Off Script

Heartbeat On the Line

He just smirked, not denying it.

"And four — you somehow found the woman who used to braid my hair in college and flew her out here to do my braids because I said my scalp was sore and my usual girl was booked out for weeks."

His smirk faded into something softer.

"That one was important."

"Michael, all of it is important," I said quietly. "You're already doing more than most men would even think of doing."

He looked at me for a long beat, his hoodie slipping back a little.

"Still feels like it's not enough."

I smiled, tucking my hair behind my ear.

"Then I guess you're just going to have to keep trying."

That finally got the laugh I'd been aiming for — the low, warm one that made my chest unclench.

Michael leaned back in his chair, but his eyes never left mine.

"Then I guess I'll keep trying," he said, his voice lighter now — but only just.

I reached for the ultrasound printout on the counter and held it up to the camera.

"You already are. And this little peanut? They're going to know it."

He smiled at that, but then his gaze shifted, a flicker of something more determined settling in.

"Okay... so for my next visit—"

"Which is when?" I cut in.

"Soon," he said, and when I raised a brow, he smirked. "Soon-soon. Not Hollywood 'soon.'"

I laughed.

"Alright, Mr. Cryptic."

He ignored that, leaning forward so close to the camera I could see the faint shadow of stubble along his jaw.

"When I come back, I'm bringing something... not a gift you open. Something we do together."

That made me pause.

"Like what?"

His mouth curved, but his tone stayed serious.

"I want to be in that room for our next ultrasound. No FaceTime, no recordings."

My chest tightened instantly.

"Michael..."

"And—" he added quickly, "I booked the whole day. No work for you. We'll go to your appointment, then I'm taking you to lunch wherever you want, and we're ending the day picking out something for the baby together. First thing we buy — I want to be the one holding it."

I felt my throat get warm.

"You're going to make me cry."

He smiled softly.

"Good. I'm aiming for tears."

I shook my head, laughing under my breath, but my heart was already buzzing at the thought of it — the way he said be there like it was non-negotiable, the way he made even the smallest plans feel like events.

"Alright," I said finally. "Deal. But you know if you're late, I'm starting without you."

He leaned back, grinning now.

"If I'm late, I'll make it up to you."

"Mhm." I gave him a pointed look. "Better be with more lamb chops."

He laughed, the sound warm and steady.

"Noted. Now go lay back down, Mina. Doctor's orders."

"You're not my doctor," I teased.