Page 162 of The Baby Twist

He placed the doppler on my belly and turned up the sound.

“And here is the baby’s heartbeat. Nice and strong.” He smiled. “Look at that baby, all cozy and growing beautifully,” Dr. Gregario said as he took some measurements.

A single tear fell from my eye as I stared at my baby. He or she had already grown so much since my last visit. Miles leaned over and kissed my forehead, catching me off guard. Dr. Gregario noticed, and a soft smile crossed his lips. I wanted to reach over and smack Miles away, but feeling his lips on my skin soothed me.

“Your baby is right on schedule and looking good. I’ll see you next month,” Dr. Gregario said before leaving the room. “By the way. I know I don’t have to remind you that stress is bad for you and the baby, Stella.”

“I know, Dr. Gregario.”

“Okay. You two enjoy the rest of your day. Glenda will give you the ultrasound pictures.”

Miles and I climbed into the back of the Escalade.

“Weren’t you supposed to have class today?” Miles asked.

“How could I go when I had to be in court?” I cocked my head.

“Right. Sorry. My realtor called and told me that you said you didn’t need his services because you already found an apartment. Is that true?”

“Yeah. It is. I can do things on my own, Miles. I don’t need your help with anything.”

“Where are you living?”

“I’m not telling you that. Sean, can you please drop me off at that Starbucks up there? I have a couple of things to do in this area, and I need an iced coffee.”

“Of course, Stella.”

Sean pulled over, and Miles climbed out first to let me out. As I went to walk away, he grabbed hold of my hand.

“This isn’t the end, Stella.”

I stared at him, pulled out of his grip, and walked down the street.

Miles

I climbed back into the Escalade.

“Drop me off around the corner. I’ll catch a cab to the office. I want you to follow her today and find out where she’s living.”

“Really, Miles?” Sean said.

“Yes, really, Sean.” I arched my brow. “Report back to me later.”

He did as I asked, and I hailed a cab to the office. As I walked into my new office, I smiled. It was finally completed and exactly the way I envisioned it—light true gray walls with a dark gray wall accent where a curvature couch sat, a modern glass coffee table in front, and two matching chairs on each side.

“Nice color.” Isla smiled. “I love it.”

“My mother hated the color gray. In fact, she despised it.” I smirked, sitting in my new high-end leather executive chair behind my new desk. I pulled out the sonogram picture from my suit coat pocket.

“I need you to get me a frame for this. Something that matches my office.” I handed Isla the picture.

“Baby Bradshaw.” She smiled, staring at my child. “How did you get this? I can’t imagine Stella just handing it over to you, especially since your marriage was annulled this morning.”

“I went with her to her doctor’s appointment after court.”

“She let you?” Her brow arched.

“Not really. I didn’t give her a choice.”