Chapter 39

“Well, Mrs. Derek,” Dr. Harold went on with a smile. “I’m glad to report that all is looking well with the progression of your pregnancy. And, I’m especially impressed to see that you’re looking a lot healthier since the last time we met.”

I turned to glance at James who shared the same happy, satisfied expression as I did. According to my pre-planned schedule, today, I had another check-up with Dr. Harold. Just like the previous time, the older man greeted us with a smile and led us to one of the examination rooms. He gave James the chance to step out; however, I had been the one to reach out and grab his hand.

“Will you stay?” I asked him.

“Are you sure?” he questioned back.

I nodded my head with clear certainty. “Yes, I want you here...With me.”

James’ eyes widened with surprise at my request. Even though I secretly knew about James’ hidden hatred toward hospitals, I wanted him to remain close to me. And much to everyone’s surprise, he did.

As Dr. Harold ran through the typical tests, James threw in his own comments and questions where he could. His hand never left my shoulder as we both kept our eyes on the monitor when it came time for the ultrasound.

“When are we able to find out the gender?” he asked.

Dr. Harold turned to glance at the calendar on the wall. “There’s a very likely chance that we could know as soon as her next appointment time,” he responded. “Any other questions for the time being?”

While James and Dr. Harold fell into their own personal conversation, my mind wandered elsewhere for a brief moment. Much to my own surprise, after that newest article Monica had stirred up for the press, a lot of unwanted hype and attention managed to somehow dissolve itself.

I figured a scandal such as that, would have at least prompted the media to sink their nails into as best as they possibly could—especially because a lot of it was true...

But, no. It was like the whole issue had somehow been silenced. I wanted to ask James if he had anything to do about it, but at the same time, I wasn’t interested in reliving the ordeal once more. Instead, he had been the one to bring up the issue of Monica and her excessive meddling.

“Mia, just say the word and I will have the staff pack up all of Monica’s belongings and have her removed from the house,” James had announced.

To be honest, I didn’t like having that sort of power and say over someone else’s life. Did I want her to leave us alone for good? Yes, without a doubt. But did I think she needed to be tossed out on her ass?

“Just think about it,” he told me. “From what I’ve noticed, she’s been bringing nothing but trouble for us since you first moved in. And now that she’s made a personal affront to my family, things are looking very grim for her.”

From that point on, I haven’t had to deal with any issues from the press or Monica. It was oddly peaceful and I hoped that the feeling would find a way to last.

“Alright, lastly...” James gave me a quick, knowing glance. “What we both want to know is, is it considered safe to have sex while Mia is currently pregnant?”

My entire face was enveloped in a deep flush. I knew that Dr. Harold was a trained professional who was no doubt very well-versed in his field; however, it didn’t make things any less mortifying. I felt myself shrink on the spot.

The doctor nodded his head in understanding. “I assure you both that sex is completely safe when the mother is currently carrying the baby,” he said. “Just as long as things don’t get too rough or out of hand and both partners remain mindful.”

I noticed James’ eyes light up with excitement which practically had me rolling my eyes and laughing. After he helped me off the examination table, James and I said our goodbyes and left to head back to the reception desk.

From the moment we parted ways with Dr. Harold, James’ smile remained fixed on his face. After we got the date for my next scheduled appointment, he and I headed toward the main door.

James slipped his arm around my waist. “So, does this mean that I get to ravish you in the car on the way home?”

The two of us broke out into a fit of laughter when suddenly a strange voice called out my name.

“Mia!”

I stopped short and slowly turned around to find the source of the noise. My eyes were instantly drawn to a familiar face I hadn’t seen in years.

“Ben?”

Benjamin Anderson used to be our next-door neighbor when we were younger. I could recall that he was a few years younger than me, but was always kind to me even when most of the other kids our age weren’t.

My mouth curved into a bright smile as I took in the young man before me. “Oh my God,” I said breathlessly. “We haven’t seen each other since—”

“We were in high school,” he noted with a growing smile. His gaze took a whole moment to take all of me in. “You look amazing.”

“As do you,” I told him. “So, what have you been up to?”

“I’m currently studying at one of the top universities in the city, majoring in computer science.

“That’s amazing!” I said with excitement. “You were always so talented when it came to working with those systems and programs. But, wait, what are you doing here?”

“Oh, I’m here for my grandmother,” he explains. “She’s fine. She’s just in the middle of having her annual check-up. Surely, you remember how much she adores your special ginger snap cookies.”

My eyes grew wide as a slight blush touched my cheeks. “Oh, wow. I haven’t made those in forever,” I giggled. “But I’m glad to hear that she’s doing well.”

James let out a subtle growl that caused both Ben and me to jump slightly.

“Right, sorry. Ben, this is my husband, James. James, this is Ben. He and I used to be next-door neighbors growing up.”

“Anderson? I recognize the family name,” James stated tightly. He snaked a possessive arm around my waist once more. “Come on, sweetheart. We need to go.”

“Well, it was nice seeing you again,” Ben said evenly.

“You too.”

“Perhaps you and I can meet up for coffee sometime and really have a chance to catch up,” he suggested.

“Definitely!” I called out.

James’ grip on my waist noticeably tightened in displeasure.