This Piece of Our Being-Tampa Suns Hockey (Clearing the Ice #3)

by Robyn M Ryan

  He started to stand each time the doors opened, only to sink back to his seat in disappointment. He finally pulled his phone from his pocket and scrolled through his emails. Should let Lauren know what’s happened. He glanced at the clock, thinking about the two o’clock appointment she’d set with Wesley. Not today, buddy.

  He pressed Lauren’s number, hoping she’d take his call. She answered after a few rings, and Andrew quickly told her about Caryn’s fall.

  “Thank God the concussion is mild. Did they say anything…else?”

  “Obstetrics is monitoring the baby. So far, all looks good.” He heard Lauren’s sigh of relief.

  “I’m glad she told you.”

  Andrew didn’t respond to her comment. “Two things, Lauren. Caryn has an appointment with McRainey this afternoon at two. Obviously, she’s not going to make it.”

  “I’ll take care of it, Andrew. What’s the other thing?”

  “Who knows about the baby? Her parents?”

  “No, I’m fairly certain Kelly, Terri, and I are the only ones who know, besides you. And only because she caught a ‘bug’ in St. Louis that hung around way too long.”

  Andrew sipped his Coke. “Morning sickness?”

  “More like all-day sickness,” Lauren said with a quiet laugh. “When you see Caryn, give her a hug and tell her not to worry about anything. I’ve got this. I’ll call Mr. Wesley right now. Keep me posted?”

  “As soon as I know anything.” As Andrew set his phone on the table, he caught a movement off to his left. When he turned, Kristen stood there and held Caryn’s bag out to him.

  “You asked for this?”

  “Thank you.” Andrew watched the uncertainty flash through her eyes.

  “Caryn fell? Everything okay?” she ventured.

  “Waiting for blood work.” Andrew offered a small smile. He stood by reflex when the door opened, then excused himself to greet Dr. Stewart. “Thanks again for bringing the bag,” he said looking back at her.

  “Your wife apparently is correct. The blood work is within normal ranges,” Stewart said with a smile as Andrew reached his side. “She’s slightly dehydrated. We’re giving her fluids and nutrients.”

  “Can I see her?”

  “Of course. We’re waiting for obstetrics.”

  “How about the concussion? Any sign of confusion? Is she awake?”

  Stewart laughed as he slapped Andrew’s shoulder. “Forgot you’re an expert on concussions. Compared to yours, this is very, very minor. Come, I’ll take you back.”

  Stewart pushed the door open to the treatment area and motioned for Andrew to follow him. Andrew paused a moment when they reached the curtained room. Caryn’s eyes met his, and she smiled slightly, beckoning him. He walked toward her, focusing on the bruise that had formed on her forehead. Her hair was brushed back from her face, and Andrew noted the pallor of her skin. He grasped her hand when he reached her side and then set her bag at the foot of the bed.

  “How do you feel, Cary?”

  “Okay, just a headache.” She squeezed his hand. “I didn’t want you to find out about the baby this way.” She blinked as her eyes filled with water.

  “The important thing is that you are both okay.”

  Caryn pointed to her bag. “Please open it. There’s something in there for you.”

  Andrew pulled the bag toward him and held up the brightly wrapped package. “This?”

  “Yes, I wanted to give this to you this morning. I planned to tell you about the baby. Please, Drew, open it.”

  He glanced at her as he removed the wrapping paper and bow. He held the box for a moment and looked at her. “You sure you want me to open it?”

  “One hundred percent sure. You’ll understand when you see it.”

  Andrew pulled the top off the box, and his breath caught when he saw the ultrasound photo, and then the positive pregnancy tests. He picked up the photo to examine it more closely and then noticed the date and the Toronto clinic. He shook his head as he turned to Caryn. “Can you interpret this for me?”

  Caryn nodded as she reached for the photo. She explained what they saw, using the same terms the doctor had in Toronto. “I think I’m getting another ultrasound. Maybe it will be more obvious.” Her eyes held his when she handed the picture back to him. “I should have told you sooner. I was waiting for the right time…”

  “Today’s the perfect time.”

