CHAPTER TWO HUNDRED AND SIXTY ONE – HOSPITAL APPOINTMENT

The next morning, Kayla awoke feeling a mixture of excitement and trepidation. She gently placed her hand on her still-flat abdomen, imagining the tiny life growing within her. A soft smile played on her lips as she turned to gaze at Lance, who was still sound asleep. "Lance," she whispered, gently shaking his shoulder. "It's time to get up. We have that appointment with Dr. Henderson." Lance stirred, blinking his eyes open slowly. "Mmm, what time is it?" he mumbled, his voice thick with sleep. "Eight-thirty. The appointment is at nine-thirty, remember?" Lance stretched and sat up, instantly more alert. "Of course. The appointment to confirm your pregnancy." A broad grin spread across his face. "I can't wait." Kayla couldn't help but return his smile, his infectious enthusiasm buoying her own spirits. "Me neither. But I'm also a little nervous, after..." Her voice trailed off, but Lance understood the unspoken reference to their previous loss. He reached out and took her hand, gi