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“No. No ultrasound.”
“No?” I wheeled closer to the exam table, trying to sound both sympathetic and professional at the same time. “I know this is a big shock, but we need to get the tests because we don’t want to miss an ectopic pregnancy or other complication.”
She exhaled hard, breath ruffling her strawberry-blonde bangs. “I get that. But Adam’s waiting on me. I don’t want him or Mom knowing. Not yet.”
“I can get a tech in here for the blood draw right away. The results should be in by tonight possibly, tomorrow morning at the latest. And the ultrasound wouldn’t be here. I don’t have a sonographer on staff. But I can write the referral, get you in somewhere ASAP.”
“Maybe I can work out something to go get that done in Coos Bay,” she mused.
“That’s absolutely an option. And as I said, this is a confidential appointment. I’m not telling anyone other than what I have to put in the chart. Also, no matter what the blood work says, I can do any type of referral you might require. You have options.”
“Yeah. Thanks.” She took another deep breath, finally sitting back up. I put out a hand to steady her. “Guess this explains the mood swings. Damn it. I was so mean to Darren. So mean. Now I’m going to have to tell him. That should be fun.”
“You don’t have to tell anyone. Not until you’re ready,” I said firmly, knowing that position was likely going to catch me some attitude from her overprotective brother.
“I wasn’t dizzy with Teddy. Sick as a dog with vomiting even before the test popped, but not dizzy.”
“Each pregnancy is different, and the heat could play a role here.” I clicked around on my tablet, trying to get her referrals and lab work in as quickly as possible. “But that said, I am concerned enough to want that ultrasound ASAP. Don’t skip that, please.”
“I won’t, but I’ll have to see what I can work out to get one without the family knowing. No idea what I’m going to tell Adam when I go back out there. Fuck.”
“Tell him it’s a hot day.” This wasn’t the first patient I’d had who didn’t want a companion knowing something, and my priority had to be her and her confidential medical information, not Adam’s feelings. “Your electrolytes were a little off, exactly as you suspected. Normal vitals and we’re running some blood work. That’s really all he needs to know.”
“Promise?” She pursed her lips.
“Promise. I’ve got to chart your test results, but it’s confidential, I assure you.” I grabbed a pad of paper from the nearby side table and dashed off a number. “After-hours tonight if you start bleeding or any other new symptoms, and since you don’t want to tell your mom or Adam or anyone else yet, you can call me.”
I was bending a few guidelines, but I genuinely was concerned about the chance of an ectopic, and the last thing I wanted was anyone, let alone Adam’s beloved sister, going through that alone, trying to tough it out past serious symptoms.
“Thanks.” She neatly folded the paper and placed it in her purse. “Adam’s right. You are sweet. I can see why he’s so far gone on you.”
“Not sure about that,” I demurred, but I hoped she was right. Hoped he still felt like that after this thing with Ramona played out. “I’m only doing my job. I’m serious, Ramona. Don’t ignore warning signs. You can call or text me anytime.”
“I might take you up on that.” She offered me a wobbly smile.
“Good.” I returned the smile, but inside, my stomach kept cramping. I wasn’t going to rest easy until she had test results and a plan. Knowing secrets was the life of a small-town doctor, but I hated the position this put me in with Adam. Last night had been truly magical, and not only the sex. I’d liked being around his family, being included and accepted. All I could do now was hope everything worked out, us included.
Twenty-Eight
Quinn
I was a truly crappy double agent, to the point that I was almost relieved when I saw Adam’s text Thursday night as I exited the clinic.
No late-night visit tonight, sorry. Stuck on uncle duty with Teddy sleeping over.
As much as I wanted to see him, I didn’t mind getting a reprieve from having to keep his Ramona questions at bay. I was concerned as to why he had Teddy though, so I texted right back.
Everything okay?
Think so. Ramona’s still tired and under the weather after going to Coos Bay with a friend and the kids today. Probably overdid it again. His reply made my neck itch. I knew perfectly well why she’d gone to Coos Bay, and it wasn’t only for the playdate, but of course, I couldn’t reveal that.
