“The heartbeat is great. It appears that everything is developing as it should.”

Lolo gasped, wiping tears from her eyes. “Bestie! You’re having a baby!”

“I am,” I replied, still looking at the screen.

I was lost in thought as I imagined all the milestones my child would experience and how hard it would be to face them alone. It made a sweet, happy moment a little bitter. Dr. Maxwell raised the doppler, and my baby disappeared.

“I’m going to go grab those pictures. I’ll be right back.” She cleaned the excess gel off my belly and stepped out, leaving us alone.

“You’re having a fucking baby!” Lolo blurted out again. Excitement radiated on her face. “I always thought I’d be the first one knocked up.”

“Nope. It appears I beat you to single motherhood,” I replied sarcastically before lowering my voice to a more serious tone. “What if I mess this kid up, Lolo?”

“You’re not going to mess them up. My little niece or nephew is so lucky to have you. You’re the strongest, smartest, and prettiest person I know.”

I dropped my head. I heard her words, but they weren’t enough.

“Look at me,” Lolo said, making me lift my head to meet her eyes. “You’re not alone in this. Fuck Reggie. You have me, and I’ll be right here with you every step of the way.” She hugged me, taking her hand and wiping away the tears that had rolled down my cheeks.

The door swung open, and Dr. Maxwell waltzed back through, holding a roll of printed images from the ultrasound.

“I have pictures!” she said, handing them to me.

I looked down at the black-and-white images, and all my doubts and concerns disappeared. So what Reggie didn’t want anything to do with my baby, and my parents were probably going to disown me? I would be a great mom, and we would be okay.

“Thank you.” I held the picture close to my lips and kissed it. “It’s perfect.”

“It is. That’s all for today. I’ve prescribed you some prenatal vitamins. Make sure you take them every day.”

“I’ll make sure,” Lolo said.

“Good friend. See you in four weeks.” Dr. Maxwell left the room and left us alone again.

“Let’s get out of here. We gotta go make this money for my little niece or nephew.”

I laughed as I climbed off the table. I had every intention of ditching work and going to crawl into my bed, but being away for a few days had backed up my schedule. Now was not the time to flake on my job. We walked together to the clinic exit, passing the same small television screen. Kellon’s face was still plastered all over it. My feet slowed as I stared up at him. Quick memories of what could have been flashed through my head.