Page 29

AURORA

We enter the doctor’s office, and nervous energy emanates from both Jackson and Ethan. Jax is enthusiastic, bouncing on his feet, while Ethan appears terrified, his hands stuffed in his pockets.

I bump my shoulder into his. “What’s wrong?”

He clasps the back of my neck, his thumb gently caressing. “Nothing, baby.”

I guide the way to the reception window, aware of the curious gazes. There are many reasons to stare—LA’s infamous hockey player being one, the three of us together another.

At the window, I introduce myself and reach into my bag to retrieve my identification and debit card.

Dr. Z’s receptionist, Cathy, takes my ID and hands me an iPad to complete the electronic medical forms.

“Do you have your insurance card?” she asks.

“I don’t have insurance.” Unlike in the past, when I couldn’t afford to see a doctor, I don’t feel embarrassed. “I pay out-of-pocket.”

Jackson’s wide-eyed gaze snaps to Ethan, then me. “What?”

Here we go…

My face heats. “It’s fine. I got it.”

“Absolutely not.” Ethan snatches my debit card before I can hand it over and pulls out his wallet.

“You don’t have to do that.”

His eyebrows nearly hit his hairline, his stormy gray eyes thunderous. “Yeah, I fucking do.”

Thankfully, Cathy interrupts. “Which ultrasound would you like?”

Jackson’s face lights up. “What are our options?”

“The various packages are displayed on the window.” She points to the glass in front of us. “We have standard 2D, 4D, and 5D with 8K enhancement. You can even opt for a video.”

Mesmerized, my boys gape at the different ultrasounds.

I stifle a chuckle. “The Wellness package is fine. Thank you.”

“No, no, no.” Jax shakes his head. “We want the Grand Premiere package with 8K and video.” It sounds like he’s purchasing a car, and given the cost…

Cathy giggles— fucking giggles —at his eagerness. To her credit, I don’t know if I’ve ever seen him smile this much. Every time I catch a glimpse of him, my heart flutters.

“There’s more to see if you get the enhancement after thirty weeks when the baby has more fat,” she explains.

“Can we only get it once?” He cocks his head, as if he doesn’t understand why anyone would limit themselves.

“No. No, of course not,” she stammers. “Today is an important wellness ultrasound, but you’ll have other ones.”

“Okay, we’ll get it then too.” He gives her a dazzling grin that has her blushing.

I take a seat and fill out the forms while Ethan pays an outrageous amount for a twenty-week ultrasound.

Jackson sits next to me, his gaze glued to the questionnaire. “How come it asks how often the baby moves?”

“Some women feel movement by now, but it’s normal not to. It’s hard to tell.”

His brows pinch in concern. “Are you sure?”

I give him a reassuring smile. “I’m positive.”

“Good. I can’t wait.”

His wistful tone breaks my heart. God, please don’t take this away. Just let him be happy.

“Really, Aurora?” Ethan drops into the seat beside me. “I asked you for one fucking thing: to support the baby financially.” He lets out a frustrated huff. “You’ve been paying thousands of dollars and never mentioned it to me?”

He strokes his beard, his signature scowl firmly in place.

He’s cranky. Maybe it’s tension or lack of sex.

Our flight was delayed because of a snowstorm on the East Coast, and I was dragging when we arrived at his apartment.

We cuddled and passed out, only to wake up to a fully energized Jax, who doesn’t even drink coffee.

I squeeze his hand. “It’s okay. It’s my baby too.”

He grips my cheeks, puckering my lips, and plants a loud, smacking kiss on me. “No. It’s not okay.”

I finish the forms and return the iPad. Once I’m back, I hold Ethan’s hand and trace the prominent veins. I had no idea hands could be so sexy.

It’s not long before we’re called back, and I cringe when they take my weight.

It gets more awkward when the doctor enters the room and does a double-take. “Wow, who do we have here?”

“This is Jackson, and this is Ethan, the baby’s father,” I reply in an attempt to simplify our unique relationship.

“Okay, so boyfriend.” She gestures to Jax, then to Ethan. “And baby’s father. Is that right?”

“Close enough,” I answer as Ethan says, “We all live together.”

“Oh… oh !” she exclaims, struck by realization. “I get it.”

Who knew the three of us were living together? Ethan, apparently.

She reviews my medical record and asks the typical questions before getting to the more pertinent material. “Any dizziness or fainting?”

I shift, and the damn paper crinkles underneath me. “Once.”

“What was happening at the time?”

My heart rate spikes. “I was under a lot of stress.”

“Job related?”

Jesus, she doesn’t quit. “No…ah…relationship stuff.”

She glances between the guys. “Would you like to talk alone?”

“I’m fine.” Why is it so hot in here? My face is on fire. “It’s better.”

“Good, because there’s something else we need to go over.”

Fuck, I knew this was coming.

“Would you like to discuss that alone?”

Ethan collars the back of my neck in an unmistakable gesture that he’s not leaving. I peek up at him, and his stern expression says precisely that. I glance at Jackson. His eyes are filled with remorse. Still, he brings my fingers to his lips, easing some of the fear racing through my veins.

“No, it’s okay. They can stay.”

“By this stage of the pregnancy, I like to see over ten pounds of weight gain. You’ve gained around five. You’ve gained less than a pound since I saw you last.”

“I’ve been eating.” It comes out in a whisper, and I attempt to swallow the golf-ball-sized lump in my throat. “But I’m throwing up nearly every day.”

Jax caresses my hand. “It’s true, and not only in the morning.”

“Unfortunately, that’s a myth.” She scrunches her nose in apology. “Try frequent small meals, find what you can keep down, and get plenty of rest.” She punches something into the iPad. “I’ll have the nutritionist contact you.”

All I can manage is a nod.

“Now is not the time to restrict calories.”

“I’m not, I swear. I had a rough few weeks. I’ve been sick and sleeping a lot.” My eyes well up. Harming my baby is the last thing I want.

“The baby needs nutrients to develop and grow, which he’ll take from you if you’re not replacing what’s required. That leaves you tired and depleted. He’ll be growing rapidly from here on out. You need to rest and eat properly.”

Ethan answers with complete confidence and a hint of bite. “She will.”

“Other than that, your blood pressure is a tad high. It could be dehydration or stress on the body, but we’ll continue to monitor it. Now, it’s time to see your baby.” She smiles. “The tech will be in soon.”

Once the door shuts behind her, Ethan captures my chin, bringing my face to his. He remains silent, but his piercing eyes tell me everything. He’s pissed.

“I’m eating. I promise.” My voice trembles, and a tear rolls down my cheek. “Ricky prepares meals and Jax cooks.”

“You have one month in New York. That is all. By your next appointment, you will be under my roof. Am I clear?”

I don’t hesitate. “Yes.”

Do I have a choice? He looks downright murderous. It’s kind of hot, though.

“Good girl.” He kisses my forehead then glares at Jax. “And you…”

“I know. I know. I have no intention of leaving her side. I’ll ensure she eats, rests, and is blissfully happy.”