I watched carefully as Dr. Wendy ran the wand over the gel on Matthew's baby bump. Matthew was lying there looking at his phone, not really paying too close attention to the proceedings. That's okay, that's why I was here.

"Dr. Wendy, my research shows that the noninvasive ultrasound imaging is safe, but how much research has gone into the high-frequency sound waves that are applied?"

She threw her head back with a warm, rolling laugh. "Oh, you're gonna be one of those dads, aren't you, honey? Trust me, there isn't anything to worry about. These kinds of scans have been used in pregnancy for decades. Any trained sonographer knows how to operate the equipment to make sure that the baby is safe. And trust me, I've never hurt a pup yet."

"One article I read said that researchers believe that the ultrasound waves vibrate at too high of a frequency for our ears, or those of the fetus. Do you think that's right? I mean, we shifters hear at a higher level than the humans these were developed for originally." I was feeling a little better, but I still needed to ask all the questions.

"I think that's a fair assumption. Even with shifter hearing, you would see the baby moving around and getting agitated in there if the sound was bothering them. But look at your little peanut in there sucking that thumb just as happy as a clam; you don’t need to be concerned."

Glancing over at the monitor, my breath caught in my throat as I gazed in wonder at our child. It took me a moment to find my voice to ask my next question. "And will we be able to assess gender today?"

"Oh, yes. I can tell you right now if you're interested." Dr. Wendy flashed me a wink.

I looked over at Matthew. "Babe, put your phone down, you're missing this! Dr. Wendy is about to tell us whether we’re having a boy or a girl."

Matthew's cheeks flushed as he apologized to Dr. Wendy. "I'm so sorry. I swear, you guys must think I’m the worst. It's not that I don't care; I'm just as excited about the baby as I can be. But I'm working on an important case with my mate's team, and Pax has found a few things he needed me to explain. It's vital that everything gets handled before the baby arrives, or I won't be able to sleep a wink. I'm keeping this quiet right now for security purposes, but since you're our doctor, I feel safe enough to tell you that our family's safety is at risk until this is resolved."

Dr. Wendy patted his hand. "You don't have to apologize to me, honeybun. I've worked closely with Justin and Ray for many years. I know all about the work they do. Even if you weren't in law enforcement, I'd assume that you were working on something important if you're involved with their team. Now don't you stress, it's not good for the baby." She looked back and forth between us with a beaming smile. "So, who wants to know what you're having?"

"Please spit it out, Dr. Wendy. I really need you to tell us so that Jonah can delete half of his shopping cart on Amazon. He has a full wardrobe for the first three years for both genders." Matthew smiled at me affectionately as he reached for my hand.

I gave his hand a squeeze. "More than half, now that I see for certain that there’s only one child in there. I had my bases covered and shopped for multiples after my brother just got done having triplets. It never hurts to plan ahead."

Dr. Wendy shook her head, biting her lip with repressed laughter. "Well, you can go ahead and delete everything for girls too, because you gentlemen are having a boy. Although, there is nothing wrong with dressing a little boy in pink or yellow, just sayin'."

I leaned closer to the screen and pointed excitedly at a long, white blob. "I see it; I can't believe I didn't notice it before you said anything. Wow, he must be an alpha. Look at the size of that thing!"

"Honeybun, that's a foot. His penis is over here," Dr. Wendy said with a dry chuckle as she showed me the proper place to look.

Removing my glasses, I wiped a smudge with the hem of my shirt and put them back on before I peered more closely at the monitor. "Ah, yes. I see it now. Still, that's definitely a noteworthy penis, you have to admit."

Matthew snorted. "Can we not talk about our son's penis anymore, or ever? For that matter, how many times are you planning to say penis today? I'm not sure if that's one of my favorite words."

Dr. Wendy gave another rolling laugh. "You may not like the word, honey—but I'm pretty sure that you aren't opposed to the real thing, or we wouldn't be sitting here admiring that little bun in your oven."

I flushed bright red at her comment, the heat rolling off my cheeks almost enough to fog my glasses. Dr. Wendy and Matthew both laughed at my discomfort. She looked at Matthew and shook her head.

"And that's how you get the baby daddy to quit talking about the baby's penis."

Matthew winked. "I like your style, Dr. Wendy." His phone beeped right then and we lost him again as his fingers starting dancing over the screen.

Dr. Wendy finished going over everything and gave me her instructions to follow until Matthew's next visit. "So other than making sure he gets enough calories and keeping him hydrated, he just needs to keep taking those prenatal vitamins. Other than that, I will see you boys next time unless you have any other questions?"

I stood to shake her hand after she'd finished wiping the gel from Matthew's stomach and pulled his gown down. "Trust me, Dr. Wendy. If I have any questions I will shoot you an email or call the office."

She laughed and handed me some pictures she’d printed out from our ultrasound. "I have no doubt, honeybun. Oh, and keep an eye out for an email from the office later. I recorded a keepsake video during the test. My receptionist will send it to whatever email you have on file. You might want to make sure that it’s current on your way out."

I rubbed my hands together with excitement. "Don't worry, I'll make sure she has the correct email. Thank you, Dr. Wendy."

After she left the room, I turned back to Matthew. "Tell whichever one of my teammates you're talking to that you'll get back to them in a few minutes. The faster we get you dressed, the sooner you can see them in person."

Matthew glanced around the room with a startled expression. "Crap, I didn't realize that I’d tuned her out to the extent that she left without me even noticing."

I leaned in and kissed his temple. "It's okay, Agent Sugar Bear. You're on an important case, and you were focused on the job. Now hop up and get dressed. I want to buy my mate some lunch before you get distracted at the office."

"Okay, but Pax was clear in his last message that he needs you to get your butt in there ASAP."

"Pax can lecture me later. Dr. Wendy says you need to eat more, so I'm going to feed you first."

Matthew smiled. “Well, I guess you can twist my arm.”

“Let me twist it a little further with these words—” I leaned in to whisper in his ear “—a four by four animal style, extra toasted.”

Matthew’s eyes shone with hunger. “Now you’re talking my language. To In-N-Out we go!”