Page 77 of A Trial of the Heart
I couldn’t prevent the laughter that seemed to come from the pit of my stomach and filled the room as I doubled over. LeeAnn could never be too serious. She would crack a joke at a funeral and not think twice about it.
“You’re silly as hell.” I continued laughing.
“Maybe.” She was still laughing, and it slowed almost instantly. “Seriously, though, I got you. You won’t even have the chance to realize you’re alone, ’cause I’m that baby’s pappy, and I ain’t going nowhere.”
“Okay, pappy.” I mocked her.
“Alright, let’s see what our baby has going on.” She pulled her fetal doppler from her doctor’s coat.
Before I could lift my shirt, there was a knock at the door before it was pushed open slightly. Holly, one of LeeAnn’s nurses, stuck her head in.
“I’m sorry, Dr. Nickel, but there is a Mr. Carter here saying he is supposed to be in on the appointment.”
Carter?I thought, knowing that was Rashad at the door. My eyes lifted to LeeAnn, and she smiled and shrugged. From that gesture alone, I knew she was the reason he was there because I hadn’t told him about the appointment.
“I am going to kill you.” I spoke in a loud whisper. I wanted Rashad there, so me saying I was going to kill LeeAnn was in a playful way.
“He can come in.” She ignored my threat.
“Okay.” Holly nodded, pushing the door open further.
Rashad stepped in the doorway, having to duck so he wouldn’t hit his head. His hair appeared freshly cut, making his waves more noticeable. Three carat, platinum earrings rested in both his ears. The crisp white t-shirt hung perfectly on his body, while showcasing his tattooed arms. Loose fitting jeans hit the tops of his sneakers perfectly.
“What’s up?” He nodded as he spoke.
“Hey.” I was more excited than I allowed my tone to be.
“Glad you could join us, dad.” LeeAnn spoke sarcastically as if she wasn’t the reason he was here to begin with.
“Wouldn’t miss it.” Rashad spoke casually. His deep voice was as calming as it always was.
I cut my eyes LeAnn’s way.
“Shall we?” she asked with a smirk, applying the jelly to the wand of the doppler. “Could you lift your shirt for me please?”
This hoe,I thought at the attempt she made to sound professional. LeeAnn would for sure hear an earful from me.
“Whew.” I shivered as the cold jelly came in contact with my bare skin.
“Oh, it’s going to be cold.” She snickered.
LeeAnn was really out here playing in my face; I couldn’t wait to lay into her petty ass.
The room was eerily quiet as LeeAnn moved the wand slowly across my stomach. There was no heartbeat being picked up. Instead, it caught mine a few times along with the slight grumbling of my stomach since I’d missed breakfast. On one hand, if there was no heartbeat, it meant no connection to Rashad. On the other hand, I’d be devastated. I had come to terms with being a mother. I said a silent prayer that whatever God saw fit would happen. A low galloping sound filled the room just as I was finishing my prayer. It was a heartbeat, and it sounded strong.
“Wow,” was all I could say as I listened.
“That is your baby,” LeeAnn said and as her voice cracked. This was a moment for her as well.
Smiling, I looked Rashad’s way, and he wore a small smile of approval.
The heartbeat never stopped, but it paired with another slight sound in the back. I wasn’t alarmed as I assumed it was normal until I looked LeeAnn’s way, and her expression and smile had shifted.
“What’s wrong?” I was almost scared to ask. Had God answered my prayer that baby was okay only to take it away seconds later?
“Depends how you look at it.” She looked my way.
“What does that mean?” Rashad asked before I could.
