Against All Odds

Chapter Thirty-Five

"So, both you and your baby are looking in fine health. You are currently eight weeks in- eight weeks and six days," Dr. Garnier says cheerfully with her heavy accent.

I grin, glancing at Henry, who looks down-right terrified as the obstetrician glides the long, white stick over my belly, painting my flat stomach with gel.

"Let's hear this heartbeat now," she hums, looking intently at the screen beside us. Henry stands from his seat, walking over to the side of the table. He takes my hand, squeezing encouragingly as the camera gently shakes over the form of our child. When the image slows and she begins to tell us where the body is beginning to grow, I begin to feel a strange warmness in my chest. A mixture of fear and joy.

"Wow," I whisper, in awe. Dr. Garnier smiles.

"Everything looks great," she says, cheerfully.

I look at Henry. "We're going to have a baby."

He bends over, nodding. I'm practically glowing when he presses his mouth to mine gently. It's a few moments before I realize we're not the only people in this room and pull back, blushing. This doctor has been sworn to secrecy but still, I hate the feeling that our every move is being recorded. This news can't get out. I know we will have to be at least engaged before anyone knows anything.

Everyone around us is a threat to our relationship. But right now, I can't help but be forthcoming with my emotions. Henry and I are together, in France. We're happy and we're having a baby.

Life can't get better.

...

The phone goes off on the nightstand. The ring is loud, making both of us jump to silence the noise in the dark. One of Henry's arms unwind from around me, reaching for it.

I can bet it's Richard again, asking for advice.

"Again?" I ask, since Henry spent an hour in the study talking to him. My eyes peer at the clock that reads 2 AM. Richard really took Henry's suggestion to call him to heart. I think maybe Richard thinks that if he calls enough, worries enough, that Henry will go back to England. I fear for that.

"Richard," Henry whispers, hoarsely, pulling away.

...

"You'll sound wonderful, Mia," Henry says, exasperatedly, clasping my face. My throat hasn't yet recovered from the infection and with the televised event only two weeks away, I'm on the verge of a mental breakdown. "You'll look lovely. Sound lovely. Right, Ivan?"

Ivan, who looks uncomfortable holding the bowl of popcorn I set on top of him before singing my piece for them, nods, clearing his throat. "Yes, Miss Mia. He is right."

"He has to say that!"

Mrs. Ike and Daniel, the butler, are reaching for the popcorn at the same time.

"You're going to sound like an angel. I didn't understand a word of what you were saying but it sounded wonderful," Mrs. Ike says, sweetly.

I look from them, back at Henry, who smiles. "Well, I do happen to understand French and yours is good," he states matter-of-factly.

"Okay, well you've all told me the good... what could I work on?"

Henry sighs, letting go of my face and turns to the group. I want to strangle him when he hold up his hand in the air. "Who in this room thinks Mia needs to change something in her song?"

I roll my eyes when Henry turns back to me smugly after the silence.

"You're just trying to get me to stop," I mutter, pursing my lips angrily.

"Stop worrying? Yes. You know I can hear you sing all day and night, baby. But, we're being honest with you. You don't need to work on it any further. All you're doing is worrying yourself."

"Alright." I turn, feeling like I can actually feel every bone in my body right now. I'm irritated, impossibly so, so I give up, walking to the kitchen.

"Give us a moment," I hear Henry say calmly. I close my eyes, opening the peanut butter. I grab a spoon, prepared to eat this entire jar to relieve my nerves.

I look up when Henry stops at the other side of the island.

"Tell me what else is bothering you."

"I'm fine," I mutter.

"No, you're not."

"I'm fine," I say, louder. He remains silent, just staring at me. Burning a whole through me, straight into my soul. I stick the spoon into the jar and sigh. "I am going to be singing for millions, Henry. In a country I don't know, singing a song I barely understand the words to, in front of a world that doesn't particularly like me. I can barely fit into any of my old clothing. I'm scared I'm going to get up there and people will realize that I'm pregnant. And to top it all off, you all wouldn't even tell me that my voice was scratchy throughout the entire song... I think I have cause to be scared."

He comes around the island, slowly. I turn when he stops before me and I look up at him. He surprises me when he wraps his arms around my shoulders, pulling me into him. I wrap my arms around his waist too, closing my eyes as I press my cheek into his chest. His hands smooth over my hair.

"There is no one stronger than you, Mia. After everything you've gone through, everything you have accomplished already, I know you can do this. I wouldn't have encouraged you to unless I thought it would be good for you. Living here... with me, you've lost a good portion of your life that you were used to. Your freedom for one. I want you to still be able to sing." He pulls back, clasping my face tenderly. Any part of me that was upset is gone now, just like that when he smiles.

"Also, we can go get new clothes. And your voice wasn't scratchy at all... but if it helps, I can order crates and crates of tea and honey."

I chuckle, tearfully, touched beyond comprehensible words and press my face into his chest.

"I'm a crazy pregnant lady," I groan, looking backing up at him. He kisses me softly, tenderly.

"Yes, but you're my crazy pregnant lady," he answers, and I smile.