He brought her fingers up to his lips and kissed her knuckles. “I love you, Ava. One day, you will see it too.”
She opened her mouth as if to dispute him, but she didn’t get a chance to as her name was called.
Holding her hand, he locked their fingers together, and they walked into the room. The doctor shook his hand, but he saw the hesitation, and he expected it. He hadn’t removed his leather cut, and most people were put off by the club.
“Are you ready, Ava?” the doctor asked.
“Yes, this is my … the baby’s father. Doctor McCarthy, I’d like you to meet Smokey.”
He took note of the doctor’s firm handshake. He gave as good as he got. There was no way he intended to be intimidated by the older man.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you. Shall we get started? We’re going to see how far along you are and if we can determine sex. Would you like to know?” he asked.
Ava shook her head. “I mean, unless you want to know?” She looked toward him.
“I’m happy with whatever you want to know.”
She offered him a smile. “Then I just want to make sure my baby’s healthy. Can we do that?”
“Of course, we can. This is a process though. Your baby still has some growing to do.”
Ava nodded.
Smokey took the seat beside her as they prepared her. Ava lifted up her dress, she’d worn a small pair of loose shorts underneath that weren’t visible on the outside, and he stared at her stomach. He noticed a slight roundness to her abdomen but nothing to indicate she was pregnant.
“It’s a little cold, like last time.”
Gel was squirted on her stomach, and then the doctor had some kind of probe. Anticipation ate away at him as the tip of the probe was placed on her stomach. He wanted to know if his baby was okay, but more importantly, mommy too.
“Ah, there we go. Let me get a few little measurements.”
Smokey tuned him out as he looked at the screen. He couldn’t make much out, but then the doctor turned the volume up, and sure enough, he could hear his son or daughter’s heartbeat.
“Oh, my,” Ava said. “That’s the most precious sound in the world.”
“Isn’t it?” The doctor did some more dates and numbers. “You’re about three months along, Ava. So, we’re looking at a New Year baby, give or take. We’ll know more details as the months go along. I couldn’t determine sex yet, but these things take time.”
Smokey listened as the doctor gave her a list of instructions. She had to rest, eat healthy, avoid certain foods. The list was endless.
“Intercourse is allowed,” the doctor said.
“That’s not necessary. We’re not together.”
The doctor looked at him, and his face stayed blank, not giving anything away. “Well, in case you both change your mind. You’re allowed to have sex. It’s one of the most asked questions couples with their first pregnancy ask me.”
“Is that all?” Ava asked.
“Yes. I’ve given you the leaflets, and I think everything is all set. You can collect your images from reception and book your next appointment. As always, Ms. Sinclaire, it’s a pleasure to see you.”
Smokey shook the doctor’s hand and turned to leave.
At the reception desk, Ava was given the pictures and she booked another appointment.
Smokey took the picture from her and flicked it open to see their baby. Their child. He had no idea what it was. There wasn’t even a clear picture. It was so small.
Hearing the heartbeat, now that had been precious.
They exited the hospital together, and he took her hand, leading her to the car. “Have lunch with me?”
“I don’t think that’s a good idea.”
“We’ve both just heard our baby’s heartbeat for the first time. Don’t you want to enjoy that?”
Ava nibbled on her lip.
“I promise to be on my best behavior. It’s nearly lunchtime. Come on, Ava, let me take care of you.”
“I can eat,” she said. “Meet you at the diner?”
“I’ll follow you.”
He wasn’t letting her out of his sight. One bad move and she’d run. Ava smiled at him and climbed into her car. He rushed to his own, pulling out of the parking lot and following her.
His cell phone rang and he saw it was the clubhouse.
“What’s up?” he asked.
“I wanted to see how your first baby daddy experience was going?” Hunter asked.
“All good so far.” Ava was driving slowly, and he stayed close behind her. “I’m heading into town to get some lunch.”
“Er, Smokey, we got a tip. Creed’s been spotted in town with a couple of boys.”
“Shit, fuck, shit.” He clenched his hands around the steering wheel. There was nothing he could do about it now. “I can’t do this. I wanted to take Ava out to lunch. Gather a few of the boys up and come into town. A show of force.”