Page 24 of The Billionaire's Baby
“Yes, ma’am.” Adira nodded.
“Okay, let’s hear this little one’s heartbeat.” Dr. Schiller smiled.
The gel was warm on Adira’s belly and Favian scooted closer so he could see what the doctor was doing. He wasn’t going to miss any details no matter how small when it came to this experience. The sound of empty sonic waves filled the air for a moment and alarm filled him, but before he could voice his concern the sound of a strong fast thrum came from the machine.
“That’s the heartbeat,” Adira said gently as he looked at her.
“Nice and strong,” the doctor said. “Now let’s measure the growth.”
“What’s the device you were using?” Favian asked as she pulled out a measuring tape.
“That’s a fetal Doppler and, yes, you can buy them online and even at many baby boutiques,” Dr. Schiller answered. Favian could tell she had heard the same question more than a few times.
“We’re going shopping after lunch,” he told Adira.
Dr. Schiller measured Adira’s tummy. “Right on the growth mark. Mommy and baby are both healthy and strong. Your next appointment will be right on the nose for a sonogram and we offer the four-dimensional imaging of your baby. Will you want to know the sex?”
Adira shook her head. “We’ve decided to go for the big reveal at birth.”
Dr. Schiller patted her hand. “Good for you. That’s refreshing because most couples want to know right away. But waiting really adds to the excitement. Now, remember, low salt intake and rest. Melanie will make your next appointment when you go out to the front desk.”
“Thank you, Dr. Schiller,” Adira said.
“Carrie, please,” she said with a smile.
Favian shook her hand and restrained himself from hugging the older woman. “Muchas gracias, Carrie. Thank you so much.”
“You’re welcome. Or should I say de nada, Se?or Rivera?” she said with a wink and a grin. That sealed it for Favian; he liked the fun older woman.
Adira was given an appointment in five weeks and Favian made note of it in his blackberry. There was no way he was going to miss seeing his baby in Adira’s tummy. He took her to lunch and did as Suzie requested and made sure Adira had some avocado in her meal. Afterwards, they walked down the busy streets holding hands and went into one of the exclusive baby boutiques in Manhattan.
“Hello, Mr. Rivera. Welcome to La Petite!” The manager came rushing from behind the counter to greet him.
“Do you know everyone?” Adira asked quietly.
“I own this line of stores. They were sinking and I gave them the funding to stay afloat for a percentage of the profits,” Favian explained. “They just needed some restructuring.” He greeted the manager. “Hello, Phyllis, how are you?”
“Very well, sir. Are you here to look over the books or stock?” Phyllis asked nervously.
Favian wondered if the small birdlike woman may pass out. She seemed so nervous. He set about to calm her before she fainted. Since he was a business owner, his name came with some stereotypes. A lot of people saw him coming and thought they would be out of a job. He was not about putting good, hardworking people on the streets. He had a knack for weeding out the bad apples and taking them out of the equation but keeping the right ones in. At the time he bought La Petite, Phyllis was one of the best workers they had. She was just floor staff then, but he got rid of the arrogant, lazy manager and promoted her. It worked out well.
“Phyllis, this is Adira and we’re going to be having a baby in the next six months.” Favian smiled. “Show us everything you’ve got and make sure whatever we buy gets delivered to my home.”
“Oh, how wonderful, sir. Congratulations to both of you!” Phyllis said. “Ma’am, what would you like to see?”
“Please call me Adira and thank you so much. Since I’ve never done this before and I have no idea where to start, how about you show me around and give me your expertise?” Adira asked.
Phyllis nodded shyly. “It would be my honor.”
He trailed along behind Adira and Phyllis and watched as the manager handled everything with ease and also helped Adira to feel comfortable. Adira boggled at the prices each time she saw something she loved, but Favian would catch Phyllis’ eye and give her a slight nod, and the manager would make a note to order it.
Adira may have a problem with spending his money, but Favian did not. Adira would have what made her happy for the baby’s nursery and his child would want for nothing. One of the last things on the list was a baby Doppler. He wanted to be able to listen to his baby’s heartbeat at home while Adira lay in bed. Before they left the store, Phyllis asked if he would need workers to put together the furniture and crib. Favian politely refused. He would use his own hands to put everything together.
