“How about something a little more happy?” the doctor says.Shit, I forgot he was even here.“Who wants to see their baby?”
A whimper clogs my throat. How many times have I dreamed of this, only to be convinced it was never going to happen? And now, this man is saying it's real.
“I do,” I croak out. “Please. I want to see my baby.”
Those were the same words I cried myself to sleep saying for months.
Now, it’s going to be reality.
CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT
The doctor wheels in an ultrasound machine and my heart is in my throat. I have been through this so many times with Missi, and yes, I loved what I thought was my baby, but the fact that this is Rylee…
I’m scared as hell that she’s going to say that I put her through too much and ask me to leave. I will, even though it would destroy me.
I have been struggling with so much guilt ever since the night of the wedding. Learning what I actually put everyone through… it killed me. I thought I was doing what was best for them. Inever wanted to hurt them, and I never thought about how much they would be affected when I did.
Growing up in an abusive family, I guess I didn't know what a normal, semi-dysfunctional relationship was like.
I knew that I was happy, and I loved them all more than anything, but I think I was blindsided. I never thought me leaving would cause detrimental pain. I figured they would move on together and be happy.
But as it turns out, it was the exact opposite, and I'm struggling with how to fix everything. How to make things better, or even how to fill my old role.
It just feels like we are passing ghosts in the hall. We want to reach out and touch each other, but we can't. Not yet.
“Okay, are we ready to see your baby?” the doctor asks, and Rylee nods. She has tears in her eyes, but I can still see the fear.
I lean closer and Donny makes room for me. “Hey,” I whisper, and she reaches for my hand. Her green eyes are wide with panic, and I smile to reassure her.
“I can't look. Not yet. What if he's wrong and there isn't a baby? Or what if I hurt our child, because I didn't know that I was still pregnant?”
I give her a big smile. “You are going to be an amazing mom, Rylee. Our baby is going to be perfect.”
She closes her eyes and the tears fall again. Teo leans over and wipes them away. I know he's freaking out, but it's all going to be okay.
This baby doesn't know how loved it is already. Rylee is going to treat it with care and respect, the way a mother should.
Missi never even called the baby hers. It was a parasite, demon spawn, devil child. Or mentions of it just being another manipulation tool.
I'm so glad that she's gone now, and as soon as my little sister is born, she will be taken away, into the care of someone who will love and spoil her.
A loud wooshing sound fills the small room and Donny cheers. “Wow, look at it go! It's kicking its little legs so hard. Cherry, how could you not feel it moving?”
I back away, so Rylee can see the screen. She shakes her head. “I don't know… Hi, baby,” she says, placing her hand on her upper stomach and moving her thumb back and forth. “I'm your mommy, and I promise, from this point on, to love and protect you with all that I am.”
The doctor clears his throat and starts to point out things on the screen for us. “It makes sense that you wouldn't feel too much. The baby is toward your back. Do you want to know the gender?” he asks, and we all look at Rylee.
“I'd like to know,” Colt murmurs, and Teo nods. Trevor looks hesitant and reaches for Rylee’s other hand.
“Whatever you want, baby. This is your decision.”
Donny snorts and starts to bounce on his feet. “I hate surprises, but I will wait if that's what you want,” he huffs, and we all laugh.
“I think I'd like to know,” Rylee whispers, and we all turn to face the doctor.
“If you look right there,” he says, pointing. “Congratulations, Miss Moore. You are having a little girl.”
Rylee gasps, covering her mouth as more tears fall.
