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“No. Just a little.”

“Let’s keep an eye on that, too, yeah? Keep track of any changes, and we’ll schedule another appointment in a month. You should be ready for your glucose test then, as well. And of course, call if you have any problems or concerns.”

“Thank you very much, Dr. Dirk.” I stand up and shake the man’s hand.

Strange to think this little guy I tower over will hold my life in his hands when he delivers our baby.

His handshake is firm and sure, though, and that gives me hope.

Meredith trembles slightly when she stands, and I steady her.

“Are you okay?”

“Fine. Just... I was so worried something was wrong. I’m so glad the baby is okay.”

She trembles harder and presses her face into my chest and starts to cry.

“Everything’s going to be perfect.” I rub small circles onto her lower back to try and comfort her. “The baby will be perfect, and you’ll be the perfect mother.”

“I don’t think anyone is the perfect mother.”

I don’t want to argue with her, so I just help her dress, and we head out to make her next appointment.

Meredith takes out her card to prepay for her next appointment, but I stop her with a frown.

“This is on me. All of it.”

“You can’t pay for my whole pregnancy.”

“Like hell I can’t. In fact, you’re taking maternity leave.”

“Already? I still have months to go, Logan.”

“Yeah, but you heard the doctor. You can’t be stressed. Work is stressful.” I tug her to the car as she glares at me. “I’ll pay you the same.”

“I don’t want special treatment.”

“Who says it’s special? There are six months available for all my employees.”

“I’d prefer to spend that time with our baby.”

I groan. “Of course you can have more maternity leave, Meredith.”

“Not if it isn’t in the contract.”

“Contracts can be changed.” I grit my teeth.

Why isn’t she budging?

“Where are we even going? This isn’t the way home.”

I don’t answer, taking the right turn down to the poorer parts of town.

“I guess we’re taking the scenic route.”

I let out a long breath as I pull into a small two-bedroom house on the corner of the street.

Meredith sits up, looking around. “Where are we? Whose house is this?”