Start of new life

The technician broke the silence first. "Your chart says that you're estimated to be about eighteen weeks along. Is that correct?"

"Yes," Rhea swiftly answered. Her smile widened. "The size of a bell pepper this week."

"That's right," the technician chortled. She glanced between the three Makalovs in the dimly lit room. One hand clicked a button on the ultrasound keyboard and the monitor flickered on. With the probe hovering over Rhea's navel, she asked, "Are you interested in knowing the gender?"

Rhea's throat bobbed. Her fingers twitched in mine. Simultaneously, we locked gazes. It was an important question, and one we hadn't discussed nearly enough.

"I'm going to love them, regardless." Her bottom lip trembled as she studied my face. "As long as they're healthy."

"Do you want it to be a surprise?" I whispered in my wife's ears alone. Leaning closer, I nuzzled into the side of her face. "Whatever you want, baby. Just say the word."

Despite her nerves, Rhea giggled. She turned her he