Her Festive Baby Bombshell

“Well, I, um—” she glanced at Finn before turning back to the doctor “—had my period since we were together. Granted it was light.”

“Recently?”

“The week before last.”

“Was there any cramping associated with it?”

She shook her head. “None that I recall.”

“A little spotting is not uncommon. Have you had any spotting since then?”

“No. I’m just really tired. Are...are you sure everything is okay with the baby?”

“I’ll be honest, you’re still in your first trimester, which means the risk of miscarriage is higher. But I didn’t tell you that to worry you. I just want you to realize that taking care of yourself is of the utmost importance.”

“The baby.” Her heart was racing so fast. “It’s okay, right?”

“At this point, yes. I’ve arranged for a sonogram.” He moved to the counter to retrieve a stack of literature. “You might like to read over these. They’re about prenatal care and what to expect over the next several months. I’ll be back.”

Finn paced. Neither spoke as they each tried to grasp the news. Seconds turned to minutes. At last, Finn sank into the chair, feeling emotionally wiped out. His gaze moved to Holly but she appeared engrossed in a baby magazine the doctor had given her.

Where was the doctor? Had he forgotten them?

As though Finn’s thoughts had summoned the man, the door swung open. A nurse walked in. Her eyes widened at the sight of Finn.

The nurse handed Holly a pink gown. “The straps go in the front.” Then the nurse turned to him. “You might want to wait outside.”

“I think you’re right.” That was it. Finn was out of there. He had no idea what was involved with a sonogram, but he’d give Holly her privacy.

When he reached the waiting room, he was tempted to keep going. In here he felt as though he couldn’t quite catch his breath. Outside, in the fresh air, he would be able to breathe again. But he didn’t want to move that far from Holly. What if she needed him?

And so he remained in the waiting room. He picked up a baby magazine, glanced at the cover and put it back down. He picked up another magazine, but it was for women. He put it down, too.

The door he’d just exited opened. A different nurse poked her head out. “Mr. Lockwood.”

He approached her, not having a clue what she wanted. “I’m Mr. Lockwood.”

“If you would come with me, sir.” She led him back to Holly’s exam room.

When he stood in the doorway, he found Holly lying on the exam table with a large sheet draped over her legs. He did not want to be here. He shouldn’t be here.

Holly held her hand out to him. “Come see our baby.”

He did want to see the baby. It would make it real for him. He moved to Holly’s side, all the while keeping his gaze straight ahead, focused on the monitor. He slipped his hand in hers, finding her fingers cold. He assumed it was nerves. He sandwiched her hand between both of his, hoping to warm her up a little.

In no time at all, there was a fuzzy image on the monitor. Finn watched intently, trying to make out his child. And then it was there. It didn’t look much like a baby at this point, but the doctor pointed out the head and spine.

“Wait a second, I need to check one more thing.”

The doctor made an adjustment. Holly’s fingers tightened their hold on Finn. Her worried gaze met his. Was there something wrong with their child?

Finn fervently hoped not. He just didn’t think he could go through all his parents had endured with his brother. It was an experience he’d never forget.

“Okay.” The doctor’s voice rose. “Here we go. Just as I suspected.”

Finn couldn’t be left in the dark. He had to know what they were facing. “What’s the matter?”

The doctor smiled up at him. “Nothing at all. You are having twins.”

“Twins!” Holly said it at the same time as Finn.

“Yes, see here.” The doctor showed them both babies.

It was the most amazing thing Finn had ever witnessed in his life. Twins. Who’d have thought? His vision started to blur, causing him to blink repeatedly. He was going to be a father—twice over.