Breaking Free

33.

A few days had passed since Kierra and Tasha's appointment with Dr. Adams. They had been trying to stay busy, focusing on wedding plans and keeping their minds off the upcoming fertility results. But as much as they tried to distract themselves, the thought of the test results was always there, lingering in the back of their minds.

Kierra was pacing around the living room, nervously checking her phone for any updates from the doctor. Tasha sat on the couch, flipping through channels on the TV, but her focus wasn't really on anything. They had agreed to receive the results over the phone instead of waiting for a follow-up appointment. The waiting was making both of them anxious.

Tasha, sitting on the couch, finally broke the silence, her voice gentle but firm. "Babe, can you stop pacing the floor? You're making me nervous."

Kierra paused mid-step, realizing how much her nervous energy was affecting the both of them. She turned to face Tasha, giving her a small, apologetic smile. "Sorry, babe," she said softly. "I'm just so anxious about the results."

Tasha patted the spot next to her on the couch. "Come sit down with me. We'll get through this together, whatever happens."

Kierra sighed and walked over to the couch, sitting down beside Tasha. She immediately felt a bit more grounded being close to her fiancée, but her heart was still racing. "I know," she murmured, resting her head on Tasha's shoulder for a moment. "I'm just nervous. I've been thinking about this nonstop, and the waiting is driving me crazy."

Tasha wrapped an arm around Kierra's shoulders and gave her a reassuring squeeze. "I'm nervous too, but we've been through so much already. Whatever the results are, we'll figure it out."

Kierra nodded, appreciating Tasha's steady presence even in the face of her own growing anxiety. The waiting was agonizing, but having Tasha beside her made it just a little more bearable.

Suddenly, Kierra's phone buzzed. She stopped in her tracks and glanced at Tasha before answering. "It's Dr. Adams," she whispered, her heart racing.

Tasha muted the TV and sat up straighter, her eyes fixed on Kierra.

"Hello?" Kierra said, trying to keep her voice steady.

"Hi, Kierra, this is Dr. Adams. I have your test results and Tasha's as well. Do you have a moment to go over them?"

Kierra's stomach churned, but she nodded. "Yes, we're both here."

Tasha moved to sit beside Kierra, taking her hand for comfort. Kierra put the phone on speaker so they could both hear.

Dr. Adams began. "I'll start with the good news. Kierra, your fertility tests look excellent. Your ovarian reserve is strong, and based on your hormone levels, you should have no issues carrying a baby to term. This is great news if you're considering carrying the baby yourself."

Kierra felt a small wave of relief wash over her, but she noticed Tasha's grip on her hand tighten. She squeezed back, knowing the next part of the conversation might be difficult.

Dr. Adams cleared her throat gently before continuing. "Tasha, I'm afraid your results weren't as favorable. Your ovarian reserve is lower than we'd hoped for someone your age, and the hormone levels indicate that carrying a child would likely be difficult. I'm really sorry to give you this news."

Kierra glanced at Tasha, whose face had gone still. She could tell the words were sinking in, and it was clear Tasha was struggling to keep her emotions in check.

"There are still options available to you both," Dr. Adams said. "Kierra, since you're able to carry, you could proceed with carrying the baby. We can discuss different methods, including artificial insemination or IVF, depending on what you both feel comfortable with. You're not out of options."