“Thanks Dr. Morello, we appreciate you getting us in on such short notice,” Gwen said softly, yet appreciatively.

Characteristically impatient, Nick blurted out, “OK...so you know I am worried about my wife, what is going on here?”

“I understand that Mr. Carter...lets get started,” Dr. Morello said as he opened up her file on his desk, “I took the liberty of having my nurse contact your doctors in Dallas. I see here than you had a miscarriage about 3 months ago.”

Looking down solemnly, Gwen was silent as she nodded, then spoke, “That’s right.”

Nick’s grip on her hand tightened and he began stroking it with his thumb. He watched her carefully as Dr. Morello continued, “I understand that the reason for this was because you had high levels of amniotic fluid in your uterus. Because of this, I am surprised at what I have found today. Mrs. Carter, you are 6 weeks pregnant.”

Nick reached out and grabbed his wife exitedly, “WOW...can you believe it Gwenny, we’re pregnant!”

She stayed still, saying nothing, not responding to his embrace. Dr. Morello took the liberty of speaking up, “I understand that you may have some fears because of what happened to you last time, but I am prepared to be here to help you ease those problems.”

Tears brimming her eyelids, Gwen spoke, obviously in shock and scared out of her mind, “How do you intend to do that?”

Her look was one of sadness, it was almost heartbreaking to both men in the room. Nick’s excitement died and he was filled with feelings of fear. Getting over the initial reaction, Nick stated softly, “We can’t go through that again...as you can see, my wife is visibly shaken and very afraid. What can we do to ensure that it won’t happen again?”

“Because of her delicate condition, you will not be a normal patient. You will need to take supplements to curve the production of excess amniotic fluid. You will also need to come in more frequently for check ups and we will take care of problems as they arise,” walking from behind his large desk, Dr. Morello pulled a chair in front of the frightened couple, “This is a good thing, and I know what I am doing. I have specialized in complicated pregnancies for over 30 years and I will do everything I can to protect you and your child. I can promise you that. However, I would like to go ahead and do a sonogram while you are both here to see what is going on inside of you Mrs. Carter.”

After changing into the revealing doctor gown, Gwen laid down on the table as the doctor moved the sides of the gown that was open in front, revealing her flat stomach. Nick stood beside her, holding her hand. It was obvious that Gwen was still in shock, he was doing his best to comfort her. Nick was looking at her as she turned to face him, right at the same moment that Dr. Morello squirted the gel on her stomach. Nick looked into his wife’s eyes and stroked her hair gently as Dr. Morello began rubbing the sonogram machine over Gwen’s stomach. As much as he wanted to, Nick could not pay attention to Gwen after he saw the screen come on and he got his first look at his unborn child.