The Love That Grew

Ch. 21 Back Home

2 months later....

March, 2021

The rhythmic thumping sounds engulfed the room as Xavier watched the ultrasound in awe. His eyes tore away from the screen at the sound of soft sniffles. When Dr. Carlisle cut the lights on, he caught Jashae trying to wipe her stray tears.

"You in pain, Shay? What's wrong?" he asked, concern etched on his face.

"N-no, I'm fine," she giggled through tears. "I'm just happy. The baby's heartbeat... it's real. I can't believe it."

He used one hand to wipe her face and the other to rub her gel-free belly. Dr. Carlisle grinned, watching the expectant parents. This was one of the reasons she started her practice—helping families expand, seeing the excitement and love surrounding their new bundle of joy was a bonus.

Often, it was the surrogate and the mother in her office. This was their second appointment without Tahiri, and the two seemed to be growing closer. It was nice to witness the father showing interest. Xavier hadn't missed one appointment yet and was always full of questions, making sure he was crystal clear on her suggestions and instructions. She knew Jashae and baby Rice were in capable hands.

"Mom, is there anything you'd like to discuss? Any new symptoms?" Dr. Carlisle asked.

Xavier and Jashae exchanged worried glances. Usually, the doctor would start with "everything's looking fine," but today's appointment seemed different. Turning her attention toward the doctor, she hesitantly answered, "Um, my morning sickness and nausea have been horrible. I've been dealing with migraines, my sleep schedule is... I'm finishing up my last semester of school, so there's been a lot of all-nighters."

Dr. Carlisle jotted a few things down, taking in the new information before removing her glasses. Jashae unintentionally reached out for his hand, which he gladly accepted, rubbing circles with his thumb to calm her nerves. "Is something wrong, Dr.?" she asked.

"The baby's heartbeat is a little faster than normal. It may be nothing to worry about, but I'm ordering an ECG to be sure."

"What's an ECG? And worst-case scenario, what does a fast heartbeat mean?" Xavier questioned as her grip tightened in his hand.

"An electrocardiogram is a test that checks the heartbeat. It doesn't include any radiation or chemicals, and it's perfectly safe for mom and baby. Worst-case scenario, the test will show fetal tachycardia, which is an irregular heartbeat that happens when the baby's heart rate is faster than 180 beats per minute. A normal heart rate is between 120-160 bpm. I'd prescribe medication to help reduce the baby's heartbeat if needed. We can do the test today, and I'll have the results ready in the next 2-3 business days."

They agreed to get the test done now, both anxious to learn the results afterward. The doctor explained the many common causes of fetal tachycardia, including dehydration, anxiety, and stress. Jashae couldn't help but feel responsible for the current health scare. Being so dedicated to her studies was affecting everyone. Ray had been scolding her about the all-nighters for weeks, reassuring her she already had her degree in the bag. But being the natural overachiever she was, she wouldn't listen. Now the baby might be suffering.

She sat silently in the car, lost in her thoughts, afraid to look at Xavier, unable to read if he was disappointed or upset with her. He hadn't said much of anything since they left the appointment. Unsure of what to say or do, she sent a quick text to Lourdes and Ray.

I think Zay's mad at me, the Dr. said the baby might have a fast heartbeat and it could be due to stress

Sissypooh🫶🏾💕: Girl, you better not be stressing TT's nieceypooh out if I have to submit some of your assignments myself I will.