Total pages in book: 56
Estimated words: 53521 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 268(@200wpm)___ 214(@250wpm)___ 178(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 53521 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 268(@200wpm)___ 214(@250wpm)___ 178(@300wpm)
She laughs a little.
I keep going, “I honestly thought I’d be gone maybe a few days, and I’d come home and ask you out, but their brewery was in worse shape than I ever could have imagined, and days turned into weeks. I kept thinking, I’ll ask her out when I get home. And when I came back I thought you and that asshole…” my words fall away, and Felicity squeezes my hand.
“When I found out I was pregnant, I was scared. I didn’t know what to do, and Karl found me when I was most vulnerable. He won’t come around ever again. Why would he?”
I laugh at that. “I want us to be a real couple.”
Felicity's eyes shimmer with renewed hope as she looks up at me, her hand tightening around mine. "I want that too, Shepherd," she whispers, a small smile playing on her lips. "I want us to be a real family."
I feel a weight lift off my chest, a sense of relief flooding through me at her words. I lean in closer, pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead before meeting her gaze with unwavering determination. "We'll figure it out together. We'll take it one step at a time," I promise, sincerity lacing every word.
Felicity nods, her brown eyes locking onto mine with a newfound strength. "One step at a time," she echoes, a sense of resolve settling over her features.
The doctor walks in, a smile on her face.
“Dr. Kass,” I say with worry in my eyes. “I didn’t think they’d call you down here.”
“I just happened to be here and saw you on the patient list. How is everything?” she asks Felicity.
“I had some horrible cramps,” Felicity says, and my worry grows.
“We’ve run some tests and everything looks good. I think what you’re experiencing is Braxton Hicks. It’s very normal.” Dr. Kass feels Felicity’s belly. “Let’s have a listen to the baby.” She squirts a bit of jelly onto her belly and runs the Doppler over her skin.
The strong sound of the baby’s heartbeat fills the room and I breathe in a sigh of relief.
We all listen in, transfixed by the rhythmic thumping that echoes through the small hospital room. Felicity's eyes glisten with tears of pure joy, a radiant smile blooming on her face. I can't help but match her infectious grin, feeling a surge of overwhelming love and protectiveness wash over me. The fear and uncertainty that had gripped us moments before now seem like a distant memory, replaced by a sense of hope and newfound determination.
Dr. Kass pulls back, a reassuring smile on her face. "Everything sounds great," she confirms, her voice ringing with warmth and encouragement. "Felicity, it seems like your body is just preparing for the big day. Keep an eye on those contractions and make sure to rest as much as you can."
Felicity nods eagerly, her gaze never leaving the doctor's face. "Thank you, Dr. Kass," she says gratefully, her voice filled with relief.
“We could give you a quick ultrasound to see the sex of the baby if you want,” Dr. Kass says with a wink.
“Really?” Felicity asks.
“You’ve been through a lot. Let’s get some pictures of the baby. The tech will be in shortly.”
“Thank you, so much,” I say, excited to see my son or daughter soon.
Chapter 23
Felicity
A boy. I’m going to have a son. When the ultrasound tech told us, both Shepherd and I cried. He may have also jumped in the air throwing a fist up. The thought of it still makes me laugh.
After we left the hospital, with pictures of our little guy, we came back to my house. He refused to go back to work. I was exhausted and wanted to crawl into bed. Shepherd crawled in next to me and stroked my hair until I fell asleep.
I woke up not long ago and found a note on my nightstand.
Felicity,
I didn’t want to wake you, you need your rest.
I went to the store to get food to make us dinner.
Hopefully, you’ll sleep through, but if not I wanted you to know I didn’t leave, I just stepped out.
I’ll be back. I’ll always be back.
Shepherd
I wipe the tears that escape and grin, holding the note close to my chest. We’ve let so much time pass, both wanting each other, but missing out because of miscommunication. Maybe a little bit of fear too. But now after just talking, that’s all in the past and we’re finally together and his note proves he’s better at relationships than he gives himself credit for.
My hand rests on my belly and I smile. I can’t remember a time I’ve been this happy, this excited about what’s to come. A future with Shepherd Atwood and our son.
I get out of bed and look in the mirror, fixing my hair quickly and applying a bit of mascara and lip gloss. Once I’m satisfied I go downstairs and grab a bottle of water out of the fridge.