The Durango Affair - Brenda Jackson [34]
And then they heard it, the soft thumping sound of their child’s heartbeat, for the first time. Hearing the steady little drumbeat did something to Savannah, touched her in a way she hadn’t expected and made her realize that she really and truly was going to have a baby.
Tears, something else she hadn’t expected, came into her eyes and she glanced up at Durango and knew he was just as moved by the sound as she was. He reached out and firmly touched her shoulder, and at that moment she knew that no matter how they did or didn’t feel about each other, her pregnancy was real and they were listening to valid proof of just how real it was. There was no doubt that hearing the sound was a life-altering experience for both of them.
“You hadn’t heard it before?” Durango asked softly.
“No. This is my first time.”
“There’s nothing like parents hearing the fetal heartbeat for the first time,” Dr. Foreman said quietly. “There’s always something special and exciting about it. The baby’s heartbeat is strong and sounds healthy to me.”
Durango chuckled. “Yes, it does, doesn’t it? This is all rather new to me and I was kind of worried.”
“And you have every right to be concerned, but it seems mother and baby are doing just fine,” Dr. Foreman replied, removing the instrument from Savannah’s stomach. “Make sure that you continue to take your prenatal vitamins, Savannah.”
“And what about all that vomiting she’s been doing?” Durango asked, wanting to know.
Dr. Foreman glanced at him. “Morning sickness is caused by the sudden increase of hormones during pregnancy and is very common early in the pregnancy, but it’s usually gone by the fourth month.” She smiled at Savannah and said, “So, hopefully you won’t have to suffer too much longer.”
“I prefer she didn’t suffer at all. And what about the baby? Will it be hurt by it?” Durango asked, in a tone that said he really needed Dr. Foreman’s assurance.
“It shouldn’t, but of course it can become a problem if Savannah can’t keep any foods or fluids down or if she begins to lose weight. Otherwise, morning sickness is a positive sign that the pregnancy is progressing.”
Dr. Foreman then opened a drawer and pulled out a package and handed it to Savannah. “This might help. It’s the same type of acupressure wristbands that doctors give out on cruise ships to prevent seasickness. A lot of my patients swear that wearing it helps to reduce the morning sickness.”
For the next ten to fifteen minutes, Dr. Foreman answered all of Savannah and Durango’s questions. Then she congratulated them when Durango mentioned they were getting married.
“I really like her,” Savannah told Durango when they left the doctor’s office. “And I hadn’t expected her to be so young.”
Durango smiled as he ushered Savannah out the building to where he had parked his truck. “Yes, Trina is young but I’ve heard that she is one of the best. She was born and raised around these parts and her husband Perry was the sheriff. He was killed a few years ago in the line of duty while trying to arrest an escaped convict.”
“Oh, how awful.”
Durango nodded. “Yes, it was. Perry was a good person and everyone liked and respected him. He and Trina had been childhood sweethearts.”
Durango opened the door to his truck and assisted Savannah in settling in and buckling her seat belt. “Was it a coincidence or did you deliberately buy this particular SUV?” she asked grinning. It was ironic that his name was Durango and that was also the model of the vehicle that he drove.
He chuckled as he snapped her seat belt in place. “Not a coincidence. I thought I’d milk it for all it’s worth since Dodge decided to name a vehicle after me,” he said arrogantly, giving her that smile that made her stomach spin. “Besides, we’re both known to give smooth and unforgettable rides,” he added softly while gazing into her eyes.
For a moment Savannah couldn’t speak since she of all people knew about the smoothness, as well as the intensity,