The next morning, I wore the blue sweater Lucas once said made my eyes look bright. Halfway through brushing my hair, I hated myself for choosing it.
At the medical center, Lucas was already in the waiting room.
Charlotte sat beside him, her hand on his knee. A thick folder sat between them.
“Maddie, finally,” Lucas said.
Not, “Are you okay?”
Charlotte smiled carefully. “This will be easier if you stop pretending.”
I looked at her. “You came to my ultrasound to say that?”
I hated myself for choosing it.
“I came because Lucas deserves support and peace.”
I placed my folder on my lap. “Then let’s go see what peace costs.”
Lucas opened his folder. “I want a quick divorce. After the birth, I want a DNA test.”
“You can ask for one legally.”
“And I want this signed.” He slid papers toward me. “If the baby isn’t mine, you repay pregnancy-related expenses.”
I read the clause.
“Medical bills. Housing support. Attorney fees.”‘
“I want a quick divorce.”
“You brought another woman to my baby’s first appointment and handed me a bill for being pregnant,” I said. “You’re a piece of work, Lucas.”
“Don’t be dramatic.”
I folded the papers and set them back on his folder. “I’m not signing anything.”
Tara called my name.
Lucas stood. Charlotte followed.
Tara looked at me. “Ma’am, are you sure you want everyone in the room?”
Lucas said, “I’m her husband.”
“You’re a piece of work, Lucas.”
I looked right at the nurse. “Yes. Let them in.”
Dr. Monroe greeted me, then glanced cautiously at Lucas and Charlotte.
***
“All right, Maddie,” she said. “Let’s take a look.”
I lay back, twisting my wedding ring until it hurt.
At first, the screen was nothing but shadows.
Then the sound filled the room.
Fast, strong, and real. My baby.
I lay back, twisting my wedding ring.
“Is the baby okay?” I whispered.
Dr. Monroe smiled. “Your baby looks healthy.”
Healthy.
