Page 163 of Nine Months to Love

He chuckles and takes my hand. “I’ll take that as a ‘sort of.’”

Dr. Kostas knocks once before entering. He’s wearing his white coat over a suit, his wire-rimmed glasses perched on his nose. Today’s tie is a deep navy blue instead of his usual blood-red.

“Dr. Aster. Mr. Safonov.” He nods to each of us. “How are we feeling today?”

“Good,” I say. “Tired, but good.”

“That’s to be expected. You’re in your second trimester now. Energy levels should start improving soon.” He washes his hands at the sink. “Any concerns since your last visit?”

“No. Everything’s been normal.” I look at Stefan and add, “Well, normal as far as the baby is concerned, at least.”

“Excellent. Let’s take a look at this baby, shall we?” He wheels the ultrasound machine over and squirts gel onto my stomach. It’s cold and I flinch. “Sorry about that,” he chuckles. He presses the wand against my belly and the screen glows to life.

Static at first, then shapes. Movement.

And there it is. Our baby.

Bigger than last time. More defined. I can see the curve of the spine, the tiny fists, the profile of the face.

“Beautiful,” Dr. Kostas murmurs. “Measurements look perfect. Heart rate is strong.” He clicks a few buttons and the room fills with the rapidthump-thump-thumpof the heartbeat.

Stefan’s hand tightens around mine. His eyes are fixed on the screen.

“Everything looks good,” Dr. Kostas continues. “Weight is right on track. Development is progressing normally.” He moves the wand slightly. “Would you like to know the sex?”

I look at Stefan. We’d talked about this before. He said he wanted to know. I wasn’t sure. But now, seeing our baby on that screen, I want to know, too.

“Yes,” I say. “We want to know.”

Dr. Kostas adjusts the angle and points to the screen. “See this right here? That’s your daughter.”

My breath catches. “A girl?”

“A girl,” he confirms with a smile.

Stefan doesn’t say anything. I’m worried that something is wrong… until I glance over at him and see tears streaming down his face.

“Stefan?”

He wipes his eyes roughly with the back of his hand. “Sorry. I just… A girl.”

“You’re happy?”

“I’m terrified,” he admits. “But yes. I’m happy.”

Dr. Kostas gives us a moment, busying himself with printing out ultrasound photos. When Stefan has composed himself, the doctor hands us the pictures.

“These are for you. Keep them somewhere safe.” He wipes the gel off my stomach. “I’ll see you back here in four weeks. Call if you have any concerns before then.”

“Thank you, Dr. Kostas.”

“My pleasure. Congratulations, both of you.”

He leaves and I sit up, smoothing down my shirt. Stefan is gazing down at the ultrasound photo like nothing in the history of human civilization has ever been more beautiful.

“A daughter,” he says softly.

“Are you disappointed?”