The Pairing (The Proposition #3)(26)

“Actually, most recent studies still conclude that identical twins can happen to anyone, whereas, fraternal twins are the result of the mother producing two eggs in a single cycle. This tendency to create multiple eggs is passed from mother to child. Given that Emma doesn’t have a non-identical twin, you are fairly safe.”

Aidan tilted his head, his expression one of confusion. “So you’re saying I don’t have to worry about that?”

“Without knowing Emma’s full genetic history, I couldn’t say, but it sounds like a no—at least for fraternal twins.”

After processing Pesh’s words, Aidan shook his head. “Like it really matters about the twins. We’re still way too fertile together. I need to stop this before it gets out of hand.”

“And what does Emma think about all of this?”

A red flush entered Aidan’s cheeks. “Um, well, I haven’t actually mentioned it to her.”

“You don’t think your wife needs to know about such a life-altering decision?”

“Well, of course I’d tell her before I went in for the surgery.”

As Pesh crossed his arms over his chest, he couldn’t help wondering just how hard Aidan had been hit in the head. “You cannot seriously be sitting there saying that.”

Aidan stared at Pesh for a moment before he groaned. “Oh man, I’m being a giant, selfish tool about this, aren’t I?”

Pesh smiled. “Pretty much.”

Aidan rubbed his hand over his eyes. “It’s just…being a father is f**king scary sometimes. I worry about Noah constantly, and now there’s another baby in the mix. Plus, another baby means more time taken away from Emma.” He gave a weak smile. “I love her so much. Sometimes…I just can’t get enough of her, and I don’t want to share.”

“I think that’s a perfectly normal feeling.”

Aidan shook his head. “It makes me sound like a selfish bastard. I mean, who is jealous of their kid for taking their wife’s time?”

“A lot of men. So stop beating yourself up over what you’re feeling. Most of all, don’t bottle it up. Talk to Emma.”

Aidan’s blue eyes widened as he shook his head furiously back and forth. “Oh hell no, I don’t want her thinking badly of me.”

“She won’t. Emma always appreciates honesty.”

“About me being jealous of her time with our kids? I’m pretty sure she would not want me being honest about that.”

“What has Emma always said is the most important thing in a relationship?”

“Trust.”

Pesh nodded. “So how are you building her trust by lying to her about your feelings?”

Aidan’s blonde brows furrowed. “So I should just tell her I’m afraid of losing her and that I want us to maximize our time together?”

“I would think so. I don’t think any woman could get angry hearing her husband say how much he loves her and wants to be with her.”

Aidan appeared thoughtful. “I guess you’re right.”

Pesh smiled as he patted Aidan’s shoulder reassuringly. “You’re doing a wonderful job being a father. I’m sure you’ll do just as well with a second and maybe even a third child.”

At the mention of a third child, Aidan swallowed hard, his Adam’s apple bobbing up and down. “I don’t mind a third kid…just not now. Maybe in a couple of years.” He glanced up and smiled at Pesh. “But thanks for the vote of confidence on me being a father.”

“I just call it as I see it.”

“I appreciate that.”

“How about I check on your head now?”

Aidan nodded. “Okay.”

Pesh started feeling for unusual lumps and bumps on Aidan’s head. “Hmm, I don’t feel anything abnormal. But just to be on the safe side, I want you to have a CT scan to rule out concussion or any brain bleeds.”

“Jesus, I could have all of that from just hitting my head?”

“You would be surprised. Let me go call in the order, and they’ll come take you back. Hopefully you won’t have too long a wait. We’re usually slower during the afternoons when the doctors’ offices and imaging centers are open.”

As he started for the door, Aidan stopped him. “Hey, man, with all the craziness, I almost forgot to ask how is Megan doing with her placement?”

Pesh didn’t have to think twice before responding, “She is going to make an incredible nurse.”

Aidan grinned. “I’m glad to hear it. Not that I ever doubted her abilities. It’s just good to hear her praises sung by a doctor.” Popping Pesh on the chest teasingly with his hand, Aidan asked, “How’s it going between you and Megan?”

Pesh almost laughed out loud at Aidan’s forthrightness. It was not in his nature to be so blunt, and after Megan turning him down yet again, he wasn’t really sure how to answer.

“I truly respect and admire Megan.” He considered that the most diplomatic way to answer her uncle’s enquiry. Despite feeling glad that he obviously had earned his friend’s respect, he wouldn’t say anything untoward about Megan in front of him. It is her business who she did or didn’t date.

“That’s not what I meant.”