A few weeks later I was checking the garden when I started to feel sick. I kept working for a few minutes but it didn't get any better so I decided to go inside and sit down for a bit.
Elliott looked up from the notebook he had been writing in when I entered the house. "Ah Ruby," he started cheerfully. He stopped when he saw my face. "Are you alright?" He asked. "You look awful."
I went to answer but then my stomach churned. I ran to the kitchen and threw up in the sink. Elliott was by my side in a flash, putting an arm around me.
"Let's get you to Harvey." He said, the worry clear in his voice. "He'll know what to do."
I said nothing and just nodded, allowing him to walk me out of the house and down the road to town. He fussed over me the entire way. I had to convince him not to carry me and insisted that I could walk on my own.
Maru looked up as we walked into the office. "Elliott, Ruby!" She said. "What brings you here?"
"Ruby isn't feeling well," Elliott said. "We were hoping to see Harvey as soon as possible."
"You're in luck." We turned to see Harvey coming out of the back. "I have time now. If you will follow me."
We followed him to a back room. Elliott helped me onto the examination table and held my hand. He looked nervous so I squeezed his hand reassuringly.
"Now, why don't you tell me your symptoms?" Harvey said. He had a pen and a clipboard in his hands.
Elliott began to explain my symptoms and I let him. I didn't feel like talking anyway and helping me made him feel better.
Harvey listened in silence, taking notes here and there. When Elliott finished speaking he looked up and spoke.
"I think I know but I would like to make sure." He handed me a small cup with a lid. "If you can, I would like to take a urine sample."
I took the cup from him and left the room. I came back a few minutes later and gave it to the doctor. He took it and stood up. "I'll be back in a few minutes with the results." He said, leaving the room.
Elliott helped me back up on the table and took my hand again, kissing it periodically and rubbing it with his thumb.
When Harvey returned he had a smile on his face. "Ruby, Elliott, I have good news for the two of you." He said. "Ruby, you're pregnant! Congratulations!"
My jaw dropped. We had been trying for a baby but I didn't expect it to happen so soon.
Elliott wasn't any less surprised. His eyes were wide and his mouth was open. "I…" he stuttered. Then a wide smile spread across his face. "I don't think I've ever been this speechless before. My darling, we're going to be parents!" He jumped up and hugged me tightly, then placed a gentle hand on my belly. I placed my hand over his and smiled up at him. He leaned down and pressed his forehead to mine, then kissed me.
"Ahem." Harvey interrupted. We looked over at him and Elliott took a step back, his face red. We had both forgotten that he was there.
"Now before you head home there's a few things I would like to go over with you." The doctor said. "First of all…" He began to explain how I would need to ease up on the farm work and make sure to get plenty of rest. He continued to explain until he finished with, "if there is ever a problem, don't hesitate to call me." He stood and Elliott and I followed suit, exiting the room with him. As we went to leave the office, I turned to Harvey.
"I'd appreciate it if you didn't say anything about this to anyone." I said. "I'd like for us to share the news ourselves."
"Of course." Harvey agreed. "My lips are sealed. Have a nice day." He waved goodbye and disappeared back into the clinic. Elliott then grabbed my hand.
"Come on," he said. "Let's go home."