Total pages in book: 100
Estimated words: 95307 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 477(@200wpm)___ 381(@250wpm)___ 318(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 95307 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 477(@200wpm)___ 381(@250wpm)___ 318(@300wpm)
My hand is gripping hers as the real fear of something happening to Winnie or the baby takes hold. I’ve never met our baby, but I love her all the same. And Winnie, she’s been my world since the night we met all those years ago. I’ll do everything I can to help her through this. To fight to keep them both healthy and here with me.
“Now, let’s see how you’re doing.” She asks a few more questions, and I step back so that Winnie can lie back on the table and the doctor can get measurements. “Measuring bigger than you should be at this point, but that’s okay. It’s nothing that causes a red flag currently,” she assures us.
We get to listen to the heartbeat, and my own thunders just as loudly. I love this baby. This tiny piece of me, and of Winnie. This tiny human that we created out of love. Please, God, let them both be okay. I send up a silent prayer.
“Everything sounds great. I’ll call you tomorrow with your results, and we can take it from there. If need be, we’ll schedule you in the next week or so for the three-hour fasting glucose test.”
“Thank you, Dr. Taylor,” I say, offering her my hand to shake. She takes it then offers hers to Winnie.
“You’re welcome. You and your baby are in good hands. We see this all the time. What’s important is you doing your part with diet and exercise. Do you have any more questions?”
I look at Winnie who’s already looking at me. “No.” I turn back to Dr. Taylor. “But that doesn’t mean I won’t think of more,” I admit.
She smiles. “When you do, call us. That’s what we’re here for.” She stands and walks to the door. “I’ll call you tomorrow, and we’ll take it one day at a time.”
We say our goodbyes, and it’s just the two of us. “Harrison,” Winnie whispers my name into the quiet of the room.
“I love you.” I pause, letting my words sink in. “I love you more than my job, and I need you to tell me that you know that.”
“I do.” She nods, tears again filling her eyes.
“Good.” I go to her and wrap my arms around her. She buries her face in my neck and lets the tears fall. I don’t say anything. I just tighten my hold on her, and let her work it out of her system.
“We should go.” She pulls away.
“Yeah, you hungry?” I ask her.
“Not really.”
“Okay. Well, I want to stop by the gym and pick up some contracts that I need to go over, then we can head home.”
“You’re not going to work?”
“No.”
“Harrison.”
“Gwendolyn,” I counter. “I’m not going into the gym today. I need to be with you. I can’t explain it, but I can’t leave you right now. Please don’t fight me on this.”
“Okay.”
I offer her my hand, and she takes it. I help her off the exam table and usher her out of the room. We stop at the desk and make our next appointment, then make our way to my truck. The drive to the gym is quiet. “I’ll just be a few minutes. You coming in?” I ask her.
“No. Not right now. I’ll just wait here.”
Leaning over the console, I kiss her cheek. “I’ll be right back.” Climbing out of the truck, I jog into the building.
“Harrison,” Gina calls out for me. “I didn’t think you’d ever get here. We have a new client that wants you to train—” I hold up my hand cutting her off.
“No. I’ve told you I’m not taking on any more clients right now. Not with the baby coming.”
“But—”
This time it’s Chase who stops her. “He said no.” He stops to stand next to her. “You good, man?” he asks. He knows me too well.
“I’m working from home today. Just stopped to pick up a few things.”
“Anything I can do?” he asks.
“Nah, just got some news today. It’s not terrible, but Gwen might have gestational diabetes. I’m going to look over the contracts, and then work on an exercise program for her.”
“What, is she getting too fat for you?” Gina spits out.
“Enough!” I bellow. My feet carry me to her. We’re standing toe-to-toe. “When it comes to my wife, you have nothing to say. Do you understand me? I don’t have to defend my actions to you or anyone else. You know what, I’m done—” I stop when Chase’s hand lands on my shoulder.
“Go get what you need. I’ve got this.”
The words “you’re fired” are on the tip of my tongue. I’ve had enough of her, but even I know that I’m on edge from the appointment. I nod once and turn my back to them, heading toward my office. I trust Chase to handle her. I shouldn’t be making any kind of decisions with my emotions all over the place. Even if she’s been on thin ice since the day she walked through the doors. Grabbing what I need, I don’t bother saying goodbye as I walk out the front door.