It had been a month since Ryan’s surprise birthday party, and life for Avery had finally started to settle into a rhythm. She was back at work, Sunny was growing into an energetic and mischievous puppy, and her relationship with Ryan was better than ever.
But lately, Avery hadn’t been feeling like herself.
It started with mild fatigue. She brushed it off as stress from work. Then came the nausea—persistent and annoying, but she figured it was just something she ate. When the dizziness hit one morning as she was feeding Sunny, she knew it was time to take it seriously.
“Ryan?” she called out weakly, gripping the counter for support.
Ryan rushed into the kitchen, his brow furrowing when he saw her pale face. “Aves, what’s wrong?”
“I don’t know,” she admitted, her voice shaky. “I just feel… off. I think I need to see a doctor.”
Without hesitation, Ryan grabbed his keys. “We’re going to the hospital. Now.”
The emergency room was a blur of bright lights and murmured voices. Ryan held Avery’s hand tightly as they waited for her name to be called.
“You’re going to be okay,” he said, his voice calm but firm. “We’ll figure this out.”
Avery nodded, though fear gnawed at her. The memory of her miscarriage months ago was still fresh, and she couldn’t help but worry.
A nurse finally led them to an examination room, where Avery was asked to change into a gown. Ryan stayed by her side, his reassuring presence keeping her grounded.
“Ms. Deveraux,” the doctor greeted her warmly as he entered the room. “I’m Dr. Clarke. Let’s see what’s going on today.”
Avery explained her symptoms, her voice tinged with anxiety.
Dr. Clarke nodded thoughtfully. “We’ll run some blood tests and do a quick ultrasound to rule out anything serious. Try to relax; we’ll take good care of you.”
As Avery lay on the examination table, Ryan sat beside her, holding her hand. The ultrasound technician prepared the machine, the cool gel applied to her lower abdomen making her shiver slightly.
The room was silent as the technician moved the wand across her stomach, her eyes focused on the screen.
Then, suddenly, the technician’s face broke into a small smile.
“There’s the heartbeat,” she said, turning the screen toward them.
Avery’s breath caught. “Heartbeat?”
Ryan leaned closer, his eyes wide with disbelief. “Are you saying…?”
“You’re pregnant,” the technician confirmed, her smile widening.
Avery’s eyes filled with tears as she stared at the tiny flicker on the screen. “I… I can’t believe it.”
Ryan squeezed her hand, his voice thick with emotion. “Avery, we’re having a baby.”