"Would you like to know the sex?" the tech asks.
Lucy looks at me, her eyes sparkling. I nod, too full to speak.
"It's a girl."
I think my heart stops. Then it starts again, too fast. Too full.
A girl.
A daughter.
Lucy squeezes my hand, and I look at her. She's crying softly. I reach up and brush the tears from her cheek.
"A girl," I repeat, stunned.
The tech prints out the image and hands it to Lucy, then quietly leaves us alone.
"You okay?" Lucy asks.
"I don't think I've ever been this okay," I say.
My phone rings as we walk back to the truck. I see North's name and swipe to answer.
"Hey, man."
"Caden. Damn, it's good to hear your voice. How's the leg?"
"Still gone, using the prosthetic more. You?" I ask as I open the driver's side door for Lucy to get in. She might have to drive us, but she sure as hell isn't opening her own door.
"Bored outta my mind and ready to be home. They've got us doing laps around the same stretch of desert every day. It's likeGroundhog Daywith less charm."
I laugh, and it feels good.
"I've got news," I say.
"Yeah?"
I glance at Lucy beside me, the ultrasound photo resting on her purse.
"I'm gonna be a dad."
There's a beat of silence, then a loud whoop.
"Holy shit, Caden! Are you serious? That's amazing. Wait… Lucy, right?"
"Yeah."
"Damn, man. You were the one who made me want to wear the uniform. Now you're gonna be a dad? That's badass."
I swallow around the lump in my throat. "It's a girl."
"You're so screwed."
"Tell me about it."
We laugh, and for a moment, everything feels simple and clear.
"I can't wait to meet her," North says.
