Nathan had made arrangements to stay in Tree Hill until mid week. At that time, he would have to be back for practice to avoid any 'breach of contract' issues that could arise in his absence.
Nathan picked Haley up at 9:30 Monday morning for her doctor's appointment.
"Are you nervous?" Nathan asked, steering the car onto the main street.
"No, the first appointment was the longest," Haley replied. "When they did the whole physical exam and blood work...I was there forever."
"I'm sorry I wasn't there," Nathan said, looking over at her.
Haley smiled, "I was fine...I'm glad you're here with me now."
Nathan smiled and continued the drive.
Soon they arrived to the doctor's office and Haley checked in with the receptionist.
"It will just be a few minutes, have a seat," the friendly receptionist stated and couldn't help but do a double take when she saw Nathan.
After a few moments, Nathan sat there fiddling with the pages of a magazine.
"Are you okay?" Haley asked quietly.
The truth was, Nathan was more nervous than if he was going in for a medical procedure himself.
"Yeah, I'm fine," he shrugged.
A nurse with a clipboard opened the waiting room door at that moment. "Haley James?"
Haley stood up and Nathan looked up at her.
"Do you want me to go back there with you?" he asked.
"If you want..," Haley replied.
Nathan got up and followed her to the corridor of exam rooms.
The nurse checked Haley''s vitals and had her weigh in on the scale in the hallway.
"The doctor will be with you in a few moments," the nurse said before leaving Haley and Nathan alone in the room.
Nathan exhaled a deep breath he didn't know he'd been holding.
"Are you sure you're okay?" Haley asked him.
Nathan nodded, looking around the room at all of the elaborate equipment.
A moment later, a woman in a white lab coat opened the door and smiled broadly. "Hi Haley," she said with a warm smile.
"Hi Dr. Bader," Haley replied, smiling too. "I'd like you to meet Nathan. He's the father."
Nathan stood up and shook hands with the doctor.
"It's very nice to meet you," Dr. Bader smiled. "I think it's wonderful that you are coming to these visits with Haley."
"Absolutely," Nathan smiled. "I think its very important...I want to be a part of every aspect of the pregnancy."
Dr. Bader grinned and could see that Haley was beaming. "It's very important to understand how everything progresses throughout the pregnancy. I know Haley is glad that you're here. It's essential to have support during this time."
Nathan looked over at Haley and smiled, "she knows she has my full support."
Dr. Bader proceeded with the rest of the exam, even having Nathan excuse himself for a couple of minutes during one portion of the exam where Haley and the doctor spoke privately.
Soon after, she called Nathan back into the exam room.
A piece of equipment that Nathan had noticed before was set up by the exam table where Haley was lying and the small image on the screen caught Nathan's immediate attention.
"This is a unique type of ultrasound...it allows you to see your baby's heartbeat for the first time, even this early in the pregnancy," Dr. Bader explained.
Nathan watched and shook his head in amazement. He was completely and utterly fascinated.
~~~~
Nathan and Haley were talking about the doctor's visit during the drive home.
"I really like Dr. Bader," Nathan commented.
"I do too," Haley said. "She really makes me feel at ease in there."
"You did look pretty calm," Nathan stated. "I was nervous and I wasn't even the one being examined!"
Haley laughed in response.
"What did you think of that ultrasound?"
"That was the most fascinating thing I think I have ever seen!" Nathan exclaimed. "I had no idea they could do that!"
Haley grinned, "its pretty amazing to watch." She got quiet for a moment. "Thank you for going with me today. It really means a lot."
"You don't have to thank me," Nathan said. "It's where I wanted to be."