Dr. Bennett stood in the doorway holding Veronica's chart.

"Jackson, I think we need to discuss something before your wife goes home."

Jackson immediately stood.

"What is it?"

"Her blood pressure dropped significantly when she stood earlier. Combined with the repeated fainting and her fall down the stairs, I'd like to evaluate her further."

Veronica groaned.

"Jackson, please! I've already had enough examinations for one day!"

Jackson turned toward her.

"Veronica Marie, look at me."

She reluctantly raised her eyes.

"Sweetheart, you've fainted three times, and one of those times you fell down the stairs. We cannot ignore that."

"But I feel better now!"

"I'm glad, baby. But feeling better doesn't explain why you passed out."

Dr. Bennett pulled a stool beside the examination table.

"Veronica, I'd like to check your neurological responses, examine your head and neck, and repeat your blood pressure while you're lying down, sitting, and standing."

"More tests?" she whispered.

"Yes, but I'll explain each one."

Jackson moved beside her.

"Come on, angel. Let's get this finished."

Margaret entered carrying a blood pressure cuff, pulse oximeter, and thermometer.

"All right, Veronica. Let's start with your vital signs."

She wrapped the cuff around Veronica's upper arm and pressed the button.

Veronica watched as the cuff inflated tightly.

"Jackson, it's squeezing!"

"I know, sweetheart. Just keep your arm relaxed."

Margaret recorded the reading, then placed the pulse oximeter on Veronica's finger.

"Now I'm going to check your temperature."

Veronica eyed the thermometer suspiciously.

"Under my tongue?"

Margaret smiled.

"Yes, honey."

Jackson chuckled.

"See, baby? Not every examination has to be unpleasant."

Veronica stuck her tongue out at him before placing the thermometer in her mouth.

"Very mature, Mrs. Williams," he teased.

After recording her vital signs, Dr. Bennett approached with a small examination light.

"Veronica, look straight ahead for me."

He shone the light briefly into each eye, observing how her pupils reacted.

"Now follow my finger without moving your head."

He moved his finger from side to side and then up and down.

"Good. Any double vision?"

"No."

"Headache?"

"A little."

Jackson immediately leaned forward.

"Where, baby?"

She pointed toward the back of her head.

"Right here."

Dr. Bennett gently examined the area.

"Is this tender?"

"Ouch! Yes!"

"All right. I won't press there again."

He checked her neck movement and asked several questions about the fall.

"Do you remember feeling dizzy before you lost consciousness?"

"No. I remember going toward the stairs, and then I woke up at the bottom."

Dr. Bennett looked at Jackson.

"Given the loss of consciousness, possible head injury, and pregnancy, I recommend further assessment in the emergency department."

Veronica's eyes filled with tears.

"Jackson, I don't want to go to the hospital."

He took her hands.

"Baby, I understand. But I would rather have you evaluated properly than bring you home and discover we've missed something important."

She lowered her head.

"Will you stay with me?"

Jackson lifted her chin gently.

"Every step of the way, sweetheart."

A short time later, Margaret returned with a wheelchair.

Veronica stared at it.

"Jackson, I can walk!"

"Sweetheart, you've been fainting. The wheelchair is a precaution."

She folded her arms.

"I don't like being a patient."

Jackson smiled.

"I've noticed."

He helped her into the chair and tucked a blanket around her legs.

"Now, Mrs. Williams, let's get you taken care of."

As Margaret began pushing the wheelchair toward the door, Veronica looked up at her husband.

"Jackson?"

"Yes, angel?"

"If I behave through all these examinations, do I still get my pizza?"

Jackson laughed.

"Baby, after the day you've had, I think you've earned an entire pizza."

Veronica smiled.

"Extra cheese?"

"Extra cheese."

"And breadsticks?"

Jackson shook his head affectionately.

"Veronica Marie Williams, you are something else."

She reached for his hand.

"But you love me."

He bent down and kissed her forehead.

"More than you'll ever know, sweetheart."

To be continued...