ONE SHOTS MARINA (ENGLISH)

10. It's a...

P.O.V. CARINA DELUCA-BISHOP

Woke up early that day, the sun had barely been born, but already lit the room with its soft light, filling the space with a comforting warmth. I felt Maya's presence beside me, her deep and rhythmic breathing while sleeping.

Smile at myself, feeling a mixture of excitement and nervousness forming in my chest. Today was a special day. Today, we were going to find out if we would be mothers of a girl or a boy, most likely.

My hand gently passed through the curve of my belly, feeling the little being inside me move slightly in response to my touch. The feeling always filled me with an indescribable joy. Every movement, every kick, was a living proof that there was life growing inside me, a life we created together.

As I looked at the ceiling, lost in thought, I heard my wife moving beside me. She sighed, still half asleep, and turned to me, opening her eyes slowly.

- Good morning, amore mio - I whispered, leaning to kiss your forehead.

She smiled, still a little groggy, but her eyes shone when she noticed my excitement.

- Good morning, Carina - she replied, her voice hoarse from sleep - Today is the big day.

- Today is the big day - I repeated, with a smile that I knew I couldn't hide.

Maya stretched herself and pulled me closer, her arm around my belly.

- How are you feeling? - she asked, with her hand gently stroking my belly.

- Anxious, but in a good way - I confessed, resting my hand on hers - I can't believe we're finally here. Seven months, Maya. It seems like yesterday I gave you the news that I was pregnant.

- I know - she replied, her voice soft and full of emotion - But it also seems that we have been waiting for this moment for a long time. Today we will find out who is here, who is coming to complete our family.

Her smile was full of love, and for a moment I just stared at her, feeling deeply grateful to have her by my side on this journey. It wasn't just about having a baby, it was about sharing that moment with the person I loved more than anything in the world.

After a few more minutes of laziness in bed, we finally got up to prepare for the appointment. As I dressed, I looked at the mirror, watching my belly that was now well round. I put on a light dress that fit comfortably to my body, highlighting the curve of my pregnancy. When I left the bathroom, Maya was ready, wearing jeans and a shirt that seemed made for her.

- You're pretty - she said, looking at me with a smile of admiration - The pregnancy only made you more beautiful.

- And you're as bella as ever, bambina - I replied, approaching her and stealing a quick kiss - Come on? I don't want to delay us.

Liam had stayed with Katherine tonight for the first time, which made us feel more at ease. On the way to the hospital, the car was filled with a quiet energy but full of expectations. Maya held my hand, her thumb made gentle circles on my skin, a gesture that always calmed me. We knew that whatever the result, it would be perfect. But still, the curiosity and expectation were undeniable.

When we arrived at the hospital, we were greeted by warm smiles and greetings from nurses who already knew us well. We went through the corridors to the room of Jo Wilson, my friend and colleague, who would do the ultrasound.

She waited for us with a warm smile when we entered the room.

- Hello, you two! - she greeted us, getting up to hug us - Are you ready for the big moment?

- More ready than ever - I replied, trying to control the emotion in my voice.

Jo smiled and guided me to the examination table.

- Carina, can you lie here and lift the shirt. Let's take a look at the baby.

I did what she asked, as my wife came closer to hold my hand again. I felt a wave of anxiety and excitement all at the same time as Wilson prepared the equipment.

— All right, I'll put on some gel - she said as she spread that cold thing over my belly - It may be a little cold, but it's only for a moment. Uh, sometimes I forget that you are a doctor too, forget it.

We laughed together. The cold touch made me tremble slightly, but I soon got used to it. Maya shook my hand more strongly, and I looked at her, finding her eyes full of love and expectation. We didn't need words. We knew what we were feeling.

Jo started moving the transducer through my belly, her eyes focused on the screen next to me. The rhythmic and familiar sound of baby's heartbeat filled the room, making my heart speed even faster. I could feel my wife leaning closer, gluing her eyes to the screen.

- Everything looks great so far - commented Wilson, his voice calm while he continued to examine - The baby is growing well, and the heartbeat is strong.

I could hardly breathe with so much emotion. Seeing that little being on the screen, so alive and full of energy, was something that never stopped touching me. Knew that Maya felt the same.

Finally, the doctor stopped and turned to us with a smile.

- Want to know the sex of the baby? - she asked, although the answer was already clear in our eyes.

- Yes, please - Maya replied, her voice charged with emotion. From that position, I couldn't see straight.

Jo took one last look at the screen and then turned to us, her eyes shining.

- Congratulations, DeLuca-Bishop's. It's a girl, you'll have 3 against 1 at home!

I felt a wave of happiness flood me, tears began to run down my face. It was a girl. Our girl. My wife shook my hand hard, and when I looked at her, I saw that her eyes were also full of tears. She smiled, and at that moment, I knew there was nothing more perfect in the world.

- A girl... - Maya whispered, almost as if she was allowing herself to believe it - Let's have a girl, my love.

- Yes, a girl - I repeated, my voice shrouded in emotion.

Wilson watched us, smiling at our reaction.

- You two will be amazing mothers to this little girl - she said, her warm and sincere tone - She's so lucky to have you!

Passed my hand through my belly again, feeling the life inside me with even more intensity.

- I can't wait to meet her - I muttered, looking at Maya, who was beside me, full of love and happiness. She leaned over and kissed my forehead.

- Neither do I. And I will love you guys with all my heart, Carina.

The room was full of love, and at that moment I knew our daughter was already deeply loved. Life, in all its complexity and beauty, has given us something we could never have imagined. And with Maya by my side, I knew that our family was just beginning to form in a way that would be infinitely beautiful and full of love.

While my friend and doctor printed the ultrasound images, we stood there, looking at each other, holding hands together, connected by this new life that was about to come. And we knew that no matter what challenge came, we were ready to face it together. After all, we were creating something beautiful, something that was just the beginning of a new journey.