“So Daddy here says you’ve been arguing about whether to find out the sex of the baby,” she teases when I walk in.
“Daddy here is being stubborn,” I grumble.
Tucker’s jaw drops. “Nuh-uh. Mommy is the stubborn one who doesn’t like surprises.”
I sweep a hand over the protruding belly that has popped out in a big way in the last month. “This wasn’t surprise enough for you?” I ask primly.
Doctor Laura snorts before glancing down at the file folder in her hand. “Well, we got a very clear image from the ultrasound. Since Sabrina is my patient and you’re not, John, I’m going to tell her the sex if that’s what she wants.”
“Traitor,” he says with a mock glare.
“I want to know,” I tell the doctor before cocking my head at Tucker. “You may leave the room now, Daddy.”
“Naah. I’ve changed my mind. I want to know.”
I eye him anxiously. “Are you sure?”
He responds with an earnest nod.
“All right, then. Hit us,” I tell the doc.
Her eyes twinkle. “Congratulations. You’re having a baby girl.”
I gasp, all the oxygen sucking into my lungs and then getting trapped there. My pulse speeds up, and it’s like my surroundings, my entire world, come into sharper focus. Colors seem brighter and the air feels lighter and this whole experience—this life growing inside of me—suddenly feels real.
“We’re having a girl,” I breathe, turning to Tucker.
His gaze is almost reverent. “We’re having a girl,” he whispers.
Doctor Laura lets us marvel in silence for a few seconds before clearing her throat. “Anyway, everything looks great. The baby is healthy, the heartbeat is strong and steady. Keep taking your prenatal vitamins, try not to push yourself too hard, and I’ll see you again in four weeks.”
At the door, she pauses and winks at Tucker over her shoulder. “As for the other matter you were asking about, all systems are a go.”
After she’s gone, I frown at him. “What other matter?”
He shrugs, the epitome of mystery. “Just a dad question.” He reaches for my hand. “Come on, let’s get going. I want to show you something before I drop you off at home.”
My forehead creases. “Show me what?”
“It’s a surprise.”
“Didn’t we just establish I don’t like surprises?”
He chuckles. “Trust me, you’ll like this one.”
27
Sabrina
“What are we doing here?” I ask fifteen minutes later, examining the street Tucker had just turned onto. This neighborhood is sketchy. I mean, it’s only a five-minute drive from my place, so of course it’s sketchy.
“Patience,” he chides, parking at the curb in front of a ten-story brick building.
I will up some of that patience and wait for him to open my door. This guy refuses to let me open doors. It’s like he doesn’t understand that I have hands.
When my flats land on the pavement, Tucker takes my hand and leads me to the entrance of the building. I fight back a million questions, because I know he won’t answer them, and obediently follow him into a small lobby with an even smaller elevator. We take it all the way to the tenth floor, walk down a short hall, and stop in front of apartment 10C.
Tucker pulls a key ring out of his pocket and unlocks the door.
“Who lives here?” I demand.
“I do.”
“What? Since when?”
“Since three days ago,” he admits. “Well, technically I don’t move in until the end of the week, but three days ago was when we reached an agreement.”
“We?”
“Me and Brody Hollis, a teammate’s brother.”
“Oh.” I’m so confused, because this entire week he didn’t once mention moving to Boston. “What about your house in Hastings?”
“The lease is up in June. I would’ve had to move out anyway.” He shrugs. “It made more sense to find a place here in Boston. That way I can be close to you and the baby.” He holds out a hand. “Do you want the grand tour?”
“Um. Sure.” I’m still a bit stunned.
Tucker laces his fingers through mine and leads me through the apartment. While the exterior of the building is kind of crappy, the interior is surprisingly nice. The apartment has great outdoor light, pine floors, and an open layout. Down the hall are three doors that lead to the bathroom and two bedrooms.