“No, don’t call the police,” Dominic replies emphatically. “There are Federal agents working on this case since it’s bigger than just this piece. We can’t involve our local law enforcement. You still owe the‘lawyer’a return call, right?”
“Yes,” Cheryl replies tentatively.
“CallMr. Montoyaand tell him we will meet with him here in my office a week from tomorrow. Tell him to bring several copies of his settlement request with him. We will discuss the terms of our settlement then.”
“You’re sure about this?” Cheryl asks.
“Yes. I’m positive.”
Dominic’s steely determination is obvious in his matter-of-fact tone, his narrowed eyes, and his rigid posture. He has met with Tucker and Shadow most every night since we returned from Austin. They’ve installed hidden cameras in Dominic’s office and the stairwells after hours without letting anyone in the office know. If there’s another break in, it will capture everything that happens.
“I’m worried about this, Dominic,” I say when Cheryl leaves the room. “He’s part of the cartel and he obviously still has ties to the police department here.”
“I won’t be here alone, my love,” he says as he rounds his desk and sits beside me. Taking my hand in his, he kisses each of my knuckles, “It’s time we put an end to all of this so we can move on with our lives, look forward to our baby being born, and not have to worry about our safety.”
“I know you’re right and I’m not questioning you. I just also know what Harrison is capable of, Dom. It scares me.”
“My sub wants to protect her Dom?” He asks teasingly, just like he did before all this happened. His smile is warm and the love shines from his eyes. He is my Dom, he is my protector, and he is my lover. But if I can protect him, I will gladly do it.
“Always, Dom. Always,” is my reply and will always be my reply.
Friday finally arrivesand we’re at my doctor’s office for my monthly obstetrician appointment. After going through the standard checkup, we’ll get to hear our baby’s heartbeat for the first time. I am so excited and nervous at the same time. Dom is bouncing-off-the-walls excited about it. I asked for the earliest appointment available this morning since I knew I wouldn’t be able to wait all day. Dom and I are looking through maternity magazines when the nurse calls my name from the doorway.
Finally, after what feels like an eternity, my belly is prepped with a big blob of the warmed ultrasound gel before the doctor presses the fetal Doppler against my skin. I watch Dr. Perry expectantly as the initial swishing sounds echo through the room.Is that my baby’s heartbeat?Then, I hear it and it’s unmistakable. It sounds like horses galloping and it’s beating so fast. A smile is permanently affixed to my face and tears spring to my eyes when I look up at Dominic.
“That’s your baby’s heartbeat, Mom and Dad,” Dr. Perry informs us.
Dominic is at my side, holding my hand, but his eyes are glued to the Doppler in Dr. Perry’s hand. The magical sounds emanating from the handheld machine are music to my ears. I don’t want this visit to end because this makes it so much more real.
“Dominic,” I choke out, “that’s our baby. It’s hisheartbeat.”
His eyes meet mine and he’s in awe as much as I am. “This is incredible. I could listen to this all the time,” he says before kissing me.
“Actually, you can get one and use it at home. They’re safe and they even connect with your iPhone so you can track the heart rate over time,” Dr. Perry explains.
“That’s incredible,” Dominic says. “We’re getting one and we’re using it every day.”
Dr. Perry chuckles, “I wouldn’t advise using it every day. It is considered safe, but I would still advise against overuse of it. It also doesn’t replace your regular visits with me. Don’t think you’ve become a doctor just because you have a Doppler and a search engine.”
“Okay, a few times a week, then,” Dominic agrees.
Dr. Perry pulls the fetal Doppler away from my belly way too soon. I’m not ready for it to be over just yet. She then measures my stomach to determine my uterus size and says everything is right on schedule. Dominic is already on the phone with a contact of his to have the top of the line fetal Doppler delivered to our house by the end of the day.
In this moment, my world is absolutely perfect.
