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I felt my breath catch as I looked at the tiny blob on the screen.
“Oh, my gosh,” I whispered.
“I’ll snap a few pictures for your ultrasound now.”
I looked over at Monica and saw her eyes were watery as she watched the screen.
“And now, we can try to hear baby’s heartbeat. It’s not guaranteed this early…but oh, no. There it is.”
The sound of dull thumping filled my ears and I couldn’t help it, but I started crying. That was my baby. Every doubt I had before then was washed away like a crashing wave on the shore. Every piece of me was now that baby’s. I was all theirs.
“You can get cleaned up now. I’ll be back with your photos,” she commented before stepping out of the room.
I sat up and held my stomach, a dreamy smile across my lips.
“I’m going to be a mom,” I said softly.
“The best mom,” said Monica, standing and putting her hand over mine.
I was quiet for a moment.
“A single mom,” I said, reminding myself of my reality.
“Remember, you are not alone. Ever. I will be there every step of the way.”
I nodded to her gratefully before easing myself off the table and getting dressed.
The lady knocked and stepped back in the room.
“Here are your photos. Please stop by the front desk on your way out,” she said before disappearing down the hallway.
I looked down at the photos in awe. For being a blob, the baby was perfect in every way.
I handed Monica one of the copies. “Here.”
“Really?” she asked, her eyes watering again.
“Of course. You’re Auntie Monica now.”
She took the photo and burst into tears. As happy as I was she was here, I couldn’t help but wonder what it would have been like if Daniel had been with me.
Chapter 14
Daniel
“Earth to Daniel,” said Brody, waving his hand in front of my face.
I broke out of whatever trance I was under, blinking a few times as I remembered where I was. It shouldn’t have been hard to forget I was prepping for one of our biggest board meetings, but my mind had been anywhere else but here lately.
It was like an audio recording had been jammed inside my head, and all that played over and over again was Addison’s voice.
“I’m pregnant. I’m pregnant. I’m pregnant.”
I shook my head, hoping the words would get the hint and make their exit.
“Sorry, bro,” I said.
“What the hell is going on with you?” asked Brody, settling back in the armchair across from my desk, crossing his arms as he studied me cautiously.