With a resigned sigh, I allowed him to help me change, piling me into the car and driving me down to the local clinic for testing.
"Could be the bends," the doctor remarked when we finally got in to see him. "Not common, but if you've been scuba diving, then we need to rule it out. No chance of pregnancy?"
"No, I'm over forty."
The doctor grinned. "And sexually active, I assume?"
"I mean, sure.” I shrugged. “But we use protection."
"Mm, what type?"
I froze, my eyes widening as I rapidly began to count back.
"Oh. My. God. Will… the condoms."
Will's head twisted, his hands coming up to frame my face. "No, it can't be. We've been using them religiously."
I gulped then gulped again. "They were old. I didn't think they expired. But… my period… it's been over a month. I'm late. I'mneverlate. And I'm not on anything."
The doctor reached into a drawer, pulling out a test kit. "Here. Let's at least rule it out."
Fifteen minutes later, we stood over the pee stick, staring at the results window.
+ Positive
"But… how?" I whispered, shocked to my core.
The doctor chuckled.
"Sorry, I mean, I gethowbut not… how? I'm forty-two. I didn't think…." I placed a hand on my belly. "I never thought I'd have a chance. I'm old."
"It will be a geriatric pregnancy," the doctor agreed. "As you get older, there are more risks. But I'll write a referral for a wonderful obstetrician, and we'll make sure you're all set." He made a note on the chart. "We'll still do some tests to rule out anything else, but I'm gonna guess your nausea is morning sickness. I'll prescribe some anti-nausea medication, but the best option is to rest, drink some ginger tea, and try to keep your fluids up."
He left the room, leaving Will and me alone.
"Wow," I stared at him. "A baby. Our baby. I can't…. Thoughts? Facts? Opinions?"
He looked shell-shocked, his mouth opening and closing a few times before he cleared his throat. "I…."
I waited, expecting him to continue.
"It's just…."
I smiled encouragingly.
"I thought Sam would be my last."
I froze, feeling as if a bucket of cold water had been tipped over me.
"What does that mean, Will?"
"It's…nothing, it's just a shock. That's all."
I swallowed, nausea once again rising. "Are you saying you don't want this?"
"No, it's just—"
"Hello, mommy and daddy-to-be!” The nurse bustled in, interrupting our conversation. "I'm just here to take some blood. I won't be a moment."
