The doctor smirks to herself. “Perhaps Rosie can answer the questions. Just an idea, as she is the pregnant one.”
Carter doesn’t seem thrilled with that suggestion. “Fine,” he grinds out before he sinks back into the chair.
“If it’s six weeks ago then you are about eight weeks pregnant. We will be able to see now on the monitor, so let’s go ahead and do an ultrasound to check everything is okay there.” She’s already preparing things and grabbing a wand that she puts gel on.
Carter attempts to get a closer look, and my face is blank.
“It will be a little cold, and you’ll feel a little pressure, but we’re going to have a look.”
I nod in understanding, and then she reaches under the gown as I lie back and stare at the ceiling, flinching only slightly.
Carter scoops my hand into his as we wait for the doctor to say something. I can feel the wand moving in various angles while Carter seems to be staring at a screen where the doctor occasionally punches a few keyboard keys.
“Well, for sure you have a little baby in there. Also, looks to be exactly around the eight-week mark which means it will be a February baby. I can see a steady heartbeat, too.”
Instantly, my eyes bolt to the screen where she points to the little dot flickering on the screen.
Both Carter and I stare in awe.
“We’ll have a little listen.” The doctor presses a button, and then our small space fills with the sound of a heartbeat.
It’s fast and strong and reminds me of swimming under water.
“That’s a baby,” I whisper to myself and feel the tears forming in my eyes. A beautiful little wonder.
The touch of lips to the back of my hand briefly causes my gaze to shift to see that Carter has our hands interlinked tightly and he kissed my skin. His eyes have a glint of emotion that I’ve never seen on him.
“Our baby,” he whispers softly.
That’s it.
That just tipped me over the edge, and a happy tear slips down my cheek.
“I’ll print a few photos. It’s still quite early, so there isn’t so much to see, but when you’re back to see your OB in a few weeks then you’ll see a more defined shape. But before then, I want to have your lab work done again in a week. Who is your OB?”
“Oh, near where my parents live over in Bluetop,” I casually say as I continue to stare at the screen.
“We’ll get back to you on that. It’s up for discussion,” Carter intervenes.
Now my eyes dart to Carter. “Seriously? You’re bringing this up now?”
He doesn’t let go of my hand and lifts his shoulders. “What? It might be an idea to have your doctor closer to Everhope. You’re going to deliver the baby here anyhow.”
“Am I?” I’m getting a little steamed right now.
“Okay then,” Dr. White interjects awkwardly as she slowly removes the wand. “The file can go anywhere, so you two can figure it out. For now, we should all focus on the fact that Rosie is dehydrated, and I’m going to give her some IV fluids to rectify that.”
I prop myself up on my elbows. “Is the baby going to be alright?” Panic hits me.
“The baby is fine. You just saw him or her. But you need fluids, and I’ll prescribe some medication for the nausea, too. Try and take it easy. The IV should take a little over an hour, then you can head home and rest. I’ll have some information printed for what you can try at home to help with nausea, preventing dehydration, and increasing your iron.”
“Sure thing. I’ll ensure that happens,” Carter intercepts again.
Rolling my eyes, I give up and lie back. “This is going to be impossible.”
“What? Call me crazy for wanting to take care of you andourbaby.”
“Okay, well… try to rest,” Dr. White comments.
