CHAPTER 1: TWO HEARTBEATS
For a long moment I could not speak. The physician, Dr. Elaine Porter, showed me each embryo and explained what she could determine at this stage. Both heartbeats were visible. She would arrange appropriate follow-up care and discuss the risks and uncertainties of a twin pregnancy at my next visit. She never suggested that an ultrasound could establish paternity. I was grateful for her precision.
I had entered the room afraid that something was wrong with one baby. I left knowing there were two. In the parking garage, I sat behind the wheel and cried until the windows fogged. Then I took a photograph of the printed scan and tucked it inside my purse rather than sending it to Michael.
My friend Leah called while I was still parked. When I told her, she was silent for a beat, then said, “Two? Sarah, you’re having two babies?” She sounded delighted and frightened on my behalf. Both reactions made sense.
