I Love You Still

Chapter 24. Ordinary Life

April 21, Claire's pov.

I felt assured knowing the men and Geillis were locked away. What didn't make me feel assured was no heartbeat on our scan. Even though my gynaecologist said it was completely normal and so did the internet, I didn't feel good about it. Unconsciously I place my hand on my stomach and stroke it. ''Claire?'' Jamie yells from upstairs. I head for the stairs and he's standing in his underwear. ''Why aren't you dressed yet, love?'' I smile.

''I can't find my clothes, I had that white shirt with the blue jeans on the clothing hangers in the closed, but it's no' there anymore,'' I sigh and walk to the laundry room. ''I put them here,'' I hand the clothes to him and walk off again. ''Sassenach, wait. Are ye alright?'' he asks reaching for my hand. ''I'm fine,'' I squeeze my eyes shut for a second before forcing a smile. ''Tell me, Claire, I can see something is troubling ye,''

''I am just worried about the baby, Jamie,'' I confess. ''Why? The gynaecologist said everything was alright, did ye having bleeding or anything?'' he asks worriedly. ''No, I feel fine, nothing happened but I'm worried we didn't hear the heartbeat,''

''Mo Grádh, do ye want to me to call for an earlier appointment?'' I nod. ''Please, it would really reassure me,'' he nods. ''I'll get dressed and give them a call, alright?'' I give him a kiss and go back downstairs. I bake the bacon and eggs and put them on the table just when Jamie comes downstairs, dressed in clothes. ''We can come in today at 3, they said. A spot opened up, I'd pick you up when I'm done with work,''

''Okay, that's good. I'll clean up a bit and order some more stuff for the nursery,'' I sit down at the table. ''Smells good, Sassenach,'' he says and takes a bite. ''I was thinking of going back to work, I called in and I'd have to take a theoretical test and a practical one due to my amnesia,''

It is quiet for a few seconds before he speaks up. ''Okay, when will that be?''

''I don't know, it depends when it is possible,'' he nods and takes my hand. ''I will support ye whatever ye wish to do, but ye have tae promise me one thing,'' I nod and bite down on my last piece of bacon. ''Last time ye worked at the hospital ye were very passionate about it, and I loved it don't get me wrong, but ye were slowly tiring yerself out, ye need to have less hours, especially at first,''

''I promise, with the pregnancy I won't work as often, I really want to focus on our family,'' he smiles and stands up to kiss me. ''I'll go to work now, take it easy and I'll call ye before I leave to go to ye,'' I stand up too and give him a kiss. ''I love you, Jamie,''

''I love ye too, Sassenach, call me if anyhting is wrong,'' he whispers before kissing me one more time and then heading out. I clean up the kitchen and the house a but before showering. I put on jogging pants with a long sleeved top. Just like Jamie said he picked me up half an hour before our appointment and we drove carefully.

''Like I said last time, not hearing a heartbeat wasn't a bad sign, but I understand your worry,'' the gynaecologist says. ''I know, and the internet said it was fine but I just don't feel reassured if I don't hear it,'' I nod and she starts the scan. Jamie takes my hand for reassurance, softly stroking the base of my thumb. ''Here is your little baby,'' the gynaecologist says, pointing at our little baby. ''I'll go look for a heartbeat now,''

We wait a couple of minutes before hearing a thump, and another, and another. The heartbeat is fast, like horses galopping. ''A very steady heartbeat,'' the gynaecologist smiles and tears well up in my eyes. I glance at Jamie who's tears are streaming down his shamelessly. ''Our wee bairn,'' he whispers and I smile. ''Yes, our little blessing,''

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May 20, Claire's pov.

I had studied my ass off for the past two weeks, and even though I remembered and knew everything, I needed to know for sure. Jamie helped me as much as he could and today I had taken the test. I feel pretty good about it, so hopefully I can get back to work rather sooner then later. The sound of the frontdoor closing wakes me up from my thoughts. ''Sassenach! Are ye home?'' Jamie's voice sounds loudly and I walk towards him. ''I'm here darling,'' I say and he turns around. ''I've missed ye today, both of you,'' he says kissing me while stroking my stomach.