Page 528 of The Sinner: James

“And?”

“Everything is fine with both of us.”

“You’ve lost me.”

I sigh.

“Despite the doctor’s findings, I had a suspicion that something else might be a risk factor, so I went to see another specialist for a second opinion. I had the appointment today.”

“Here or back home?”

“Here.”

“That explains a lot.”

“Anyway... This doctor told me the same thing. That it’s too early to get worried, and I should give it a little time.”

“But you don’t.”

“I don’t. But then she said something else. Sometimes, women can’t get pregnant if they’re too stressed.”

She looks at me, a blank expression on her face.

“I can’t say I have a stressful life, but...” I murmur.

“Are you telling me you can’t get pregnant because you’re stressed out when he’s away from you?”

“Something like that.”

She looks down for a second.

“I know it sounds stupid,” I say.

She lifts her gaze to me, slowly shaking her head.

“I don’t think so. There’s probably truth to that, but even so, it’s too early to panic.”

She pauses.

“When do you think he’ll be back?” she asks.

“Lex says it might take another six months, if not more.”

“The beginning of next year. ”

“Yes.”

“And because of these six months, you’re losing your mind,” she says, humor lining her voice.

“Yeah... You can say that,” I say, breathing a chuckle.

“What is with you, woman?” she blurts, smiling.

“Everyone I know is having babies,” I say, throwing my hands up in the air, frustrated.

I try to sound amused, but I’m not.

“And Ed’s having twins.”

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