Page 21 of The Un-Apparent Heir

She didn’t know how to finish that sentence.

“We need to get you to the hospital immediately,” Ed said.

Thankfully, they were in London for a fertility appointment scheduled the next day and a New Year’s party that evening. The latter looked increasingly doubtful.

Ed went to deal with the staff and pack a bag. Natalie didn’t verbalise her need, but Edknewwhat to do. He didn’t hesitate. She loved him for that.

They rushed to hospital, thankfully not followed by the press. Natalie was taken immediately to a private room. A nurse started her IV. She passed out while that was going on, coming to with Ed explaining it might not even be the pain, but her terror of needles. It was both, Natalie expected. The pain was overwhelming.

“Natalie, Natalie, can you tell us what is going on, love?” A nurse asked, affectionately.

It was a relief not to answer to a title. She always feared that in these situations.

“My entire abdomen is on fire,” Natalie choked. “I’m miserable. The pain is so bad. Horrid!”

“You have a retrieval scheduled?—”

“For the second, likely,” Ed explained.

“You’re probably experiencing hyperstimulation. Let’s see if we can bring your pain down and reduce the symptoms,” a consultant said, concerned.

“What does that mean?” Ed panicked.

“That her ovaries are working overtime,” a nurse answered. “It can be very painful.”

“It can also be dangerous if we don’t get it under control,” the consultant said, reading Ed’s ashen face. “Oh, we will take the best care of her. Do not panic, sir.”

Ed nodded, in a trance.

“Edwin, look at me,” Natalie said.

He turned.

“If I can survive multiple ejections from planes, I can handle whatever the hell this is. I’ve escaped a fire, a flat-out loss of an aircraft, and a landing gear failure. It’s going to be okay.”

“Somehow, that isn’t as comforting as you want it to be.”

“I know, but I promise it gets better, Edwin.”

“I hope so, my love,” Ed said.

“I need to speak with Lucy. I need her to cover this up,” Natalie said.

The drugs were kicking in now. She could think again.

“Natalie… that’s… that’s a terrible idea.”

“The press are all over now. This is important. They will catch wind and we will need to cover it up, Ed.”

“Natalie, right now, let’s focus on your health, okay?”

He didn’t understand the stakes. It frustrated her to no end.

Lucy didn’t have the benefit of giving her son the birthday party he deserved. She had planned a beautiful party for him with the help of her mother-in-law. But now, the three were in Chicago waiting for Dwight to die. It made no sense to cross the ocean with Malcolm only to potentially come right back.

So, as promised, George and Patrick threw Malcolm a proper party. And, with the help of Sanne’s mother, they hosted the party with a bit of style and a fabulous cake. If you were a recently retired wedding planner, you had connections.

The kids’ party was winding down with a chef working away in the kitchen making the New Year’s Eve meal George planned for the grown-ups. Their nanny was there to cope with the children. Lucy picked up wrapping paper with Francine. George appeared with beverages.

---