Page 43 of Tumbleweed Temptation
She smiled at him. “I know that. You were always one of my best students.”
History documented, he couldn't put off the exam any longer. He called Sofia in to be witness as he donned the rubber gloves. She looked as shocked as he felt when she saw what he was about to do.
He took a deep breath as Mrs. Bryant took her position in the stirrups. He would talk to her about normal things.
“Are you going to keep teaching after the baby’s born?” he asked.
“I haven't let myself think that far ahead,” she said. “I’m afraid if I think about that, then something will go wrong, you know?”
“I get that,” he said. “So how long have you been married?”
“Five years.”
“I don't know the name, Bryant. Is he from around here?”
“He teaches at the high school in Kimmel. We met at an inservice for science teachers.”
“So this baby will be a smart one.”
“We do kind of joke that two science teachers should be able to carry a pregnancy to term.”
“Grim joke,” Sofia said.
Mrs. Bryant sighed. “It’s been a pretty grim five years. And I’m running out of time.”
Austin concluded the exam and straightened, removing his gloves and disposing of them. “Everything looks good down here,” he announced, then felt his face heat as both women looked at him. Sofia’s eyes widened, shining with suppressed laughter.
“Do you still need me?” she choked out.
“Let’s step out so Mrs. Bryant can get dressed.”
He didn't think Sofia was going to make it to the front door, which she flung open, and he could hear her laughter from the hallway.
Great. Just what he needed.
A few minutes later, Mrs. Bryant poked her head out of the office. “I’m ready.”
Her eyes were bright, too, and his face reddened when he walked back into the room.
“Everything’s looking really well,” he said. “If I didn't know your history, I wouldn't be worried at all. But I’ll keep a close eye, and will learn everything I need to know to be the best doctor I can be for the both of you.”
“Thank you, Austin. I knew you would be,” Mrs. Bryant said, and gave him a hug before she left.
