"Hey squirt last exam with me before baby," Nathan said, taking a seat on the stool by the exam table.
"This is pretty routine," Nikki said, "you've done this every few months since I was 18."
"I'm going to do a modified stress test today," Nathan said, "you're at 33 weeks and I want to make sure your heart can withstand labour."
"I've been fine for years Nate," Nikki said.
"Just a precaution squirt," Nathan replied, "is ma coming with you?"
"Not today this was to be a quick routine check up with you," Nikki said, "she only comes to Dr. Montgomery with me. I had my last ultrasound last week. They look good."
"You don't know," Nathan said, "do I get names?"
"Mom knows my ideas for middle names but I'm keeping the rest to my self," Nikki said, "I'm going with McRae not Barker. Jeff doesn't want to be around. I know how much it sucks to be stuck with the last name of the parent who didn't want me. I won't do that to my baby McRae. Right now all you need to know is that this is baby McRae."
"I'll do my exam first you've done this many times," Nathan said.
"I know every six months since I was 18," Nikki said.
"For the stress test do you want me to page Teddy or Owen," Nathan offered, "she's not operating and gets bored doing paper work. She won't mind."
"One sibling is enough," Nikki said, "I trust you."
"Okay," Nathan said, "I'll do this myself but I have a couple residents who want to watch. I don't do this too often so they need to learn."
"Do I have to wear a gown," Nikki asked.
"You're fine in your leggings and sneakers," Nathan said, "but I will have Helm place the electrodes under your shirt."
"I'm going for a walk with Julie and Kendra after I wanted to be comfy," Nikki said, "I'd have dressed up if I'd known you were using me as a teaching tool. I'd actually rather you do it. I don't like strangers touching me."
"This works for what we need to do today. I can do the electrodes I just thought you'd want another woman," Nathan said, "I'll do the rest of your exam first. How are you feeling?"
"Large, round and tired," Nikki said, "mom and Teddy say that's normal."
"Excited to meet them," Nathan asked, keeping up the conversation as he worked.
"Yes," Nikki said, "I have names picked now but no one gets to know until pumpkin is here."
"I need to lift the back of your shirt," Nathan said.
"Okay," Nikki replied.
Nathan slid the stethoscope under Nikki's shirt and listened. He stepped around the table.
"I need to listen from this side," Nathan said, "can you lift or move your shirt?"
"I can," Nikki replied shifting one side of her shirt to let Nathan listen.
"Sounds good squirt," Nathan said, taking the stethoscope away.
"Nate can I ask you something," Nikki asked.
"Anything squirt," Nathan said, sitting back down.
"I know it's a big ask and you can say no," Nikki said.
"I'm here to help however you need it," Nathan said, "I will do anything for you and your baby. You're family."
"Will you be my baby's godfather," Nikki asked shyly, "they need all the good role models they can get. You're one of my big brothers. Would you please be their god father?"
"Of course I will squirt," Nathan said, "I'm here for the two of you. I'm your big brother and this little one's uncle Nathan. Thank you for asking me."
Nikki got down from the table and hugged Nathan, "thanks Nate."
"Before you go squirt I need your help breaking the news to Owen that I'm dating Meridth Grey," Nathan said.
"I've met her a few times and she's nice," Nikki said.
"I like her," Nathan said, "do you think he'll be mad."
"It's been almost ten years and you haven't dated," Nikki said, "you can be happy. Nate you can love again."
"I'm getting to know her," Nathan said, "she has three kids."
"Do you like them," Nikki asked, "your good with the girls."
"Her kids are good," Nathan said.
"You like kids," Nikki said, "you always appeared at recess time in Kenya to play."
"And check in my baby sister," Nathan said.
"I'm glad we did that even if you did flirt with my faculty advisor," Nikki said.
"I liked her but neither of us wanted anything committed," Nathan said, "I have tried to date in the last couple years but it always feels like cheating. She's still out there."
"I hope so," Nikki said, "she's been getting a lot of baby related emails and pictures."
"Pictures," Nathan asked.
"The ultrasounds," Nikki admitted.