“I guess so.” She’s still grumbling. Little does she know that, after this appointment, I’m going to make all of our hopes and wishes come true.
We make it to the Cardiologist with minutes to spare. When they take Michelle back, I pace the entire time. In my heart, I know there’s nothing wrong with her; telling that to my brain is another thing entirely.
Thirty minutes later, Michelle is grabbing my hand, leading me to a room. I have so many questions to ask, but the doctor is already waiting for us when we get in there.
“Everything looks and sounds normal, Michelle. I don’t see any new issues, but I’m sending you for bloodwork just the same. May as well check it all out. You know the rules. If you get dizzy, lightheaded, or if you feel your heart rate beat irregularly, go straight to the hospital. Also, get to an obstetrician. They’ll be monitoring you as well, so don’t be alarmed if they ask you to come in more than usual. They may even put you at high risk. I don’t think you’ll have any complications, though.”
“Thank you, Doc,” Michelle says.
“Yes, thank you.”
Dr. Marlow shakes Michelle’s hand and then mine before walking out of the room.
“Thank fuck,” I groan when he gives her a clean bill of health. Ever since she told me about this appointment, sleep has been nonexistent. I held her tighter, and my next breath was held longer than before. For someone who said she tossed and turned, fought off imaginary beings in her sleep, she sure doesn’t have that problem now—as long as I’m in bed with her, or Duke, the chocolate lab we got together last week. Michelle wanted to adopt from the local animal shelter, but when I let one of my co-workers know we were looking, he said he had one last puppy in his litter if we wanted to take a look. We fell in love with the little stinker at first sight, though he still likes to eat our shoes entirely too much. On the days I have to stay late at work and Michelle is alone, it gives me comfort that he’s with her. He’s usually curled up beside her, passed out.
“I told you there was nothing wrong.” She jumps off the exam table, sits in my lap, and I hold her. I know tonight will be the night I ask her to be mine, forever.
“I know, but it’s still nice to be reassured. What do you say we get that food you were asking for?” Her eyes light up, and I know just where I’m taking her. After that, I’ll take her home and show her just how happy I am with her.
“As long as it includes tacos, I am there for it. If not, sorry. I’ll walk home.” She laughs. She knows better than that, though.
“Yeah, fucking right, good try. We’ll get some tacos and go for a drive.” I help her off of my lap.
“I had a feeling you’d see it my way.” She smiles, her eyelashes fluttering, and she has me.
“That sweet smile will get you everywhere, beautiful.” My hand goes to her hip as we walk out of the doctor’s office. I can’t wait to see my ring on her finger tonight.
16
Michelle
True to Devon’s words, we got tacos. We’re back where we first started all those months ago. I can’t wait ‘til our little one can come with us, and I really hope he or she likes tacos as much as I do.
His hand, that’s usually on my hip has found its way to my stomach, like there’s an imaginary bump there.
“What do you think your parents will say?” he asks.
“I’m pretty sure my mom will have the baby shower planned out in five-point-two seconds, and my dad will be getting his guns ready regardless if it’s a boy or a girl. He had no problem cleaning his gun when I was a teenager, and if we bless him with a boy, he’ll show him how to protect any younger siblings we give him.”
“I can see that; how many do you want?” he responds, his chin on my shoulder. The taco stand is busy for it being a Monday.
“I’d like at least three, but we’ll have to see what the doctor says. But if only one is in our plans, we could adopt?” I test the water.
“I like that idea, regardless if we can have more or not. There are plenty of children that need love. I think we have plenty to give, too,” he responds. The line moves slowly, and I swear my stomach rumbles with every step we get closer to the counter.
“Man, I ate breakfast this morning, but tell that to my stomach.” I chuckle.
“Presley was like that when she was pregnant with Noah. Lincoln said she’d have to eat several small meals a day.”