The Baby Agenda by Janice Kay Johnson

simply that kind of man. She doubted he ever had to raise his voice.
    The door opened then, and Dr. Engel darted in. A tiny woman, she’d reminded Moira from the beginning of a hummingbird constantly hovering rather than settling in place. She listened, though, when Moira had questions, and answered without any impatience, her head tilted in a way that was birdlike, too.
    â€œMarcia Engel,” she said, thrusting out her hand at Will.
    â€œWill Becker. I’m the father.”
    â€œAh. I’m glad to see you here.” She took him in with one sweep of her bright blue eyes. “How much did you weigh at birth?”
    He looked startled. “Almost ten pounds. My two brothers, too. My sister was eight and a half pounds.”
    â€œThen chances are we can expect the same for this one, Moira. Well.” She set the open chart on the small counter and skimmed the newest information. “Things are looking good. I’m glad to see you putting on weight now.”
    Moira made a face.
    â€œShe wasn’t?” Will asked.
    â€œNausea,” the doctor said. “Not unusual, but always a concern.” She gave him a sharp look. “You didn’t know?”
    â€œI’ve been away.”
    â€œWill and I don’t live together,” Moira said. “He’s being good enough to share responsibility for the baby, that’s all.”
    His mouth tightened, but he said nothing.
    After one more appraising look, Dr. Engel ignored him and smiled at Moira. “Lie back now, please.” When Moira did, she raised her shirt and pushed down the waistbandof her maternity pants, exposing the freckled mound of her belly. Moira knew she was blushing, which seemed to be a redhead’s curse. It was dumb. He’d seen her stomach before, and a whole lot more, but she couldn’t make herself look at him.
    Even so, from her peripheral vision she knew he was staring.
    The doctor manipulated gently, then blew on the bell of her stethoscope to warm it before placing it on Moira. Listening intently, she moved it several times, and smiled. After a minute, she glanced at Will. “Would you like to listen?”
    â€œPlease.” He stepped forward, bent and slipped the earpieces of the stethoscope in place. He frowned. “I don’t hear anything.”
    Dr. Engel moved the bell half an inch, then, after a pause, another half inch. The expression on Will’s face transformed. Now Moira couldn’t help watching him, seeing what wonder did to the hard lines of his face.
    â€œIt’s so fast,” he whispered.
    â€œNormal for a baby.”
    â€œI guess I knew that, but…” He kept listening, and when at last he removed the earpieces and handed the stethoscope back to the doctor, Moira could see his reluctance. “Amazing.” His eyes met hers. “You’ve heard it?” She nodded.
    â€œHave you felt the baby move?” Dr. Engel asked him.
    He shook his head and looked again at Moira’s belly.
    â€œLet’s see.” The doctor gently pressed, sliding her fingertips around. Finally she reached for his hand and laid it where hers had been. Will’s was so very large, it covered much of Moira’s stomach. A movement came inside, theflutter and swirl. Will stood very still, concentrating, then cleared his throat. “Thank you,” he said, sounding hoarse. “Wow.”
    Dr. Engel pulled up the waistband of Moira’s pants, drew down her shirt, said briskly, “One month,” and breezed out.
    Moira shifted her weight to an elbow to lever herself up. Without a word, Will wrapped an arm around her and helped her to a sitting position.
    â€œThat’s only going to get harder, isn’t it?” He sounded amused.
    â€œI’ve perfected the art of rolling out of bed.”
    The amusement left his face. He was silent as they walked out and she scheduled her next appointment. Still quiet until they were in the