“Not much, Cass was just telling me about the hot guy she's dating.” I teased. Tom nodded smoothly, giving me a wink. I laughed.
My doctor walked in, not bothering to look up from his folder. “Miss Mancelli?”
Cass and Tom stood up.
“We better get going.” Cass came over for another hug. “So glad you're okay Em.”
“Thanks guys. Love you both.” I replied, giving Tom a kiss.
“Right, Miss Mancelli. How are we feeling?” He still hadn't looked up from his notes. His bedside manner left something to be desired.
“Not bad.” I raised my eyebrows at Simon, who suppressed a laugh. The doctor nodded, mumbling to himself.
“Okay, we just need your blood pressure a little higher and then you're free to go. You and the baby are both fine. It’s just precautionary.”
“Pardon?” Surely I hadn't heard him correctly. I glanced at Simon, who looked as shocked as I did. “Baby?” The doctor looked up, surprised. Well that got his attention.
“You didn't know? I guess that’s not surprising. You are only about 3 weeks along.”
Simon met my gaze. Shock. Amazement. Excitement. His eyes filled with tears. I finally breathed out. Wow. I'd spent so long coming to terms with never having a child, that hearing this news was nothing short of shocking.
“We are going to have a baby.” I smiled at Simon. He smiled back.
“We're having a baby.” He agreed, kissing me tenderly. I shook my head in amazement. Was this really happening?
Chapter Twenty-Four
I rolled onto my side to snuggle up to Simon. The empty space was warm, indicating he hadn't long gotten up. I shuffled over to make the most of his remaining warmth.
Two weeks had passed since Derek Moosly had been killed. Two weeks since I finally felt the hold he had over me begin to lift. I'd finally been released from hospital, Simon insisting he was moving in with me. I was still having trouble digesting the fact that I was pregnant. Both of us were. Simon had arranged an appointment with one of New York's top OB's for this morning. How he'd arranged a home call I do not know.
“Hey baby.” I smiled as
Simon placed a cup of tea and two slices of buttered toast on my bedside table. He leaned down to kiss me. Even now I still received tingles every time he touched me.
“Hi.” I replied, sitting up. I re-arranged the pillows behind me until they were just right. I took the toast. “I could get used to this pampering.”
“I hope you do.” He winked. “Now the doc will be here in half an hour, so drink up and give me a yell when you're ready for a shower.”
“I can shower myself.” I laughed.
“I know.” He winked again. “I just like to watch.” I giggled. Could he sound anymore creepy? I watched him leave the room. I couldn't quite get over how wonderfully things were going.
Simon and I.
Tom and Cass.
And now being pregnant. For the first time since the attack, I was beginning to enjoy life again. Mom and dad had visited me a few times now. It was a slow process, but we were getting to a point where we could be a family again. Some kind of family anyway. Maria and I were also in contact. We were taking things slow, but slow was better than nothing. If any of the last few weeks had taught me anything, it was that life was too short to shut people out. I finished my tea and toast, and tiptoed into the bathroom. I was halfway through my shower when I felt hands wrap around my waist.
“You were supposed to call me.” Simon whispered sternly in my ear. I spun around, facing him. We kissed. He pushed me against the tiles, lifting me onto his hips. “We don't have time for this.” He groaned.
“I heard you're very quick.” I whispered in his ear. He grinned at me.
“You'll pay for that little insult later.” He said, amused. He smacked me on the bottom and pulled me from under the water. I grumbled, not ready to finish my shower just yet. He was right though. The doctor would be here soon.
As the sonogram ran over my lubricated stomach the sound of a heartbeat filled my ears. Tears filled my eyes. My baby's heartbeat. I glanced over at Simon and saw he too was crying. He reached for my hand and squeezed it. Dr Lazonski cleared his throat. Both Simon and I looked at him. I felt the familiar sense of anxiety run through my body. He looked concerned. Why did he look concerned?
“Peter?” prompted Simon nervously. His grip on my hand tightened.