One to Protect (One to Hold 3)

hadow over his eyes.

“What’s wrong?”

I ask, but I already know. I agreed we’d wait to discuss Baltimore, but I can sense what went down had to be pretty major. I’m sure it’s on his mind, and I confess, I want to know so badly. At the same time, I kind of don’t.

He blinks and whatever it was is gone, hidden behind the shield I know he’s learned to cultivate. We’ve only been together a few months, but already I’ve learned to hate that barrier that keeps me at a distance, away from what’s hurting him.

“Not a thing, darling, I’m excited.” Whatever just happened might bother me, but when he smiles at me that way, I melt. “I’m sorry I can’t feel him yet. When’s your next appointment?”

“Today, actually.” I push the side of his hair away from his cheek. “Dr. Mel works around my schedule. Want to tag along?”

“I wouldn’t miss it.”

The doctor’s exam room is warm, and I’m lying on the hard, leather table with my knees bent, turned so I can face Derek. He’s sitting at my head, elbow bent on the back of the table, smoothing my hair back.

“Seventeen weeks isn’t a particularly exciting visit.” I smile up at him, not wanting him to be disappointed.

“You forget. I haven’t been to as many of these as you have.” His touch is so comforting, I feel like I should’ve insisted on having him with me every time.

“I’ve only been coming once a month. You haven’t missed much.”

Just then Dr. Mel enters the room. She’s a bit older than me, with black hair and olive skin, and a personable disposition. We laughed at having the same nickname, even though her first name is Linda. Her last is Melendez, or Mel for short.

“I see you brought Daddy along this time.” She smiles, her dark eyes dancing as she shakes his hand. “Nice to see you again.”

“I was just saying it’s not such an exciting visit.” My voice is apologetic, and she snaps to business.

“We can move things up if you’d like. It’s early, but we can do the ultrasound, and I need to test for Down’s and other abnormalities.”

Now I’m sorry I said anything. “Why are you doing that? Do you think something’s wrong?”

She pats my arm in her confident way. “Not at all. It’s strictly routine. But we do have to draw blood.”

My nose wrinkles. “How much?”

“Three vials. We can save that part to the end. Let’s get started.”

She measures my stomach and takes my blood pressure, checks my hands and feet for swelling, and declares me fit as a fiddle. Then we’re off to the ultrasound room. The lights are dim, and Derek is close by my side as we prepare for the scan. We’ve opted for the 3D imaging, as it’s the most likely to show what we’re looking for.

“I’ve warmed the gel, so it shouldn’t be uncomfortable.” She spreads the clear medium across my belly and presses the probe against my skin.

We’re all quiet. I’m holding my breath waiting, and then it appears—his little face all beige on the screen.

“Oh!” My heart floods along with my eyes. His features are blurry, but I’m sure he looks just like Derek. Reaching over, I pull his daddy close. Derek’s eyes are shining, and he kisses me gently before turning back to the screen.

“Hang on and let me see what we can see here.” Dr. Mel moves the gun lower on my pelvis pushing against my skin and turning it to the side. The image on the screen shifts and wobbles, what looks like bananas pass rapidly in front of us.

“Legs… umbilical cord…” She studies the screen, brow creased, watching. We’re all fixed to the sepia-colored show. “Come on, baby…”

We’re waiting on the edge of our seats when she finally gets the view she wants. “All right! Here we are. Can you see this area?” She circles the screen with her pen, and we nod. “This is the spot.”

The probe moves almost imperceptibly against my skin and the doctor nods. “That’s it. Clear as a bell.”

Derek and I look at each other, and I hold my breath, waiting for his response. It’s not a word. He only catches my face in both hands and covers my mouth with his.

Dr. Mel laughs as our lips part, but just as fast, he’s kissing me deeply, again and again, and I can’t help laughing, too.

Elaine decided we had to celebrate. I didn’t tell her the sex—only that we knew, and she insisted on throwing a huge “Privates Unveiling” ceremony at her house. She even invited my mother.