Bikeriders Serenade

Twenty weeks

The waiting room buzzed with a mix of excitement and anxiety, the sterile scent of antiseptic mingling with the faint aroma of coffee from a nearby vending machine. Lucy sat in the plush chair, her fingers nervously tapping against her thigh. She glanced at Austin, who was flipping through a parenting magazine, his brow furrowed in concentration.“Can you believe we’re finally here?” Lucy whispered, her heart racing. “Twenty weeks already.”Austin looked up, his eyes sparkling with a mix of nerves and joy. “I know. Feels like just yesterday we were telling Lori and Timmy.”Lucy smiled, remembering their children's reactions—Lori’s wide-eyed wonder and Timmy’s playful disbelief. “I hope they’re handling it okay with Aunt Ashley.”“Yeah, I can just picture Timmy asking her a million questions,” Austin chuckled, shaking his head. “He’s going to be a great big brother.”Just then, the nurse called their names, breaking the moment. Lucy stood, her heart pounding as they walked into the dimly lit ultrasound room. The walls were painted a soft blue, dotted with cheerful animal decals, creating an atmosphere that felt both comforting and surreal.“Lie back and relax,” the technician said, her voice soothing as she squirted the cool gel onto Lucy’s belly. The sensation sent a shiver through her, awakening the life inside her. “We’re going to take a look at your little one.”Lucy took a deep breath, her eyes fixed on the screen as the technician moved the wand across her skin. Images flickered to life—a tiny heartbeat pulsing steadily, limbs moving gracefully. “There’s the heart,” the technician pointed out, and Lucy felt a rush of warmth.Austin leaned closer, his breath catching. “Look at that! It’s perfect,” he murmured, squeezing Lucy’s hand.As the technician continued, she began to measure the baby’s organs, her focus unwavering. “Everything looks great,” she said, glancing at them with a reassuring smile. “And… it looks like you’re having another boy!”A wave of emotion washed over Lucy. She turned to Austin, whose face broke into a wide grin. “Another boy! Can you believe it?” he exclaimed, laughter bubbling in his voice.Lucy felt tears prick at the corners of her eyes. “I always wanted a big family,” she said softly, her heart swelling with love for the little life growing inside her. “I can’t wait to see them together.”After the appointment, they drove to Ashley’s house, the sun shining brightly overhead, casting a warm glow over the neighborhood. Lucy’s thoughts danced between joy and a tinge of apprehension about how their lives would change. Would Lori and Timmy be excited? Would they feel overshadowed by their new sibling?As they pulled into Ashley’s driveway, Lucy caught sight of Lori and Timmy playing in the yard, their laughter ringing through the air like music. Timmy was chasing Lori, who was squealing as she darted away, her pigtails bouncing.“Hey, guys!” Austin called, stepping out of the car. The children turned, their faces lighting up at the sight of their parents.“Did you find out?” Lori ran up to them, her eyes wide with anticipation.“Yes! And guess what?” Lucy knelt down, her hands resting on her belly. “You’re going to have a little brother!”Timmy’s face scrunched up in mock disbelief. “Another boy? Seriously? What’s wrong with you guys?” He feigned exasperation, but a grin tugged at his lips.Lori jumped up and down, her excitement palpable. “I can’t wait! We can build forts and play superheroes!”Austin chuckled, ruffling Timmy’s hair. “You’ll be the best big brother, right?”“Of course!” Timmy declared, puffing out his chest. “I’ll teach him all my tricks!”The warmth of the sun enveloped them, and Lucy felt a sense of peace wash over her. This was their family—chaotic, joyful, and full of love. As they all gathered together, laughter echoing in the air, she couldn’t help but think that they were exactly where they were meant to be.