Total pages in book: 64
Estimated words: 61951 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 310(@200wpm)___ 248(@250wpm)___ 207(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 61951 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 310(@200wpm)___ 248(@250wpm)___ 207(@300wpm)
Dr. Wells gives Carla a paper towel to wipe up the gel, and then she says, “You’re around eight weeks pregnant, which means your baby’s the size of a raspberry. Soon all the essential organs and body systems will begin to develop.”
My eyes dart to Carla’s face, which is filled with rapt wonder.
“At your sixteen-week check-up, we should be able to determine the sex. Will that be something you want to know beforehand?”
Carla’s eyes dart to mine as she begins to nod excitedly.
“That would be a yes,” I chuckle.
“Good. Make your next appointment at reception on the way out.” Dr. Wells rises from her chair and shakes both our hands.
After stopping at reception, we leave the hospital. Carla tightens her grip on my hand and almost begins to bounce next to me. “We have a little raspberry.”
A wide smile spreads over my face when I see how happy she is. “A raspberry with a strong heartbeat,” I murmur.
Once we’re in the car, I drive us to the baby store. “Only one stuffed animal,” I warn her as we climb out of the vehicle.
Carla pouts at me. “Fine.”
“You already have five. At this rate, there will be no space in your bedroom for anything else if we keep getting one every week.”
We walk into the store, and Carla heads straight for the newborn section. “Noah, look!” She grabs something, and then I come face to face with a tiny elephant. “It’s an elephant ring rattle, and it will match the first stuffed animal we got.”
Wrapping my arm around Carla’s shoulders, I pull her tightly to my side and say, “I wish you could see the excitement on your face when we’re here.”
She grins at me, then she says, “It’s because I’m getting a cuteness overload.”
Wandering through the store, I make sure to get more stretch mark lotion before heading to the register to pay.
The cashier, Chrissie, recognizes us, and smiling, she asks, “Will that be all for today?”
Carla nods. “Thank you.”
“How far along are you?” Chrissie asks.
Carla’s hand protectively settles over her stomach as she replies. “Eight weeks.”
When we’re done paying, Chrissie chuckles, “See you next week.”
Leaving the store, Carla chuckles, “We’re regulars already.”
When we’re back in the car, I ask, “When do you want to tell our friends?”
Carla shrugs. “Seeing as our parents know, it doesn’t really matter when the rest find out about Raspberry.”
“Raspberry,” I repeat. “Is that what you’re going to call the baby?”
“Yeah, I like it.”
Seeing the happy glow on Carla’s face, and knowing everything is going well with the pregnancy, fills my heart with more joy than I ever thought I’d experience in a lifetime.
Chapter 21
CARLA
After telling our parents, we figured it’s only right we let our siblings know next.
We’ve asked Dash and Jase to meet us for lunch because we’re telling Kao and Fallon tonight.
“I’m starting to get the hang of this,” I mutter as we walk into a restaurant near the business district where both Dash and Jase’s offices are situated.
“We should’ve gathered everyone together and done it in one blow,” Noah says.
Dash is already waiting at a table, and when she spots us, she gets up to give us each a hug, then she looks at Noah, “It feels like I haven’t seen you in ages.”
“It’s been a while,” Noah agrees.
He pulls a chair out for me and waits for me to sit before he takes a seat next to me.
Smiling at Dash, I ask, “How are you?”
“I’m good.” She gives us both a knowing look. “You’re either getting married, or you’re pregnant.”
I let out a sputter of laughter. “Pregnant.”
“Yeah, I figured as much when you asked Jase and me to meet with you.”
Just then, Jase appears at the table, and after greeting everyone, he takes a seat. “What’s up?”
“I’m pregnant,” I blurt out.
Jase stares at me for a moment, then his eyes slant toward Noah. “This is your way of taking care of my sister?”
“It’s not like we planned it,” I grumble at Jase. “It happened, and we’re happy.”
“That doesn’t mean I have to be happy about it,” Jase snaps. “Christ, Carla, you’re eighteen.”
“Nineteen in a month”
“Doesn’t mean shit. You’re too young,” Jase argues.
An awkward silence falls over the table.
Noah takes a deep breath and turns his gaze to Jase. “Obviously, we would’ve liked to wait, but Carla’s pregnant, and nothing’s going to change that. I’ll be there every step of the way.”
Jase’s eyes snap to me. “What did Dad say?”
“He wasn’t happy, but he understands,” I answer. Then I give Jase a pleading look. “We can’t change what happened. Please, just be happy for me now.”
He shakes his head and stares at the table cloth. “How are you going to finish your studies? What about your position at CRC?”
“I’m not going to stop studying. God, you make it sound like my life is over,” I mutter, a second away from losing my temper.