If He Had Been with Me, #2
If Only I Had Told Her
by Laura Nowlin
Contents
Autumn — Fifteen
Overview
On Thanksgiving, Autumn reflects on her unborn daughter’s small heart defect and commits to monitoring and support. She informs John, steadies him, and includes Angie and possibly Brittaney in upcoming appointments. Jack arrives and reveals he’s seeing Sylvie; Autumn offers approval, sets healthy boundaries with past friends, and embraces a future grounded in Finny’s memory.
Summary
Autumn walks her childhood street on Thanksgiving, imagining how Finny would have loved the light and promising herself to keep living for their daughter. She processes the ultrasound finding of a small hole in the baby’s heart, noting possibilities that range from spontaneous closure to surgery, and resolves to attend extra ultrasounds to guide care.
Back home, Autumn talks plot problems in her novel with the baby and wrestles with names, teasing her mother’s impatience. Remembering Angelina’s story of how Finny “chose” his name, Autumn feels grateful that Angelina supports the update-and-occasional-visit plan with John and their mutual resolve to protect the child if he disappoints her.
Autumn calls John to share that the baby is a girl and to explain the heart issue; when John offers money and top doctors, Autumn reassures him that the baby already has love and medical care, and likely will be fine. She invites Angie to the next ultrasound and considers asking Brittaney to the following one.
Anticipating Jack’s arrival for Thanksgiving with her family, Autumn remembers his call the day before: returning Sylvie’s umbrella led to an unfolding relationship. Autumn affirms there’s nothing wrong with it, says Finny would likely approve, and asks only that if they become serious, Jack remain involved with the baby; Jack agrees to discuss it with Sylvie.
Encouraged by this maturity, Autumn replies to Jamie and Sasha to forgive them but ends further contact, choosing to focus on the future. She commits to surrounding herself with people who carry parts of Finny—Jack, her mother, Angelina, even John—and those who actively care for her, like Angie and Brittaney. As Jack arrives, Autumn feels the ache but also Finny’s presence and a grounded hope.
Who Appears
- AutumnNarrator; processes baby’s heart defect, writes, considers names, supports Jack–Sylvie, and sets healthy boundaries.
- JackFriend tied to Finny; spends Thanksgiving with Autumn’s family; begins a relationship with Sylvie and pledges support.
- John SmithFinny’s father; learns the baby is a girl, offers resources, accepts Autumn’s reassurance and update/visit plan.
- Aunt AngelinaFinny’s mother; shares naming story, supports Autumn’s plan with John, joins in grieving and caregiving.
- MomAutumn’s mother; eager for baby’s name, part of shared grieving and Thanksgiving plans.
- AngieSupportive figure; invited to accompany Autumn to the next ultrasound.
- BrittaneySupportive friend; potential attendee for a future ultrasound.
- SylvieJack’s new romantic interest; her relationship with Jack begins and may become serious.
- FinnyDeceased beloved; his memory guides Autumn’s choices and offers emotional presence.
- Autumn and Finny’s unborn daughterExpected baby girl; has a small heart hole requiring monitoring.