He blows out a breath before slumping back into the chair. I wiggle my hand out for him to grab, and he pulls the chair closer.
The tech smiles at us. “I know it’s always nerve-racking in these types of appointments, but we’re here to support you two through it all.”
I nod, following her instructions as I pull up my shirt and she slathers the gel on. She flips on the large screen hanging on the wall across from us, allowing us to watch as she moves it around. Henry and I are silent as she goes through the motions of getting the baby’s measurements. Both of us nearly break out in tears when we listen to the heartbeat and see the tiny miracle moving all about.
“Okay, do you guys want to know the gender yet or still keep it a surprise?” the tech asks with a bright smile.
I’m still in awe, staring at the large TV screen in front of us that shows our baby moving around inside me. Since Henry hadn’tbeen with me for the last appointment, I opted to keep the gender a surprise. Perhaps the hopeless romantic that lingers in my heart figured he’d change his mind one day about being in the baby’s life.
Henry clears his throat, holding my hand tightly. “We’d love to know.”
The tech nods, moving the Doppler around before moving her mouse to show us on the screen. “You two have a daughter.”
My heart bursts with excitement, and I turn to look at Henry, whose eyes are glistening with tears. “A girl,” I whisper.
He leans over, kissing my forehead. “I didn’t care either way, but somehow I’m relieved it’s a girl.”
I’m speechless at the gesture, nerves making my heart race because we’re supposed to be discreet. I silently nod, understanding what he’s saying. His father always had unfair expectations of what he expected from his son, his heir. And while I would never allow Henry to treat our child like that, I think it gives him some reassurance that he won’t turn out like his father. No matter how many times you tell someone they’re different, sometimes it doesn’t stick until they believe it themselves.
“Okay, here are the photos, you two. And I’ll lead you to the room for the doctor to go over everything.”
I wipe up the gel, tugging my shirt back down. My attention is strained by the time the doctor meets us in the separate room. I can’t look away from the photos of my daughter. All I know is that she’s measuring perfectly, and everything is amazing. Henry seems to be more absorbed in the information before he leads me out the building and into the SUV.
“She’s so cute. Look at her,” I say.
He barely glances at it, focused on driving us home. We left the personal driver at the estate so we could talk freely. “I’m sure she is, but it looks like a black blob with a scary skull.”
I swat at him. “Don’t call our daughter scary.”
He rolls his eyes. “You can’t tell me those things don’t look like those old horror documentaries where they make it all black and white.”
Pinching my lips shut, I refuse to acknowledge his semi-accurate statement. I huff out a breath, crossing my arms until we get home and find a car waiting for us.
“You expecting company?” he asks darkly.
My eyebrows furrow. “No, I—wait, yes. The DNA test for the inheritance.”
We exchange a knowing glance, my nerves kicking into overdrive.
I climb out of the car and smile warmly at the doctor.
“Hello. Sorry we’re late. The appointment ran longer than I expected.”
Jenn nods. “I understand. I’m sorry Kelly wasn’t available to provide a sonogram again.”
Henry watches her cautiously. I’d told him that I asked her to fake the gestation age to two weeks prior, and she did so happily with the amount we paid her. I’m sure that technician took it and ran, no longer available if called into question.
“Let’s get this over with so I can feed her,” Henry says, resting his hand on my belly.
We lead Jenn inside to the living room where she drew my blood last time. Henry follows close behind, as if afraid she’ll harm me. She clears her throat, waving me to sit.
“We’re doing a DNA sample to test paternity?” she asks, pulling out the vials she needs.
“Just a familial match. To ensure it’s a Dansworth heir.”
She frowns. “That will make it a little harder given how DNA?—”
“Whatever it costs, we will pay for it,” Henry presses.
