.
Sukie and I stare at each other in disbelief for a long moment before we burst into laughter.
“Holy freaking crap,” I say.
Soon, the laughter fades, and the sobs take over.
I pull Sukie in for a hug. “My baby is having a baby.”
“I’m going to be a big sister.” She hiccups.
“I thought you were upset,” I confess.
Sukie pulls away. “Of course not. Shocked, yes. Upset, no.”
“So, that was what the look you and Dr. Collins shared was about?”
Sukie nods. “Yes.”
I wipe the tears away from Sukie’s cheek. “We are a pair, aren’t we?”
“Looks that way.” She giggles. “How do you think Baja is going to react?”
“I’m not sure. A baby wasn’t a part of our plans.”
“Baja loves you, Mom. I don’t think you have anything to worry about.”
I give Sukie a weak smile. “I hope you’re right, sweetheart.”
