Jared jumped to his feet. “Here ma’am, take my seat.”
The woman started to shake her head as though about to decline, then smiled. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.” He walked a few paces and leaned against the lemon-yellow wall.
The exchange ignited her curiosity. A handful of other men occupied the room, a few that had been closer in proximity to the woman, but none except Jared had offered a seat. Who was this man she’d tied her life to? For better or worse, they’d connected their lives forever. A piece of them would live on in this child whether they raised him or put him up for adoption.
Forever.A word she knew as much about as raising a child. Everything she’d ever known had been temporary. What did forever even look like?
Before she could contemplate it further, a nurse in pink scrubs called her name. Jared rejoined her and walked at her side. The nurse led them to a room in the far corner of the back hall, the same one she’d been in for her first ultrasound.
The nurse asked several questions verifying her identity and input data into a computer. “The technician will be with you shortly.”
Once she’d left the room, Sybil snorted. “I’ve heard that before.”
Jared laughed. “Is the wait normally that long?”
“No. I’ve always been seen within fifteen minutes of my appointment time.” She turned her ear to the door, listening for any sign of approaching footsteps. “But I’ve also never seen it so busy in the waiting area. That was really nice of you to give up your seat.”
He shrugged. “Any man would have.”
“There were other men out there who didn’t make a move.”
“Then they weren’t taught proper manners.” His posture relaxed the longer they were in the room. “Do you think we’re having a boy or girl?”
“Boy. That’s how I think of him now.” She smiled and rested a hand on her stomach. “I didn’t feel right calling him an it.”
“I know what you mean.” His gaze traveled to her stomach. “I’m convinced we’re having a boy.”
His repeated use ofwe’re havingweirded her out, but comforted her at the same time. It was another reminder they were joined together, but also reinforced she didn’t have to go through this alone. With his and Rysa’s help, she could face the future—whatever that meant.
She looked at the black monitor hanging from an extendable wall mount. “We’ll find out soon if he cooperates.”
A knock sounded on the door, and then the technician opened the door. A spurt of happiness opened in her when she recognized the same lady from last time. As silly as it sounded, Heidi reminded Sybil of her third-grade math teacher. They both had gentle spirits and kind eyes that didn’t judge.
During the last ultrasound, Heidi had put her completely at ease and showed no condemnation when Sybil had slipped that she wasn’t married, nor was she in a relationship with the father. She’d explained each step of the process as she performed the task, so Sybil understood what was happening.
“Good to see you again, Sybil.” Heidi greeted her with a smile. “Have you been doing okay?”
“Yes.”
“Any problems you wish to discuss with Dr. Foster after we’re done?”
“No. I’m sure he’s sick of seeing me already.”
“Never.” Heidi flicked a button, and the monitor turned on. “He’s delivered all four of my babies, and I couldn’t recommend a better OB.”
“He’s been great.”
Heidi turned to Jared and offered a hand. “I’m Heidi, one of the ultrasound technicians for the clinic.”
“Jared Scott.” He dashed a brief glance at Sybil. “The father.”
“Nice to meet you.” Heidi tugged a pair of medical gloves over her hands. “Let’s get started. Ready to check on the baby?”
“Yes.” Her heart rate accelerated, and she silently willed it to slow down so it wouldn’t overpower hearing the baby’s. If that was even possible.
“If I can tell the gender, would you like to know?”
