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“Absolutely. You should ask questions, too, for anything you don’t understand.

” She smiles at us both. “We’ll continue to do regular ultrasounds, and I’m going to go ahead and order a fetal echocardiogram for the baby, but that won’t need to be scheduled for a few more weeks—closer to your eighteen- or nineteen-week marker.

It’s time to get some blood work done, which could show us anything we need to monitor, but I also want to consider doing an amniocentesis, which could potentially tell us more from taking a sample of the amniotic fluid. ”

“How is that done?” I’m trying to work it through in my head, and I can’t figure out how they would get the fluid.

“We would take a needle and insert it through the stomach and into the uterus and pull fluid through to test. There are some risks involved, so I would encourage you both to do some research before we make that decision.

But at least plan on regular ultrasounds and fetal echocardiograms for the baby as your pregnancy progresses.

“Call the office once you’ve gone over all the information about genetic testing options. When you check out, you can make your next appointment for four weeks from today.”

“Oh, I did have a question, Doctor. I’m not sure if I mentioned it, but I’m a golfer.

I’m finished with my fall season, but I do need to make some decisions about the spring.

I’m pretty sure I’ll be too far along by mid-season, but I guess I just need to know if it’s safe for me to continue to practice.

I’m on a full scholarship to play,” Emma says.

“I’m going to take a guess that the reason why you aren’t seeing one of the university doctors is because of this, correct? You don’t want the coach to know you’re pregnant yet?” She looks at Emma.

“Yes, I’m just not sure what my options will be for school if I lose my scholarship because I can’t play. I’m premed, so not exactly an ideal time for me to lose my scholarship,” Emma tells her.

“Okay, so the good news is that you can still play golf as long as you’re comfortable and assuming there are no complications with the baby. But I have to suggest that you inform your coach and the training staff that you are pregnant.” She pats Emma on the shoulder. “Archie, take care of Mama.”

“You know it. Thanks, Doctor.” I tip my chin at her and smile.

After the doctor walks out, the nurse hands Emma a few papers with orders for blood work and a pamphlet with the testing options. We walk to the checkout counter and schedule her next appointment, which falls right around Christmas.

When we leave the office, I reach for her hand. She looks over at me and smiles.

“What?” I ask her.

“Nothing. I’ve just never really been in a relationship before. I mean, I had a boyfriend in high school, but it wasn’t that serious. Not like hold-my-hand-in-public serious.” She squeezes my hand.

“Me neither, but if you’re gonna let me hold your hand, I’m gonna hold it.” I bring our hands up to my mouth and kiss hers.

“Archie Griffith, you are a softy. And I dig it. I’ll allow the hand-holding.” She tugs my arm to bring me down far enough to kiss me.

“I think you like me, Emma Tucker.” I grin against her lips.

“I think you might be right, Archie Griffith.” She gives me one more kiss, and we continue our walk to my truck.

Once we get in my truck and get buckled, she turns to me. “So, I’ve been thinking. You can’t go to your parents’ for Thanksgiving, right?”

“Right. I can’t get there and back before the game. And we have practice, so timing doesn’t work out. My parents host Thanksgiving, so they can’t get up here either. Why? What did you have in mind?” I reach over and put my hand on her leg.

“Well, I know you had a meal with your friends, but what if you came home with me for the day? It’s only an hour away, so you wouldn’t miss any time from practice. And I think my parents should meet the father of their grandchild.” She puts her hand on top of mine .

“I can do that. My parents are anxious to meet you, too, so we’ll have to make that happen at some point before the baby is born.”

“The next few months will be busy for you if you guys keep winning, so I’m not sure when that can happen, but I would like to meet your parents and your brothers for sure.” She looks out the window and then back at me. “I want this baby to be loved so hard.”

“Darlin’, this baby will be spoiled rotten and will always be loved.” I smile.

She nods. “And do you think your family will like me?”

I bark out a laugh. “My mama has been praying for another female in the family for years. I think I mentioned she’s the only girl in her family, and she is close to both her mom and my dad’s mom, but I think they’re always looking for another hen in the henhouse.”

She laughs. “Well, I am definitely that.” She rubs her belly.

“So, we should talk about what the doctor told us today and make some decisions, right? I’d like to take a look at some of these tests, but I want to know what you’re thinking too.”

“Well, the ultrasounds will happen regardless, but it does bring me some comfort in knowing that they’re going to do fetal echocardiograms to monitor the baby’s heart.

As for the amniocentesis, I’m not sure that’s something I want to do just because of the potential risks involved, but we can talk about it more once you’ve had time to look at it.

The fact that my belly is still smaller concerns me a little, but I haven’t gained much weight, just mostly changes in my shape, so I’m going to try not to stress about that unless she seems worried.

” She wraps her fingers around mine and squeezes.

“Okay, I’m here for you, and I just want to make sure you and the baby are okay.” I lean in and kiss her forehead. “So, Thanksgiving is tomorrow. Are we going together, or should I meet you there? ”

“I’ll probably head up early and help my mom cook. You have practice in the morning or no?” she asks.

“No, we have tomorrow off, but I have to be back tomorrow night. We have an early Friday practice.”

“Okay, I haven’t decided if I’m spending the night. I might even go up tonight actually.”

“You sure you want to drive up there at night? I know it’s only an hour away, but I’m not crazy about you driving in the dark.”

If she wasn’t pregnant, I probably wouldn’t think twice about it.

