I keep pressing kisses to her hair while murmuring words of comfort.
CARLA
After I cried my eyes out, Noah helped me to the bathroom and gave me a sponge bath.
Back in bed and wearing my own clothes, I feel a hell of a lot better.
One hour with Noah and I’m as good as new. That’s the power he has over me. It’s like he’s my life force.
The door opens, and Mrs. West and my parents come in.
Dad comes to kiss my forehead, then he asks, “How do you feel?”
“Like a new person.” I smile.
Mrs. West checks the tubes which drain any fluids from my lungs, then she says, “I’ll remove the tubes first thing tomorrow morning. Okay?”
I nod, then ask, “Do I still have to use the oxygen mask?”
“Only if you feel you need it.”
Her answer makes my smile grow.
Mrs. West gives my hand a squeeze, then she says, “I’m sorry you got hurt…”
I quickly shake my head. “Don’t apologize. It wasn’t your fault.”
The corner of her mouth lifts slightly.
Just then the door opens again, and Dr. Wells comes in. “How’s momma and baby doing this afternoon?”
“Good,” I answer.
Mrs. West goes to stand at the foot of the bed so Dr. Wells can get to the ultrasound equipment, which I didn’t even notice until now.
Noah comes to stand on my left, and when he takes hold of my hand, I link our fingers, giving him an excited smile. Lifting my hand, he presses a kiss to the back of it.
While Dr. Wells neatly pushes my t-shirt up, she says, “You just need to get a lot of rest so your body can heal. Let’s see how baby’s doing.”
She squirts some gel on my skin, then she moves the scanner over my stomach toward my abdomen. A grainy image begins to show, and then my eyes are glued to the screen, even though I can’t make out much.
Dr. Wells keeps moving the scanner around until she finds what she’s looking for.
When I see a glimpse of Raspberry, I let out a gasp.
Dr. Wells presses harder, and then we see the inside of my womb and Raspberry. Pointing with an arrow, Dr. Wells says, “There’s baby’s face. Here are the eyes.”
My chin begins to quiver as emotion pours through me.
“Oh, there’s a foot,” Dr. Wells exclaims. “Oops, there was a foot. But those are the legs.”
In total awe of our baby, a tear sneaks down my cheek. Noah tightens his grip on my hand.
“Let’s look at the gender first before baby changes position,” Dr. Wells says. She moves the scanner around until I can’t make out what we’re looking at. “This is baby’s bottom, and that’s the femur.” She keeps looking, and then she asks, “What are you hoping for?”
“It doesn’t matter,” I answer quickly.
“Let’s see.” The image keeps jumping. “There’s the bladder. Ahh… there are three white lines right there. You’re having a baby girl.”
I instantly burst out in tears. Noah leans over me to press a kiss to my temple. When I hear how uneven his breaths are, it’s impossible for me to reign in the overwhelming emotions.
“Yay!” Mom cheers. “We have a granddaughter.”
Listening to our family's joy, my eyes find Noah’s, and when I see the happiness on his face, I know I couldn’t love him more than I do at this moment.
He presses a kiss to my mouth, then whispers, “We’re having a girl.”
I let out a sputter of laughter. “Yeah.”
“She’s moving,” Dr. Wells says, and both Noah and my eyes dart back to the screen. “Oh, look she’s waving. Hi, Mommy and Daddy.” Dr. Wells lets out a burst of laughter. “Her hands are all over the place. Look, there are her fingers.”
My bottom lip pushes out as my face crumbles from the wonder of seeing our little girl.
“She’s healthy, right?” Dad thinks to ask.
“Yes, she’s pretty active in there. Let’s find her heartbeat,” Dr. Wells replies. She twists the scanner, and then she presses a button, and a fast beat fills the air.
“Aww,” Mrs. West coos. “Such a strong beat.”
“Yeah, it’s one-forty-three, which is normal,” Dr. Wells says. “One-ten to one-sixty is average,” she explains to us.
Dr. Wells continues to point out the spine, and I can see Raspberry’s heart beating. It’s all so overwhelming, and my emotions are all over the place.
Dr. Wells moves back to Raspberry’s legs. “Yeah, it’s definitely a girl. We got a real good look there.”
I cling to Noah’s hand as we finish up.
“I’m very happy with the baby’s progress. I’ll see you in four weeks. Okay?”
“Thank you, doctor,” Noah says, his voice sounding hoarse with emotion.
“Thank you.” I can’t stop smiling as she leaves.
Noah gives me a hug before he stands back so my mom can get to me.
We all take turns hugging and laughing. It feels like my heart is overflowing with joy.
Now I just want to get better so I can go home with Noah.
Chapter 27
NOAH
The hospital room was damn busy with family and friends dropping by to check on Carla.
Back at Trinity, we walk into her bedroom. I set her hospital bag down by the foot of the bed, then I turn to face her. “Finally, I have my girls all to myself again.”
Carla’s lips instantly split into a wide smile. “I like that.” She wraps her arms around my waist and rests her cheek against my chest. “Now I have to catch up with all the work I missed.”
“It will be quick. Get on the bed while I grab my laptop.”
“Why yours?” Carla asks.
“I made easy-to-study notes for you.”
“Damn, I could’ve used the help during my senior year,” she chuckles.
I get the laptop, then sit down next to Carla, and we both lean back against the headboard. Bringing up the document, I place the device on Carla’s lap. “Just read through everything while I unpack your bag.”
“Okay.”
Getting up, I throw the clothes in the laundry basket, and I place Carla’s supplements and toiletries back in her bathroom.
“Are you hungry?”
Carla’s eyes snap to mine. “Yes, I’m in the mood for something spicy.”
“Chile-braised pork tacos?” I ask. “They’re pretty good.”
“Yeah! Get me those.” Carla thinks for a moment. “And a milkshake. Vanilla.”
“I was wondering when the cravings were going to start,” I mutter as I take out my phone to order in.
“Ooh, get me a slice of cheesecake, as well,” Carla quickly adds.
She watches as I place the order, and when I hang up, she gives me a pleased grin.
“Get to work,” I remind her as I drop down beside her again.
Carla reads over the notes for a couple of minutes, then she asks, “Don’t you need to study for your finals? You can email the document to me, then I can use my own laptop.”
Meeting her gaze, I shake my head. “Nope. I’m good.”