And in just a few days, our next chapter begins.
Chapter Twenty-Five
DEE
A Few Days Later
Colt and I are sitting on the couch, absentmindedly watching some crappy reality television trash when his cell phone rings. I keep my eyes on the screen, because Colt’s phone ringing is averycommon occurrence in our home, but when he inhales sharply, sitting up taller, I can’t help but take notice.
“What’s wrong, babe?” I ask.
He flashes me the screen showing it’s Dr. Doherty calling. The doctor who is handling our embryo implantation.
My eyes widen, and I shift closer to him. “Well, don’t leave the poor man hanging!Answer it!”I screech probably far too enthusiastically.
Colt smiles wide, and swipes the call, putting it on speaker. “Hey, Dr. Doherty, tell us the good news,” he says with that casual confidence I wish I shared right now.
I shake my head, unable to speak, and Dr. Doherty chuckles on the other end. “Hi, Colt. Is Dee there too?”
I nod like the man can see me, and Colt answers for me, “Yeah, she’s right here.”
My heart feels like it’s going to punch its way out of my chest.
What if he saysnoneof my eggs fertilized?
What if it’s all been for nothing?
I grab Colt’s hand, my fingers trembling. He pulls me onto his lap without hesitation, wrapping his arms around me. My breathing quickens—too fast. I’m spiraling. Colt kisses the top of my head and begins stroking my hair in slow, calming motions.
“Okay,” Dr. Doherty continues, “I’ve got some good news and some not-so-great news.”
I freeze, every muscle in my body locking up. Colt’s grip tightens around me.
“All right, give it to us straight, Doc,” Colt says gently, like he’s bracing us both.
“The good news is, we have fertilized eggs.”
A smile breaks across my face so wide it actually hurts. My chest finally expands with a full breath.
“And the bad news?” Colt asks, still grounded, still steady.
“One of the eggs didn’t take,” Dr. Doherty says, his tone even. “We have two strong embryos, and we’re ready for transfer on Wednesday.”
Colt looks at me, watching my reaction as I nod slowly.
“So… two babies, not three?” I ask.
“That’s right. One embryo wasn’t viable, just not strong enough to sustain life. But the other two are developing well.”
I nod again, a wave of bittersweet relief crashing through me. We knew the odds weren’t high that all three would take.
But two out of three?
Two out of three ain’t bad,as the Meatloaf song goes.
“Hello? Are you still there?” Dr. Doherty asks.
“Yes,” I say quickly, clearing my throat. “Sorry. Just… taking it in.”
