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I listen intently, absorbing every piece of information. "It's a lot, but knowing what each test is for helps. It makes me feel like we're doing everything possible to ensure everything goes smoothly."
"Exactly," Dr. Simmons concludes with a nod. "And that's the goal—monitoring, supporting, and intervening if necessary, all while keeping you informed and involved. If there are any concerns, these tests allow us to act swiftly and effectively."
As Dr. Simmons wraps up the consultation, I stand up, feeling her warm handshake and seeing the genuine care and professionalism in her smile.
"If you have any questions, anytime, just give us a call," she says, her voice a comforting blend of assurance and kindness as she leads us toward the door.
Walking out of the office, the bright hallway seems to echo with the new knowledge and responsibility Mia and I now carry.
Our steps, in sync, lead us toward the exit, a silent testament to our unity and shared anticipation for the future. Stepping outside, the sun, high and bright, greets us with its warmth, reminding us of the new life waiting to unfold.
As I automatically walk towards the passenger's side of the car to open it for Mia, my mind is full of reflections from the doctor's appointment. Mia's playful yet earnest voice breaks the silence before I can open the door.
"Can we have biscuits and sausage gravy for lunch?" she asks, her craving evident in her voice.
I turn to her, my face smiling at her request, feeling the simplicity of the moment lighten the weight of the morning's heavy conversations.
"Of course," I reply, the warmth in my eyes mirroring my words. Opening my door, I settle behind the wheel, wrapped in a sense of normalcy that feels like a comforting blanket.
We sit in a cozy booth, surrounded by the comforting buzz of the diner. The aroma of brewed coffee and buttery pastries fills the air, creating an inviting atmosphere.
Mia's eyes gleam with joy as she devours her biscuits and sausage gravy, and I can't help but smile at her enthusiasm. Although my smothered pork chops look tempting, I'm more interested in enjoying the moment with Mia.
As I lift my fork towards my mouth, I pause and look at Mia with empathy, my mind wandering to her recent doctor's visits. Moments like these make life worth living, and I'm grateful to be spending them with Mia.
"So," I start, my tone casual yet laced with concern. "How do you feel about today's doctor's visit? Are there any worries or questions swirling around that beautiful head of yours?"
Mia looks up, her spoon pausing mid-air, a delicate layer of gravy on her lips. She smiles softly, a look of contemplation washing over her face. "Honestly? I'm not as nervous as I thought I'd be," she confesses, her voice steady and sure. "With Emily, it was so different. I felt alone because Emily's dad wasn't there for any of the appointments. It was just me trying to figure things out alone."
She sets her spoon down, pushing her plate away slightly, her gaze finding mine with an intensity that sends a wave of emotion washing over me. "But this time, it's different. Having you there every step of the way is more comforting than you could know. I don't feel alone. Not anymore."
I reach across the table, enveloping her hand in mine, a gesture meant to anchor and assure. "Mia, listen to me," I say, my voice firm with conviction, "I love you and our little bean. There's nowhere else I'd rather be than by your side through every doctor's visit, every late-night craving, and every moment in between. We're in this together."
"Mmm," she hums, breaking into my thoughts. Her gaze shifts toward the window where the sun cascades over the rustic charms of our small town. "Speaking of not being alone, Emily came home yesterday excitedly. She's been loving those nature crafts classes at the ranch."
I nod, a surge of pride swelling within me. "Yeah? That's fantastic to hear."
Mia's smile broadens. "Absolutely. And guess what? She's been invited to a sleepover. Can you believe it? Our little girl, making friends and having sleepovers." Her voice is tinged with disbelief but underlined with pure joy.
The thought of Emily, with her bright eyes and laughter, finding her place here warms me from the inside out. "I'm thrilled for her. She needed this, Mia. A place where she could be a kid, you know? Away from all the city chaos and closer to the land, animals, and genuine friendships."
"And it's all thanks to you," she says softly, squeezing my hand across the table. "You've given her—and me—a home, a sanctuary. You've done so much, Jake."
Shifting uncomfortably at the praise, I deflect, "I've just done what any man would do for his family." I pause, thinking about Emily's growth since arriving here and how her eyes light up with a new story daily. "She's been looking at me...well, like a dad. And I can't even begin to tell you how much that means. It's like I found a piece of my heart I didn't even know was missing."
Mia's eyes are filled with joy, her emotions riding high. "And then there's Dylan," I continue, eager to see that smile grace her lips again. Have you noticed how he follows you around? Like you're the north star guiding him. It warms my heart that he sees you as a mother figure."
Her laughter dances in the air, a melodic sound that fills the diner. "I have," she admits, a blush creeping over her cheeks. "He's such a sweet boy. Having him look at me in that light...it's more than I could've hoped for, Jake."
Leaning back, I take in the woman before me—her resilience, warmth, and undeniable beauty that goes beyond the physical. "We're building something special here, Mia. A family, a life, a future. It's all I've ever wanted."
As she smiles, her happiness enveloping us in a bubble away from the world, I can't help but think this is precisely where I'm meant to be—with Mia and our unborn, with Emily and Dylan, in this small town that's slowly becoming home. It's a profound feeling that’s almost overwhelming, but in the best possible way.
She squeezes my hand in return, and for a moment, the diner, with its noises and bustling energy, fades away.
Chapter 20
~ Mia ~
