It’s finally Friday, appointment day. I’ve been excited all morning at work. A few of my colleagues have picked up on my mood. They have a pool going as to what sex the baby will be, it’s fun. I really like my job. It’s not like my old job, but it’s different in a good way. The clock hits twelve and I’m off like a prom dress.

I walk to the L and get on. It’s faster than an Uber would be. I can’t wait to hear whether I’m having a girl or a boy. I’m sitting in a seat thinking about baby names when my cell phone rings from my purse. I quickly scramble for the phone and see that my dad’s calling me. That’s a first. I answer before it goes to voicemail.

“Hello?” I know I must sound confused. This isn’t the best place to have a conversation with my father. It’s rather noisy on the train. I plug one of my ears to hear better.

“Hello, Andy. It’s your father.” I roll my eyes. Yeah, he would have to tell me it’s him.

“Hello.” This is awkward. I haven’t told him I’m pregnant yet and we usually only call on holidays just to say Merry Christmas and then we both hastily hang up. I don’t want to say my dad is a bad guy. He just wasn’t ever there. He’s like a stranger I’m related to. He’s handsome and charismatic around other people, especially people he works with, but at home he couldn’t be bothered with me. It’s like it wasn’t his decision to become a father. We’ve never talked about our strained relationship if you can even call it a relationship.

“I just wanted to call to tell you I’m getting married.” My mouth drops open. What the hell? Am I in a Twilight Zone episode? Am I being punk’d right now? My father doesn’t have a loving bone in his body. Who would he marry? He’s too involved in himself to care about anyone else. If my dad was a Disney character he would definitely be Gaston. “Andy, are you there?”

“Yup.” I’m pretty much speechless as this point. I have no words. What the hell do I say to that? “Umm, congratulations?” It sounds like a question because I can’t believe this is real. Maybe I’m still sleeping in my bed right now. Yeah, I never got up, I’m snuggled in bed with Birdie. I pinch myself. Ow! Nope, I’m definitely on the L with a bunch of smelly people going to the doctor.

“Well, I’m in Chicago and I would like to have dinner to finalize everything. Are you free tonight?” Finalize everything? He’s here in Chicago?

“Umm, no I don’t have dinner plans. What do you mean finalize?” He clears his throat over the phone.

“Well, I would like you to come to the wedding. I’m getting married here in Chicago. She’s still arranging things and we need to get everything set up. So, how about we have dinner tonight at seven?” My father is getting married here in Chicago and he wants me to come to the wedding? This whole scenario is so bizarre. I guess it would be a good time to tell him in person that I’m pregnant. We need to hash out some things and I need to meet this woman I guess.

“Okay, how about seven at Pequod’s? They have the best deep-dish pizza.” I’ve seriously been craving this pizza for over a week. Their pizza is amazing. It’s like a religion there, very sacred. They have their priorities straight that’s for sure. My father grunts, but then acquiesces. It’s not his scene. He’d rather go to a fine Italian restaurant. Well, too bad. I’m pregnant and I want what I want. He’ll thank me later when he tries the pizza.

We say our goodbyes as the train comes to my stop. This doctor’s appointment should be interesting. Dylan and I are still on the outs and my mood swings are driving me crazy. I’m missing and loving Dylan and then I’m hating and cursing his Prince of Darkness ways. He’s trying though. I get fresh flowers every day with a peek into his mind. He’s never been forthcoming when it comes to his feelings, but when he writes me those notes I feel like I’m getting to know him better. I get a little peek into his soul.

I just don’t know what to do about us right now. I’d like us to be together and I want to be a family. That just might be something Dylan isn’t capable of. He continues to keep things from me and he still has a wall up. Except with those notes. I feel the wall coming down brick by brick. He’s trying for me. Maybe he would like to meet my dad? That would show me he’s serious about this. I met his mom, it would only make sense. Yes, I’ll ask him at the appointment, if he shows.

Arriving at the doctor, I don’t see Dylan in the waiting room. I go through the normal weigh in and blood pressure. I can’t wait to find out if we’re having a girl or boy. There’s a light knock on the door. “Come in,” I call out. Then, there he is. Dylan peeks in and smiles when he sees me up on the examination table. He’s wearing his usual attire of jeans and a dark T-shirt. This man doesn’t even have to try to look good.

“Hey.” He rushes over to me and gives me a strong hug. I hug him back and smell that wonderful cinnamon scent.

“Hi.” I’m so glad he’s here. I’ve really missed him. I know it was me pushing him away, but I just can’t take much more of him withdrawing or keeping things from me. Dylan pulls back and cups my face. His eyes are asking. I nod in response. His eyes light up and then his lips are on mine. I grip onto his black shirt as my legs wrap around his waist, pulling him toward me. His moan kills me.

I forget we’re in a doctor’s office and make out with him like we’re at home. My hands run through his hair as his tongue probes my mouth. I open for him as his hands grip my sides. His face pulls away slightly.

“Andy, I’ve missed you so much.”

“Shhh, less talking. More kissing.” I bring his mouth back down to mine. He chuckles but obliges. I needed this so bad, this connection with him. I’ve missed him as well. I want us to be together. We’re better together than we are apart. We can totally master this parenting thing. Dylan pulls back quickly and then comes in for one big smacking kiss.

“Did you get my flowers and my notes?” I nod. “I really need to talk to you. Can I take you home after the appointment?” His forehead rests against mine, his eyes pleading.

“Yes. I would like to talk to you too.”

He smiles and peppers my face with kisses. I giggle and fan him away. Our doctor arrives shortly after and we move to another room where the sonogram machine is. Dylan and I are so giddy we can’t stand still. I don’t care if it’s a boy or a girl, I’m just excited to know. I’m a planner; I need to plan out the nursery, baby clothes, and toys.

“Now, it’s time for the big question. Would you like to know the sex of your baby?” My doctor looks to us as her hand lingers on the strange nozzle laying on my stomach. Dylan and I both say yes at the same time. The doctor laughs. “It’s a girl!” Grinning ear to ear, I can’t contain my excitement for this little girl growing inside me. We will have tea parties and I can decorate a pink nursery! We’ll make cookies in the kitchen and I’ll take her to the park. While I’m planning all the things I’d like to do with my little girl, Dylan squeezes my hand.

He leans his forehead against my temple. “Pink everywhere.” I belly laugh at his comment. Yes, there will be pink everywhere. “I can’t wait,” he adds. Tears stream down my face as he kisses me sweetly on the lips.