The cold of early November had crept into the city like an uninvited guest, biting through jackets and sneaking under doors. Tiana pulled her scarf tighter as she stepped into the warmth of her OB-GYN's office.
Leo was already there, sitting in the waiting area in a charcoal pea coat, legs crossed, flipping through a magazine he clearly wasn't reading. He looked up when she walked in.
"You made it," he said, standing up.
"Of course I did. It's my baby too remember," she said, smirking.
"Right," he replied, sheepish. "Bad phrasing. I meant… I'm glad you're here."
She nodded. "Me too."
They checked in and sat side by side. A few expectant mothers smiled at them knowingly, assuming they were just another glowing couple excited for the big moment.
If only they knew.
Tiana tried not to stare at the giant belly of the woman across from her, but it was hard to imagine she'd ever look like that. Her jeans were already feeling tighter, and she was living in oversized sweaters and peppermint tea.
"How are you feeling?" Leo asked, voice low.
"Exhausted. Nauseous. Bloated. Hungry. Annoyed. A full buffet of symptoms."
Leo chuckled. "Sounds like a thrill ride."
She gave him a side-eye. "Welcome to pregnancy."
They were called in moments later, and Tiana hesitated before stepping into the exam room.
This felt big real. She wasn't ready, but there was no pause button. No rewind.
Leo followed quietly, his presence oddly comforting.
The room was sterile and warm, with a faint lavender scent. The doctor, a kind woman named Dr. Harlow, greeted them with a professional but friendly tone.
"Are we ready to meet this little peanut?"
Tiana nodded, her pulse racing.
She lay back, lifted her shirt, and watched as the doctor squirted cold gel on her belly. Leo stood near her feet, watching with a mix of awe and uncertainty.
Then there it was.
The heartbeat.
A fast, fluttering sound filled the room. It was wild and strong and alive.
Tiana stared at the screen as the image of a tiny being appeared small but distinct. A flickering dot pulsed steadily in the center.
Leo exhaled. "That's… that's our kid?"
She looked up at him. His eyes were wide, his jaw slack, and for the first time since the club, he looked completely, utterly vulnerable.
"Yeah," Tiana whispered. "That's our baby."
For a long moment, neither of them said anything.
Later That Night
Tiana stood in her kitchen, a hand resting absently on her stomach as water boiled for tea. She couldn't stop thinking about the heartbeat.
It had made everything feel terrifying and beautiful and irreversible.
Her phone buzzed.
Leo: Hey. Just wanted to say… thank you. For letting me be there today.
Tiana: Of course. Thanks for showing up.
Leo: That sound… I don't think I'll ever forget it.
Tiana: Me neither.
She stared at the screen long after the message had delivered, unsure why her chest felt tight.
Maybe it was because the baby was real now. Or maybe it was because Leo didn't feel like a stranger anymore. And that more than anything was scarier than she expected.