Page 80 of Golden Rule

“It’s not even like that, West.”

He arches a brow. “So, you really think the two people who love you most in this world would make something like this up?”

I reach for his hand to make sure the conversation stays light.

“Of course not, but I do think you two might be reading too much into things. I’ve been alone in a room with Seth many times—working on the building plans, waiting for subcontractors to arrive—and he’s never been anything but a complete gentleman.”

West sighs, and I stroke the back of his hand with my thumb.

“Can you just… trust me on this?”

My question has him shooting me a look. One that makes it clear lack of trust has nothing to do with it.

“I trust you witheverything,” he answers, and the harshness in his eyes disappears. “If you say things with him are on the up-and-up, I’ll take your word for it.”

Studying his eyes, I lift his hand to my lips, kissing the back of it. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome, but if he ever steps out of line… no promises I won’t lose my shit, Blue. Seriously.”

A quiet laugh leaves me, and I meant what I said. My husband is completely irresistible when he’s jealous. “Fair enough.”

He leans across the arm of his chair, kissing me just as a quiet knock hits the door.

“Hello, hello!” Dr. Tyler says, sounding way too chipper for eight a.m.”

“Good morning,” I say back, and it’s hard not to notice how much lighter I feelthistime compared to last. I was wound so tightly then, worried I wouldn’t be approved for treatment, but all that’s changed now.

Dr. Tyler takes his seat across from us, and West and I clutch one another’s hands.

“So, everything is right on target,” he says. “Your bloodwork came back great, and neither the ultrasound nor the hysteroscopy came back showing any major abnormalities. Were you able to complete the entire cycle of birth control?”

“Yes,” I say with a nod.

“Perfect. I think I explained before, but that gets your ovaries all prepped and ready for stimulation. So, it sounds like we’re ready to move forward!”

His excitement is infectious, and I’m in disbelief that this day is finally here.

“There is one thing I’d like to mention before we move on,” he says. His tone is intense, which unnerves me a bit. “Now, while I’ve cleared you to proceed without committing to counseling, I would still highly recommend it. Honestly, I recommend it tomostof my patience. If nothing else, It’s preemptive. Think of it as… responsible emotional maintenance.”

He isn’t pushing, but I definitely sense the underlying urgency in his tone.

“Yes, sir. I’ll definitely consider it.”

“Great. That’s all I ask,” he says, offering a kind smile. “Now, I’ve had the nurse call your scripts into the pharmacy you have on file, and once you’ve done three days of injections, I’ve made arrangements with a trusted clinic closer to your residence for daily monitoring. They’ll handle your blood drawsand ultrasounds, then relay all feedback to my office. In two weeks, we’ll set up to have you come here for your trigger shot. Three days after that, we’ll do the egg retrieval, then we’re off to the races.”

He smiles warmly, and despite this all feeling like Deja’ Vu, I’m not disheartened.

I’m excited.Cautiously,of course. But excited nonetheless.

“Thank you, Doctor,” West says, and I squeeze his hand.

“Of course,” Doctor Tyler nods. “Glad I could get you two taken care of quickly. I’m sure you have plans for this beautiful, sunny Saturday.”

West laughs a bit. “Just a quick lunch meting, then a quiet day at home after we grab the meds.”

“Well, nothing wrong with that. A quiet day at home is very underrated,” Dr. Tyler jokes. “Any questions before we part ways?”

West and I share a look before facing Dr. Tyler again. “Nope, we’re all set, I think.”

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