AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Do you know any geneticists in the state of Connecticut who take your insurance and will squeeze you in as a favor?” I smirk at him.
“Takes my insurance,plusa twenty-five-hundred-dollar fee.” Luke glares up from his seat in the office and the wall of degrees and plaques. “He could calm it down with the showy display of accolades. I mean, how many times doesUS News & World Reportneed to list him as a top doctor? Is there a shortage of doctors so others can’t win or something?”
I snicker as I admire the wall.
With a fellowship and residency at Duke University, followed by a master’s from the University of Massachusetts, Eric Hollenford is a clinical geneticist who specializes in treating people with rare, inherited genetic disorders. He’s even received honors from the American Society of Human Genetics and Yale University.
“You’re nervous,” I state.
“I am, but that doesn’t mean I can’t be annoyed that this was where you brought me.”
I place my palm on his hand that is drumming manically on the handle of his chair. I’d be concerned it were a symptom, a tic of sorts, but Luke has every right to be anxious in this moment. Calling to attention his tapping or that he can’t sit still wouldn’t make matters any better.
With a gentle squeeze of his hand, I lean into him. “It’s gonna be okay.”
He turns to me and sighs, rubbing his finger over my hand and lifting it to his mouth for a kiss.
The door to the office opens, and Eric walks in. He notices my fingers wrapped around Luke’s. I don’t let go.
Eric extends a hand to Luke, who keeps mine in his left while accepting Eric’s greeting.
“I’m sorry to hear about your mother and sister,” Eric states with empathy.
“Jillian said you made a miracle happen by seeing me so soon. I can see you’re a big shot in the world of genetics.”
“I’m also a teacher at the university, so my office hours are limited, and I tend to book months in advance. When Jillian called with your story, I promised I’d help in any way I could.”
Eric walks around the desk and takes a seat, resting his folded hands on the desk. He explains, “A test of this caliber isn’t taken lightly. First, you’ll undergo genetic counseling. Once all the benefits and risks have been explained and you’re ready, we’ll conduct a physical. We’ll examine your thinking, balance, and walking ability. Sometimes, we do a brain scan, but I don’t think that’s necessary at this time. Then, we’ll test a sample of your blood for the genetic mutation that causes the condition. It can take a few weeks to get the result.”
Luke looks down at his jeans and beats his thumb along the seam. “If it’s positive?”
“You’re getting ahead of yourself there. One step at a time.”
“If it’s positive?” he asks again more sternly.
I rub my thumb along Luke’s while looking at Eric. “He’s worried about Ainsley.”
“I understand.” Eric nods. “Well, when she’s of age—and only ifyou’repositive—we can explore those routes. Look, Jillian, Luke, I know your concerns. This disease is like a freight train with no brakes. There are medications that help relieve symptoms, and we’ve found that many people who test positive spend their healthy years getting in peak physical and mental shape in hopes of slowing down the decline. Many people are worried about having children.” Eric lowers his brows. “Luke, have you considered having more children?”
He clears his throat and sits up straight. “No, and I haven’t given it a chance to be possible.”
Eric nods, not finding the comment odd in any way. “There are medical advancements in that field. Donor eggs, sperm donation, and even in vitro fertilization to pretest the DNA of each embryo is a reality. It comes with a cost, but should you test positive, you can have more children guaranteed to not have Huntington’s.”
I smile in relief. If they’re making breakthroughs of that caliber, then maybe they will explore the DNA and find a cure.
Luke doesn’t seem as optimistic. “Right now, my only focus is on Ainsley.”
“I understand,” Eric says and clears his throat. “Well, let’s get started. I’ll be right back.”
As Eric rises and walks out of the room, I twist in my chair and appraise Luke. “How are you feeling?”
“I guess pretty good since I’m more focused on the fact that Eric isn’t a total asshat, like I hoped he’d be.”
“What you said back there, about children not being an option. Are you really celibate? Haven’t you ever thought that you might be negative and could live a healthy life with a family?”
He takes our joined fists and lifts them to his lips, holding them there. “After making you give up our child, I never thought I had the right to ask a woman to make that choice again. Besides, no woman has ever measured up. There’s no comparison. Not even close.”
I don’t have time to ask more because Eric returns with a woman in a red blazer. She introduces herself to Luke as a counselor who will be working with him.
