But he’d hurt her and she clearly wasn’t ready to open herself up to him again. Not that he blamed her. “I’ll just continue with my apology, then.”
“You were apologizing?” she teased him, her lips lifting in a grin.
“I was getting there.” He paused, then said, “Here’s the thing. During our weekend, what I felt for you, I’ve never experienced anything like it and it scared me. After what happened with Mandy? I didn’t want to get involved with anyone ever again.”
She nodded in understanding. “We’re good, Ethan. I’m not the type to hold a grudge. We’ll get through this pregnancy and co-parent like two adults.”
He narrowed his gaze. “Is that what you took from this conversation? Because I want more, Sienna. I want to be more than just two people who happen to share a baby.”
“Something you decided after finding out I was pregnant.” She braced her hands on her thighs and pushed herself to a standing position. “Forgive me if it feels too convenient.”
He knew she was about to end the conversation and perhaps even ask him to leave. Rising, he strode over to her, tipped her head up with his finger, and asked, “What are you afraid of, Sienna Dare?”
“You already asked me to hide the relationship once, and though I completely understand why now, it doesn’t take away the sting. And it’s hard for me to believe you would have come to this decision without the baby as the reason.”
He inclined his head, conceding her point. “Let’s say the baby woke me up. Made me face my fears. Are you going to hold that against me?”
She blew out a long breath. “I have too many hormones running through my body for me to answer that,” she said honestly.
“Fair enough.” He took a step back, gratified by the disappointment in her gaze. She might be pushing him away, but she didn’t like it when he complied with her request.
Good to know.
“I’ll go. I’ve left you with enough to think about, but I’ll be back at nine thirty tomorrow to take you to the doctor. Do you want to go get something to eat first?” he asked.
She shook her head. “Mornings are hard for me. I’m pretty nauseous and I can’t eat until later in the day.
He hated hearing that she was suffering. “Okay. See you in the morning.” He was tempted to kiss her but he didn’t want to push his luck.
She was talking to him now and not throwing things. He’d take it as a win.
* * *
Sienna sat in the exam room at the ob-gyn. After she’d changed into a gown, she’d texted Ethan and told him he could come in. He’d been adamant about not wanting to miss anything and she couldn’t deny his request. She was using Riley’s doctor and she’d already gotten her records from her general practitioner, who was well-versed in her past. Despite her frustration, Ian had had Riley call and explain Sienna’s situation, and at Dr. Finley’s request, Sienna had faxed everything over ahead of time. Suffice it to say, the doctor was prepared for Sienna.
But Sienna wasn’t prepared for Ethan’s nervousness, his pacing, and his constant glances, as if he was afraid she’d pass out any second.
“Sit down,” she said, frustrated with him. “I’m fine. I haven’t had another fainting incident since I started eating every two hours. And just because we’re at the doctor doesn’t mean you need to lose your mind. You’re going to make me crazy.”
“Sorry,” he muttered and lowered himself into the chair by the table where she sat. She had to admit it was kind of endearing the way he worried.
A knock sounded on the exam room door and a middle-age woman walked in with a large smile on her face. “Sienna Dare?”
“Hi.” She instinctively placed her hand over her stomach, something she’d been doing more and more lately.
“And you are the baby’s father, I assume?”
Ethan nodded, rising from his seat. “Ethan Knight.”
“I’m Dr. Finley and it’s nice to meet you both.” She walked over to a computer screen and pulled up what Sienna assumed was her file. “So I’ve been through your records and before we start, I’d like to reassure you about a few things.”
To her surprise, Ethan stepped over and clasped Sienna’s hand in his. The comfort she took from both his touch and presence was immeasurable. Ethan’s hand squeezed hers so hard she feared for her bones.
“Just because you had childhood leukemia, pregnancy does not raise the risk of your cancer coming back or your child getting the disease,” the doctor said.
“Thank God.” As if his legs gave out, Ethan practically fell back into the chair beside her, and her relief was as palpable as his. She’d been reading about these things all weekend, but to hear a professional say it made her feel so much better.