Here they were, the first appointment of the day on Monday morning, after an agonizing remainder of the weekend, which even included a ridiculous attempt to have fun at the Spring Fling. As if that was remotely possible when the only thing on her mind was the health, the very viability, of her unborn child.

“Our baby is going to be okay.” Ethan nestled his nose into Sadie’s hair, resting it just above her ear. “Just think, this time next year? We’re going to be sitting on the beach eating peanut butter and banana sandwiches and building sandcastles together. All four of us.”

Sadie loved that image. She thought of Lincoln digging a moat while Ethan molded turrets from wet sand. She would have the baby snuggled against her chest, maybe breastfeeding or reading a story to the happy infant.

“But what if he or she isn’t?” A wave came crashing into the frame, knocking them all to their backs, helpless.

“We have to think positively.” His words were more convincing than the thick emotion in his voice. “We’re his or her parents. If we aren’t in the baby’s corner, who is?”

Sadie nodded, resolute. She rubbed her stomach. “You can do this, little one. We believe in you.”

“We love you,” Ethan said so quietly, it was nearly a whisper.

Thank God Renee had volunteered to watch Lincoln this morning. If this pregnancy wasn’t viable, she wasn’t sure how she was going to react. Would she burst into ugly sobs? Quietly cry? Scream? Any of these possibilities would scare Lincoln, and the last thing she wanted to do was upset her boy.

“Good morning.” Dr. Jennings’s tone was serious and somber. Sadie appreciated that the doctor wasn’t trying to pretend like this appointment was anything other than tense. “I know this all must be incredibly scary.”

They both nodded, their voices caught in their throats.

“Are you ready?”

Again, more silent nodding.

Sadie gripped Ethan’s hand as they watched Dr. Jennings move the ultrasound wand inside her. They didn’t make a sound, their hope spread as thin as tissue paper, as if any noise could rip their hopes in half.

Please be okay, Sadie prayed. Please be okay in there.

Ethan squeezed her fingers, and she looked up at him, locking gazes. They didn’t need to talk—their eyes said it all. While this pregnancy had startled them, they wanted this baby.

Their baby.

Then the corners of Dr. Jennings mouth lifted up and suddenly everything was all right.

“There’s the heartbeat.”

Sadie’s eyes welled up with tears, and she let out a giant exhale. Nervously, she asked, “So the baby is going to be okay?”

“Yes. Your baby is fine.” Dr. Jennings nodded. “Would you like to listen to the heartbeat?”