“But I…” I trail off as I see his expression. He’s not taking any arguments from me. I feel the fight seep from me. He pulls his chair closer to the bed, sinks back into it, and then reaches for my hand.
“When were you going to tell me, Andy?”
I frown at him. “About Mark? But you knew. I—”
“About the baby.”
The blood drains from my face as I stare at him.
“The what?” I whisper.
“The baby, Andy.”
I shake my head. “No. No, that’s not possible.”
He frowns at me. “You’re trying to tell me you didn’t know? How am I supposed to believe that?”
I’m still staring at him. And then suddenly, I remember Mark’s foot crashing into my ribs, my belly. My hands shoot down to my stomach, palms sliding as if seeking. The movement has my shoulder screaming in pain, and tears come before I realize what’s happening. Mateo’s on his feet immediately, his hands cupping my face.
“Your baby—Ourbaby’s fine, Andy.” He’s looking into my eyes. “I know it’s mine. I won’t insult you by even questioning that. I just… How could you not know?”
He’s right. How could I not know? I’m a pediatrician, for God’s sakes. But these past weeks have flown by in a blur. I don’t remember when I had my last period. And…
Oh, God… I drank so much! What if I’ve done irreparable damage? What if I picked something up in that cesspit? I squeeze my eyes shut, shutting the sight of his earnest expression away. When I open them, he’s back in his seat.
“My shoulder hurts,” I finally murmur. I don’t know what else to say. I’m still struggling to process what he’s just told me.
I’m having Mateo’s baby.
“Your collarbone is fractured,” he tells me. “Also, a bunch of your ribs. You had some internal bleeding too. Luckily it wasn’t severe. But you’re going to be sore for a while.” He glances up as the door opens and a nurse bustles in.
“Well, someone’s looking chipper today.” She smiles at me as she sets a metal tray with several items onto the hospital bed tray that she swivels over me. “How’re you doing, Mr. Ricci? Can I get you your usual?”
He nods as she examines the tube attached to a needle in my hand.
“Mr. Ricci hasn’t left your side, dear,” she says. “Not since the day you arrived.” She clucks as she sees bruising on the back of my hand, then passes me a small cup containing two tablets. I stare at it for a moment, and she pats my shoulder. “No need to worry, dear. It’ll be safe for the little one.” Her broad face splits into a gentle smile as she passes me a glass of water. I empty the small cup into my mouth and then quickly swallow the water. The nurse reaches for my arm and begins going through a quick check of my vitals.
“Is Dr. Martin going to be in soon?” Mateo asks her.
“Certainly, Mr. Ricci. He should be along any minute. He was expecting to check in on Miss Carter this evening.”
Mateo nods just as the door opens again. A tall, gray-haired man strides in, his white coat flapping.
“Ah. The patient’s up!” His smile is as warm as the nurse’s. “You gave us a little scare there, young lady.” He stops at my bedside and narrows his eyes on me. His face is vaguely familiar, and as I look at him, I get strange flashes of memory of him examining my pupils. Deep sedation. They’d have brought me back to consciousness to see if I was ready to wake up.
Two weeks of it.
Dear God.
I’m suddenly overwhelmed by the enormity of what I did to myself…and my baby. My hands curl over my stomach again. The doctor runs an eye over my chart and speaks to the nurse for a moment before turning back to me.
“This is all looking very promising, Miss Carter.”
“When can she leave?” Mateo asks. I turn my eyes to him.
“If things progress as they have, you can take her home in just a couple of days. Once we’ve run some tests, of course.” He turns back to me. “I think Mr. Ricci will be relieved to have you home again. Let’s not have any repeats of that little episode now, shall we?” He glances over at Mateo, and the pair exchange a look.
“Oh, there’s not going to be a repeat doctor.” Mateo gives me a hard stare. “I’m not letting her out of my sight after this.”
