When Constellations Form (Light in the Dark 4)

He growls over the phone. “This is one appointment I’m not missing. Don’t even try to argue with me about this.”

I laugh. “Okay, okay. I want you there, don’t get me wrong, I just don’t want to put you in a bad place.”

“It’s fine, Thea. I’ll see you in a few.” His tone softens.

“Bye.” I hang up and exit off the highway.

Ten minutes later I pull into the lot of my doctor’s office and park by Xander. He’s already standing outside his truck, leaning against the door.

I hop out and meet him. He bends and kisses me, smiling.

“How was work?” he asks.

“Fun. It’s only been a week, but so far I like it. Laurel, the owner, is really chill.” I shrug. Xander I haven’t really talked too much about my job. He’s been busy with football season and tired when he’s home, and, frankly, I know he’s not too happy about my working so I think he’s choosing to keep his mouth shut because he doesn’t want to piss me off. He understands why I want to work, but he also wishes I didn’t want to.

He puts his hand on my waist and guides me inside. I sign my name to check in and we sit down.

The sight of all the pregnant women and baby-covered magazines doesn’t send me into a frenzy anymore, so at least I’m making progress.

“Thea Kincaid?” they call, and we hop up.

We follow the nurse back to a room. She takes my blood pressure, checks my weight, and makes me pee in another dang cup. Seriously, what do they do with all the pee they collect?

Once all that’s done, we wait for the doctor.

I touch my hand to my chest. “My heart’s beating so fast,” I tell Xander. “I’m so nervous.”

He grabs my hand and holds it in his. “Don’t be.”

There’s a knock on the door and then Dr. Hawkins steps inside. “Howdy, kids. How are we today?”

“Good,” I answer.

He sits down in his swivel chair and looks over my chart. “How’s the sickness?”

“Still pretty bad,” I answer. “In a way, it’s better, because it’s not as often, but it happens at the most random of times. I notice lately it’s more related to smell than food. Like, the other day I sprayed my perfume and it hit me wrong.”

“Hmm.” He clucks his tongue. “If it gets much worse I can prescribe you something to help with the nausea, but if you think you can do without it, that’s better.”

“I’d rather not take it if I can help it,” I tell him honestly.

He nods. “Is there anything else you’d like to discuss before we start?”

“I think I’ve been feeling the baby kick for about two weeks now, but Xander still can’t feel it. Is that normal?”

“Yeah, it’s nothing to worry about. What you’re feeling is probably like little flutters, right?” He waits for me to nod. “So, it’ll probably be another week or two before they’re solid kicks and then he’ll be able to feel it on the outside. Don’t stress about it. Every pregnancy is different.” He claps his hands together. “All right, lie back and roll up your shirt.”

I do as he says, revealing my rounded stomach. It’s still small, but there’s definitely a baby in it. Xander, unable to help himself, reaches over and rubs my stomach. His hand is large and when he spreads his fingers he’s able to cup almost my entire stomach.

His dark eyes flick up to mine and he smiles.

I smile back.

I wasn’t on board with this whole baby thing. Heck, I’m still scared. But seeing my husband look at me like this makes me fall more in love with him and gives me hope that this is going to be okay.

Dr. Hawkins squirts the goo on my belly and pulls out his magic wand.

At least that’s what I call it.