Marrying Mallory Read Online Free PDF Page A

early.”
    “Of course not. Thanks for getting me back on track.” He
patted Dena’s shoulder. “I thought there was a reason I kept you around.” He
turned back to Mallory. “I heard you want a nose job.”
    “You heard right.” Even though he’d flirted with her, she
bet Dr. Whitman wouldn’t try to talk her out of having her nose fixed.
     “I’ll tell you about the procedure but I’m guessing since
you’re a teacher, you’ve already researched it thoroughly.”
    Mallory nodded. “I did go to your website and read how you
create a natural nose that fits the individual’s face. How long does it take
for you to do this type of surgery?”  
    “Typically, rhinoplasty surgery takes one to two hours. Some
surgeons make incisions on the outside or the underside of the nose. I prefer
to use incisions inside the nose which are hidden. I don’t pack the nose like
some doctors. I use a special suture to sew the lining back in place instead of
using packing to hold the lining in place. I think this is better for the
patient.”
    “No packing sounds great.”
    He walked to a desk and picked up a digital camera. “I want
to photograph you. I use computer imaging so I can show you a reasonable
outcome of the procedure you want. Also you can show me what you like and
dislike. I want us to be on the same page about what I think will be in your
best interest and for you to have a realistic image of what to expect.” 
    “Not all plastic surgeons use the computer imaging,” said
Dena. “It helps the patient see what can and can’t be done surgically.”
    Dr. Whitman nodded. “Once the bandages are removed, it’s too
late to discuss expectations.”
    Dena glanced at her watch. “If you don’t need me, I’m going
to do some paperwork.”
    “That’s fine, Dena. Thanks.” Dr. Whitman pointed to a spot
in the middle of the room and said, “If you could just stand here, I’ll get the
simulated imaging done to show you what to expect after surgery. It might not
be exactly what it will look like but close.”
    While standing for her photos, she said, “I read on your
website that it depends on the patient’s skin. The result is more dramatic if
the skin is thinner. I’m hoping my skin’s thin.”
    He smiled. “You’re right. Are you trying to get a job here?”
    “Hey, that’s an idea. I could work here part-time so I can
afford this surgery.” She shrugged. “I realize you aren’t serious and it’d be
hard for me to drive here. My son’s only five years old.”
    Dr. Whitman gave her a concerned look. “You’ll have to make
sure you don’t do any heavy lifting and bending for ten days. That might be
hard with an active little boy.”
    “His grandparents are taking him for two weeks in June, so
I’m hoping to schedule it after school.”
    “You can take your seat again. We’ll take a look at the
images in a moment.”
    While he was working on the computer software, she said,
“I’m in a wedding—”
    He looked up from the monitor on the computer software, and
interrupted her, “Not your wedding, I hope.”
    Why would he ask that? Maybe he was thinking she shouldn’t
have surgery too close to her own wedding. “It’s not mine. My friend’s getting
married in August and I’m her matron of honor. She’s worried that I won’t be
presentable. I told her I’m sure the swelling will be gone by then if I have
the surgery in June.” She laughed. “You know how some brides are. I told her
I’d be sure to ask you.”
    “Swelling improves anywhere from one to six weeks following
closed rhinoplasty. You can minimize this time by sleeping with your head
elevated for several nights after nose surgery.”
    “Good. I’ll tell Elizabeth. That’s my friend. Another friend
Heather has been engaged twice but both times broke it off before the weddings
could take place. Heather’s biggest fear is having her marriage end in divorce.
When she gets married, it’s for life.” She exhaled deeply.