When my teeth have been brushed and my top changed, we’re once again on our way out the door. This time without incident. Lucian chose to drive us and not use Sam. I think he likes time to absorb any new “baby” information before he has to answer questions from his friends. I feel the same way as well. I no longer panic over every reference to my pregnancy, but I’m still a bundle of nerves about it. Since the morning sickness hit though, I’ve had less time to dwell on my impending motherhood. My focus is usually trying to work around my heaving sessions so I can make it to school on time.
I put my hand on Lucian’s strong thigh as he drives us through the streets of Asheville. “Thanks, Luc,” I say, feeling emotional. I cry over nothing these days. I dropped my glass of juice two mornings ago and sobbed for thirty minutes. Lucian was beside himself by the time I finally got it together.
His hand briefly covers mine as he throws me a quizzical look. “For what?”
“For taking care of me and overlooking my mood swings. I know it can’t be easy for you.” He’s dealing with so much already that my weepiness is the last thing he needs added to his plate.
“Ah, baby, you don’t have to thank me. It’s my privilege and never a chore. You’re carrying our child inside you. I’d be a bit of a bastard if I walked off to let you deal with everything alone, wouldn’t I?”
I can’t help but smile at his teasing words. “You would be, yes.”
“I don’t want to miss anything, Lia. Nothing in my life is as important as you are.”
“I know, Lucian,” I assure him. “You’re the best boyfriend in the entire world.”
He grimaces, before saying, “That always sounds so…odd. I know we’re in our twenties, but I just feel too old to be your ‘boyfriend.’ It seems so inadequate for the way I feel about you.”
Somehow, I don’t think this is the time to suggest he call me his future wife. I can’t believe the thought even crossed my mind. I’m not ready for that—am I? “How about my baby daddy?” I joke instead.
“Only if I can call you my baby mama.” He laughs when I cringe.
“Please, I already have to hear that from Rose. Let’s just stick with my sex slave for now, all right?” He gives me a look that melts my panties and has me panting as we park in front of the doctor’s office.
He gently rubs my leg before he takes my hand. “I’ll see if I can live up to that name when we get home,” he drawls.
I’m flushed and sweating as I fill out my paperwork. I’m once again faced with the box asking for my insurance coverage. Lucian looks down as I hesitate and rolls his eyes at the question. He points to cash and gives me a warning look not to argue. I return the paperwork to the receptionist and take my seat once again. It’s almost comical to see Lucian sitting here surrounded by women, the majority of them visibly pregnant. I see more than a few of them looking at him with frank appreciation. It makes me feel like a queen when he clasps my hand in his, before dropping a kiss on the side of my cheek. That’s right, ladies. This is my man candy; eat your hearts out!
My name is called and Lucian gets to his feet without hesitation. We step through the doorway and a woman who doesn’t even look old enough to work says, “Hi, I’m Brittany and I’ll be doing your ultrasound today.” She escorts us to a dimly lit room and hands me a paper sheet. She points to a dressing room with a curtain in the corner. “If you’ll remove your clothing below the waist and then have a seat on the table.”
Lucian gives me a lecherous grin. “Mmm, I didn’t know there would be nudity today. What exactly happens at this appointment? You and Brittany…?”
I pop his butt with the sheet as I walk toward the dressing room. “In your dreams, Quinn. Now try to keep it together while I undress.”
He gives me an innocent look before asking, “Need any help in there?”
I wag my finger in his face. “You’re going to get into trouble with Brittany if you don’t behave,” I warn sternly. He chuckles, not sounding too concerned about my threat. I quickly remove my pants and panties, then pull the stiff sheet around me. I slide my feet back into my flip-flops and walk past Lucian in my less than glamorous attire.
“You look hot,” he deadpans as he helps me up onto the exam table. I’m right in the middle of sticking my tongue out at him when there is a knock at the door before it opens.
Brittany gives me a confused look as my tongue is still pointing at Lucian. “Are we ready?” she asks briskly.
“We are,” Lucian answers. Lucian and I both startle when Brittany lifts something that looks like a vibrator, then precedes to roll a condom over it. “What the hell?” I just nod in agreement, since I’m thinking the same thing.
The corners of Brittany’s mouth twitch before she asks, “You’ve never had a transvaginal ultrasound before?”
“Um…no,” I say, knowing my face must be bright red. It’s not as if Lucian isn’t intimately familiar with my body, but somehow hearing part of it being discussed so clinically is a bit embarrassing.