The next morning Veronica awoke to the sound of Jackson moving around their bedroom.

"Jackson, honey, what time is it?" she asked sleepily.

"Six thirty, baby. I want you up and dressed. We have an appointment this morning."

"Jackson, I'm tired," she whined, pulling the covers over her head.

"Veronica Marie Williams!" he said firmly. "I am not going to argue with you this morning. Now come on, sweetheart."

She peeked out from under the covers.

"Are you being my husband or my doctor?"

"Right now, a little of both."

"Well, I'd rather have my husband," she replied.

Jackson sat on the edge of the bed and gently stroked her cheek.

"Baby, I know you're frightened. But you fainted yesterday, you've been dizzy for two weeks, and you were running a temperature last night. I'm not ignoring those things."

Veronica sighed.

"Do I have to have blood taken?"

"Yes, sweetheart."

"And an examination?"

"Yes."

"And you're going to make me do everything even if I don't want to?"

Jackson raised an eyebrow.

"I'm going to explain what needs to be done, and I expect you to work with me so we can get you feeling better."

She looked at him for a moment.

"Jackson?"

"Yes, angel?"

"Will you hold my hand when they take my blood?"

His stern expression softened immediately.

"Of course I will, baby."

An hour later they arrived at the medical clinic. Jackson helped Veronica out of the car, noticing how tightly she held his arm.

"Still dizzy?" he asked.

"A little."

He stopped walking.

"Veronica, look at me."

She lifted her eyes.

"Why didn't you tell me?"

"Because I knew you'd worry."

"Sweetheart, we've already had this conversation."

"I know," she whispered.

He kissed her forehead.

"Come on. Let's get you inside."

Once inside, a nurse named Margaret greeted them.

"Good morning, Dr. Williams! And Veronica! What brings you two in so early?"

Jackson smiled.

"My wife has decided to keep the medical profession busy."

"Jackson!" Veronica protested.

Margaret laughed.

"Well, let's get you settled, honey."

After checking Veronica's blood pressure and temperature, Margaret frowned slightly.

"Doctor, her blood pressure is rather low."

Jackson immediately looked at the numbers.

"Von, have you had anything to drink this morning?"

She shook her head.

"Jackson told me not to eat until we knew what tests I needed."

He nodded.

"All right, sweetheart. We'll get this sorted out."

Margaret prepared the blood collection supplies.

Veronica immediately turned her face away.

"Jackson, I don't like needles."

"I know, baby."

"Promise you won't leave?"

He pulled a chair beside her.

"I'm right here."

She squeezed his hand as Margaret drew the blood.

"All finished," Margaret announced.

Veronica opened one eye.

"Already?"

Jackson chuckled.

"See? My brave girl."

"I'm not brave," she muttered. "I just didn't want to embarrass myself in front of your nurse."

Margaret laughed.

"Oh, honey, you wouldn't believe some of the things your husband does when he's the patient!"

Veronica's eyes widened.

"Really?"

"Margaret!" Jackson warned playfully.

For the first time that morning, Veronica laughed.

But her laughter suddenly stopped.

"Jackson," she whispered.

He turned immediately.

"What is it?"

"I don't feel right."

Her face had gone pale.

Jackson caught her shoulders as she began to slump sideways.

"Margaret, help me get her lying down. Now, please."

Within moments Veronica was resting on the examination table.

"Von? Baby, open your eyes."

She blinked slowly.

"Jackson?"

"I'm here, sweetheart."

"What happened?"

"You nearly fainted again."

Tears filled her eyes.

"I'm sorry."

Jackson brushed them away with his thumb.

"Don't apologize for being sick."

He checked her pulse while Margaret repeated her blood pressure.

"Jackson, is our baby okay?" Veronica asked.

He took her hand.

"That's what we're going to find out, sweetheart."

Just then, another physician entered the room.

"Jackson, Margaret told me what's happening. I'm Dr. Bennett, Veronica. I'd like to examine you and arrange an ultrasound."

Veronica looked nervously at her husband.

"Jackson, can't you do it?"

He shook his head gently.

"Baby, I know you trust me. But right now I need to be your husband, and I want another doctor making the medical decisions."

She hesitated before nodding.

"Okay. But you're staying."

Jackson squeezed her hand.

"Wouldn't dream of leaving."

A short while later, Veronica lay on the examination table as Dr. Bennett began the ultrasound.

Jackson stood beside her, holding her hand.

Veronica watched the screen anxiously.

"Jackson, what are we looking at?"

He smiled.

"Just watch, baby."

Dr. Bennett moved the probe slightly and studied the image.

Then he smiled.

"Well, Mr. and Mrs. Williams, I believe I have some news for you."

Veronica tightened her grip on Jackson's hand.

"What? What's wrong?"

"Nothing concerning on this first look," Dr. Bennett replied. "But I think you're both in for quite a surprise."

Jackson leaned closer to the monitor.

For once, the usually confident physician was speechless.

Veronica looked from one doctor to the other.

"Jackson Michael Williams, somebody had better tell me what's going on!"

Dr. Bennett chuckled.

"Veronica, it appears there may be two babies. We'll need a follow-up scan to confirm."

Veronica stared at him.

"TWINS?"

Jackson slowly turned toward his wife.

"Baby..."

She pointed a finger at him.

"Don't you baby me, Jackson! You told me we were having A baby!"

He laughed, tears beginning to form in his eyes.

"Well, sweetheart, apparently I underestimated things a little."

Veronica looked back at the screen.

"Two babies?"

Jackson kissed her forehead.

"Possibly two, angel."

She was quiet for several seconds.

Then she looked at him with a mischievous smile.

"Jackson?"

"Yes, sweetheart?"

"You're going to need a bigger doctor's bag!"

And for the first time all morning, Jackson Williams threw back his head and laughed.

To be continued...