“The probability of paternity is ninety-nine point nine nine percent,” Dr. Kramer announced, passing a copy of the results to me so I could read it for myself. “Congratulations!”
I glanced up at Nellie, unable to hide my grin of elation. It really wouldn’t have mattered to me either way, but her look of relief was palpable.
“Well, that is good news.” Nellie nodded.
Dr. Kramer proceeded with the exam, feeling Nellie’s growing belly, listening to the heartbeat, and questioning Nellie on how her symptoms were.
“I’m surprised at how good I feel. I still get nauseated on occasion, but only if I forget to eat. And the pain has been very limited.”
“That’s good to hear. We’ll need to book a glucose test for when you’re between twenty-four and twenty-eight weeks.”
“Oh, okay.”
“It’s standard for pregnant women, but endometriosis can increase the risk of gestational diabetes, so we’ll want to keep an eye on that. Symptoms of gestational diabetes can include increased thirst, frequent urination, especially at night, dry mouth, fatigue, blurred vision, genital itching or thrush, nausea and vomiting, unintentional weight loss, frequent skin, vaginal, and bladder infections,” Dr. Kramer said, relaying a long list of symptoms that made my head spin. “But oftentimes, gestational diabetes doesn’t cause any symptoms, or they’re mild, so that’s why we do the glucose test.”
Nellie nodded, as if she understood completely. My head was still trying to wrap around medical terms and symptoms, but I figured I had plenty of time to ask her later.
Dr. Kramer stood up. “Take care, I’ll see you at your appointment in a week, and Jenny will book your glucose test with the hospital. They’ll have to call you to confirm.”
“Okay, thanks, Dr. Kramer.”
Once we were in the truck, I turned to look at Nellie. “So, what’s endometriosis?”
Nellie drew in a breath as if preparing herself as she buckled her seatbelt. “It’s a condition I’ve had for a while now. It’s a disease where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus. It leads to inflammation and scar tissue forming in the pelvic region and sometimes, elsewhere in the body, although that’s rare. It can cause severe pain in the pelvis and makes it harder to get pregnant,” she explained.
“Oh. That sounds unpleasant.”
“It usually is.” Nellie smiled ruefully. “I was always told I’d probably have a lot of difficulties conceiving without fertility treatment, so this pregnancy…well. It was surprising in more ways than one. I know this entire situation is a little unorthodox, but I didn’t want to risk losing out on my chance to be a mom, especially if it’s my only chance,” she said softly.
I reached across the cab of the truck, putting my hand on her knee. “I get it,” I said gently. “I’m glad it happened, seriously. It brought you back to Hartwood Creek, and to me.”
“So, you’re ready to be a dad?” Nellie joked, trying to hide how affected she was by my words.
“I’ve got about five months to get ready,” I replied with a wink.
“I guess that’s true.” Nellie laughed lightly.
“The idea of it doesn’t scare me as much as I thought it would,” I admitted, removing my hand from her knee so I could pull out of the parking lot.
“You were scared of knocking up some one-night stand and being saddled with them for eighteen-plus years, huh?”
“I used to fear knocking someone up, yeah, but not just because of having to be committed to them without really knowing them. I watched Damien struggle with single parenthood. The girls’ biological mother didn’t want anything to do with them, and she took off after they were born, leaving Damien alone with two newborn babies. It was a lot for him. He’s always loved those girls, but taking care of babies and raising kids, that’s not for the weak,” I explained, glancing at her to find her watching me with a reflective look in her eyes.
“No, it’s not,” Nellie said quietly. “I was prepared to do it alone, because I’ve been on my own for so long anyway.”
“Well, you’re not alone anymore.”
“I know,” Nellie replied.
“So, about that bet.” I said, lifting a brow at her.
“Yeah, yeah,” she rolled her eyes, fighting a smile. “I’ll crash at your place this weekend.”
“Good. And I’m hoping you’ll feel up to meeting my parents.”
“What?” The shock of my suggestion was palpable.
“I want them to meet you, and I kind of want to tell them, you know?” I cast her a worried look, wondering if I’d over stepped. Nellie swallowed, trying to disguise her discomfort. “Have you told your parents yet?”
