Broken Promises

Part 24

Stevie placed her hand on Lindsey's knee, which was bobbing up and down since they'd sat down in the waiting room. He turned his head to face her then felt her lacing their fingers together.

"Relax."

"You know, how hospitals and all sorts of clinics make me feel." He sighed, brushing his thumb over the back of her hand. "What good has ever happened in a hospital?" 

Stevie gave him a sympathetic look, suddenly transported back into the past, when they sat together just like this a few short years ago, waiting for news on Lindsey's brother's condition. They attended the funeral several days later.

Fortunately, the wait wasn't long and Stevie was called in by a smiling nurse. Lindsey wasn't sure what to do or say, he wasn't sure if he was meant to say anything. He just wanted his child to be fine. A couple of standard questions later, Stevie lay down and Lindsey stood by her side, once again seeking for her hand.

"I'm happy to inform you that things seem to be going well." The doctor smiled, turning the screen towards them. 

Stevie grinned and tilted her head up to look at Lindsey, who seemed utterly confused. "I'm not sure what I'm supposed to be looking at." He mouthed, his voice barely audible.

"It's our baby, Linds." Stevie laughed lightly, turning her head the other way.

"Yeah, they didn't have this technology, when we had our other kids." He shook his head, smiling sheepishly. "I'm just glad to know our boy is doing fine."

"Boy?" Stevie raised an eyebrow.

Lindsey shrugged, bringing her hand up to his lips. "I have a feeling."

"If the little one isn't going to be stubborn, we can find that out during your next visit." The doctor said and added. "If you like to know, of course."

"Oh, trust me. We have to know." Lindsey emphasized. "Important decorating decisions have to be made before we find out the gender at birth."

Stevie subtly rolled her eyes, but a smile remained on her face. It had been too long since she'd seen Lindsey so relaxed and seemingly genuinely happy. She wished, he stayed that way, when they left as well. She hoped, he still wanted to hold her hand, when they walked out.

"I'm glad I came with you." Lindsey admitted as they passed through the sliding glass doors. 

"Me too." Stevie replied. "I have to say, it's a little scary going in there alone."

"You're not alone in this, Steph." He shook his head, still holding her hand firmly in his. He let go only when they approached his car. She felt the warmth of his palm on the small of her back as she climbed in. "Careful."

"I'm in, I'm okay." She told him and he shut the passenger's side door.

The ride home was mostly spent in silence. However, Stevie didn't feel uncomfortable, she didn't feel the desperate need to fill it with small talk. Lindsey too didn't seem to be bothered as he tapped his fingers against the steering wheel along to whatever song was playing on the radio.

"So..." Stevie trailed off, when they returned. 

"Yeah?" Lindsey turned to look at her, he could tell she was unsure, that she was struggling with whatever she wanted to say. "What is it?"

"It's stupid." She waved it off and reached to open the car door.

"What is it?" He repeated his question, stopping her.

"I just thought..." Stevie shrugged with a sigh. "I thought that maybe you'd like to come in. I'll star dinner soon. You don't have to, I just-"

"I'll stay." Lindsey interrupted her rambling. "I can stay for a bit."