Squeezing Gage’s hand I looked from the screen to Gage and back to the screen.
Gage kissed my temple. “We’re having a girl.” His voice was shaky, his eyes glazed over as he stared at the screen. Londyn Hope Tucker. I’m going to be a daddy. I’m going to have a daughter.” The first tears raced down his cheeks as his mouth formed the widest smile I had ever seen. “My little girl.”
Lightly running my hand over Gage’s cheek I said, “And she is a very lucky little girl. You’re going to be the best daddy to our daughter.”
8
Cobie
Three days after my doctor appointment I was watching Gage pack for his flight. His large suitcase was at the foot of his bed with clothes stacked next to it. I was curled up at the head of his bed, my head resting on my hand.
“Cobie, please don’t look so sad.” Gage tossed a pair of athletic shorts into his suitcase before walking around his bed and sitting beside me.
“It’s just going to be weird without you here. Just when we are starting to figure shit out and get life back to normal, you have to leave.”
Resting his forehead on my shoulder I heard him sigh. “You could come with me. Stay at my apartment in the city.”
“You know I can’t do that. I have a doctor’s appointment in a few weeks and you will be busy with football. I understand why you’re leaving. I’m just saying it sucks.”
Gage lifted his head and slowly brought his lips to mine. He ran his tongue over my lower lip as he shifted me onto my back, resting above me.
Just when our kiss was turning hot my phone started ringing. Gage pulled in a steadying breath as he leaned up and grabbed my phone from the nightstand.
Sliding the answer button across my screen I answered, “Hello?”
“Is this Miss Nayler?”
“Yes, who’s calling?”
“This is Trish. I’m calling from Women’s Health Center regarding the blood work you had done. It seems your white blood cell count is down. Dr. Fleming would like you to call Dr. Emmons from University of Cincinnati’s Oncology team.”
Oncology? Like cancer?
“Dr. Fleming thinks I have cancer?” I asked, hardly above a whisper.
I avoided looking at Gage but I could feel him tense beside me.
“No ma’am. He’s not saying that. But with your white count being so low he wants to rule out the most dangerous first. More than likely it’s a vitamin deficiency but Dr. Fleming is just taking precaution.”
“Um. Ok, sure. Do you have the number for the doctor that Dr. Fleming wants to me see?”
“Yes, of course.”
Trish rattled the number off and I scribbled it on a piece of paper Gage had on his nightstand.
Ending the call, I looked straight ahead.
Cancer. I couldn’t have cancer. This couldn’t be right. I was only twenty. I was pregnant.
“Cobie? Will you please tell me what the fuck is goin’ on?”
Looking out the corner of my eyes at Gage, I said, “My white blood cell count is low. I have to see an oncologist.”
“An oncologist? Why?” Gage’s blue eyes clouded over.
“Gage, I might…”-my voice cracked-“I might have cancer. What am I going to do?” I dropped my head into my hands as my cries shook my body.
“Shh, baby. We don’t know anything yet. I need to make a few calls and let people know I won’t be back as soon as planned.”
I sniffed and said between sobs, “You have to.”-sniff-“go back. The team…they need you.”
Gage put his knuckle under my chin and raised my head so I was looking at him. “No, they don’t need me. You need me. I’m not going anywhere.”
It took a few hours but I finally calmed down enough to call Dr. Emmons and make the appointment. Since I was pregnant they wanted to see me the next morning at eight to get more blood and do a few scans.
I had decided that until we knew what was going on only Gage and I would know about this cancer scare.
Just saying the word cancer made me nauseous.
Walking downstairs I found Gage in the kitchen making grilled cheese and tomato soup.
“Cobie, you need to eat.” Gage dipped soup out of the pot and placed the grilled cheese on a plate. “Here, please eat.”
Stirring my soup I took a few bites before scooting the bowl away. “I can’t. I think I’m going to try and get some sleep.”
The sadness on Gage’s face broke my heart. “’Okay. And Cobie, don’t worry about this until we have a reason to worry, which I don’t think we will.”
“I hope.” I blinked back my tears and turned to walk out. Gage grabbed my arm and wrapped his arms around me. I felt protected. Being in his arms made me feel safe.
“God won’t do this to us. Our daughter and I need you. You can’t have cancer.” Gage lifted my head so I was looking him in the eye. “Cobie, I love you and we are going to raise our daughter together. Your stubborn ass isn’t going anywhere. Got it?”
Slowly, a smile formed on my face and I chewed my bottom lip. “I love you too, Gage. But, I am so scared right now. I just need you with me. I need to know that whatever happens our daughter will have you.”
“You and Londyn will always have me.” Gage pressed his lips to my forehead. “Want me to lay with you?”
“Please.”
Gage lifted me effortlessly into his arms and walked us back down the hall to his bedroom.
This place was huge. Every THING looked clean and sterile. Every ONE looked sick and tired.
“Cobie Nayler?” The girl called out from the doorway.
Looking at Gage, I fought back my tears and took his hand, walking toward the waiting girl.
“Cobie?”
“Yes. Cobie Nayler.” I said, quietly.
“Hi, I’m Angie. Follow me please. Dr. Emmons would like to see you before any test are performed.”
Holding Gage’s hand we followed behind Angie, down the long hall to a large door. Angie knocked once before opening it and saying, “Dr. Emmons, Cobie Nayler is here.”
Angie pushed the door open wide and ushered us in.
Standing from behind his desk, Dr. Emmons held his hand out. “Cobie, nice to meet you. I’m Dr. Emmons.”
Shaking his hand I said, “Um…nice to meet you too.” I pointed next to me and said, “This is Gage, my um, he’s my baby’s father?” It sounded more like a question but Dr. Emmons didn’t notice, he just shook Gage’s hand before sitting back down.
Dr. Emmons laced his fingers together as he spoke, “Cobie, I’m sure you know why you’re here. Before we get to the heavy stuff I want to ask a few routine questions. Have you been feeling more tired than normal lately?”
Raising an eyebrow I looked at the doctor like he was a total moron. “Yes, I’m pregnant. I’m always tired.”
Dr. Emmons paid no attention to the sarcasm in my voice and moved onto the next question. “Have you found yourself being in a lot of pain in a certain area?”
“Actually my lower back. It’s worse when I’m active, more than normal.”
Dr. Emmons furrowed his brow. “Hmm. Loss of appetite?”
“No, I don’t think so.”
“Have you noticed any bruising?”
“No. I mean, I really haven’t looked but I haven’t noticed any.”
Dr. Emmons took notes and looked up at me. “Now, this is in no way saying you have cancer. This is to rule cancer out. I have ordered a few blood tests and a CT scan to determine if you do have cancer, and if you do, what kind. Chances are, since you’re pregnant you’re just experiencing a vitamin deficiency that has messed with your blood count. We will have your test back by this afternoon. I am putting a rush on your tests since you are pregnant. We want to hurry and rule this out so Dr. Fleming can figure out what is going on.”