With that, the doc leaves the room. I stand up slowly to not trigger a dizzy spell and collect my things.

“I’m sorry.”

I give a strained smile. “You’re the one that wanted to be here.”

Landon sighs. “Really? You’re going to act like that?”

“Like what?”

“Never mind. When’s your ultrasound appointment?”

“What day do you have available to actually make it?” Even I hear the snark in my voice.

Landon, however, humbly ignores it. “I can take next Wednesday off.”

My mouth gapes open. “Off? Like Off, Off? As in not going into work at all?”

Landon chuckles. “I can take days off, you know.” He leans in closer and whispers, “It’s part of the perks of being the boss.”

I do not know why that makes me blush, but based on the heat I feel in my checks I am as red as a tomato.

“Um, well then… Yeah… We can schedule it for Wednesday.”

Landon smirks his stupid grin at me. “Okay, then.”

I nod like an idiot. “Okay, I’ll see you at home then.”

With that, I awkwardly walk around Landon, exiting the room.

CHAPTER 7

Ultrasound

Landon

Wednesday

Brooke has not said anything the whole way home. She huffed this morning when I suggested we ride together to the appointment. It is like she is trying to avoid being around me as much as possible. Now she sits rigid, fiddling with a file on her lap.

“What’s that?” my gruff voice cuts through the thick awkwardness. Her eyes widen, startled by the question.

“Oh…uh…it’s just some paperwork the doc asked me to fill out.” And the cab is back to awkward silence.

Ten minutes later, I pull into the clinic’s parking lot. Brooke let out a faint sigh as we got out of the vehicle.

The waiting room was just as awkward and tense.

“Do you think we can find out the sex of the baby today?” I ask.

A flare of rage sparkles in her eyes. “Are you that keen to get rid of me?”

Surprised by the question, I felt a flare of anger too. “Well, it’s not like I wanted you to begin with.”

She turned away from me then. “Well, then, I guess you’re only a few short months away from freedom. No more shackle on your leg. You can be just like Jared and shop around for the next poor girl to suffer through a marriage with you.”

Irritated now, I snap back, “Make no mistake, I will take my time and be very picky about my next bride. But thank you for showing me what it is I definitely don’t want in a bride.”

Her lips curl into a sneer, but that does not hide the pain I see in her eyes. “You’re most certainly welcome.”

My gut twists in guilt and remorse for the pain I caused her. What irritates me the most, though, is that she knew that I was envious of Jared’s freedom when I have not told anyone that before. The nurse comes in and pulls me from my thoughts.