Seven People at One Appointment
While I was traveling toward Denver International Airport, Preston arrived at Bellweather Women’s Imaging Center. Brielle was already there. So were Preston’s parents, Randall and Colleen, his sister Marcy, Marcy’s husband, and Preston’s younger brother with his wife.
Seven members of the Hale family had gathered around Brielle’s appointment as though they were attending a celebration.
Preston walked into the room carrying a bouquet. “How’s my boy?”
Brielle smiled nervously. “We haven’t started yet.”
Colleen squeezed her hand. “Everything will be perfect.”
When Dr. Nolan Reeves entered, the room became quieter. He greeted Brielle, reviewed her file, and began the examination. At first, Preston could barely contain himself.
He pointed at the monitor. “Is that his head?”
Dr. Reeves nodded politely. “That is the fetal profile.”
Randall laughed. “Look at him. Strong Hale chin already.”
Even Marcy joined in. “Preston, he has your nose.”
Dr. Reeves did not respond. He adjusted the image. Then he checked the information on Brielle’s chart. Once. Then again. His expression changed.
Brielle noticed. “Is everything okay?”
Dr. Reeves remained professional. “From what I can see, the pregnancy itself appears to be progressing normally.”
Everyone relaxed. But only for a moment.
The doctor looked back at the intake form. “I do need to clarify something about the dates you provided.”
Preston frowned. “What dates?”
Dr. Reeves turned slightly toward Brielle. “You listed the pregnancy as approximately fourteen weeks.”
Brielle’s face lost some of its color. “Yes.”
The doctor shook his head gently. “The measurements are much more consistent with approximately twenty-one weeks.”
Nobody spoke.
