I try not to look at that one or the one highlighting the dangers of RSV. I don’t need nightmares.
“Wow,” he swallows hard and looks at me with a grimace, “I’m trying not to freak out here.”
I giggle and hold my hand out to him. He pulls the chair closer and laces our fingers together. “It’s okay if you freak out,” I tell him softly.
He nods but doesn’t say anything. Instead, his hand goes to my bump. His shoulders relax like touching me and our baby calms him down. I know it helps me.
The silence between us is broken when Dr. Huffman hustles into the room and chirps, “Hello, Avery. How are you feeling today?”
When Bridger stiffens, I study him, but he’s taking in my doctor. His jaw clenches as his eyes narrow and I almost laugh because the possessiveness in his eyes tells me exactly what his issue is.
He leans into me and whispers against the shell of my ear, “You didn’t mention the doctor all up in your pussy is a man.”
“I’m pretty sure he calls it a vagina,” I lob back at him low enough to ensure only he can hear me.
Bridger huffs out a breath but doesn’t respond as he keeps his eyes on my doctor. I can only roll my eyes at how ridiculous he’s being.
“I’m feeling really good, Dr. Huffman.”
My doctor turns toward me and smiles softly. When he looks at Bridger, he lets out a soft, “Oh.” He looks between us, and I swear there’s relief written all over his face. “I’m so glad you brought someone with you this time.” He gets a serious look on his face. “I always worry about my patients who don’t have support while pregnant. It’s not only hard on your body, but your mind as well. Having support is so important.”
“This is Bridger,” I introduce the brooding man who is holding onto my hand like it’s a lifeline. “He’s the father.”
Dr. Huffman’s shoulders sag and he breathes out a relieved breath. “It’s good to meet you, Bridger. I’m so glad you were able to join Avery today.”
There’s an undercurrent to his words and I can’t help but bristle slightly. “I only told him about the pregnancy two weeks ago,” my voice is tight, “and ever since I did, he’s stepped-up big time.”
I don’t go into details because my doctor doesn’t need to know them. However, I do see a hint of respect in Dr. Huffman’s eyes. That’s enough.
“Good,” my doctor nods.
He goes about doing the exam. When he measures my belly, Bridger asks what he’s doing. Dr. Huffman explains without sounding annoyed at being questioned. I swear my man hangs on every word.
Once done, Dr. Huffman rolls his stool a little bit away from me and smiles. “Everything is looking good. You’ll go into the ultrasound room in just a moment, but I wanted to know if you have any questions for me.”
“I don’t,” I tell him. “I’m just glad everything is looking good.”
He smiles my way before looking at Bridger. “What about you, Bridger? Since this is the first time you’re here, is there anything you have questions about or anything you’re worried about? I’d like to put your mind at ease and help you feel comfortable with everything going on.”
Bridger pulls his phone out and I have to cover my mouth to stop myself from laughing. “Avery mentioned she can still have a cup of coffee a day, but isn’t any caffeine bad for a fetus? Some places I’ve seen say you shouldn’t eat deli meat and then others say it’s okay? Do you have information on childbirth classes you recommend? What hospital do you have privileges at? Is it true a lot of first-time moms go past their due date? What about sex, is it really okay?”
Dr. Huffman has zero shame when he chuckles at the barrage of questions thrown at him. Bridger doesn’t crack a smile; his lip doesn’t even twitch. He’s dead fucking serious and, I’m afraid, about to punch my doctor.
“I’m sorry,” Dr. Huffman holds up a hand as he gets himself under control, “I don’t mean to laugh. You’ve asked some really good questions and I’m glad you came prepared with them. I want to answer each one so I can put your mind at ease.
He takes a deep breath and starts with the first question. “One cup of coffee is fine, I promise. Deli meat is a grey area. The concern is contracting Listeria which is a foodborne bacterial illness which is harmful to both mom and baby. If the meat isheated to 165 degrees, then it’s fine to eat, but if not then I do recommend steering clear.”
“I don’t even like deli meat all that much,” I interject. I give Bridger’s hand a squeeze, “I’m not missing out with not being able to eat it.”
My man nods once and then looks at my doctor expectantly. Dr. Huffman’s lip twitches but he doesn’t laugh again.
“I’ll grab you some pamphlets about childbirth classes. I always recommend going to them because the breathing techniques can be helpful, and it does help to get over some fear around childbirth, especially if it’s not something you’ve had the chance to experience before.” He glances at me and gives me a small smile, “I’ve already talked with Avery about which hospital she prefers to give birth at, and I believe she mentioned having a tour planned closer to her due date, so I’ll let you two talk about that together. As far as going past the due date, all pregnancies and all women are different. Avery’s appointments will be weekly as the due date approaches, and we’ll monitor her closely.” He takes a breath and lets it out slowly. “As far as sex, it’s fine. Just remember to talk to each other about what feels good and what is too much. If you have any spotting afterward, then you may need to come in or, at the very least, reevaluate the voracity of your lovemaking.”
Bridger nods and I notice the tops of his ears going a little pink. “Thank you.” When he glances at me, I can see the hunger in his eyes.
It makes me wonder if he’s been holding back because he was afraid of hurting me and the baby, or if it was part of the whole taking our time and going slow plan we came up with two weeks ago.
What I do know is that my body is buzzing and I desperately want to get naked with this man. The way he’s shown up for me over the last two weeks is an aphrodisiac I never knew existed.
