The Marriage Clause Read Online Free PDF Page B

me,” Rhonda replied.
    They went through the routine check up and everything Rhonda listed. When she had her blood drawn India got a bit woozy. Her nurse brought her juice and cookies to get her blood sugar up, then gave her a stern warning to never skip breakfast before an appointment or go without eating a meal. Her body would be in flux and even a simple set of blood draw for labs could leave her feeling weak or ill. India took it to heart and started planning small, frequent meals through her day from that point on.  When Rhonda got her settled in the sonogram room, she went to get Gran so she could be there to see the first images of the baby.
    “Where’s dad?”  the sonogram technician asked.
    “He’s on base, he couldn’t get away for this,” India explained.
    “Well, we’ll make sure he has a lot of pictures to look at.” The friendly tech smiled and shook a bottle in her hand. “This is the gel we use to help see the baby clearer, we make sure it’s warm. This does not harm the baby in anyway. Rhonda, could you hit the lights please.”
    “Mood lighting, never had this in my day,” Gran said. “We’ll have to bring Brownie next time, she’ll say the same thing.”
    “Hush, Gran,” India admonished.
    Rhonda did as the tech requested and the tech put the sonogram wand on India’s lower stomach. She moved it around and meticulously made notes on what she was charting.
    “Now, here’s the heart beat, it’s nice and strong,” the technician said and she turned up the dial.
    The fast, rhythmic sound filled her ears, and Gran clutched India’s hand as she loomed over her. They smiled in happiness.
    “Here is your baby and everything looks wonderful.”
    The technician turned the monitor and she could see the outline of the tiny body on the screen. It was gray and grainy, but it was definitely a little baby in there lying on the bottom of her stomach, nestled safely. You are already so loved , India said mentally.
    “Can you tell if it’s a boy or a girl?” Gran asked. India could see she was completely enthralled by the images on the screen.
    “Not yet, it’s still too early. She’ll come back for another sonogram around twenty-five to thirty weeks, and if the baby cooperates you may be able to see the sex then,” the technician answered.  “Now I’ve made you some pictures for dad to see and since he wasn’t here today we offer a fetal Doppler machine you can take home so he can hear the heart beat. We can show you how to use it and where to place it for the best audio.”
    “That would be great, thank you,” India said.
    Rhonda gave her some towels to wipe the gel off her stomach and soon she was walking out of the office with a bag that held a folder about her pregnancy and the sonogram pictures plus the Doppler for Mikael to use. She hoped he could come over that night, or even better, she’d drive to Fort Hamilton where he lived in base housing. His place wasn’t that big, but he was always coming to her house so maybe it was time for her to go to him.
    “I’m going to drop you off, Gran, and head over to Mikael’s place,” India told her as they walked back to the parking deck.
    “That sounds lovely. Can I have one of the pictures? I’ll take it to show Brownie,” Gran said.
    “Sure, take four so you each can have two,” India said. “It still leaves a stack, and I plan to start a baby scrapbook.”
    “You’re very creative, I can’t wait to see what you come up with,” Gran said. “If you need help with the nursery, you know both Brownie and I would like to help.”
    “I know Gran, everyone is being very supportive,” India said.
    “Are you happy about the baby, Honeybee?” Gran asked.
    “Yes, it was a shock but it feels really good and right,” India admitted.
    “So does that mean we get a wedding?” Gran said hopefully.
    India laughed. “Don’t push it, lady, I’m still mad about that.”
    She dropped her grandmother off and was reminded to eat