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Two tiny hearts.

Two tiny lives.

Tears blur my vision before I even realize they’re there, and I wipe them away with the back of my hand, unable to look away from both heartbeats flashing across the screen.

Bane flashes through my mind without warning.

I picture him on the living room floor with Babs and Biddy, letting them make up impossible rules for whatever game they’re playing, laughing every time they insist he’s losing.

In a few hours, I’ll tell him our family isn’t growing by one. It’s growing by two.

I already know the look that’s going to cross his face.

The thought makes my chest tighten.

The technician finishes the scan, prints two ultrasound photographs, and slips them into a white envelope before handing it to me. “Congratulations.”

“Thank you.”

I tuck the envelope carefully into my bag, suddenly more protective of it than anything else I’m carrying.

Dr. Patel reviews the scan upstairs before signing my discharge papers.

“Everything looks healthy,” she says. “Start taking prenatal vitamins, keep yourself hydrated, and arrange your first prenatal appointment within the next week.”

“I will.”

“If you develop severe pain or heavy bleeding, come straight back.”

“I understand.”

I slide the paperwork into my bag, but my attention keeps drifting to the envelope resting inside.

Healthy.

That’s the only word that matters.

My phone vibrates as I leave the room.

Bane: What did the doctor say?

I type, delete the message, then try again before deleting that one too.

He deserves better than finding out through a text.

Emma: They’re discharging me. Kira’s picking me up. I’ll come see you later.

I call Kira as I gather my things, and she answers before the first ring finishes.

“Emma?” Worry fills her greeting.

“They’re discharging me,” I say as I zip my bag closed.

Her breath leaves in a rush. “Good. I’m already outside.”

I smile and reach for the envelope holding the ultrasound pictures. “I’ll be there in a minute.”

After ending the call, I slip the envelope carefully into my bag. Kira will know something’s changed the second she sees me, and I’d rather tell my sister before she has to drag it out of me.