Love Me Like You Do

..:: Forty-Four ::..

"There's your baby!"

A faint blip flickered on the screen as the technician pointed to the image. The tiniest of flickers showed a strong heartbeat, the smallest of movements already signaling a strong and healthy child within.

Michael's eyes overflowed with tears as his hand held Sarah's tight. He was speechless.

"About how far along am I?"

"Oh, I'd say you conceived around Christmas time. You've got one amazing present, huh?"

A blush immediately covered his face. "Oh, Lord." Michael chuckled shyly.

"When did you guys start trying, if I may ask?"

"In all honesty, on Christmas Eve."

"Wow! That's awesome!"

"Have you missed a period yet, Miss Underwood?" Came Dr. Johnson's voice from the doorway, her eyes sparkling with joy.

Sarah shook her head. "No, I just suddenly felt sick. I got my period on time last month without any trouble."

"Well, some women can have one final period without knowing they're pregnant. I'm confident in saying that happened to you."

"Is that bad?" Michael asked worriedly.

"Oh, not at all. It's quite common."

He released the breath he had no idea he had been holding, a hand immediately going to his chest. "Thank God."

Dr. Johnson sat beside them and began to measure and calculate the due date for the baby. She smiled the entire time, eyes twinkling merrily. "I'd say you would be due at the end of September if all goes well. Sometimes kiddos arrive early and that's ok, you are all safe here with me."

"If all goes well?"

"That's something we gotta tell everyone, Mr. Jackson. But believe me, your baby is just fine today."

Michael chuckled. "I'm sorry."

"No worries, papa. You're just going through new parent motions."

Images of the ultrasound were printed and given to the newfound parents as their eyes welled with tears of unspoken joy. Michael's fingertip traced the tiny image of his child tenderly, unable to look away. He was in absolute shock and joy just the same.

"I still can't believe it."

"Believe it, daddy." Sarah smiled.

His eyes shifted to hers shyly. "Hey now."

"Ok you two, we'll see you in about a month or so. Feel free to call the office with any questions."

"Um, strange question." Michael smiled. "What about... intimacy? I don't wanna hurt the baby."

"Intimacy is just fine, you are totally cleared unless noted otherwise. In fact, intimacy later on in the pregnancy stimulates the body in preparation for labor." Dr. Johnson laughed. "I get this question all the time, don't worry."

Michael smiled, reaching to shake her hand. "Thank you again, Dr. Johnson. For taking care of them."

"Anytime, have a great day."

Together the new parents leave the office under cover through the back entrance, bodyguards close by. So far so good, not a soul had gotten word of the news of their pregnancy nor engagement. Truth be told it was unnerving for both of them, but Sarah has affirmed and explained time and again to Michael that she could hold her own should the truth be discovered about them.

Quickly ushering her into the awaiting vehicle, Michael followed close behind, locking the doors tight behind him. Without a word Bill drove off back towards Neverland.