Chapter 89. The Life We Dreamt

Ava

Fifth day in Portugal

The clinic was small, whitewashed, perched on a cliff with windows open to the sea. The obstetrician, a calm, silver haired woman with kind eyes and excellent English, finished the ultrasound, smiled at the strong heartbeat fluttering on the screen, and turned to us.

“Everything looks perfect,” she said, wiping the gel off my belly. “Baby is measuring right on time, placenta healthy, fluid levels, all excellent. But your blood pressure is a little high, and your pelvic floor is quite tight. Common with first pregnancies, especially when there’s been… significant life stress.”

She glanced at the notes, then at Adrian who was holding my hand like he’d never let go, and gave a small, knowing smile.

“My recommendation? Relax as much as possible. Long walks on the beach, swimming in the ocean, good food, good sleep…” She paused, eyes twinkling. “And frequent, enjoyable sex. Orgasms are nature’s best muscle relaxant. The more