Just then, a nurse approaches us. “Freya Johnson?”
We all stand in unison; clearly, Freya and I aren’t the only nervous ones.
“Hi…” the nurse’s voice trails off as she contemplates our group. She addresses Freya. “You’re in Room Three, but…you can only take one person in, I’m afraid. The rooms are very small.”
“Just one?” Faith’s voice lifts slightly, surprised. She turns to Freya, then looks at me, then back at Freya. “Well then, I’ll come in with you.”
And for half a second, the floor tilts under me.
This scan is not just a formality. It’sthemoment I see my child for the first time. It’s a moment Freya and I will never forget. And what if, God forbid, anything is wrong? It’s Freya and I who need to stand by each other.
I already missed her first one. This is a chance I never thought I’d have in my lifetime. My first glimpse of the life we made. The proof. The heartbeat…
And now I might miss it?
I can’t.
Even if it means pissing off the woman who raised the woman I care about. Even if it means stepping into uncomfortable territory. Even if it means Faith Johnson never forgives me.
She’s protective—I get that.
So am I.
I step forward before I can talk myself out of it. “Respectfully, Mrs. Johnson…I can’t miss this.”
Her gaze lands on me, sharp and assessing.
There’s no open challenge. No threat. Just a quiet, mutual sizing up. Like two people silently asking,How far would you go for her?
Her posture doesn’t shift. But her eyes finally do. They flick to Freya.
“Mom…” Freya doesn’t hesitate, and her certainty makes my bones fucking ignite. “Anton should be the one with me.”
It’s the first time Faith has shown true emotion since I met her. Her features are frozen in shock.
But Lita steps in, light as air, and lays a hand on Faith’s arm, just like she did at the breakfast table. Her hand seems to be a magical nudge and comfort rolled into one.
Faith’s mouth presses into a thin line of resolve. She releases the strap of her purse, putting the fancy leather bagdown on a chair before sitting back down in the one next to it.
Lita sits, too. “You’re doing great, you two.”
The nurse smiles. “Right this way.”
Freya reaches for my hand.
And we follow like a team.Like a couple. And fuck, I could get used to this.
I just hope Freya agrees.
The nurse leads us down a quiet hallway, the walls painted in pale blue, every detail trying its best to be calming. But nothing about this moment feels calm. It feels monumental as stepping off a ledge into something irreversible.
Freya squeezes my hand tighter as we reach the door marked Room Three.
Inside, it’s dim. A small screen glows beside the monitor. There’s a paper-covered bed, a rolling stool, and the low hum of machines. The tech greets us warmly, introduces herself, then motions to the bed.
Freya lies back and rolls up her shirt. I move to the chair at her side, but I don’t sit. I can’t. My hands won’t stop twitching.
Then the screen flares to life.
