CHAPTER 16 #2
I don’t go into details because my doctor doesn’t need to know them. However, I do see a hint of respect in Dr. Huffman’s eyes. That’s enough.
“Good,” my doctor nods.
He goes about doing the exam. When he measures my belly, Bridger asks what he’s doing. Dr. Huffman explains without sounding annoyed at being questioned. I swear my man hangs on every word.
Once done, Dr. Huffman rolls his stool a little bit away from me and smiles. “Everything is looking good. You’ll go into the ultrasound room in just a moment, but I wanted to know if you have any questions for me.”
“I don’t,” I tell him. “I’m just glad everything is looking good.”
He smiles my way before looking at Bridger. “What about you, Bridger? Since this is the first time you’re here, is there anything you have questions about or anything you’re worried about? I’d like to put your mind at ease and help you feel comfortable with everything going on.”
Bridger pulls his phone out and I have to cover my mouth to stop myself from laughing.
“Avery mentioned she can still have a cup of coffee a day, but isn’t any caffeine bad for a fetus?
Some places I’ve seen say you shouldn’t eat deli meat and then others say it’s okay?
Do you have information on childbirth classes you recommend?
What hospital do you have privileges at?
Is it true a lot of first-time moms go past their due date? What about sex, is it really okay?”
Dr. Huffman has zero shame when he chuckles at the barrage of questions thrown at him. Bridger doesn’t crack a smile; his lip doesn’t even twitch. He’s dead fucking serious and, I’m afraid, about to punch my doctor.
“I’m sorry,” Dr. Huffman holds up a hand as he gets himself under control, “I don’t mean to laugh. You’ve asked some really good questions and I’m glad you came prepared with them. I want to answer each one so I can put your mind at ease.
He takes a deep breath and starts with the first question.
“One cup of coffee is fine, I promise. Deli meat is a grey area. The concern is contracting Listeria which is a foodborne bacterial illness which is harmful to both mom and baby. If the meat is heated to 165 degrees, then it’s fine to eat, but if not then I do recommend steering clear. ”
“I don’t even like deli meat all that much,” I interject. I give Bridger’s hand a squeeze, “I’m not missing out with not being able to eat it.”
My man nods once and then looks at my doctor expectantly. Dr. Huffman’s lip twitches but he doesn’t laugh again.
“I’ll grab you some pamphlets about childbirth classes.
I always recommend going to them because the breathing techniques can be helpful, and it does help to get over some fear around childbirth, especially if it’s not something you’ve had the chance to experience before.
” He glances at me and gives me a small smile, “I’ve already talked with Avery about which hospital she prefers to give birth at, and I believe she mentioned having a tour planned closer to her due date, so I’ll let you two talk about that together.
As far as going past the due date, all pregnancies and all women are different.
Avery’s appointments will be weekly as the due date approaches, and we’ll monitor her closely.
” He takes a breath and lets it out slowly.
“As far as sex, it’s fine. Just remember to talk to each other about what feels good and what is too much.
If you have any spotting afterward, then you may need to come in or, at the very least, reevaluate the voracity of your lovemaking. ”
Bridger nods and I notice the tops of his ears going a little pink. “Thank you.” When he glances at me, I can see the hunger in his eyes.
It makes me wonder if he’s been holding back because he was afraid of hurting me and the baby, or if it was part of the whole taking our time and going slow plan we came up with two weeks ago.
What I do know is that my body is buzzing and I desperately want to get naked with this man. The way he’s shown up for me over the last two weeks is an aphrodisiac I never knew existed.
“If you don’t have any other questions, I’ll have the nurse take you over to the ultrasound room.”
Excitement fills me and from the way Bridger squeezes my hand, I’m not alone. After thanking my doctor, he slips out and a nurse comes in a few minutes later. She eyes my man with interest written all over her face.
As we follow her down the hall, the nurse asks, all sultry, “So, are you a friend? Maybe the baby’s uncle?”
My heart rate spikes, and I fist my hands at my sides so hard that I’m sure I’ll leave marks on my palms from my nails. As the nurse opens the door to one of the ultrasound rooms, Bridger wraps an arm around my shoulders and pulls me back against his solid chest.
His voice rumbles through my body, “Avery is my woman. Mine.” His hand wraps around my body and rests on my bump.
“Just like this baby.” His voice turns artic, “You shouldn’t hit on any man who comes here with a woman, no matter what the relationship is between them.
It’s not a good look. You should only be focused on your patients. ”
The nurse pales slightly and I try really hard to stop myself from smiling. I’m fairly sure I fail.
“I’m sorry,” she squeaks before scurrying down the hallway and disappearing.
“I should lodge a complaint with your doctor,” Bridger grumbles while leading me into the room. While I get comfortable, I don’t take my eyes off Bridger. When he turns and notices, he grunts, “What?”
“That was sexy as hell,” my voice sounds all breathy.
He leans over me, his mouth hovering over mine, “Is that so?”
My hand wraps around the back of his neck and I pull him closer. When our lips meet, it’s like a bomb goes off. The kiss goes from sweet to sinful in a heartbeat. I moan into his mouth, and he swallows down the sound.
When the door opens, I try to pull back quickly but he doesn’t let me. He slows the kiss and then pulls away slowly. I look over at the ultrasound tech who is grinning from ear to ear.
“I love seeing couples in love who are growing their families,” she chirps.
My cheeks heat and Bridger shoots me a smug as fuck smile and winks. I can’t seem to take my eyes off him, even as I follow the tech’s directions to pull my leggings down a little and my shirt up.
It’s only when the tech exclaims, “Let’s have a look at your baby,” that I look away from him.
The moment our little one appears on the screen, all grainy black and white, I steal another look his way. The awe on his face is priceless. I’m tempted to take a picture. Instead, I file it away in my memories.
While the tech moves the wand over my belly, she tells us about everything she’s checking. When we get the chance to listen to the baby’s heartbeat my eyes fill with unshed tears. I’m not the only one either. Bridger’s eyes turn glassy, and he reaches for my hand like he needs me to ground him.
“Oh,” the tech exclaims before giggling softly. “Do you want to find out the gender?”
“Yes,” we say in unison.
When she points at the screen, “Do you see this? It looks a little like a hamburger?” I nod without looking away from the screen or chancing a glance at Bridger. “You’re having a little girl.”
My eyes go wide as Bridger breathes out, “A girl.” There’s a beat before he growls, “I’m going to have to get a gun if she looks anything like you, Sweetheart.”
The tech giggles, but I don’t. Because I have a feeling he’s not joking. When I can finally tear my eyes away from the screen, the way he has his jaw clenched tells me I’m right.
But that’s okay. We’re having a little girl. I know my man is going to be the best girl dad around. She’s a lucky little girl. I can’t wait and am so glad I’ll have a front row seat.