“I’ll wash up first, and change clothes.” Max stopped and kissed her, leaving her mouth on fire with passion as he went inside.
Zoe stayed outside, searching for more videos on wood carving. She had no plans to tackling anything too challenging to start with. She wanted to create more practical items, things which didn’t cost a lot of money so they could be sold.
Yesterday, Kate had come over once Max had gone out on the farm to fix a fence, and they’d cleaned the shed. It had been an enormous task, and she was glad Kate was there to help out. On the outside of the shed, there was no indication of the change that had happened inside.
Max had thought that she was spending time with his sister, which he was pleased about, and in a way she was. It was just that Kate was helping her to do something that he might not really want her to do.
Inside the shed, the tools were now organized on the narrow workbench that ran the length of the wall. The thick layer of dust was removed—there were no cobwebs, well, there might be now—and it was ready for her to use. All Zoe needed to do was to decide on the first project. She was nearly ready to start her new hobby, and she couldn’t be happier. That and the fact that Max was coming with her to the doctor’s check-up today. In Adelaide.
Max came out, dressed in clean jeans, and a polo shirt. “I’m ready?”
She slipped her cell into her handbag and stood. Zoe took his hand in hers, enjoying the glow of happiness in his eyes, as they walked to the ute together.
“Let’s go see this baby together.”
Max stood nervously next to Zoe as she lay on the bed, her belly exposed while the doctor moved the probe through an excess of gel spread over her stomach. The screen flashed between dark shadows and light, and he couldn’t make out anything. Somewhere on the screen was an image of their baby. He couldn’t wait to see it in the moment for the first time, since he’d missed out last week when Zoe was in hospital.
He’d noticed a change in Zoe these last few days. It wasn’t as if she hadn’t been making an effort before, but things had been different. She’d caught up with Kate more than once, and it made him relieved and happy she was getting to know his family and not spending so much time alone. They’d had a family lunch on Sunday.
After this meeting with the doctor, he was going to have afternoon tea with Zoe’s mom and dad. He surprised himself that he felt calm about that, and was more nervous now, about seeing the baby and if all was well.
“There we go,” said Dr. Khatri. “There’s your baby.” She clicked some buttons and took some measurements.
Max stared at the screen. He felt his eyes begin to water. This was real. His baby, their baby, was up on the screen.
Was she doing all right?
He felt Zoe squeeze his hand. Looking at her, his heart melted. She was amazing, lying there as if this was normal.
It is normal,he tried to tell himself.
This was nerve-wracking for him. He’d much prefer to help a cow birth a calf, he knew what to expect then. Now he felt completely out of his comfort zone. Though, at the same time, he didn’t want to miss another second of this journey with Zoe. This meant the world to him, to be with her, that she trusted him enough to let him be there even though they were still very much getting to know each other.
“Relax, everything’s going well,” said Dr. Khatri. “The nurse tells me your blood pressure has stabilized which is good news.”
“So, I don’t have to see you for a while?” asked Zoe.
“Nice try,” said Dr, Khatri with a smile. “You’ll have to keep all the appointments, but you can start to do a little more, but not too much. And don’t overdo it over Christmas.”
“Great.” Zoe grinned, and squeezed Max’s hand. “Did you hear that?” She looked at him cheekily.
“Yes, you can’t overdo it. I’ll check with my mom and your mom, and we will have Christmas covered. You won’t need to do anything.”
“That sounds boring,” said Zoe.
“That sounds more like Max is looking out for you very well,” Dr. Khatri interjected.
Max smiled. “I’m glad I’m doing something right.”
“You’re doing a lot right,” said Zoe reassuringly.
“I’ll print some photos for you, and I’ll see you both in the New Year.”
“Great,” said Zoe, wiping the gel from her belly.
Max helped her sit and to get off the bed. He couldn’t help it, he hugged her tightly.
“What was that for?” asked Zoe, her face alight with a broad grin.
