Page 20 of Echos and Empires (After #3)
TEN
The paper crinkled under the back of her knees as Emma fidgeted nervously. Her heart raced with a potent mix of terror and excitement. Today would be the day everything would make sense. The urine test was great, but this would cement everything.
She placed a hand on her still-flat belly, marveling at the new life growing inside her. After giving up a child years ago, she was surprised by the fierce surge of love and protectiveness she already felt for this tiny growing baby.
The door opened and a doctor she’d never seen before with long blonde hair and what looked like an honest smile walked in. She leaned forward to read the name on her coat—Dr. Larsen.
“Good morning, Emma. I’m Doctor Larsen. You’ll be with me throughout the rest of your pregnancy. How are you feeling today?” She smiled wider now, a small crinkle along her eyes only slightly giveaway that she was likely old enough to be Emma’s mom herself.
“Nervous,” Emma admitted with a shaky laugh. “But excited, too. I can’t believe this is really happening.”
Dr. Larsen nodded. “That’s completely normal.
Creating a new life is an incredible thing.
” She sat down on the stool and opened Emma’s chart on the computer.
“Now, there are some special programs we have here on the island for expectant mothers, to ensure the healthiest possible pregnancy and delivery.”
Emma leaned forward, intrigued. “Like what?”
“Well, we provide close monitoring with frequent check-ups in ways that mom’s probably dream of having.
You won’t only see your little one on anatomy scans and position checks, but bi-weekly to ensure there are no concerns.
There will be prenatal nutrition counseling and supplements.
We also have prenatal yoga and fitness classes to keep you strong and limber.
Most importantly, there will be therapy sessions both solo and with other pregnant women.
What you’re going through is extraordinary and we want to support positive growth and mental health the whole way through. ”
“That all sounds amazing,” Emma said, some of her nerves easing. She was grateful to have such comprehensive care available, something that wasn’t available to her even before the bombs exploded the world.
“We’ve found it really improves outcomes for both mother and baby,” Dr. Larsen said. “I’ll also be here any time you have questions or concerns. Never hesitate to reach out, day or night.”
Tears pricked Emma’s eyes at the doctor’s sincere words. After so much uncertainty and danger in her life, it meant the world to have this support. “Thank you, I really appreciate that.”
Dr. Larsen patted her hand. “You’re very welcome. Now, what do you say we take a peek at your little one? Just a quick consent signature and we can get started—some things linger from the old days.”
Emma signed the form accepting the prenatal care program, her hand trembling slightly with anticipation. After handing the clipboard back to Dr. Larsen, she settled onto the examination table, the rustle of the paper beneath her a familiar sound.
Exhaling slowly, she lay back on the table. Despite everything, she couldn’t contain the smile that spread across her face. She was really doing this—building the family she’d always dreamed of with the men she loved so fiercely. For the first time in a long time, the future looked bright.
Dr. Larsen dimmed the lights and adjusted the ultrasound machine before grabbing a bottle Emma knew was lube off the cart. “Alright, Emma, this might feel a bit cold at first,” she warned before applying the gel to Emma’s stomach after lifting her shirt.
The chill made Emma gasp, but it was quickly forgotten as Dr. Larsen began moving the wand over her skin. Emma’s eyes locked onto the screen, her heart pounding as she searched for any sign of her baby.
“Now we’re not certain of weeks completely, so we may need the more invasive ultrasound.”
Emma didn’t think she wanted to ask questions. With the pregnancy she terminated, she hadn’t known until almost four months along.
The wand continued to move in circles, tracking something she couldn’t make out on the screen. At first, the image was nothing more than a blur of grey and white. But then, as Dr. Larsen adjusted the angle, a small, peanut-shaped shadow appeared. Emma’s breath caught in her throat.
“There we are,” Dr. Larsen said softly, pointing to the screen. “That right there is your baby, Emma. Based on the size, I think your intake appointment was incorrect. You’re about five weeks. So we can’t see a heartbeat just yet, but we’re close.”
Emma couldn’t tear her gaze away, transfixed by the tiny life growing inside her. A life created by the love she shared with her men. Tears welled in her eyes, blurring the image.
