“I don’t want to go to the hospital,” she mumbles against my chest. But she doesn’t fight me.
I place her gently on the passenger seat of the truck and she groans.
Does it bring back memories of her stealing my vehicle? I hope she enjoyed her stubborn and reckless streak because, as far as I’m concerned, it’s over.
“I know, but I’m worried about you. You can’t keep anything down.” At the very least, she should have an ultrasound. I’d been neglecting my duties, and while I appreciated our physician coming to see her on such short notice, the night she arrived at my home, he’s not an obstetrician.
I want only the best doctor to care for my child.
And for Nikki.
* * *
It’s not a quick drive to the nearest hospital across the mountain. Life flights where we live are incredibly common because there aren’t really any ambulances.
For most injuries and illnesses, we have a local physician, Dr. Reiss, who works closely with the family, but he’s an older gentleman, and I’m not sure what he knows about delivering babies. He’s good with a needle and thread, patching up bullet holes, and emergency surgeries.
We don’t have too many women around the castle and even less are pregnant.
Nikki is the first.
I’m determined to get Nikki an ultrasound to ensure the health of our little prize growing inside of her. I need to know that our baby is doing all right.
Whether she wants me to accompany her or not in the emergency room, I’m at her side like the doting father one might expect.
On this side of the mountain, I’m not a familiar face. I don’t frequent the hospital if I don’t have to. In fact, I avoid it at all costs.
Nikki has no idea of the risks I’ve taken to bring her here. My enemies extend far beyond the borders of Breckenridge, and I’m without guards and men backing me up.
I should have brought one of the soldiers to have my back, but it’s too late now. My focus needs to be onher.
She’s lying on a hospital bed, a small white cot, with a blanket draped over her. The nurse is filling out paperwork, jotting down information while Nikki is forthcoming with answers to the questions that the nurse asks.
I’ve never seen Nikki quite so calm or kind.
Is that how she’ll be with our baby?
Or have I worn the fight out of her?
Doubtful.
Time always seems to stand still in the emergency room every time I’ve been behind these stark white double doors. Usually, I’m covered in blood, the weight of another’s life on my hands.
This time it’s not my men in danger.
I squeeze Nikki’s hand. Her eyes are glassy, her lips dry.
A nurse brings her a cup of ice chips, and she obliges, sucking on them one at a time. She hasn’t said much, and I never leave her side.
Am I worried that she’ll tell the hospital staff that I’ve taken her against her will?
The thought flickers across my mind. I don’t let it stick.
The technician brings over the ultrasound equipment.
“We’re going to listen to your baby’s heartbeat and take some pictures.” Before Nikki can answer one question, the technician asks another one.
“Have you two done this before? Are you ready?” the young woman asks. She’s all smiles and a bit too bubbly for my taste.