  “How do you feel about it?”

  “Our having a baby? Freaking fantastic.” He laughed as he leaned to kiss her. She tried to slip her arms around his neck, but the IV prevented her. Andrew untangled the tubing and then brushed his palm against her cheek. “Do you have a due date?”

  “Late December…maybe a Christmas miracle two years in a row?” She smiled and then continued hesitantly. “You’re not disappointed I didn’t tell you sooner?”

  “No.” His voice was firm. “I…this…” His voice trailed off as he held the box. “Thank you.”

  He saw a tear slip from her eyes and he brushed it away.

  “Cary, I promise you. I’ll go to counseling seven days a week until we work through everything. I will do whatever it takes for us to be a family.”

  Caryn embraced the sincerity in Andrew’s expression. His use of the word “family” echoed in her mind, and she reached to grasp his hand. She suppressed a smile as Andrew looked at her, his eyes questioning her.

  “We’re going to have our very own family. I haven’t thought about it that way.”

  “I meant what I said, Cary. I’ll discuss every issue, answer any question, go…” he stopped as Caryn pressed her fingers against his lips.

  “I know we both have work to do on our marriage, but can we suspend everything for today?”

  He kissed her fingers and then leaned to kiss her tenderly. “Anything you want, Caryn.” He sat back and Caryn read the love in his eyes.

  No negative thoughts today. No suspicions. No resentment. No dwelling on everything we did wrong. No what-ifs. Only positive thoughts about the future, our baby, our family.

  She looked toward the curtain when it opened, and a new physician stepped into the room, followed by a nurse.

  “I’m Bill Turner,” he said, and then accepted the hand Andrew offered as he introduced himself. Turner stepped to the side of the bed. “Mrs. Chadwick, I’m from obstetrics. Dan Forster asked me to check on you and your baby.” He picked up her chart and scanned the entries.

  “You fainted earlier today and hit your head. Mild concussion. How far along are you in your pregnancy?”

  “About sixteen weeks.”

  “Who’s your obstetrician?”

  “I saw a doctor in Toronto, but I have an appointment scheduled next week to meet a doctor here,” Caryn answered, looking at Andrew.

  “Do you have the name so we can forward your records?”

  Caryn hesitated. “Honestly, I can’t remember it right now. I can call someone…”

  “That’s not necessary,” Turner said with a smile. “Your doctor can order the records from us.”

  Andrew pulled Caryn’s phone from her bag. “Do you have it on your phone?”

  “Yes.” Caryn held her hand out and swiped the screen, selecting her calendar. “Here it is.” She read the name and phone number. “Do you need an address?”

  “Not at all,” Turner said with a laugh. “We know the group well. You made an excellent choice.”

  “Two people I trust recommended the same doctor.”

  “Up to and including today, have you noticed any bleeding or spotting?”

  “None.” Caryn’s eyes drifted toward Andrew.

  “Have you experienced lower abdominal pain at all today?”

  “No, just the headache,” she said. “I wanted to wait until I saw you to take anything for pain.”

  “We’ll get you something soon.” Turner nodded toward the nurse. “Angie’s going to check your vitals, then double check the fluids you’ve received today. Did Forster clea
r you to drink?”

  “I don’t remember if he did.”

  Turner reread the entries on the chart. “You’re receiving fluids and nutrients through the IV.”

  “Blood pressure’s good,” Angie commented as she removed the cuff, noted the numbers on her chart, and then handed it to Turner. He glanced at the numbers and set the chart on the end of the bed before he spoke.

  “You’re on the schedule for an ultrasound—hopefully within the next hour. Is this a photo from your first ultrasound?” He nodded toward the photo in Andrew’s hand. He looked at it, then handed it back with a smile. “Transvaginal ultrasound?” Caryn nodded. “Were you called back for any follow-up?”

  “No, I received prenatal vitamins and a recommendation to make an appointment in four weeks.”

  “Good. As I’m sure the doctor explained, that ruled out any possible complications of early pregnancy. We’ll do an abdominal ultrasound today. I’ll get in touch with Forster to see if you can drink six-to-eight glasses of water—gives us a much clearer picture. You should see quite a bit of growth and a nice, steady heartbeat. If we’re lucky, we might even be able to tell the sex…if you want.”