“I’ll be fine. I think I’ll text my mom real quick to see if she needs any help tonight or if she just wants me to come in the morning.

” She pulls her phone out of her bag and taps on the screen.

“She’s making some of the dishes tonight, so I think I will head up in a bit.

After you drop me off, I’ll pack a small bag and head out before it gets too late.

The other girls left earlier today anyway, so I might as well. ”

“You don’t want to hang out with me?” I pout.

“I’ll see you tomorrow. Don’t give me that pouty lip. Makes me want to bite it.”

“I can arrange that. I’m happy to give you a few orgasms before you leave. Just sayin’.” I move my hand up her leg and in between her thighs.

“Didn’t you just say you didn’t want me to be driving in the dark?”

She laughs, but she doesn’t stop my hand. In fact, she spreads her legs further apart. I rub my fingers up and down the center along the seam. I can feel the heat from her through her pants.

“Baby, I could probably get the first orgasm right here in this truck. While I’m driving.”

“Hmm … I’m not so sure about that. And you should really be paying attention to the road. There’s a baby on board, you know. ”

I stop moving my hand and glance over at her. “You want me to stop? Am I making you nervous?”

“I mean, no.” Her cheeks are tinted pink, and I can tell she’s getting worked up.

So, I continue to rub. Up. Down. Then she starts to lift her hips up and down, matching my movements.

My eyes are watching the road, but I can’t help but glance at her to see how this is affecting her. And I’m not gonna lie—seeing her getting worked up is making my dick hard.

As soon as I pull into her complex, she unbuckles her seat belt and moves over as far as she can toward me, but she’s blocked by the center console.

“Keep touching me, Archie.” Her hips continue to move.

I pull into a parking spot and throw the truck in park. My hands are on her before the engine’s even fully off. I turn toward her, one hand already trailing up her thigh. This time, I don’t tease; I pop the button on her jeans and slide my hand inside.

The heat hits me first, and then the slick glide of her arousal coats my fingers before I’m even all the way there.

“Fuck, darlin’,” I groan, my voice low and rough. “You are so wet for me, aren’t you?”

Her head’s tipped back against the seat, lips parted, breathing shallow. She turns to look at me, eyes heavy-lidded and glassy with need. “It feels so good, Archie. Don’t stop.”

“Wouldn’t dream of it, baby.”

My middle finger is sliding into her folds. On the next lift of her hips, I push my finger inside of her, and she moans.

“Oh fuck, Arch. Right there. Oh God. I’m gonna come!” She’s gripping the door handle with one hand, and she has her other hand on my forearm, like she needs something solid to hold on to while she comes apart.

I watch her—the way her body arches, the way her breath breaks, the flush blooming across her chest—and it nearly undoes me. My dick aches behind my zipper, so hard that it’s painful .

As the first pulse of her orgasm starts, she looks over at me, mouth slightly open. I think I could come in my pants, just watching her come like this. She’s so fucking sexy, coming undone.

“Come for me, Emma. Let me feel you coat my fingers. That’s it, baby. Ride it out.”

I move my fingers faster as she comes. She bites down on her bottom lip.

“You’re so pretty when you come for me, Emma.”

“Ahhh …” She moans as the last of her orgasm flows through her with a cry of, “Holy shit. I think I saw stars.”

I can’t help but chuckle and shoot her a wink. “You’re welcome.”

Then I pull my hand out of her pants, bring my fingers up to my mouth, and suck her wetness from them. She’s watching me, and I’m watching her.

I twirl my tongue around my fingers and hum, “Delicious.”

“Fuck, that’s hot, Archie,” she whispers.

I lean in and kiss her, my tongue seeking hers. Our tongues twirl, and she moans into my mouth.

When she pulls back, she looks at my mouth. “I’d better get inside.”

“Okay, darlin’. I’ll walk you in.”

She nods and then reaches for the door handle.

I pull the handle on my door and push it open. Then I walk around the front of the car and take her hand as she reaches me.

“Do you want to come in while I get ready?” she asks, a wicked smile on her lips.

“Ha! We both know that if I come in and watch you get ready to leave, you won’t be leaving any time soon. So, if you really want to go to your parents’ tonight, I’d better just kiss you goodbye at the door.”

“Okay, fine. You’re no fun.” She giggles.

“Baby, there is nothing I want more than to slip inside that tight pussy, but there’s no way I’ll be letting you leave if I do. ”

When we reach her door, she lets go of my hand and pulls her keys out of her bag. “Thanks for coming with me today.” She looks up at me and smiles.

“Of course. Always be here for you if I can be.”

“I know, but I still appreciate it.” She reaches for my hands and takes them in hers. “Give me one more kiss before you go.”

“You don’t have to ask me twice.” I lean in and kiss her, but instead of letting this kiss grow hot, I kiss her sweetly.

She has a smile on her lips when I pull back.

“Good night, darlin’.” I step away, so I don’t follow her in.

“Night, Arch. I’ll text you the details and my parents’ address for tomorrow.” She walks into her apartment and turns, shooting me a smile before she closes the door.

As I walk down to my truck, I can’t help but laugh to myself.

I have never had to meet the parents before.

The girls I took to prom or other school dances, I grew up with all of them, so no introductions were necessary.

But the stakes are higher on this one. I mean, I get along with everyone, so I don’t think anything will go wrong, but still.

Just another situation I couldn’t have imagined being in this year.