“This isn’t your fault. This isn’t on you. I saw Crow packing. I was the one who decided to stop to see what he was doing. You found me. That’s all that matters,” I whispered urgently. Then, suddenly, I remembered the reason why I was down there, all that Crow revealed during our conversation in his room.
“Crow is the thief! He told me when he pulled me into his room. I saw the money in his bags. He told me everything. I have to talk to Reaper.” There was a moment of stunned silence as everyone in the room processed what I was saying. Shaking himself out of his stupor, Bash focused back on me.
“You’ll have time to tell us everything once we know you’re okay. Until then, I’ll have Keys look into Crow’s accounts.” Before I could argue, X jumped in.
“We think you have a concussion, but with you going in and out of consciousness like this, I would feel much better if you went to the hospital for a full exam and blood work. I already called the hospital and made sure my coworker, Dr. Marshall, is on call. He’s waiting and will get you guys back there right away. Guard is pulling a car around now.”
Drained of energy, I just nodded against Bash’s chest.
The next few hours were a blur of answering questions and getting poked and prodded. While we were waiting for results, Cece convinced Bash and Guard to head back to the house to get me a change of clothes and any toiletries I might need for the night.
She stayed in the hospital room with me, her presence was calming as she silently read in a chair next to my bed. Therewas a knock on the door, and Cece stood up to let the doctor in. Returning to her seat next to my bed, Dr. Marshall looked between the two of us.
“We have your tests back, and I would like to go over the results with you. Can Mrs. Williams stay here for this conversation, or would you prefer to hear it alone?” The doctor eyed me seriously, and my palms became sweaty.What’s wrong? What did he find?Cece reached over and grabbed my hand.
“It’s whatever you prefer, dear. I won’t be offended if you ask me to leave, but I’m more than happy to stay here with you.”
“Please stay. You’re a nurse. I can’t think right now. I just… Please stay,” I blurted, and Cece squeezed my hand, shifting in her seat so she was closer to me.
“Alright, then. Fiona, I have a couple of questions for you first. When was your last period?” he asked, looking down at his clipboard. I frowned, trying to think back.
“I think it was a little over three weeks ago?” I replied, and he looked up at me.
“Was it a typical period? Heavier or lighter than usual?”
“Well, the period I had in August was normal, but now that I think of it, the last two were light. I didn’t think much of it. Sometimes, my period can be unpredictable, especially when I’m stressed,” I said, trying to supply as many details as I could.
“Alright. Thank you, Fiona. According to both the blood and urine tests we ran, you’re pregnant.” I heard Cece’s sharp breath intake, but I felt like I couldn’t breathe myself. I was what? I looked at Cece, and she must have sensed my panic.
“How far along is she, and is everything okay? After what happened earlier?” she asked, and I put my hand to my stomach as if I could retroactively protect the baby from the injuries incurred earlier that day.
“I would say from her HCG levels, she’s between ten to twelve weeks. It sounds like what you’re describing as a period might have been implantation bleeding. You can also experience spotting during early stages of pregnancy. I’d like to bring in a technician for an ultrasound. That way, we can get the most accurate reading.” I nodded numbly at the doctor.
The technician must have been waiting outside because Dr. Marshall opened the door and she was swinging her machine in. She introduced herself and efficiently explained the process of what was about to happen. It was hard to focus on her, Cece’s grip on my hand the only thing keeping me from spiraling out.
I didn’t know how to feel as everyone hustled around me. The screen lit up, and the nurse began clicking around. Her arm stopped moving, staying on one spot, and everything inside of me went still. Something resembling a butterfly fluttering inside a cocoon became clear on the screen.
“And that right there is your baby. Looks nice and healthy. Do you want to hear the heartbeat?” I was crying, and I just nodded. The most beautiful sound echoed around the room. Strong and steady, my baby’s heartbeat sounded like a soft gallop.
“Everything else looks good with baby. Do you have any questions for me?” she asked.
I couldn’t find my voice, it was trapped in my throat as I lost myself in the whooshing sound of my baby’s heartbeats. Shaking my head, the technician gave me a kind smile before cleaning up and leaving the room.
“I know this is a lot to take in right now, Fiona. Do you have an OBGYN, or would you like me to refer you to one?” Dr. Marshall asked.
“I have one. I’ll call them and get an appointment. What do I do until then?” I asked.
“Just rest up. Take it easy. Avoid alcohol and caffeine. Your doctor will give you a full list, but I’ll grab some materials andvitamins for you to go home with now. I’ll be back in a few minutes.” Frantic, I turned to Cece.
“I’ve had alcohol! I didn’t know I was pregnant.” I was spiraling, and somehow focusing on that one factor.
“Fee, dear, don’t panic. You weren’t going out on drinking binges. A small amount of alcohol in the early stages of pregnancy shouldn’t cause any major damage, but it’s something you can talk about with your doctor.
“We just saw your baby, and you heard the doctor. Healthy, with a strong heartbeat. I can only imagine how much this is to process right now, but you have me and the rest of our family to support you. Whatever comes next, we’ll go through it together.” She calmed me down.
“I just… I need to think. Please don’t say anything to Bash. I need time. I have to figure out how to tell him myself.”
“Of course, my dear. This is your news to share. Thank you for trusting me with this. I’ll keep your secret safe. And if you need anything in the meantime, let me know. I can call your doctor for you tomorrow, get you the earliest appointment available. Would that help?”
