Seduction by the Book by Linda Conrad Page B

too many unanswered questions of his own to talk about this just yet, especially with his mother.
    â€œCome back inside with me for a few minutes, Nicholas,” his mother said as she gently touched his arm. “You look like you need to sit down.”
    Blinded by shock, Nick let her guide him inside the pool house. The front room was laid out like a small apartment with a kitchen and seating area.
    All the thoughts in his head at the moment were of babies. Little boys with fiery red curls, running outside to play with Annie’s exuberance. And little girls, with her deep green eyes, lifting their arms to him for a hug.
    After they were seated at the tiny two person table,his mother took his hand. “You never said anything before about what the Alsaca doctors told you.
    I suspected there was a problem with Christina being able to conceive, but now everything makes more sense.”
    â€œWhat makes sense?” To Nick, the whole world was upside down. Nothing made any sense at all.
    â€œYour isolation from the world. Your determination to open this marine mammal center.”
    â€œI was just trying to honor Christina’s wishes…her memory.” A small flame of anger lit in his gut at his mother’s pop-psychology attempts.
    â€œNo, Nicholas. It’s all been built on your guilt about not being able to have a child. I’ll wager it has something to do with disappointing your father.”
    He stood and fisted his hands in his pockets. “I really don’t want to talk about this right now.”
    â€œOh, but you should. Talking is the best way to think through a situation.”
    â€œNo, Mother. Stop trying to meddle.”
    She looked up at him with disappointment in her eyes. “Just let me say a few things then. First, I want you to go down to the village clinic and discuss your physical situation with Dr. Gamble. Let him help you understand.”
    When Nick started to argue, she broke in again. “I realize he’s just a small-town family physician, but you’ve known him all your life. And I know you trust his knowledge and expertise the same way I do. Do it for me.”
    He hung his head. “Yes, all right. I can do that.”
    â€œGood. And afterward, I insist you go and discussthis situation with Annie. She’s a fine young woman who didn’t deserve your terrible silence when she told you nothing but the truth. I have no idea what has transpired between you…” she hesitated and then stood up and touched his hand.
    â€œWell, I can imagine some of it. But regardless of whatever else you are, son, you are an honorable man. I expect you to ask Annie what she wants to do and then to move heaven and earth in order to abide by her wishes.”
    â€œDo?” As in the future? He hadn’t thought that far ahead. And couldn’t imagine doing it now, either.
    â€œThink over the possibilities on your way to see the doctor. You may want to ask him any questions you have about that, too.”
    â€œAll right. Fine. Anything else?” His irritation was growing and he needed some air.
    His mother stretched up on tiptoes to give him a kiss. “I love you, Nicholas. You and Annie have created my first grandchild.”
    The guilt came back with a force that nearly knocked him to his knees. “I would appreciate it if you did not mention this to Father,” he said though gritted teeth. “In fact, don’t discuss it with anyone until I can speak to Annie.”
    His mother studied him for a second. “I agree, son. You must be the one to tell your father about this. But would it anger you if I talked to Annie about the subject before you do?”
    â€œNo meddling, Mother.”
    When she looked wounded, he relented and gave her a hug. “Yes, perhaps you can give her some advice,or at least give her an opportunity to talk it over with another woman. But you are not to pressure her in any way. Is that