Total pages in book: 21
Estimated words: 19554 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 98(@200wpm)___ 78(@250wpm)___ 65(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 19554 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 98(@200wpm)___ 78(@250wpm)___ 65(@300wpm)
Ashton sits in the chair across from my hospital bed, a picture of calm and strong resolve, but the intensity in his gaze sets my nerves on fire and turns my insides to mush. “Do you need something, gorgeous?” he asks, his voice a mix of concern and warmth.
“Yes! I need to get out of this place,” I reply, frustration edging into my tone. “I’m going stir crazy.”
Just as I’m about to launch into all the reasons I want to go home, the door swings open and a doctor walks in, looking all business. The moment the door shuts behind him, the air shifts, and the buzzing tension jumps up a notch.
“Good evening, Emily,” he says, walking over to the bed. “I just wanted to discuss your recent blood work.”
A sharp spike of anxiety hits me. “Is there something wrong?” Freaking hell.
He takes a breath, looking more serious than I’d like him to. “Well, it’s important we discuss the results.” He glances briefly at Ashton, then waits for my nod for him to continue. “You’re pregnant.”
Time halts, the world around me blurring as that single word hangs in the air. I glance at Ashton, and I’m met with a look of disbelief before his expression morphs into a mix of shock and sheer excitement.
“That’s fucking great,” Ashton blurts out, and both the doctor and I turn to look at him.
In that moment, something sharp and powerful rushes through me. I’m filled with surprise, happiness, and exhilaration all in one chaotic moment. I can’t draw in a deep breath as I process it all. Ashton moves closer, and before I can fully register what’s happening, he’s wrapping his arms around me. “I love you,” he growls against the side of my neck. He’s holding me so tight that I can feel his heartbeat thundering against my chest.
I blink up at him, waves of heat flooding my cheeks, unsure whether to scream or laugh. “I love you, too!” I tell him, aware of how this will change everything. But I don’t care. I’ve never been happier or more excited.
Just then, the doctor clears his throat, shattering the moment. “Congratulations on the pregnancy. However, I’m going to need to keep you here a little longer for observation,” he states, but his voice feels like cold water being thrown on an entirely heated moment.
“Why?” I exclaim, worried there’s something wrong with our baby. “Is something wrong?” Ashton holds my hand tightly, lending me strength while I hold my breath and wait for the doctor to answer.
“I just want to be extra careful,” he replies in that clinical manner. “Your hormone levels are normal, and there are no signs of complications. Your tests show you’re healthy, and the embryo appears to be developing as expected, but I’d like to monitor you for a bit longer. We’ll keep you here until we get all the results back.”
I nod slowly, trying to absorb his words amid my racing thoughts. Somehow, his reassurance helps to calm my fears. “Thank you,” I say, genuine appreciation coloring my tone.
He offers a reassuring smile before walking toward the door. “I’ll check in with you later.”
I wake slowly, the soft sound of rustling sheets pulling me from the grasp of sleep. The sterile smell of the hospital lingers around me, and as I blink away the remnants of dreams, the morning light filters in through the window. But it’s not the bright glare that catches my attention; it’s the figure sprawled out on the uncomfortable pull-out sofa across the room.
Ashton is fast asleep, his long frame stretched out against the white hospital bedding. His head is tilted back slightly with a relaxed expression. My heart flutters crazily as I watch him for a moment, soaking in the way his dark hair curls a little bit at his temples and the hint of a smile on his lips.
Last night, I told him to go home and sleep in a real bed, but he adamantly refused to leave me here alone.
After a few minutes of watching him sleep, the door creaks open, and the doctor strides into the room. His calm demeanor fills the space around us. “Good morning, Emily! How are we feeling today?”
Ashton sits up and rubs his neck as I reply. “Like I’ve been run over by a truck.” I’m only half joking. After the adrenaline wore off, I started aching in places I didn’t even know I had.
The doctor chuckles lightly. “Well, given everything you’ve been through, that’s not surprising. But I have some good news for you.”
I sit up straighter, trying to ignore the slight discomfort as my muscles protest. Relief overwhelms me at the encouraging look on the doctor’s face. “Really?”
“You’re doing great. Your blood work came back normal, and given how you’ve been responding, I see no reason to keep you here.” He glances over at Ashton, smiling. “You’re cleared to go home, but I want you to schedule a follow-up appointment with your own doctor.”