“The embryo is measuring a bit on the larger side for five weeks,” Dr. Larsen commented, taking some measurements. “But don’t be alarmed. It means your baby is growing well.”
Emma nodded, unable to speak past the lump in her throat. She’d been so focused on getting pregnant that she hadn’t let herself fully imagine this moment. Now, seeing the reality of her child, a wave of fierce love and protectiveness surged through her.
Tears streamed down Emma’s face as she gazed in wonder at the ultrasound image, the reality of the tiny life growing inside her hitting home. “I can’t believe it,” she whispered, a smile spreading across her face despite the tears. “We did it. We actually made a baby.”
Dr. Larsen smiled warmly. “You certainly did. And from the looks of things, you’ve got a healthy little one on the way.”
A thought suddenly occurred to Emma, and she looked up at the doctor. “Is there any way to do a paternity test? I mean, I know it’s not always possible, but there are multiple possible fathers.”
“We can certainly arrange that,” Dr. Larsen assured her. “Though I have to ask—is it possible that more than one of them could be the father? It’s not common, but sperm can get tangled, or multiples are an option.”
Emma felt her cheeks flush hot as memories of passionate nights spent with each of her lovers flashed through her mind. “I... yes, it’s possible,” she admitted softly.
Dr. Larsen nodded, her expression understanding. “In that case, we can test each of them and see what the results show. But no matter what, this baby is clearly very loved already.”
Emma’s heart swelled at the thought. “Yes, they are,” she agreed, rubbing a hand gently over her still-flat stomach. “More than anything in the world.”
The doctor jotted down a few notes in Emma’s chart before reaching into a drawer and pulling out a bottle of vitamins and a thick book.
“These prenatal vitamins are specially formulated for the needs of pregnant women on the island,” she explained, handing them over to Emma.
“And this book covers everything you need to know about pregnancy, birth, and early childcare in our unique environment.”
Emma accepted the items gratefully, tucking them into her bag. “Thank you, doctor. I’ll be sure to read through it all carefully.”
“Excellent. Now, let’s get your next appointment scheduled.” Dr. Larsen tapped away at her keyboard for a moment. “How does two weeks from today sound?”
“Perfect,” Emma agreed readily. The sooner she could see her baby again, the better.
“All right, you’re all set then,” Dr. Larsen said with a smile, standing up. “You can get dressed now. And congratulations again, Emma. You’re going to be an amazing mother.”
Emma returned the smile, her heart full to bursting. “Thank you,” she said softly. “For everything.”
Dr. Larsen printed out a copy of the ultrasound, handing it to Emma. “Congratulations, Mom. You’ve got a strong little one there.”
Emma traced a finger over the image, marveling at the miracle of it all. After everything she’d been through - the heartbreak, the danger, the fear—this felt like a new beginning. A chance to build the life and the family she’d always yearned for.
She couldn’t wait to share this joy with her men, to see the wonder and awe in their eyes. Together, they would face whatever challenges lay ahead, united by their love for each other and for their child.
Emma clutched the ultrasound photo to her chest, a watery smile on her face. “Thank you,” she whispered again, to Dr. Larsen, to the universe, to the tiny heartbeat fluttering inside her. “Thank you.”
As Doctor Larsen left the room, Emma slowly sat up, still clutching the ultrasound photo. She couldn’t wait to get home to her men, to share this incredible news.
Emma dressed quickly, her mind racing with thoughts of how she would break the news to her men. Should she just come right out and say it? Or maybe she could find a cute, creative way to surprise them?
The warm island breeze caressed her face as she walked out of the clinic, and she let herself pretend it was her mother’s hand.
Emma placed a hand on her still-flat stomach, marveling at the tiny life growing inside her.
She couldn’t help but smile, imagining the looks on her lovers’ faces when they found out they were going to be fathers.
Tears of happiness pricked at Emma’s eyes. This was really happening - she was going to be a mother, and these wonderful men were going to be fathers. Together, they would face whatever challenges lay ahead, united by their love for each other and the child they had created.