"I didn't know that you were seeing so much of each other after the surgery. If I didn't hear the whole story I would have thought that it was because you needed surgery. That's good that she makes time for you. She probably really likes having you around." Henry looked at Nolan in amazement. The boy had better sense than Henry did himself. A surgeon?

"She does seem to be in a good mood when I come around. She listens to me when I talk to her and she is lively during discussing my research.  I feel like she values my work, even though it's not related to her field, but I doubt that she even notices my gender. I try to take care of her and show her I'm there for her, but . . . it's like I'm some fly on the wall she doesn't want to swat off."

Henry's face fell as Nolan hit the last bit.  That was not a good sign. He didn't know if Janna Wu could really relax long enough to want commitments outside of the hospital.  Henry could guess that Nolan could be trying to succeed where others had failed. He tried to reason. "You're talking about dating someone who works long unpredictable hours.  Are you sure that you would want to have children with someone would leave in the middle of important family events? In my experience with relations.h.i.+ps, I really doubt that Wu would make a good girlfriend.  You're here talking about making her your wife when you've never even dated serious."

Nolan's face eased into a wary smile.  "I'm a scientist. I know that work trumps all.  I know the life I am in for. I know for her that a husband would not be her first priority.  I'm alright with picking up the slack around the house and with childcare. It doesn't bother me too much to shoulder those responsibilities.  I respect her work and her compa.s.sion for the less fortunate. In my short life, I've never seen someone so dedicated. I can stand to be second place."

Henry pictured te doctor in his mind.  She was all delicate angles and small features which were very appealing in their own way.  Her look reminded him of a fairy. "I can see that you care deeply for her. Not only does she have a good personality, but she is quite something isn't she to look at."