Page 80 of Only ever you-Ana & Byron
They had agreed to wait. No blood tests or poking or prodding until after the surgery was done and Ana had recovered a little. They knew the surgery might impact the pregnancy, and the 20 week anomaly scan would be their first proper look.
It started well.
The sonologist smiled and said, "There'sthe heartbeat."
Byron couldn't resist a proud, "Kicking like a winger"
Ana laughed, but her eyes were bright and intent on the screen.
But then the sonologist's expression sobered suddenly, and she grew quiet. Then she reached for more gel and adjusted the probe. And then she said softly, "Excuse me, just a moment. I'm going to call the consultant in."
Ana's laughter stilled.
Byron, who had been holding her hand, felt her fingers tighten around his.
The consultant came in briskly. He introduced himself as Dr.Darcy, nodded at the machine, and took over. Ana watched his face, trying to read the shadows shifting behind his neutral expression.
Byron's thumb traced slow, soothing circles against her palm.
When the scan ended, they were asked to step into a separate room.
***
Chapter thirty-four
Chapter 33
Byron helped Ana dress, kissed her forehead, and whispered, "I'll call Cadi." He left for a moment.
Then, the consultant began speaking. He waited patiently until Cadi got there and then held Ana's eyes when he started speaking.
Cadi nodded at the consultant and listened carefully . Her eyes were wet as he explained things.
Ana couldn't catch every word. Her ears were buzzing, but snatches made it through
"...prenatal abdominal and transvaginal ultrasound..."
"...absence of urinary bladder and kidneys..."
"...bilateral renal agenesis..."
"...discoid adrenal glands..."
"...no renal artery was visualised..."
"...likely Potter's sequence... not compatible with life."
The words "not compatible with life" seemed to echo in her ears.
Ana's hand crushed Byron's. He didn't let go.
"I have just been on the phone with one of our paediatricians," the sonologist added gently. "He has an interest in genetics. He's on his way down if you'd like to talk to him now. If you want to reschedule until you have had time to absorb..."
Ana shook her head before he could finish.
Then, "No. No, we want to know."
The paediatrician was kind-eyed, middle-aged and soft-spoken. He pulled up a chair.