  Caryn looked at Andrew who shrugged. “Up to you, babe. I’m good either way.”

  “You have time to decide,” Turner said. “It will be noted on the chart.” He smiled warmly at Caryn’s apprehensive expression. “I promise you, I do not anticipate any problems with the ultrasound. It will just provide another baseline and help give you and your baby the best possible care.”

  Andrew squeezed Caryn’s hand reassuringly as she managed a small smile. “Could the fall have harmed the baby and we not know it?” she asked.

  “Unlikely, but the ultrasound will confirm that as well. The danger after your fall and trauma was a miscarriage. You haven’t experienced cramping or bleeding.” When Caryn shook her head, he added, “I don’t expect you will. So, let’s put these worries aside and see what the ultrasound shows.”

  “Okay, thank you, Dr. Turner,” Caryn whispered.

  “Hopefully, I’ll see you very soon for the ultrasound.” He paused at the curtain. “If Forster says nothing by mouth, we’ll pump some fluids in you. Otherwise, expect water shortly.”

  After three cups of water, Caryn groaned. “I can’t drink anymore.”

  Angie smiled and handed her another cup. “Take a minute, then try to get this down.”

  “I’ll try.” Caryn looked at Andrew and made a face. “Maybe if I check my email, I won’t think about how bloated I feel.”

  “I called Lauren. She said for you not to worry. She’ll take care of everything, including calling your friend at McRainey.”

  “Crap,” Caryn responded as she looked at the clock. “I’m supposed to be there at two to sign the contract and have it notarized.”

  Andrew shook his head. “Not today, sunshine. Maybe he can work something out with Lauren to FedEx and sign.”

  “I’d totally forgot about having it notarized.” Caryn sipped the water. “It’s my mess, not Lauren’s.”

  “You’re not exactly in any condition to go to their office.” Andrew’s statement earned a dark look, her eyes narrowed. “She’ll work something out, Cary.”

  “I’ll call after the ultrasound when I’m not gurgling water.”

  Andrew suppressed a smile as her amber eyes glared at him. He held out his hand. “I’ll hold onto your phone for you.”

  Caryn opened her mouth to argue, but stopped when another nurse entered carrying a gown. “We need you to change into this gown. You’ll be on the move soon.”

  Caryn sighed, handing the phone to Andrew. “Just until after the ultrasound,” she warned.

  “I’ll wait right outside.” He saw her struggle to suppress a smile, so he kissed her cheek. “Finish your water,” he teased.

  Andrew put her phone into his pocket, hoping Caryn would forget about that contract. He leaned against the wall and took in the surroundings. It was eerily familiar…too familiar. His phone vibrated, and he stepped away from the treatment area as he looked at the screen. Lauren. “How’s it going?” he greeted her.

  “Hi, Andrew. Sorry to bother you. I wanted to give you a head’s up.”

  “Okay…”

  “It’s Jim Wesley at McRainey. He insists he needs the contract signed today. I’ve tried everything I could to dissuade him. I wouldn’t be surprised if he calls or even shows up at the hospital. I’ll keep trying—or fly to Tampa to sign it myself. I’m sorry, Andrew.”

  “What an ass.” Andrew clenched his fist. “It’s not your fault, Lauren. I doubt he’ll find us anyway…we’re about to go for an ultrasound.”

  “Oh, that’s wonderful! Ask Caryn to share baby pictures. Everything’s still okay?” Lauren hesitated.

  “She’s doing well. I’m sure she’ll call you as soon as she can. Thanks for the warning, Lauren. Do not worry about it.” Andrew shook his head as he shoved his phone in his pocket. Wesley’s a real tool. What the fuck is he thinking? “I know you’re in ER, but this will take just a few minutes.” Sorry, pal. Not on my watch.

  22

  Ninety minutes later, Caryn and Andrew sat side-by-side on the edge of the bed in the treatment room, marveling over the photos they received from the ultrasound. Caryn reached for the photo from Toronto. “Look how much he’s changed.”

