The Texan's Baby (Texas Rodeo Barons)

After the nurse went out, Lizzie removed her trousers and draped them over a chair, and then lay down on the exam table and pulled up the light cotton sheet. Moments later Dr. Mendez came in carrying Lizzie’s chart and offering a friendly smile.

“How’re you feeling?” she asked warmly. “Still morning sick?”

“Unfortunately.”

“All day long or just in the mornings?”

“Just in the mornings, thank goodness.”

Dr. Mendez looked over her glasses at Lizzie. “I can give you an anti-nauseant, which will help, or we can just let it run its course. As long as you’re getting enough nutrition.”

“I eat like a horse after ten o’clock,” she admitted. “And I’m craving fruit and cucumbers.”

“Not bad things to crave at all,” the doctor agreed. “Let’s let it go for now then, if you can handle it, and if you’re still sick at your next appointment, revisit it.”

“Sounds good to me.”

“Right—let’s take your blood pressure.”

They went through the rest of the appointment, talking about symptoms and fetal development and what Lizzie could expect over the next few weeks. “Now we can check for the heartbeat. No promises, but I usually find my patients find things very real once they hear it. It’s a special kind of moment.”

Lizzie’s heart quickened just thinking about it. “The baby’s father is in the waiting room. I think he’d like to be here for this.”

“Let’s bring him in then, by all means.”

“His name is Chris. Chris Miller.”

Moments later Chris was ushered into the room, looking way more out of place than he had before. She smiled tentatively at him, suddenly feeling very exposed even though the sheet covered her to the waist. It seemed stupid considering he’d seen her naked before, seeing they’d made this baby together. But this was a whole other situation. That night had been fantasy. This was reality, and a rather big dose of it all at once.

“Mr. Miller, you can stand right here.” Dr. Mendez made room by Lizzie’s shoulder while the nurse arranged everything. Before Lizzie had time to think, the sheet was tucked down and the waistband of her panties was pulled down, as well. There was no time for modesty; before she could register any embarrassment the instrument touched her skin.

She flinched, unprepared for the cold gel on the Doppler as the doctor moved it around her pelvis, searching for a heartbeat. Chris’s hand cupped her shoulder, his fingers digging in slightly and she realized she was holding her breath, waiting. The doctor’s forehead puckered as she frowned. “I’m not sure we’re going to get this today. It is a little early. Let’s give it one more try.”

She shifted it twice more and then suddenly there it was, the bum-bump sound of it filling the room and Lizzie’s ears. Dr. Mendez smiled and Lizzie felt tears form in her eyes. “Oh, my gosh,” she whispered, her smile so wide she wondered if her face might split. “Oh, my gosh.”

Chris’s hand was tight on her shoulder now. “Listen to that,” he said, his voice full of awe. “It sounds like hoofbeats.”

“Oh, you and your horses,” she teased him. She listened a little more, loving the sound. Chris leaned over, just a little, and pressed a warm kiss on her forehead.

“One-forty, right in there,” Dr. Mendez said, removing the Doppler and saving Lizzie from further emotional upheaval as Chris stepped back. The sound was gone and the nurse gave Lizzie a tissue to wipe the gel off her belly. “It looks like everything is going right on schedule. Congratulations.”

“Thanks,” Lizzie said, still awestruck.

“You’re free to go now. I want to see you in another four weeks, unless you need to reach me sooner. And Lizzie, I know you’re working very hard these days. Take time to put your feet up, and make sure you eat properly. You have to take care of yourself first and foremost.”

“I’ll make sure she does,” Chris promised.

When they were alone, Lizzie balled up the tissue, pulled up her panties and sat up. “You’ll make sure? And how do you propose to do that?” As if she needed help. As if she’d take orders.

“I wanted to talk to you about that. How about you let me buy you both dinner tonight to celebrate?”

At least he didn’t suggest going to her apartment. “Just dinner? And what are we celebrating?”

“Just dinner,” he promised, crossing his heart. The action made him look like an adorable schoolboy. “To celebrate a healthy baby, of course. Wherever you want to go.”

“Marinelli’s.” She stated her favorite Italian restaurant that was also on the pricey side. “I’ve got a craving for veal parmesan and tiramisu.”

And she wondered why her waistbands weren’t fitting properly anymore....