“You’re thinking too much,” Adam says from next to me in the waiting room.
“How would you know?” I smirk over at him.
“Because you’re face gets this cute little pinch right between your eyebrows when you’re having doubts or overthinking things.”
My hand immediately moves to the spot he called out, smoothing the skin there.
“It’s adorable and gives me insight into your head.”
“I need you to have a tell then too,” I counter, defensive, because I’m feeling extra sensitive today.
“Just ask, Claire. I’ll tell you anything.”
I sit there with his words, really soaking them in. “Are you nervous?” I murmur.
“So nervous.” He chuckles. “But really excited. I was looking at ultrasound pictures online, so I semi know what I’m looking at.”
He’s so fuckinggood.
“What about you? Nervous? Are we finding out if it’s a girl or boy?” he asks.
“Not nervous about the ultrasound, just my reaction to it. I’ve been thinking a lot about if I want to find out, and I’m leaning toward no. What about you? Do you want to know?” I look at him.
His hand moves, hesitant and unsure, to my belly. The baby is kicking like crazy, probably picking up on my nerves.
“I think, whatever you want, I’m game with. I think it would be fun to be surprised.”
“So you aren’t a control freak who needs to plan?” I smirk.
“I’ve never been a big planner. With my job, I needed to stay pretty flexible, so it’s just how I am now.”
“I am very much the opposite, but I think it’ll be good for me to stress less. Maybe. Who knows.” I lean my head onto his shoulder as his thumb moves across where the baby is kicking.
“You can always change your mind.”
“I know.” I sigh.
“Claire!” a nurse calls out from the side door, causing me to take a deep breath and stand up.
Adam grabs my hand, intertwining our fingers and giving me a gentle squeeze—a sign that he’s here with me. That he won’t be disappearing and we’re a priority to him.
I get situated in the room, tucking the little paper towel into my leggings and lifting up my shirt as I lie on the table. Adam takes the seat next to my head, grabbing my hand again. This time, it feels like a lifeline for him. I think his nerves finally kicked in. It makes me breathe a little easier because he’s actually anxious. So far, he’s been too easy-going with everything.
“Hey there, Claire. I’m Sarah. I’ll be your tech today. Who did you bring with you?” the tech asks as she gets everything set up.
“This is my …” I pause, not sure how to answer that.
“Baby daddy.” Adam smirks, making me roll my eyes.
“Jesus,” I mutter.
“How fun!” Sarah beams, ignoring Adam, who’s laughing. “Ready to start?”
I nod, squeezing Adam’s hand harder.
“Are we finding out what you’re having today?” she asks as she squirts jelly onto my belly and starts moving the stick around.
“Nope.” Adam takes the lead. I’m thankful for him jumping in because my heart is in my throat.
