When we got to the doctor’s, he parked close like always and hopped out to open my door before I even reached for the handle. He still did shit like that. Gentleman by habit, even when his head was somewhere else. Inside, we didn’t wait long before a familiar voice pulled me from my thoughts.
“Well, damn. You look like you’re over all of this,” Eve joked as I made my way to the back, with Kilo following close behind.
Eve was damn near due herself, her round belly leading the way as she walked toward us with her usual energy.
“We look like we’re in the same boat.” I joked.
“Girl, I swear he’s overstaying his welcome.” She rolled her eyes, laughing. “Come on back.”
Kilo helped me up and followed behind like he always did, quiet but at least he was present. Eve started with the basics—weight, blood pressure, and all the routine checks before the doctor came in.
“You having any pain?”
“Mostly just tired and achy,” I said.
“That’s normal once you get closer to the end.” she nodded. “I’ll have Dr. Simms come in shortly.”
“Mostly just tired and achy,” I said.
“That’s normal,” she nodded. “I’ll have Dr. Simms come in shortly.”
She gave Kilo a smile on her way out. “Don’t let her stress too much, daddy.”
He gave a curt nod, still quiet.
Once we were alone, Kilo stepped a little closer. His voice was softer now.
“You ever wonder who he gone look like?”
I glanced at him, caught off guard. “Yeah. All the time.”
He reached out; he placed his hand on my belly.
As if on cue, the baby gave a small kick. His palm flexed against my skin, and for just a second, I saw the stress leave his face. Replaced by something raw…real.
“I’m sorry,” he murmured.
I didn’t respond. Not because I didn’t want to, but because I didn’t have anything left to give right then. Still, I didn’t pull away. That silence between us was enough.
Dr. Simms came in soon after.
“Good morning, you two,” she greeted. “How’s mommy doing today?” she asked, as she put on her gloves.
“I’m okay. Ready to get my body back.”
She smirked.
“That’s understandable. The third trimester is a roller coaster ride for most women, so your feelings are absolutely normal.”
After giving me a few pointers, she pulled over the ultrasound machine and got started. The intense sound of my baby’s heartbeat sounded off the walls of the exam room. Kilo stood off to the side, arms folded, eyes locked on my belly like that sound had gripped something inside him. His jaw ticked, but he didn’t say anything.
“Baby sounds perfect,” Dr. Simms said with a warm smile. “No signs of concern.”
She gave us more notes, scheduled my next appointment, and cleared us to go.
Back in the truck, I buckled up and leaned against the window, my eyes closed.
“You hungry?” he asked as he pulled off.
