Chapter Twelve. #2
Nivéa stared at the tiny shape that was not much larger than a bean.
Too small for her to make out arms, legs, or a face.
Yet the sight of it made the pregnancy real in a way the tests, nausea, and weight gain had not.
Until that moment, the baby had existed mostly as an idea inside her head.
Now there was proof. A tiny life had found a place inside her body once again and was holding on.
Crown leaned closer to the monitor. “That little thing?”
Dr. Harris smiled. “That little thing.”
“That’s the whole baby?”
“At this stage, yes.”
He looked down at Nyla, then back at the screen as if trying to understand how she had once appeared just as small.
Giggling, Dr. Harris clicked a few measurements. “Looks like your estimated due date is May 12th. And there’s something else I’d like you to see.” She said, enlarging the image.
Near the center of the tiny shape was a rapid flicker, blinking so quickly Crown almost missed it.
“That is the cardiac activity.”
Crown’s thumb stopped moving across the back of Nivéa’s hand as he watched in awe.
Dr. Harris took another measurement, then adjusted a setting on the machine.
A fast, steady rhythm filled the room. The sound was louder than Nivéa remembered; her eyes filled.
Crown remained completely still; he was taking it all in.
“That’s your baby. The heartbeat is measuring at 116 beats per minute. Strong and exactly where I want it to be.” Dr. Harris confirmed with a smile.
Seeing Crown so emotional caused tears to fall from Nivéa’s eyes, especially when he brought her hand to his mouth and pressed his lips against her fingers. His grip remained firm, but the slight shake in it betrayed him.
“You alright, big man?” She whispered.
Crown nodded, still watching the monitor. “Yeah, baby. Just ain’t know it was gon’ sound like that. The shit is beautiful.”
“I know, right?” Nivéa’s tears slipped into her hair.
Dr. Harris remained quiet, allowing them their moment. She printed several images, then turned the sound off and completed the rest of the scan. She checked Nivéa’s ovaries, confirmed there was only one embryo, and reviewed the measurements one more time before ending the exam.
“Everything looks appropriate for this stage. Today is a good day. Congratulations to you both, again.” She said, handing Crown the strip of ultrasound photographs.
He accepted them proudly, grinning. Dr. Harris then explained that Nivéa would return in a few weeks.
They also discussed the option of genetic screening.
When they finished, Crown and Nivéa walked out of the office, paperwork in hand.
Inside the elevator, on their way down to the parking garage, he was all in his feelings.
“Com’ere.” He said.
Nivéa stepped closer, and Crown pulled her into his arms while balancing Nyla’s carrier with his other hand. She rested her cheek against his chest, feeling the warmth and strength radiating from him.
“You’ve given me something so special, ma. A nigga forever grateful. I’ma take care of y’all.” He promised.
“You already do.”
Crown held her a few seconds longer, his chin resting against the top of her head.
He wanted to stay in that moment forever.
After witnessing his little one on the screen and hearing the heartbeat, nothing else seemed important.
Not the club, the war, or the men waiting on his next move.
But eventually, the elevator doors opened behind them, pulling him back to reality.
When they reached the truck, Crown unlocked it and opened the passenger door for Nivéa. He kept one hand around hers as she stepped up, making sure she was settled before reaching across her to pull the seat belt into place.
“I can buckle myself.” She sassed, watching him secure it across her.
“I know, but you don’t have to as long as I’m around.”
Nivéa smiled and leaned forward to kiss his cheek before he closed the door.
Crown then carried Nyla around to the backseat, lowering the carrier onto its base.
He pressed down until it clicked securely into place, then tugged it twice to ensure it wouldn’t shift.
After checking that her straps were positioned correctly and pulling the small blanket away from her face, he closed the back door and walked around to the front of the truck.
He did all of this while keeping his eyes and ears open.
He had that heat on him and was ready to drop any muthafucka who dared to play with him while he had his family.
By the time Crown opened the driver’s door, Nivéa was holding his burner in the air.
It had been vibrating since she climbed inside.
Crown paused, one hand gripping the door, as his gaze shifted from the phone to her pretty face.
He contemplated whether he should at least get them home first. He hated this shit with a passion.
“Answer it. Can’t ignore it during a time like this.” Nivéa said softly.
Crown ran his thumb across his beard, giving her a slight nod; she was right. He took the phone from her hand, stepped back out of the truck, and pushed the door closed behind him before accepting the call. He didn’t even get a chance to speak. The voice on the other end wasted no time.
“Your package has just been delivered. You’ve got twenty-four hours to get it, or it returns to sender.”