Page 41

Chapter Forty

Savannah

I’m sipping on my juice, trying to ignore the feeling that’s been creeping up on me since the weekend. It’s a weird mix of anxiety and exhaustion that won’t shake off. My phone buzzes, breaking my train of thought.

It’s Millie. Hey, babe. I’m so sorry again, but I’m meeting with a potential client this morning. I really wish I could come with you to your appointment.

I frown, taking another sip of my juice. I quickly type back, No big deal. I’ll be fine, really. It’s just another checkup.

But she’s quick to reply again. I feel so bad, though. I just wish I could be there with you. Especially for Dr. Hill. You’ll be going to your gyno alone. That sucks.

I roll my eyes, feeling the weight of everything I’ve been trying to ignore. It’s fine, Millie. I’ve got this. Don’t worry about it.

She doesn’t back down. I know, I know. But still…I just want you to be okay. Update me every hour, okay?

I chuckle to myself, trying to lighten the mood a bit. I’ll update you every thirty minutes if it’ll make you feel better.

There’s a pause before she replies with a heart emoji. You’re the best. Talk to you later.

I set the phone down with a sigh. I’m not feeling all that confident about going to this appointment. But the truth is, it’s just one of those things. My belly’s gotten so big now, I feel like I’m waddling when I walk. The thought of sitting through an appointment like this—alone—doesn’t sit right, but I know I’ll survive.

The doorbell rings. I stand up from the table, stretching my back. I’ve been sitting around all morning, dreading the thought of getting dressed, but here we are.

I swing the door open, expecting to see some delivery guy or maybe the neighbor asking about something. Instead, I freeze.

Jamie.

He’s standing in my doorway, looking like he owns the place. His hair’s messier than usual, and there’s a look in his eyes like he’s up to something.

“Hey, babe,” he says with a smile. He’s holding something behind his back, his grin widening when I don’t say anything.

“What the hell are you doing here?” I ask, my voice catching in my throat. A wave of relief washes over me, but I don’t know how to handle it.

Jamie steps in without waiting for me to invite him. He moves right past me and shuts the door behind him. “I’m here for you. You didn’t think we’d let you go see Dr. Hill by yourself, did you?”

I stare at him for a second, unable to keep my emotions in check. Tears sting my eyes, catching me completely off guard. “Jamie…” I can’t even get the words out.

He sets whatever he was holding down on the table, walks over, and pulls me into his arms. He kisses me like he means it—like he knows how much I’ve needed someone to show up. “You look good, babe,” he murmurs into my hair. “You’re glowing, and...wow, your belly’s popped more in the last few days, huh?”

I nod, still trying to control my emotions. He’s here. He’s actually here. “I didn’t think you’d show up. I…”

“Of course, I’m here.” He pulls back, tilting my chin up to look at him. “There’s no way I’m letting you go to this appointment alone. You’ve been through enough, Savannah. You don’t need to do this by yourself.”

I can’t stop the tears now. I sniffle, wiping at my eyes, and he pulls me closer. “I didn’t think anyone cared,” I admit, my voice cracking. “It’s been so hard lately, and I…”

He hushes me, placing a finger against my lips. “Hey, don’t say that. We care. We’ve always cared. Troy, me, the guys—we’re here for you.” His voice softens as he takes my hands in his. “You’re not alone, Savannah. And we’re not going anywhere.”

I blink a few times, trying to get the tears under control. Jamie steps back a little, scanning me with that familiar intensity. “Come on. Let’s get you to the doctor. You’ve got a full team here, and we’re not about to let you down.”

I chuckle, wiping my face. “You guys really are a pain in the ass, you know that?”

“Yeah, well, I’m your pain in the ass.” Jamie grins, leaning in to kiss me again, soft and quick. Then he pulls away, eyes bright. “Now, let’s go. Dr. Hill’s waiting, and we’re not leaving you hanging.”

I blink at him, still overwhelmed but finally starting to feel a little lighter. He’s here, and he’s serious. He’s showing up for me like he promised. “I…I really appreciate this, Jamie. I really do.”

“You don’t need to thank me. We’ve got this. We’re doing this together.”

I smile through the tears, nodding as I take his hand. “All right. Let’s go.”

As we walk out the door, I feel something I haven’t felt in a long time: I feel cared for. I feel loved.

Jamie leans in, giving me a quick kiss before he opens the car door for me. He even insists on holding my hand the whole way, like I might just float away if he lets go. And maybe, just maybe, it’s what I need right now.

There’s a calm in the chaos, and for the first time in a while, I’m actually looking forward to the day ahead. Maybe, just maybe, I’ll get through this okay.

He’s right. We’ve got this. And it feels like, for the first time, I’m not facing it alone.

***

I’m lying back on the exam table, my feet in the stirrups, trying not to think too hard about the situation. The OBGYN has been poking and prodding, but at least he’s not making me feel too awkward.

