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“Or something,” he mutters cryptically and looks away.
The nurse chooses that moment to take me for my scan, and when I return, he’s gone.
“First of all, the scan didn’t show any abnormalities. That’s not to say there isn’t something there, but it could be a number of things. Simple changes to the cervix can cause a small amount of bleeding. Intercourse can also have that effect. That being said, it’s best to place you on bed rest, and your regular doctor can reevaluate at your next appointment in two weeks.”
The mention of intercourse drums up images of Nathan and wondering where the heck he is. At the mention of bed rest, all questions cease.
“What all does bed rest entail exactly?”
“I’m sorry, Kiersten. It’s unfortunate as it sounds. Strict bed, or couch, rest except to make short meals and bathroom breaks.”
“What about work? I work in dispatch. I sit all day.” I’m not above pleading. The thought of being a prisoner in my own house sounds horrid.
“I understand, but you’ll need to take time off. The point is to keep you off your feet and also at a lower stress level.”
I contemplate yelling at him or, I don’t know, throwing the TV remote like a toddler having a tantrum. If I take time off now, I won’t have any leave left for after the baby is born. This will cut into my paid maternity leave.
“I’m sorry to bring more bad news. However, you are also having some readings of elevated blood pressure, so we’d also like to keep you overnight.”
“Did you say high blood pressure? That can be bad, right?” Some corner of my brain registers hearing about blood pressure and pregnancies, but I can’t recall the details.
“It can be. We’ll decide if there’s any additional course of treatment tomorrow after we have a few more readings.”
“You’re right. That is more bad news,” I grumble.
Dr. Grimm kindly pats my knee. “I think overall, everything will be just fine, but we want you to be safe. I’ll be back to check on you in the morning.”
“Thanks, Doc,” I mutter.
“Get a good night’s sleep.”
Nathan passes the doctor on his rush into my room, giving him a brief nod. My heart beats a little bit slower at his return, and I don’t have to wonder if this is another fight.
He rushes to my bedside. “I’m sorry. I stepped out to make a phone call, and it went a lot longer than I thought.” He perches on the side of my bed and cradles my hand. His proximity envelops me in his woodsy scent, drowning out the sterile hospital smell.
“Is everything okay?”
His smile is tentative. “Let’s talk about our baby. What did the doctor say?”
Tucking that obvious brush-off away, I relay what the doctor said, as little information as it was.
“Kiersten …” He scrubs his cheek.
“Don’t even say it. I know you want me to stay with you, or you to stay with me. Even being bedridden, I can still get around enough to take care of myself. Actually, if you ask me, there’s even less of a reason to cohabitate because I’m basically a piece of furniture for the next two weeks.”
“I don’t understand how it doesn’t make sense to you
to stay with me. The convenience—”
“I don’t want things to be convenient! Or inconvenient!”
A nurse walking by the open door shoots a disproving look into my room. I give her angry eyes back, not giving a damn. Maybe if this escalates, she’ll tell him to leave, and this argument can be over.
He releases my hand and stands to pace beside my bed. “You aren’t an inconvenience. I don’t even want you there so I can baby you. Did you ever think I want you close for my own peace of mind? Knowing you’re across the hall rather than across town will help me sleep better at night.”
I purse my lips and glare. “Okay, so I didn’t think of it like that, no. But you’re making me feel like I’m seventy-five, and you’re trying to force me to wear Life Alert! If my best friend can leave home and raise a baby at sixteen, I should have no problem managing at thirty-seven.”
“Is that what this is?” His voice lowers several decibels. “You aren’t in a competition with Cami. Having your first child twenty years older than she did means you’re even more equipped to tackle motherhood.”
