The clinic smelled like lavender and antiseptic, an oddly calming mix that helped soothe Mara's nerves as she sat in the waiting room. The gentle hum of conversation and the soft jazz playing overhead made the atmosphere feel less clinical, but she still couldn't stop tapping her foot.
Steve sat beside her, thumbing through a parenting magazine with mock interest. "Do you want a car seat that can double as a stroller or one that turns into a spaceship?" he teased.
Mara chuckled despite herself. "Anything that can teleport me out of here when I'm too tired to move."
"I'll put that on your registry."
Stefan waved them over from the reception area, a warm smile on his face. He'd made it just in time for the appointment, having ducked out between surgeries to be here. The sight of him in his white coat made Mara feel instantly safer, like everything was going to be okay. She stood up, smoothing down the dress Steve had picked out, the fabric flowing easily over her bump.
