Chapter 277

Chapter 277
"I'm fine, and our baby is fine," I said. The emergency room visit had been terrifying, but the doctor's reassurance that everything appeared normal helped calm my nervous heart.

Dominic's jaw was clenched tight. Despite controlling his expression, his eyes betrayed his worry. "You heard what the doctor said," I reminded him, hoping to ease the tension radiating from his powerful frame.

"I don't trust hospital doctors," he replied, his voice low and firm. "They don't understand our situation."

I sighed, already knowing where this conversation was heading. "Dominic..."

"I'd prefer you see the pack doctor." His tone left little room for argument, but I wasn't backing down.

"I like the hospital," I countered, sitting up straighter.

He grew somewhat angry. "This isn't something you alone can decide."

"This is my body, and I have the right to choose who examines it," I frowned.

"Don't give me that," he glared. "I just want the pack doctor to give you a check-up, as a second opinion."

I didn't want to argue with him about this either, no sense in adding unnecessary stress. If he wanted a second opinion, so be it.

"Fine," I conceded, knowing that avoiding stress was better for the baby.

Relief washed over his face.

---

While Dominic stepped out to call his parents, I took advantage of the privacy to shower. In the bathroom, I checked and was relieved to see the bleeding had stopped. One less thing to worry about. I had been quite concerned earlier, but just hadn't told him.

Pregnancy itself is terrifying enough, anything could happen, and nothing feels within your control. I had to admit I was completely out of my depth. This was my first pregnancy, and I could only take it one day at a time.

As I stepped into the bathtub, letting the warm water envelop me, I felt some of my anxiety dissolve. I closed my eyes, focusing on my breathing, when I heard the bathroom door open.

"My parents will be here at six," he announced, entering the bathroom, lowering the toilet lid and sitting down. "My father said they're bringing your graduation gift. Something my mother picked out specially."
Oh, I had completely forgotten about that.

"Do we have any wine to offer your parents?" I asked.

"You can't drink anyway," he reminded me with a slight smirk.

I rolled my eyes. "I know. It's for your parents. This is the first time we're having your parents over for dinner. We're not cooking, so we should at least have some red wine in the house."

"There should be some in the fridge."

"Then go check."

He was reluctant to leave, pulling his cell phone from his jeans pocket. "I'll go after you finish your shower."

"Dominic, you don't need to keep me company while I shower."
"I know I don't need to, but I want to."

I noticed his eyes were fixed on me, and I knew he was worried about me, concerned about our baby. His protective instincts had been in overdrive since we confirmed the pregnancy.

Maybe a second opinion wouldn't be so bad after all, it might give him some peace of mind.

---

"How should we prepare for Nina and Byron leaving?" I asked as I rinsed shampoo from my hair.

"Is a send-off necessary?" he asked.

"Of course, we should..." I started to say, then saw him smiling and stopped. "You're so annoying. Hand me that towel now."

"We'll have a small gathering at my mother's. Nothing too elaborate." He wrapped the towel around me as I stepped out of the tub.

"That sounds good," I replied. "Hopefully your mom will cook."

He watched me with appreciation as I finished my shower. "I like your appetite lately. I've always liked girls who eat."

"Go check if we have any wine," I rolled my eyes, moving to the mirror.

He hesitated, clearly reluctant to leave me.

"Go," I felt like he was a bad smell I couldn't shake off.

"I just want to make sure you're okay." He leaned down and kissed the top of my head.

"I really am fine, I promise," I assured him.

---

I dried my hair and slipped into a floral dress. Standing before the mirror, I studied my reflection, hands instinctively moving to my still-flat stomach. I tried to imagine the tiny life growing inside, wondering if it would have our features.

I closed my eyes, took a deep breath, and finished getting ready. If it weren't for his parents coming to dinner, I would have already put on my new pajamas or sweatpants. But I wanted to look a little nicer.

Just as I finished getting ready, the doorbell rang. Assuming it was his parents arriving early, I was surprised when Nina pushed open the bedroom door.

"Hey!" she called out, making herself comfortable on our freshly made bed.

If I didn't love her like a sister, I would seriously consider strangling her.

"Nina, what are you doing here?" I asked, watching her sprawl across my pillows.

"I came for dinner," she grinned.

"Just kidding," she winked. "Can I borrow your black jacket?"
I had no idea which jacket she was talking about.

"Take whatever you want," I crossed my arms. "Where are you going?"

"Drinks with Harper and the girls," she replied casually. "There's a new cocktail bar in town. I've been wanting to try it for ages. They have live music too."

Nina continued chatting about their plans while I handed her the jacket, trying to hide my disappointment. I hadn't been invited.

"Love you!" she called as I headed downstairs.

I shouldn't feel this way, but I was angry. I was angry that they were going out without me. Even though I couldn't drink, I could still go out and have fun.

Dominic was in the living room, a beer in his hand, the TV playing in the background.

He looked up from his phone.

"Wow, baby, you look beautiful."

"Do I?" I opened the refrigerator, grabbing a bottle of water and snacks.

"We need to start locking the doors," I muttered. I was starting to get moody.

"What's wrong?" he asked.