November 16
Sitting on the edge of the examination table in Doc Carson's office, Rosemary counted to ten slowly in hope of steading her shaky breath. It had been a long ten days, and still this ailment tortured her and continued to make her life downright miserable. Lee had asked her a time or two how she was faring, but she always put him off. At least until she had some answers. And that is why she was here today- to finally get some answers. But what was taking so long? Was everything okay? And most importantly, could it be true? Rosemary's heart skipped a beat and butterflies danced in her midsection. Finally, Doc Carson lifted the stethoscope from her chest and he pocketed his watch.
"Every thing seems to be in order, Mrs. Coulter."
Smoothing the front of her dress, she tried without success to calm the stirring in her belly. "And?"
"Well, to be honest, based on just a physical examination, I am not able to detect a pregnancy until the middle of the second trimester. But based on your answers to my questions, it sounds like pregnancy could be quite possible. The only thing we can do now is wait."
"Oh, okay." Rosemary squirmed, feeling even more ill at ease than before she came. She needed some concrete answers. "So you are saying pregnancy is not certain?"
"It is quite possible, but not certain just yet."
"So, what do I do?" Rosemary couldn't keep the rush of personal questions at bay. She needed some advice and quick. "Lee's quite taken with the idea of having a family. I wanted to wait until absolutely certain to tell him. I don't want to raise his hopes only to dash them if it is not true."
"I know Mr. Coulter, and he is a good man. He will want to walk with you through all of this- even the uncertainties. If you want my two cents worth, if he doesn't know or suspect yet, I'd tell him. He'll want to be there for you no matter where this situation leads. As for your health, I'd advice you to go on living just as before, just paying proper attention to your diet and exertion level. We can schedule a follow up appointment for this time next month if you'd like."
"That sounds good. I just have a few more questions." Rosemary opened her satchel and took out a little notebook. Was she ever grateful she jotted down a few of her questions the week leading to this appointment. Her brain had turned to mush.
"Ah, there we go. Am I correct in assuming that if this possibility develops into something more—"
"A baby?"
"Ah, yes. Am I right in assuming that the arrival could be next June?"
"Yes, that sounds about right."
"And the queasiness and all- that's normal?"
"Again, you are quite right."
"Any food or drink I must avoid, well, in case this truly is a pregnancy?"
"Not particularly, although it is in the best interest of the baby to steer clear of any alcohol. As for food, eat anything you are able to stomach. Anything else I can do for you?"
Could she gather the gumption to read the last question she had jotted on her notepad? It was completely unrelated to her health, but completely vital to the health of Hope Valley. She'd been wondering when the opportunity would again present itself.
"I did want to ask you one more thing. You see, I have this young, attractive and available friend who—"
"Mrs. Coulter" Doc Carson rolled his eyes as if he knew exactly what she was referencing "if you are suggesting what I think you are, I've told you numerous times—"
She ignored the agony in his voice. "You simply must give me one more chance. This one is different, nothing at all like the others I've set you up with. It's a shame that such an—" Rosemary demurely tapped his hand "available doctor not have a love life. I take my duty as Match Maker to Hope Valley very seriously, and a certain doctor is not exempt from my services. " Rosemary enjoyed watching the blush creep up his neck.
"Although I appreciate your attempts at keeping me from becoming an old bachelor, it seems to me that our ideas of a suitable match differ."
"Oh, but like I said, this one is different. She —"
"Perhaps at a different time." And that was his final word.
"Oh!" Her frustration itched under her skin. "Just so you know, it isn't for a lack of trying, at least on my part, Doc Carson. I am always willing to do my part. Even when it presents an awful challenge."
He looked as if his patience was paper thin.
"Is that all, Mrs. Coulter?"
"Well, if I might ask you just one more thing…" Whether or not he chose to participate in her match making, she needed one final promise from him.
"Yes?" Doc Carson looked more than slightly annoyed.
"As for the matter that brought me here today, I ask that you'd keep this appointment in your confidence."
"Of course. That is always my policy."
Her collar felt as if it was choking her. She desperately tried to loosen it with her finger. "I also must ask you keep this from, Mr. Coulter, at this time. You see—"
"Yes ma'am."
"Thank you. And one more question—"
"Yes?"
"Do you mind if I use your back door again?"
"Be my guest." Carson opened the door for her. "And please try not to be too concerned. If this is what it appears to be, ladies have done well to be mothers for centuries. You will too."
Rosemary's face flushed warmly.
Now she just needed confirmation. Perhaps she couldn't find it with Doc Carson, but she would find a way to figure this thing out.