Stealing the Heart of Mr. Steele

[Cordelia]

The hallway feels hollow and empty as my words ring out around us. It takes Clark a few moments to process my words, but as the meaning becomes clear, I watch as his expression slowly falls. "You don't want me there," he finally murmurs. "I see."

"Clark, It's not that I don't want you to be there to see the baby, I just, I haven't had any time with Atlas since I returned from the island and this is his baby," I try to explain, but the more I say the sadder he looks as if my words are crushing him. "Look, it isn't about not wanting you, Clark, it is about needing him."

"Of course," he replies, his volice flat. "I guess I'll see you later."

Kissing my cheek, he begins his slow descent down the stairs and back out onto the street. Even though this is what I asked him to do, I can't help but feel a little guilty about the way I managed this situation. If I could have only been honest with him yesterday, maybe we could have avoided the confusion and hurt today.

Atlas is waiting patiently inside with the doctor who looks around for Clark. "Isn't Mr. Steele going to be here today?"

I give her an explanation that almost sounds plausible. She sighs deeply and replies that it is "such a shame" because "the father should be here for these things." I assure her that his brother, Atlas, will fill him in about everything later.

She leaves me alone for a few moments to get into my examination gown and does a full physical first to check on my progress. Once she's satisfied, she covers me up with a blanket, leaving only my belly bare. "This is going to be a little cold," she warns as she places some clear gel on my abdomen. And then, only a few moments later, we see the first images of our little one.

"Based on this scan, your baby is approximately 19 weeks," she looks at us both. "Is that correct?"

"Yes," we respond in unison, neither one of us able to forget the night of this little one's conception. Atlas is staring at the screen, mesmerized by the flickering heartbeat and the shape of the baby's face. "The baby looks like you," he smiles.

"Not with that chin," I laugh. "That's the stubborn Steele chin. I'd recognize that side profile anywhere." Would you now," he squeezes my hand."

"Most definitely," I breathe nervously.Text property © Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org.

"You two sound like an old married couple," she chuckles. "If I didn't know better, I'd swear you two were a couple." She pauses to look at Atlas, who is slowly turning red as she adds, "You're going to be a good uncle."

I give Atlas' hand a little squeeze so that he knows I understand his frustration. It must be hard not being able to tell anyone that he is the father and not his brother. I couldn't imagine lying to everyone if Atlas was caring for our child and I had to call Angelica the mother. "Do you want to hold off on the big reveal until Daddy can hear it too?" The doctor looks at me expectantly, waiting for my response. "I know these moments are really important for new parents. It's a

real shame he had to leave so suddenly."

"I am the wife of a CEO," I explain with a shrug. "Sometimes work gets in the way."

"I understand," she says although I can tell that she does not mean it. "I could always write it down on a piece of paper and seal it in an envelope for the two of you to read together later."

I look up at Atlas, my eyes wide. Sensing my panic, he answers for me. "That sounds like a wonderful idea. It only seems fair.

"You are a very supportive brother-in-law," she seems very impressed with Atlas. "I'm sure your brother appreciates your willingness to help."

The exam is over quickly from there. After making a few more notes she informs us that the baby is developing well but she still advises we come in again in another 8 weeks to do a scan as I enter my third trimester.

As I leave the office, she hands me the promised envelope. "Tell Mr. Steele that I look forward to seeing him at the NEXT visit."

I nod and act as expected, almost unable to contain my excitement as we wait for her to close the door. We rush down the stairs and as I walk him to his car, I tear open the envelope. VictoryAnne Vice Author

I hope you all enjoyed these frequent updates today. I am on a three-day weekend and I am trying to get you all as much of the story as I can.