  “He?” Andrew replied with a smirk. “You could be carrying a girl. A little Cary.”

  “Nope, a boy…hockey star just like his father,” Caryn insisted.

  “You disappointed she couldn’t get a clear enough image to tell the sex?”

  Caryn leaned her head against his shoulder and Andrew felt her shake her head. “No, I like surprises. I only want confirmation everything is okay after I fell.”

  “Dr. Turner should be here soon with the report.” Andrew pointed at the photo he held. “Looks like a strong, healthy baby to me.”

  “From your lips…” Caryn whispered as she tried to stifle a yawn.

  “Why don’t you lean back and close your eyes?”

  “I’m comfortable right here. I do need to make another visit to the restroom. I still feel like I’m sloshing water.”

  Andrew laughed softly as he stood up. He reached to help her stand, his hand holding her securely as her feet touched the floor. “Dizzy?”

  “Just a little.” She took a small step. “Maybe Dr. Turner will give me something for my headache now the ultrasound’s over.” She looked up at him with a smile. “Help me remember, please.”

  Andrew couldn’t resist teasing her. “You know my short-term memory still sucks. I can write it on my hand.”

  Caryn punched his chest playfully. “That should help you remember.”

  When she stepped from the bathroom, Caryn appeared exhausted, barely able to put one foot in front of the other. Andrew looked at her face and immediately scooped her up in his arms. He laid her on the bed, and then gently brushed the hair away from her face. Her eyes closed against the harsh fluorescent lights, and her hands reflexively rubbed her temples.

  “Headache?”

  “Worst. Ever.” Her voice was a whisper. “Never…like this…sudden. So intense.”

  Andrew left her side for a second to dim the lights and then pulled the curtain aside to catch Angie’s attention. When he returned to Caryn’s side, she opened her eyes slightly when he sat on the edge beside her. She pointed toward the ceiling.

  “Better?” he asked softly.

  “Much.”

  Dr. Turner entered just then, his smile fading when he saw Caryn’s pallor. “What’s going on, Caryn?”

  “Migraine. No warning, just stabbing, throbbing pain behind my eyes.” She looked at him. “Is the baby okay?”

  “Absolutely perfect. Nothing to worry about.” Turner pressed a button on the wall, but Angie was right behind him with Caryn’s chart. “Taking her vitals?”

  The nurse nodded, then walked to the other side of the bed. She gently rubbed Caryn’s
arm before attaching the blood pressure cuff.

  “Do you see anyone locally for your migraines?” Turner asked.

  “Dr. Forster.” Caryn’s voice was barely a whisper.

  “I’ll have him paged.” Turner stepped from the room for a moment. “Caryn, does talking make your headache worse?”

  “Nothing can make it worse.” Caryn managed a small smile. “Tell us everything about our baby. It was so incredible to actually see him.”

  “Her,” Andrew interrupted with a grin, watching Caryn’s reaction. She looked at him, her eyes narrowed. “Hey, we don’t know yet, Cary. We each have a fifty percent chance of getting it correct.”

  “Can’t help you with that,” Turner laughed quietly. “Everything looks good, within normal ranges. I am surprised you’re not showing yet. Morning sickness?”

  “Twenty-four-hour sickness. It’s gotten better the last week or so.”

  “You may experience some nausea post-concussion, but we can prescribe medicine. You should see a quick weight gain once you start eating normally.” Turner glanced at the chart when Angie handed it to him. “How long do your migraines generally last?”

  Caryn shrugged. “One-to-three days. I try to sleep through them, but once the migraine leaves, I have brain fog for at least another day.” She was quiet a moment. “I haven’t had one for a long time…months.”

  “Stress may have triggered it,” Andrew offered softly. He reached for Caryn’s hand as she closed her eyes for a long moment, and he gently traced patterns on the back of her hand. She squeezed his hand in response before opening her eyes. He started to speak but paused when Dan Forster entered the area.

  “You two have had a long day,” Forster said as Turner handed him the chart. He glanced at the notations, and then set it aside as he stepped to her side. “You said the headache started full-force, no warning signs it was brewing?”