Chapter 40 #2
A giggle burst from Saskia and she let Shola’s arm go. “Do it.” She turned on the spot, perusing the store. “In fact, I don’t think I’m done yet.”
After purchasing enough maternity outfits for several pregnancies, Shola and Saskia went to a baby store and picked out a cradle, a rocking chair, and a change table.
“They’re so beautiful,” Saskia said, pleased with her purchases.
She ran her hand over the white wooden railing of the floor model crib.
“It’s time to go to the hospital for your appointment,” Shola said, pulling Saskia away from a display of stuffed animals.
On their way out, Saskia finally caught sight of one of the bodyguards Shola had mentioned. She waved him over. He looked startled then approached. “What can I do for you, Ms. Koba?” He spoke in Czech, so he was one of Jozef’s.
“We have to go to an appointment now, but I’d like someone to go buy that giant stuffed giraffe for me and have it delivered to my apartment.”
Shola choked on a laugh as the massively muscled and tattooed bodyguard processed her request.
With the utmost respect, he said, “Of course, Ms. Koba.”
“Thank you,” she replied brightly.
As they slid into the car, Shola said, “You shouldn’t distract him from his job like that.”
Saskia shrugged, laughing as she watched him pick up the giraffe through the shop window. “He’ll catch up. I firmly believe it’s good for the bodyguards to get thrown for a loop once in a while.”
“I’ve read your file,” Shola said drily and when Saskia tried to look innocent, added, “When you were younger, you turned ditching bodyguards into a sport.”
Saskia grinned, unrepentant. “A sport I won every single time.”
Shola snorted. “Try it with me and you’ll find out what it’s like to lose.”
“I think I’m probably past my running days,” Saskia replied, her gaze sweeping the hospital grounds as they arrived.
Shola helped her out of the car and they went through the main doors where Shaun was waiting for them in the lobby. Shaun was seven months pregnant, one month more than Saskia, but her tall, elegant form carried it well. There was barely a bump.
Shaun gave Saskia a quick hug. “Let’s get you upstairs.” She checked her phone as they took the elevator to the third floor. “I have to get back to my patient, but I’ll leave you in the waiting room. Dr. Fredrica Slotsky will be with you soon.”
They barely had time to sit when Saskia’s name was called and she was ushered into a room.
“Change into this,” the nurse said, handing Saskia a paper gown before leaving.
Shola stepped out of the room while Saskia changed but came in with the doctor when she arrived.
“Saskia,” she said with a bright smile. “I’m Dr. Slotsky. It’s good to meet you. I understand you’ve had some pre-natal care but no ultrasound yet?”
Saskia nodded. “I was living in a place without a machine.”
“It’s no problem,” she assured Saskia patting the bed, indicating Saskia should climb on. “We’ll do one now.”
She had Saskia lay down and bare her stomach. The doctor applied a gel and then picked up a wand, swishing it over Saskia’s belly, spreading the gel. A moment later, the doctor declared, “Here we are.”
Saskia got to see her baby for the first time. She gasped softly. “Oh wow.” Tears leapt to her eyes and when she looked at Shola, she laughed. Shola was struggling with her own tears. “There’s a baby in there.”
Dr. Slotsky smiled. “I can confirm it’s true, and what’s more, I think…” she moved the wand a little, “You are between 26 and 28 weeks.”
Saskia did the math. “It would be 26,” she said. “The first time Radik and I….” She trailed off, blushing. “It can’t be more than that because we weren’t together.”
“Perfect,” Dr. Slotsky said brightly, entering the number into her computer. “It looks like your due date is going to be… February 12th.”
“Wow,” Saskia said again. It felt so strange having a due date, though she supposed the baby would have to come eventually.
Then Dr. Slotsky asked the question Saskia had been both hoping for and dreading at the same time. “Would you like to know the sex?”
“Yes,” she said instantly. She’d thought it over on the way to the hospital and decided she wanted to know. She wanted to know everything about this tiny human she was going to meet in about three months.
Dr. Slotsky smiled and patted her leg. “You’re going to have a – ”
But her words were drowned out when a sharp knock on the door had them all looking up. Leeza, Havel and Jozef burst into the room.
Shola drew her gun but quickly tucked it away upon seeing who the intruders were.
“What…?” Saskia stared in surprise.
“Sorry to interrupt,” Leeza said, striding to Saskia, snatching up her clothes and dropping them onto her lap. “Get dressed quickly. We need to get you out of here.”
“What’s happening?” Saskia demanded, thrusting her leg into her sweatpants as Havel and Jozef turned around. “Is Radik okay? Has something happened to him?”
Havel snickered.
“This isn’t about Radik,” Leeza assured her. “Our guards caught someone trying to sneak into the maternity department. He asked one of the nurses about you and when she alerted security, he took off. Our people are looking for him now.”
“Russian?” Shola asked.
Leeza nodded. “The nurse he spoke to believes so.”
When she finished dressing, she thanked the doctor who seemed relieved to leave the room, though she handed Saskia her card on her way out. “Please call if you have any questions. We’ll have another meeting in a few weeks to discuss your birth plan.”
Saskia was rushed out of the hospital, surrounded by Shola, Leeza, Havel, Jozef and a contingent of bodyguards.
Jozef put his hand protectively on her head as she ducked into a waiting SUV.
As they drove away from the hospital, Shola grinned at her and Saskia grinned back.
They’d both heard what the doctor said before they were interrupted.
Saskia was having a girl.