"You just did." Elizabeth's expression was sad but resolved as she walked in.
Martin rose, pulling her into the protective circle of his embrace. "I'm so sorry." He kissed her softly.
"So am I. None of this was your doing, and because of you and everyone you work with, we are alive and have a fresh start. My father was evil. I will never understand why he made the choices he did. I also don't want to spend the energy trying to find out. If someday I need to, I will. Today, I want to focus on the man I love, the baby who joined our lives and the new one who will be here in April."
"Angel fall back to sleep?" His face brightened with his smile.
"She took four ounces. I think the fresh air makes her hungry. Jamie is with her now. I checked Austin, and I want to examine Lissa with Joyce and then head to the hospital and see Troy.”
Tucker walked in. "Good morning. Beth, I made you an appointment with Lois Massey. Or I can make arrangements to examine you here if you would prefer."
"Are you always that bossy?" She raised a brow.
"When it comes to babies, yes. Ian, do you want to tell her?” Tucker teased.
“I plead no contest. Tuck is tough.” Ian laughed.
“If you come back to DC, your little one falls under my purview." He placed his hands across his chest.
"Marty, we only talked a little about this," she said.
"Sunshine, I want to spend the rest of my life with you, Lola and our new little person-to-be. If it’s in a house on Lake Barcroft with a cat named Mercutio, fine. If you want to live somewhere else, we’ll find a way. We can hash out every pro and con and decide later."
Elizabeth’s lips turned up. "Well, Tuck, I guess I fall under your purview."
Tucker accompanied Martin and Elizabeth to the hospital, with Julian driving and Tate riding shotgun. At the office, the two took up protective positions at the door of Lois Massey's office. The suite was warm and welcoming in pastel colors, and at Tucker’s arrangement, it was also empty.
"I can't believe what's happening, Beth. The state shut down the teaching program, and all our licenses are under review. The National Guard brought in physicians to assist until the place gets on its feet. They’re checking every department. Gosh, listen to me. Beth and Martin, I'm so sorry." Lois extended her hand to Tucker. "Hi, I'm sorry, we haven’t met. I'm Lois."
"Tucker Hanlon. I'm a PA with Chase Medical. I'll be assisting with the transfer of Elizabeth's care."
"You're leaving, Beth?"
"I'm leaving Iowa and going to DC with Marty. I have a happy life waiting for me." She turned her body into Martin’s.
"I'm glad for you. I'm thinking of picking up stakes too. It will be hard to rebuild here, and it might be better to start with a clean slate." Lois stood. "Let's look at you, Beth. How do you want to handle this?"
"Tucker and Marty can come." Elizabeth held Martin's hand.
Lois turned to her professional tone. "When I saw you were coming in, I did some research on the poisons you were given. All the toxins have potential effects on pregnancy and fetal development. Remember, because something can affect development doesn't mean it will.
“At your age and with your history, even before the poisons, I would recommend more frequent visits. I would like you to meet with a perinatologist, geneticist and a neonatologist when you choose where you want to deliver. With the poisoning, I suggest a toxicology consult as well."
When Elizabeth trembled, Martin kissed her brow. "We will manage this together."
Lois dimmed the lights in the exam room. "Since we know the date of conception, you should be far enough along to view at least the sac.” She patted her friend’s leg. “On a happy note, I can tell you, if a fetal heartbeat is present, almost ninety percent of pregnancies go to term. Ready?”
Elizabeth reached out with a clammy hand to hold on to Martin, who leaned down and whispered, “I love you.”
Lois started the sonographic examination. “Your lining and cervix appear normal. Let's search for your critter."
"Stop, I'm going to dream of giving birth to bugs!" She tried to deflect her anxiety with humor.
Lois and Tucker both stared at the screen as Lois adjusted the probe back and forth. "Martin, sit," Tucker said.
"What's wrong?" Martin was unable to disguise his anxiety.
Tucker shook his head. "You are Ian's protégé. Your swimmers are SEALs."