He’s focused, talking through things in a calm, professional voice, but honestly, I’m just trying not to think about how uncomfortable this all feels.

“Heartbeats are strong, Savannah,” the doctor says, checking the monitor again. “Baby A, Baby B, and Baby C are doing just fine.”

I sigh with relief, my body relaxing a little. Jamie’s standing by my side, phone in hand, like he’s recording this for a goddamn highlight reel. I can feel the weight of his eyes on me, his presence a little comforting, even if I don’t love the idea of him filming the whole damn thing.

“You’re gonna wanna see this,” Jamie says, holding up his phone. “I’ll send it to the guys. They’re gonna freak.”

I roll my eyes, but the warmth in my chest is hard to ignore. The fact that they all care so much—Jamie, Troy, even Millie—makes this whole pregnancy feel a little more manageable, even when I feel like I’m barely holding it all together.

“All right, Savannah, we’re almost done here,” the doctor says, adjusting the stirrups. “You’re doing great.”

“Just trying to keep it together,” I mutter, my face heating up.

Jamie gives me a soft grin, leaning down to kiss my forehead. “You’re doing fine, baby.”

Once the OB is done, he steps away, letting me get dressed. Jamie stands by the door, still filming, though at least now he’s not hovering too close. He knows better than to invade my personal space right now.

“You’re all good, Savannah,” the doctor says as he finishes up with his notes. “Your due date’s gonna be around December twenty-first.”

I laugh lightly, rubbing my belly. “Just in time for Christmas, huh? Maybe they’ll make it a Christmas miracle.”

He gives me a nod, smiling. “Could be. You’re progressing well. Keep resting like you’ve been doing, and everything should be fine.”

“Thank you, doctor,” I say, feeling a little more reassured. “I’ve been trying to take it easy, but it’s not always easy when I feel like I’m being run over by a freight train.”

“You’re doing great. Just keep listening to your body.”

I nod, looking over at Jamie. He’s still got that damn phone out, but I can’t be mad at him. He’s been trying to help, even if it’s a little weird having him document all this.

“Hey, doc,” I say after a moment of hesitation. “Can I, uh, can I have sex again? Is that…is that all right?”

Jamie’s throat clears, and I can’t help but glance over at him. He looks caught off guard, his brows furrowing slightly. I can’t even blame him for that.

We’re talking about the last thing on his mind right now—sex—while I’m carrying triplets and trying not to break down into tears every five minutes.

The OBGYN doesn’t miss a beat. “As long as you’re careful, there’s no reason why you can’t. But you’ve gotta listen to your body, okay? If it’s too much, stop. And make sure your partners are on board with being gentle.”

Jamie’s eyes lock onto mine, and I know exactly what he’s thinking. “Uh, we’ll be careful,” he says, sounding a little more serious than before.

I try to hold back a smirk. “Don’t worry, Jamie. I’m not planning to go wild.”

The doctor nods in approval. “Good. Just take it slow, Savannah. You’re doing fine, but don’t push yourself.”

I nod, taking in his advice. It’s nice to know that things are still manageable. Maybe not ideal, but manageable.

Once the doctor leaves, I start to sit up. Jamie’s right there, his hands hovering over me, ready to help me get dressed. I push myself up slowly, still feeling the weight of everything, but I’m determined to keep going.

“Here, let me,” Jamie says, helping me into my clothes. He’s gentle, patient, but I can tell by the way his hands linger that he’s trying to make me feel comfortable—trying to make me feel like he’s still here for me, even in the weirdest of moments.

I catch myself smiling at him as he pulls the top over my head. “You’ve got a real thing for helping me get dressed, don’t you?”

Jamie lets out a soft laugh. “What can I say? I’m a giver.”

Once I’m dressed, I stand up, and Jamie grabs my jacket. He helps me put it on, and there’s something so calming about the way he takes care of me.

It’s not even just about the pregnancy; it’s the way he’s always been there, always ready to step up and handle things for me.

“Thanks for being here,” I say quietly, my voice soft.

“Of course, baby.” He pulls me close, kissing me on the forehead. “I missed you. You’ve been all business, and I’ve been…well, I’ve been missing the hell out of you.”

I laugh lightly, shaking my head. “You’re such a sap.”

He chuckles. “Yeah, I know. It’s why you love me.”

I smirk, raising an eyebrow. “Is that why?”

“Yeah,” he says with a grin. “Now, you wanna get ice cream or what?”

I can’t help but smile. “You really do love me, huh? Ice cream? What, you think that’s gonna win me over?”

Jamie shrugs. “Works every time.”

I laugh, leaning into him. “All right, fine. Ice cream sounds good.”

As we walk out of the office, I feel the weight in my chest lighten a little. It’s not just the ice cream—it’s the fact that Jamie’s here. He’s showing up for me, and that’s all I really need right now.

“Alright, baby, let’s get you your ice cream,” Jamie says, his hand on the small of my back as we walk out together.