Narrated by Mason:
At the check-up, the doctor tells us that the baby is doing well, but that doesn't mean Peyton can go back to her normal hectic life. The doctor advises us to gradually resume her normal routine, starting with walking around the house for a few hours and increasing the time each day. We don't want a repeat of what happened before.
The doctor also emphasizes that Peyton should avoid anger and stress. During this time, it's best for her not to work and not to burden herself with excessive things that require mental effort, so that she can have a calm pregnancy and ensure the healthy growth of our child within her.
I nod to everything the doctor says and keep in mind all the things I need to do for Peyton. At the end of the appointment, the doctor gives us a photograph of our baby, and I leave with a stupid grin on my face. It's my baby growing inside her. This news makes me so happy. It feels like now that I've seen the photo and been to the check-up, I'm finally grasping the reality that I'm going to be a father.
Am I the only one who feels this way? It's as if I didn't believe it when I heard the news, not even when I saw the test. At least, not until now. After the appointment, I take Peyton home and inform the nurse about the new changes she needs to make in her daily life. I emphasize the importance of not pushing herself too hard or getting stressed.
I look at Peyton and smiling, I say,
"Can I take the photo to show it to my mother? I'm sure she'll come to visit you more often now, and when you're able to leave the house, we can go shopping for things for our baby," I comment enthusiastically.
"Of course, take it with you. I have no problem with that," she replies, smiling.
"Whatever you want or need, let me know, anytime," I tell her, kissing her forehead.
"Don't worry, my love. There are only a few weeks left until we can be together all the time. What I do want to ask is if Camila can stay with me. She helps me a lot so I don't get bored, and when the baby is born, she can assist me with taking care of our child. Are you okay with that?" she asks, surprising me with how little time I have left being married to Paige.
"Of course, she can stay with you and the baby. Like you said, there isn't much time left," I reply, forcing a smile.
"I love you, and thank you for spoiling me in every way," she says, kissing my lips.
"I love you too. Don't thank me, that's what we're here for," I reply, distancing myself and saying goodbye to the nurse.
I leave the house and sigh. I had forgotten how much time I have left with Paige. My mood instantly drops as I remember her. Thinking about her always leaves me feeling sad because of how much I miss her by my side.
I head towards my parents' house, and when I arrive, I hear my mother talking on the phone. I approach silently until I hear her say "Paige." I drop the car keys, and she notices my presence. She quickly says goodbye and ends the call.
"Son, how are you?" she greets me as she stands up.
"I'm good, Mom. Were you talking to Paige?" I can't help but ask.
"Yes, I wanted to know how you both are doing. Both she and Simba are fine. Tell me, what brings you here at this time?" she asks, looking at the clock.
"I came because we just had a check-up with the doctor, and they're both doing better. But she needs to take it slow and easy, no stress, and do a lot of walking. I left her at home, and I brought you a photo of my baby," I say, handing her the image of the fetus.
"Oh, my son, it's beautiful!" she says, excited.
"Mom, it's just a fetus," I reply, smiling at her excitement.
"I know, but I'm happy that you're both doing better. Although I'm not entirely fond of the girl, I've been thinking of starting fresh with her. It wasn't fair the way I treated her because of how we met. Now that she'll be your wife when you can marry her, it's best to improve the relationship I have with her. We'll be together for the rest of our lives," she tells me, and it makes me happy.
"You have no idea how much I appreciate your words. It truly makes me happy to know that you want to change that," I comment, hugging her.
It's the best thing that could happen to me because, as my mother says, we'll be together for the rest of our lives, and it's necessary for them to change how they treat each other and get to know each other better for the sake of our child.
"Don't worry, my love. I'm already taking care of it, improving the relationship. I'll visit her more often, and everything will be better," my mother says, smiling.
“I forgot to tell you something. When I finalize the divorce with Paige, we'll move to the house I'm living in now. It's bigger so that the baby will have more space to run and play," I say, feeling timid.
"I don't know what to say. You know what you're doing. I hope Paige is aware of this, as we gave her the house as well," she replies, no longer smiling.
"I'll pay her half of the value of the house. If she objects, we won't live in that house. I'll respect her decision," I explain sincerely.
"Alright, then I'm off. I need to buy some things. Your future wife should be eating the healthiest food possible, and I'll take care of getting her what she needs," she says, kissing my cheek before leaving.
I know she only mentioned going shopping to avoid staying here. I'm sure she didn't like the idea of living in the house that she and my father bought for Paige and me.
As for telling Paige that I'll pay her half of the house for that reason, she doesn't know. I don't even dare to tell Sarah and Ethan; they would be upset because they would see it as disrespectful towards Paige and the time we lived together in that place. I don't want to deny Peyton anything, that's why I agreed. It's my fault for not loving her as I did before when she got pregnant.