442 A Welcome Beat

(Winona)

I pull my coat tighter around me as I step into the clinic. The receptionist greets me with a polite nod. Her European accent is soft and welcoming.

I manage a small smile, keeping my face calm even though my heart feels like it's going to break out of my chest.

Trying to be calm is pretty impossible right now.

Everything about this appointment feels monumental. Not just the ultrasound, but what it means. Jayden will be here.

Secretly.

I need him to be here, but I don't know what it means as far as our marriage goes.

There's an emotional gap that will remain until we get past what happened after he attacked Lance. We've pinned it for now. More Barnaby advice.

The receptionist directs me down a hallway, and I follow her to the waiting room. The clinic is quiet, secluded-perfect for what we need.

I sit down, clutching my bag. Jayden isn't here yet, but I know he'll find a way. That's who he is lately. A man who delivers. Even when I've shattered his trust. Even when he may not want to look at me.

Even when I don't want to look at myself. I just thank God this baby is his because anything else would have meant the end for us. Considering my stupid mistakes, I got out of this better than it could have been.

to speak with him and take my part in all of this. He can't blame himself alone for hurting Jayden. It takes two

She guides me into the

crisp English. "Dr. Klein will be here

was wrong? How do we even begin to rebuild after everything? But right now, I have to let

this baby the best I can and to get Judy out of our lives for good. But for good seems

I look up. Jayden steps in. He's dressed simply, a dark jacket over a gray sweater, his hair slightly tousled from the brisk Brussels air. He's always been striking, but

to read it. Getting our emotions tangled

I say softly. "You

closing the door behind him. "Hey.

or kiss. The air between us feels

so nervous," I add, my voice barely above

but we're here now." He sits on the chair beside the bed, his arms crossed. His gaze lingers on me, but I can't tell

with Dr. Klein, a tall man with salt-and-pepper hair and a warm demeanor. He introduces himself,

how everything's progressing," he says.

glance at Jayden,

lie back and prepare. I try to focus

precise. The screen

a small smile on his face. "Your

the steady, rhythmic sound of a

to my eyes. I glance at Jayden, his expression softens. His eyes shine with moisture. He's staring at the screen, his jaw clenched, but his

says,

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