What the hell was that about?
Chapter 36
Nolan
Hailey looked dead to the world when she came back from her shift. Merrick was still at work, so Wilder and I were hanging at the house, trying to be useful.
The moment Wilder saw how run-down Hailey looked, though, he jumped right into nurse mode.
Which was kind of adorable for both of them.
Within twenty minutes of her coming home, he had her in a clean set of pajamas, lying on the couch with a dozen blankets and chicken soup in her hands.
“I'm not sick. I don't need soup,” Hailey grumbled through a grin.
“You'reclearlyexhausted, and chicken soup is good for the soul. Like that book. It's hydrating and nourishing and actually hasvegetablesin it.”
Wilder grabbed the thermometer. Touching it to her forehead, he waited until it beeped and then read the screen, nodding approvingly. “The good news is, you're not running a fever.”
“I'm just tired. The baby is taking it out of me,” she admitted, rubbing her hand over stomach.
“How is the little nugget doing?” Wilder asked, a smile lifting the corner of his mouth.
“Good…I think. I really need to schedule some doctors’ visits soon.”
“Actually, I’ve been looking into that.” I stepped forward, seeing that this was as good a time as any.
Hailey's lack of prenatal care had been concerning, and we all thought so. Most of her medical visits had been taken up by the separation sickness.
Understandably, of course. The doctors were concerned with putting out the bigger fire first, which was the sickness, but because of it, there hadn't been many official prenatal appointments.
“There's a doctor only about forty minutes away from here who specializes in separation sickness and pregnancy. Her name is Dr. Chen.”
Hailey frowned. “Forty minutes away? Do you mean that fancy private clinic in Greensburg?”
I nodded, the corners of my mouth turning down. “I think that's the one.”
“I havecivil-servantinsurance. I don't think it will cover all that.” Hailey grimaced. “I can just go to the out-of-town doctor I’ve been seeing.”
“That’s too far away. We’ll pay out of pocket for it, if necessary. It'll be worth it to make sure you're okay.”
Hailey looked taken aback for a moment before nodding. “All right, I guess we better book me for a sonogram. I’m due for my anatomy scan soon. I’ve been thinking, and I’m going to take early maternity leave now—it’s not safe to be working in smoke-filled areas, especially when I’m having a difficult pregnancy already thanks to the separation sickness.” Hailey frowned.
“Are you okay with that?” I asked. Hailey adored her work, and she was damn good at it.
“I have to be. As much as I love the job, I won’t let myself or the nugget be in any danger,” she said, hand on her small bump. “I can take the time to rest, maybe catch up on some quilting projects…”
“That sounds like an excellent plan,” I said. “Your job will be there for you as soon as you’re ready to go back. We will support you. Or if you want to go to nursing school, whatever you want.”
“Thank you.” She beamed at me. “I know I’ll miss it, but it’s not forever.”
“Also, don't forget to take these,” Wilder said, passing her the prenatal vitamins and a bottle of water. He’d taken it upon himself to manage a strict regime for Hailey to ensure the baby was doing the best they could be.
And as much as she rolled her eyes, Hailey had been good about taking them.
It was obvious the guy missed working too. He thrived when caring for people, though I got the impression that caring for Hailey was that much more satisfying for him.
That,I understood.
