The Beast (Black Dagger Brotherhood #14) - J. R. Ward Page 0,80

you, though. That would have been a lot of fun. You’d be a wonderful father.”

Rhage took her face in his hands, and felt all the love he had for her course through him. He hated that she hurt over this. Would have done absolutely anything to keep her from knowing any pain, whatsoever.

Except sacrifice their love.

“Oh, my Mary, you would have been the most amazing mother.” He stroked her lower lip with his thumb. “But you are no less a female in my eyes. You are, and will always remain, the most perfect mate on earth, and the single best thing that ever happened to me.”

As her eyes teared up again, she smiled. “How is it possible … that you always make me feel so beautiful?”

He kissed her once, and then again. “I’m just reflecting back what I see and know to be true. I’m nothing but a mirror, Mary mine. Now will you let me kiss you again? Mmmmmmm…”

TWENTY-FIVE

“You’re sure. You’re absolutely sure.”

As Layla spoke, she had a death grip on the sheet that was pulled down around her hips. “I mean, you’re completely, totally sure.”

Doc Jane smiled and hit some button on the ultrasound machine. As a whumpa-whumpa-whumpa filled the dark examination room, the physician turned the monitor toward Layla and sat back.

“Here’s Baby A.” She moved the wand across Layla’s swollen belly to the side. “And here’s Baby B.”

Whumpa-whumpa-whumpa … plus an arm was moving—which was something she could also feel.

Layla collapsed against the pillow. “Blessed Virgin Scribe.”

“So, yes, I’m sure,” the doctor concluded. “When you stood up, you lost control of your bladder and that was the wetness you felt. It’s not uncommon at all—as the babies get bigger, they press on things that don’t appreciate it, and there you go.”

“Maybe I shouldn’t be getting out of bed at all.”

Doc Jane removed the reader thingy, wiped it off, and returned the wand to the machine’s little holder. Then she typed a couple of notes on the keyboard and shut the ultrasound down. Taking some tissues, she mopped up Layla’s stomach with careful, firm strokes.

“I think you’re doing fine. Clinically, everything is where it needs to be. I wouldn’t suggest taking up beach volleyball, but I don’t think stretching your legs down here twice a day increases your risk for early labor. I really don’t want you moving up to the big house, though.”

Closing her eyes, Layla told herself to believe the healer. Doc Jane had never steered anyone wrong, and the female did know what she was talking about.

“Layla, if I honestly thought there was something going on, I’d tell you. I treat my patients the way I’d want to be treated, and if there’s a threat to your health or that of those babies in there? You’d be the first to know.”

“Thank you.” Layla reached out and put her hand on Doc Jane’s arm. “Don’t tell, Qhuinn, okay? I just … I don’t want to alarm him.”

“There’s nothing to be alarmed about.” Doc Jane gave her a pat and stood up. “So there’s nothing to tell him. Hey, guess what—I got two early Christmas presents. I know it’s a human holiday, but do you mind if I show them off?”

“Indeed, please do.” Layla grunted as she sat up and closed the halves of her robe across her enormous belly. “What are they?”

“Stay here.”

Layla laughed a little. “As if I am going anywhere fast?”

As the doctor disappeared through a side door, Layla shifted her legs off the exam table and stared at the ultrasound machine. Even though there was nothing showing on the monitor, she pictured what she’d seen there. The life inside of her. The two lives.

All was well. And that was all that mattered.

“Ta-da!”

Glancing over, Layla straightened. “It’s a…”

“Neonatal incubator.” Doc Jane made like Vanna White, showing off the features of the equipment—which rather looked like a large warming drawer with clear plastic sides. “Climate-controlled. Blue light up here. Ready access. Built-in scale. It’s the next-best thing to your tummy and I have two of them.”

Layla swallowed. “I should have liked a bassinet.”

“Oh … shoot.” Doc Jane started rolling the thing out. “I’m so sorry. The physician in me—”

“No, no!” She held her hands forward. “I’m just—no, it’s good. Honestly! Safety first—I don’t get a bassinet at all if they don’t make it after the birth, do I.”

Doc Jane laid a hand on the lid. “This is state-of-the-art equipment, Layla. I’m thrilled because we all want those two out and safe, to use Butch