Stella took the day off to accompany Briony to her prenatal check–up.
They’d switched to a public hospital this time–one where an old classmate of Dr. Grant’s worked in the
bstetrics department. Dr. Grant had already pulled some strings and given them a heads–up.
Because Briony had to fast for the bloodwork–and since this was her first prenatal screening–they took eight vials of blood in one go. By the end of it, Briony looked like she might faint, her face had gone so pale it was almost blue. Stella quickly helped her over to a bench to sit down.
“Drink some glucose water,” Stella urged. “You’re way too thin. Drawing blood on an empty stomach hits you
harder.”
After a few sips, Briony finally started to look a bit better.
Half an hour later, with the results in hand, Stella led Briony to see the doctor.
Briony was visibly nervous–it was her fire
prenatal appointment, after all.
Luckily the doctor assured them that the babies were developing just fine.
“But you’re very thin, and your blood pressure’s a little on the low side. That happens with a lot of expectant mothers who are naturally slender. You’re also a bit anemic. How have you been feeling lately? Any morning sickness?”
Briony shook her head. “No nausea, really. I’ve just had a poor appetite these last few days, and I’m tired all the
time.”
“If you’re having trouble eating, just try small meals more frequently. Fatigue is very common for pregnant
women.
The head doctor, a woman in her forties, signed her name on the chart. “You’re carrying twins, so you’re bound to have a rougher time than other moms–to–be. Make sure you’re getting enough nutrition. Here’s a meal plan for pregnant women–take it home and share it with your family.”
“Thank you, doctor,” Briony said, taking the meal plan.
“You’re welcome. Dr. Grant and I go way back. Here
I exchange contact info. For your check–ups, just schedule directly with me. If I’m on duty, you can always come find me.”
“Okay”
They exchanged numbers. As other expectant mothers waited in line, Briony and Stella said their goodbyes and left.
On the drive back to the studio, Stella took the wheel.
Briony sat in the passenger seat, absorbed in her ultrasound results.
At a red light, Stella glanced over. “You’ve been staring at that for ages. Aren’t you bored?”
Briony shook her head, her eyes gentle as she looked at the report. “It just makes me emotional. I almost gave up on them more than once. But they hung in there, even when I was sick, even after I lost my mom…. They kept growing healthy. It feels like a miracle.”
“Yeah, given everything you’ve been through, these two are tougher than most.”
The light turned green. Stella released the brake and eased onto the gas.
“Or maybe it’s because Ms. Hudson is watching over you from above,” Stella added. “Didn’t she always say that if you decided to keep the babies, she’d protect them from heaven?”
Briony rubbed her belly, a soft smile on her lips. “With Grandma looking out for them, I know they’ll be just fine.”
1/2
Chapter 154
Stella dropped Briony off in front of the studio before heading back to the hospital–there was a last–minute surgery she needed to assist with.
As soon as Briony stepped inside, she spotted James.
He’d been waiting for her. The moment she walked in, he hurried over. “How did the check–up go?”
Briony glanced around and lowered her voice. “Let’s talk in the office.”
James nodded and followed her in.
He closed the door behind them and turned to face her. Briony hung her coat and bag on the rack, then noticed James watching her with a tense, uneasy expression.
She frowned slightly. “What’s with that look? The check–up well fine. I asked you in here to discuss work.”
“As long as my goddaughter’s healthy, that’s all that matters,” James replied, settling onto the sofa. He pressed his lips together, clearly hesitating, his gaze flickering over to Briony as if he wanted to say something but couldn’t find the words.
Briony realized something was off.
She sat across from him, fixing him with a steady look. “Is there something you need to tell me?”
James scratched the back of his head, conflicted. “I’m not sure if I should bring this up, but it’s all over the place right now. I think you’re going to hear about it sooner or later.”
Chapter 155
