Veronica sat nervously on the edge of the examination table, swinging her feet back and forth.

"Jackson, do we really have to do all this?" she asked.

Jackson turned from the counter where he had been reviewing her chart.

"Yes, baby. You've been dizzy, nauseated, and fainting. We need to find out why."

"But you already examined me last night!"

"Veronica Marie," he said firmly, "last night was an initial examination. Today we're going to be more thorough."

She sighed.

"Okay, Doctor Williams."

Jackson smiled and kissed her forehead.

"That's my girl. Now, sweetheart, Dr. Bennett is going to help us today."

After discussing the examination and getting Veronica's agreement, Dr. Bennett asked her to change into a gown. Jackson waited beside her when the doctor returned.

"All right, Veronica," Dr. Bennett began. "First, I'm going to listen to your heart and lungs and examine your abdomen."

Veronica lay back as the doctor placed his stethoscope against her chest, moving it to several positions before listening to her breathing.

He then gently pressed different areas of her abdomen.

"Any tenderness here?"

"No."

"And here?"

Veronica winced.

"A little."

Jackson immediately leaned forward.

"Where does it hurt, sweetheart?"

"Down low, Jackson. It feels like cramps."

Dr. Bennett nodded and explained that he wanted to perform a pelvic examination.

Veronica looked at Jackson.

"Do I have to?"

Jackson took her hand.

"I know you don't like these examinations, baby. But Dr. Bennett needs to check for anything that might explain your symptoms. I'll stay beside you."

After agreeing, Veronica moved down the examination table and placed her feet in the supports. A drape covered her lower body.

Dr. Bennett put on gloves and explained each step before proceeding.

"I'm going to examine the outside first, Veronica. Then I'll use a speculum to look at your cervix."

Veronica nodded.

The doctor examined the external tissue for swelling, irritation, or unusual discharge. Finding nothing concerning, he selected a small speculum.

"You'll feel some pressure as I insert this," he explained. "Try taking a slow breath."

Veronica tightened her grip on Jackson's hand.

"Jackson, I'm scared."

He leaned close.

"Look at me, angel. I'm right here."

The doctor gently inserted the closed speculum and adjusted it until he could see the cervix. He opened the blades enough to inspect the vaginal walls and cervical opening.

"The tissue looks healthy," Dr. Bennett said. "I don't see any obvious bleeding or irritation."

Veronica exhaled.

"Are you finished?"

"Almost. I'm going to collect a swab because of your symptoms."

He used a sterile swab to collect a small sample, then closed and removed the speculum.

"That's the first part finished."

Jackson stroked Veronica's hair.

"You're doing fine, sweetheart."

Dr. Bennett then explained the bimanual examination.

"I'm going to use two gloved fingers inside the vagina while my other hand presses gently on your lower abdomen. This helps me assess the uterus and surrounding areas."

Veronica nodded.

As the doctor examined her, he asked whether she felt any tenderness.

"A little on the right," she answered.

Jackson's expression became serious.

"Sharp pain or pressure, Von?"

"Mostly pressure."

Dr. Bennett completed the examination and removed his gloves.

"All right, Veronica. You can bring your legs down and get comfortable."

She immediately reached for Jackson.

"Is something wrong?"

"Not necessarily," Dr. Bennett answered. "Your examination doesn't reveal an obvious cause for the fainting. We'll check your blood work and arrange an ultrasound to confirm the pregnancy's location and how far along you are."

Jackson pulled the blanket over his wife.

"Baby, we're going to take this one step at a time."

Veronica looked at him.

"Jackson?"

"Yes, sweetheart?"

"I think I've had enough doctoring for one day."

He chuckled.

"Well, Mrs. Williams, I think you've earned a little rest."

But just as Veronica began to relax, Margaret knocked on the examination-room door.

"Dr. Williams? Dr. Bennett? The first blood results are back."

Jackson looked toward the door.

Something in Margaret's expression made him stand immediately.

"What's wrong?"

Margaret hesitated.

"I think you'd better take a look."