The truth was, Sadie had hardly worked out at all when she’d been pregnant with Lincoln, save for a handful of prenatal yoga classes sprinkled over the nine months. Instead, she’d spent entirely too much time working at the design firm, determined to prove she was as indispensable as ever and would continue to be so once she was a mother. She’d get to the office at seven and be anchored at her desk for nearly twelve hours a day. In addition to sitting around a lot, there may have been some stress eating too.

Always fit and athletic, Sadie had struggled to embrace her pregnant body the first time. She was so insecure about her appearance, she hadn’t even let Ethan take many pictures. This time was going to be different. Not only was she determined to take better care of herself physically and emotionally, she was going to love every bit of this pregnancy. She would take those monthly photos where she stood in the same exact place so they could marvel at her growing belly. She would wear a two-piece at the beach this summer. She was going to appreciate every rumbling, every kick.

“Sadie Landry?” a nurse called from the door, holding a clipboard. “You can come on back now.”

“See you around, Maria.”

Holding Lincoln and his medley of toys in her arms, Sadie followed the nurse down the long hall and into an exam room. After a lengthy conversation regarding Sadie’s medical history and last menstrual cycle, the nurse took a few vital measurements and a blood sample.

“Dr. Jennings will be in soon. Your gown is on the table.” The nurse motioned toward the aforementioned paper gown, one of the many humiliating parts of any gynecological visit. “Will anyone be joining you today?”

“I’m afraid my husband couldn’t get away from work.” She kept her voice overly bright, but the room felt too big, too empty without Ethan here. She rubbed her hand on her jeans, suddenly aching for him to hold it.

The nurse gave her a “men, they get us into this mess then leave us to deal with it” smile, before exiting the room.

Sadie changed into the embarrassing paper gown and tried to sit as politely as she could on the examination table, attempting to be cool and composed like meeting her future child via ultrasound was something she did every day. Thankfully, Lincoln was happily occupied with his beloved cash register. She wondered if the new baby would be a budding checkout person too.

Dr. Jennings, a middle-aged woman with tawny skin and thin black braids, knocked on the door a very long ten minutes later. “Hi Sadie,” she said with a smile, revealing perfect teeth. “Nice to meet you.”

Sadie typically saw Dr. Monroe, who happened to be on maternity leave herself.