Page 131 of Range
Swooooosh.
“According to your last period and your date of conception, you’re due January 25th. However, twin cases vary. Some are induced at thirty-six weeks. Others, thirty-eight. A full forty weeks is possible if there’s no discomfort and the babies are not showing signs of distress.”
The clicking continued.
So did the sound of the sonography technology.
My heart and mind raced simultaneously. I felt so many things. Strangely, loneliness wasn’t one of those. I was drowning in love.
From my sisters.
And, from the little ones growing in my belly.
“Alright, Ms. Childers. Everything looks good. You can stop at the front on your way out. Your images will be waiting. You can schedule your next appointment while you retrieve your images. I’m wishing you a healthy and pleasurable pregnancy experience. I’ll see you soon. Please call us if you have any concerns.”
Dr. Grant cleaned the gel from my stomach and removed the oversized napkins she’d used to protect my clothes.
“Thank you.”
She handed me paper towels to clean. I rubbed them across my belly, removing any traces of the ultrasound gel.
“You’re welcome. Have a great day.”
Silence washed over the room after her exit. Without a word, I adjusted my clothes. When I stood, Roaman was waiting.
Hand extended.
Willing. Waiting. Ready to support me in any way she could.
She opened the door. We both filed out. Our bodies stilled at the receptionist desk.
“Sonograph images for Range Childers, please,” Roaman demanded.
“Yes. Right here. Would you like to schedule your next appointment while you’re here?”
I shook my head. Roaman’s eyes studied me, quietly, trying to gauge my mental location.
“Not today. We’ll reach out when we’re ready,” she explained, taking the images from the receptionist.
“Understand. You two have a nice day,” she responded, picking up the ringing phone.
We began toward the door. Roaman pushed it open. As I prepared to step out, I was advised otherwise.
“Ms. Childers–” the receptionist called out, “There’s a call.”
My brows furrowed. Confusion was plentiful.
“For you,” she informed me, extending the corded phone.
Sighing, I turned around, heading toward the desk. I reached over the counter, gripping the phone. I placed it against my ear. Words were still a complicated task.
Emotions swelled in my chest. Not even the silence on the line could disguise the caller. I knew him well. I knew his energy. I knew his heart.
Josiah, my love. I breathed out.
FIFTEEN
Even the sound of life in her body brought calm to my storm. I listened as she breathed into the line. I missed her. So much.
