Chapter 7 - The First Appointment
Nathaniel did not ask Isabelle to return.
He asked only one question through Meredith.
May I attend the next medical appointment?
Isabelle considered the request for two days.
Then she agreed.
The appointment took place at a small clinic in Manhattan.
Nathaniel arrived twenty minutes early.
He carried no flowers.
No expensive gift.
No speech.
Only a notebook.
When the doctor began explaining prenatal testing, nutrition, blood pressure, and warning signs, Nathaniel wrote everything down.
Isabelle watched him.
“You do not have to take notes,” she said.
“I need to.”
“Why?”
“Because I have spent too long assuming I would remember what mattered.”
The ultrasound screen came alive.
A small shape.
A heartbeat.
Fast and steady.
Nathaniel stopped writing.
His eyes filled.
“That is her?”
The doctor smiled.
“That is your baby.”
Nathaniel looked at Isabelle.
“Her?”
“Maybe,” Isabelle said. “The doctor thinks so.”
He pressed one hand to his mouth.
For the first time, Isabelle saw him without arrogance.
Not powerful.
Not invincible.
Only frightened.
After the appointment, he walked her to the car.
“Thank you,” he said.
“For what?”
“For letting me see her.”
Isabelle looked at him.
“Do not thank me. Show up next time.”
May you like
Nathaniel nodded.
“I will.”
