44. Selena
Selena
Irecline on the exam table, the crinkly paper beneath me making a noise every time I move. The gel on my stomach is cool but it’s worth it. Because I’ll never grow tired of hearing those two strong heartbeats. A melodious sound that tells me my babies are alive and well.
Dr. Anklan studies the screen one last time before turning toward us with a smile that instantly softens every knot that's been twisting inside my stomach.
For a second, I can't breathe.
"The babies are all healthy and developing perfectly. The bleeding was perfectly normal and nothing we should be alarmed about.”
A flood of relief and joy washes over me.
A laugh escapes me, and my hand immediately goes to my mouth in an attempt to stifle it. Tears flood my vision, but I don’t care.
"They're... they're okay?" I whisper, even though I heard the doctor clearly. I just need that extra bit of confirmation.
"They're more than okay," he says warmly. "They're growing beautifully. And in another six months you’ll have them in your arms.”
A sob breaks free before I can stop it. Zeke leans over and kisses me softly while Eli takes hold of my hand and gives it a gentle squeeze. Jay, not to be outdone, places his hand on my thigh and squeezes gently.
"Oh, thank God,” Eli mutters.
All my nightmares I'd tried not to imagine—the bleeding, the uncertainty—melt away beneath the doctor's words.
I smile so hard my cheeks ache and I shift my gaze to the three men who’ve barreled their way into my life.
"You hear that? Our babies are okay,” I tell them, like they aren’t even in the same room or heard a word Dr. Anklan said.
"They certainly are," Zeke says softly. “And they’re going to stay there until they’re good and cooked.”
"They’re fighters. Just like their mom," Jay boasts.
Dr. Anklan politely clears his throat, giving us a moment before returning to the practical side of the appointment. He gently wipes the excess gel from my stomach.
"You’re good to go ahead and get dressed. I’d like to see you again in a couple weeks. You can make that appointment at the front desk on your way out."
“Umm, Dr. Anklan,” Eli starts to ask as he helps me to slowly sit up.
“Yes, sir,” he replies, turning his chair so he can face him better.
Eli scratches the back of his neck, suddenly looking far less confident than usual. It’s so unlike him I can’t help but find it cute.
"I… ummm... have a question."
"Go ahead."
He glances at me before speaking again, "Is it safe for us to be intimate? We,” he gestures between him and his brothers, “were worried it might cause her to start bleeding again."
I don’t have to look in a mirror to know my face is red. Suddenly I just want to crawl into a hole and die.
Zeke laughs. “Selena, don’t be embarrassed. It’s perfectly natural.” He winks. “We need to make sure we’re doing it safely.”
"I can't believe you're doing this while I'm sitting right here." I groan.
"Where else would we ask?" Jay asks with an amused grin. "Better to hear it from the doctor than spend weeks guessing. Plus, you need to know as well.”
My eyes drift back over to Dr. Anklan, who doesn't seem embarrassed in the slightest. I wonder if he gets these questions a lot.
"If she's feeling well and there aren't any new complications, normal intimacy will be fine."
All three of them visibly relax at his words. But I’m left wondering what’s normal intimacy for a woman with three men. Is this more common than I know?
Zeke clears his throat. "There's no chance it could hurt the babies?"
"None," the doctor assures him.
"Not even a small risk? There are three of us," Jay states.
He shakes his head. "The babies and Mom are doing well. Intimacy won't affect the pregnancy."
"So the biggest thing is just making sure she's comfortable?" Eli questions, his hand slipping into his pockets as he rocks back on his heels.
“Correct. The body is an amazing thing and it will tell you if something’s wrong.
” Dr. Anklan glances at me. “You have three men who are very watchful of you. Just be sure to communicate with them. As your pregnancy progresses, you may need to adjust to positions that are more comfortable for you.” The doctor gives a patient smile at the guys.
“Pregnancy isn't the same for everyone. Some women feel wonderful, others don't. The important thing is listening to Selena. "
“Thank you, Doctor. For answering all their questions.”
“You’re welcome. If anything changes, then you call immediately. Otherwise, keep taking care of yourself, stay hydrated, and try not to let these three worry you too much." He shuts down the computer and stands before leaving us in the room alone.
"I've never been so scared in my life,” Eli confesses. “I’m just so glad that you and the babies are okay and we have answers to the questions that the guys and I were worried about.”
“How about we get out of here? Go have some lunch and head home,” Zeke says.
“We can finish watching Love Island.” Jay gives me a wink.
“Sounds good to me. I’m just excited and nervous to know that in six months we’re going to finally meet our babies. I love them, and I haven’t even seen them yet.” I smile through a wave of happy tears.
"They’re going to be the most loved and spoiled children ever born. We love them too.” Zeke leans in and kisses me softly on the lips.
As we gather our things and head for the door, I catch each of them watching me with expressions full of affection, relief, and quiet excitement. Something tells me that tonight I’m going to be exhausted and not horny at all.