Rob was slowly adjusting to his role of father-to-be. It gave him a sense of purpose that had been missing from his life. Being fatherless himself, he was determined to give his child all the love he could. Despite everything, he and Cooper were far from a sure thing. Immense passion trailed intense bickering and vice-versa. Their two strong personalities were not always compatible for long periods of time.
A hefty nurse, sporting a curly brown bob and several chins, summoned Cooper and Rob into the examination room. “You two make a nice couple,” the nurse said mechanically, without actually looking at them as she directed them into the exam room. She said the same thing to scores of couples each week.
A few minutes later, Dr. Jess Menard entered. She was in her late 30’s, plain featured, almost frumpy, with shoulder-length, dusty blonde hair and bangs that needed plenty of TLC. The white coat hid her lack of fashion sense. The excitement that expectant parents experience during early visits had been lost on her long ago. She was professional, yet detached. Dr. Menard smiled and nodded to Cooper as she began the exam. She placed the Doppler on Cooper’s belly.
“Heartbeat is strong.”
After a few minutes, she noticed Rob, positioning himself, expecting to be acknowledged.
“You must be the father,” she said dryly.
“I am,” Rob said, with pride.
Dr. Menard then described the procedure for Rob’s benefit. Rob was overcome with emotion as he reached for Cooper’s hand. He had lost his father before being able to even form a memory of him. No matter what happened between him and Cooper, Rob knew his baby would have a father. Dr. Menard, however, was clearly not aware of Rob’s devotion to the fetus growing inside of Cooper. Cooper had painted a different picture in prior visits.
“It’s nice to see you here being involved. It’s important,” Dr. Menard said. She long ago learned never to take sides.
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