Melinda raises her brows with a slow smile that builds.
“Austin is a second-year resident.”
“Almost,” I correct Ava. “In about two months.”
“I didn’t realize and now feel self-conscious,” Melinda muses, almost looking flustered. She turns to both of us. “Are you ready?”
Ava glances at me nervously.
And then, like music to anyone’s ears, the heartbeat echoes in the room.
Several times in the ER, there have been instances when we’d wait for a sign of life, the greatest gift possible. But this is different—this is my baby.
“Is that the heartbeat?” Ava chokes.
“Yes,” Melinda confirms, then continues to take measurements. “Perfectly healthy and happy. Now, you measure eighteen weeks along, almost halfway. Everything looks good. Did you want to find out the sex of the baby?”
“You can do that now?” Ava questions in a high-pitched voice.
“Yes, you’re far enough along.”
Ava raises her eyes to the ceiling, only to shift her gaze to me moments later. “I don’t know.”
“You don’t have to decide now,” I tell her.
“But do you want to know?”
“A surprise would be nice. As long as the baby is healthy.”
Ava remains quiet but shortly lets out a sigh. “I agree, please don’t tell us.”
Melinda continues with measurements, going through the various parts of the body. Her focus is fixated on me like she has something to prove. A few times she batts her eyes, possibly unaware she has done so. Soon after, she grabs some tissues to wipe the gel off Ava.
“Here is the photo to take home. You’re free to leave whenever you’re ready.” Melinda glances at me with a knowing smile. “It was nice meeting you, Dr?”
“Dr. Carter,” I respond politely.
“You can call him Austin,” Ava mumbles beneath her breath.
“And, of course, Ava. Good luck with the pregnancy.”
When Melinda exits the room and closes the door behind her, Ava lets out a groan.
“She was so flirting with you.”
“That’s what you took from all of this?” I question her, still in awe from seeing the baby.
“I’m trying to forget that in four months from now, I’m going to have to push this baby out of my vagina.”
“Okay, if we’re playing the game of denial, then no, I didn’t notice.”
“Everywhere we go, women are trying to flirt with you.”
I grab her hand to help her up. “How would you like me to respond to that?”
“What are we supposed to tell people, you know, when we’re together?”
To give Ava some privacy, I turn around so she can change.