“This is my fiancé, Max.”

“It’s nice to meet you,” Dr. Howard said and sat on the rolling chair. After he opened up Jenna’s file, he started asking questions. “How are you feeling?”

“I’m much better. I’m starting to eat more.”

“That’s great. It looks like you’ve gained a couple of pounds.” He paused. “Any signs of distress?”

“No. So far so good.”

“Good. Would you like to hear the baby’s heartbeat?” Dr. Howard looked at me.

That question came as a surprise. It took me a longer than a second to answer. “Sure.” I think the sound of my tone was uncertain.

“Lay back for me, Jenna.”

Grrr! I didn’t like that way he said those words. Now he was lifting her gown to expose her stomach. I had to calm down. After he put a splat of gel on this device that looked like a small hand held back massager, he circulated it around Jenna’s stomach until...Holy Jesus! The sound of a tiny heart beating rapidly was the most beautiful sound I’d ever heard, besides Jenna’s moans of pleasure. My heart immediately expanded with bliss, and having a baby became more real to me.

My eyes locked on Jenna’s with a warm smile. That warmth spread through my body, giving an indescribable feeling. I didn’t know what to say or do at that moment except stare lovingly at my wife-to-be and think about the unexpected baby growing inside. Something happened to me as shivers of joy ran down my spine. Another level of excitement rushed through and I couldn’t wait for our baby to be born.

“We should know the sex of the baby by next month,” Dr. Howard said, helping Jenna up. I didn’t mind his hands on her this time. In fact, I grew a new profound respect for him as soon as I heard the heartbeat. I just realized he was going to be the one helping Jenna through this pregnancy, and most importantly, he was going to be the one delivering our baby.

Jenna looked at me without a word. She was asking me if we wanted to know the sex of the baby. “Maybe we should keep it between us. Whatever you want, babe.”

“Max and I will discuss this further at home.” Jenna sat back into her chair.

“Sounds good,” Dr. Howard said. “The baby sounds healthy. I’ll see you next month.”

I cleared my throat, feeling uneasy about asking a question that might sound selfish. “I was wondering...is it safe to...when should we stop? Will it hurt the baby?”

Dr. Howard’s eyes sparkled with amusement and he let out a soft chuckle. “You can have sex as long as Jenna is comfortable. You are not hurting the baby in any way. That placenta in Jenna’s stomach is thick and strong. Enjoy. Her hormones will be skyrocketing. See you both next month. Oh, by the way, I would strongly encourage you both to take a Lamaze class. It will help you prepare for the possibilities and answer questions you might have.” With a smile, he left.

Chapter 21

Matthew

It had only been less than a week, but I missed Becca like crazy. Feeling like there was something left unsaid, and like we weren’t together, didn’t give me any comfort either. Her messages, which were always short and to the point, didn’t help. Something was wrong. There was nothing I could do being so many miles away; I would have to wait until I got back.

It was strange to be in a country that had the opposite weather. The memo I’d read before packing said that it would be cooler. Thank goodness I’d brought a thicker coat. Before I left Los Angeles the weather was warm, seventy-five degrees, but it was freezing cold here. I had to admit, their accent amused me and I purposely asked a lot of questions just to hear them speak. My co-workers and I were heading to dinner, but just before I left I texted Becca.

What are you doing?

I’m in London now.

I feel like I’ve been gone a long time.

We’ll see each other soon.

You’re not running away, are you?

No.

You want to talk on the phone?

I have things to do.

Now?

Yes. We can talk when I get back.

Have a safe flight back home.

You too.

I miss you.

Becca didn’t respond to my last message, and it hurt like hell. It felt like she was trying to end our relationship. If she didn’t care for me anymore then I would have to let her go, but if it was because of the situation with Tessa, I would not let her. We’d just have to get through this.

One of my male co-workers knocked at the door. “Ready boss?”

“I’ll be right there,” I replied, staring at my phone, waiting for Becca’s message. Fuck! Forget it. I was going to enjoy my friends, who I’d been turning down chances to go out with this week.

Everyone had gone to a nightclub after dinner except for me. Feeling like a ton of bricks were on my shoulders, I didn’t want to damper my co-workers’ moods by sulking in front of them. Instead of going straight to my room, I swung my coat over my shoulder, loosened my tie, rolled up the sleeves of my dress shirt halfway, and took a detour to the bar near the lobby.

There were a few couples at the tables and some people sitting at the bar. It was dark and nearly empty, just the way I liked it.

“Give me any hard liquor,” I said to the bartender.

“That bad?” The bartender poured the liquor into the glass.

“I guess it could be worse.” I took the bill and signed it. “Please, charge it to my room.”

“Thank you.” He sounded grateful, seeing that I left a good tip for him.