Written In the Stars

Chapter 12

The silence became more awkward the longer we were in the car. I couldn't take it any longer.

"Uh, do you think we should talk about what happened between us last week in your office?" I ask uncomfortably, while shifting awkwardly in my seat.

"Yes," she answers to my surprise. "But not now, let's talk after we see B. I don't want there to be attention or awkwardness between us while we are at the appointment. Little Bean needs peace and relaxing. B doesn't need the tension or negativity.

I had to wonder what that meant exactly, but I decided not to push it, and just agree. "No, you are absolutely right." 

  *

We were able to get in to see Dr. Philips a little earlier than our scheduled appointment. She came in soon after we got into the room.

"Steffy, good too see...." She stopped, and looked up from the clipboard she was holding at me. "Liam," she said with confusion in her voice. I already know what the confusion is for. She was Hope's doctor as well. She lifted her eyebrow out me. "Well, this is certainly a bit of a surprise. It's nice to see families get reunited. It's good to see the both of you."

Steffy looks quickly up at me before turning her attention towards Dr. Philips. "We actually aren't together, it's a long story."

"But Liam is the father right?" Dr. Philips asks.

"Yes," Steffy and I say together.

Dr. Philips lightens her mood up. "Well either way, it is good to see the two of you together. Now, let's get a good look at that darling baby of yours," she says as she puts her rubber gloves on.

"Lift your shirt up a bit, Steffy."

Steffy lifts her shirt before Dr. Philips squirts the gel onto her stomach. Steffy flinches quickly at its coolness.

I take Steffy's hand in mine.

Dr. Philips moves the probe around Steffy's belly before settling on Steffy's lower abdomen. A second later we hear the most precious sound.

"There it is," Dr. Philips confirmed. "That's your baby's heart beat." She pointed to the screen to show us.

"It's the most gratifying and soothing sound in the world," Steffy smiles. "It just melts away any negativity and makes you feel peaceful."

"I completely agree," I say squeezing her hand.

"I am just taking a few measurements, but it looks like you are right where you need to be. Everything looks wonderful. You can't see too much, but here is the head, and arms and legs."

I look down at Steffy and her face has just lit up with so much pride and joy for Little Bean. I understand her feelings because I feel the exact same way.

"It's amazing, isn't it?" she asks.

"Yeah," I nod knowing exactly what she's referring to.

"Just knowing that I'm carrying this sweet little life, no matter how it came to be. Hearing their heartbeat, it's so..."

"Powerful," I finish. "It sweeps over your entire body, everything."

She smiles up at me, "Exactly."

"You are far enough along, Steffy; I'm pretty sure I can tell. Do you want to know the sex?"