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`` thankfully , i have a lover now who has the most amazing tongue and dick . i never have to worry about coming now . '' `` and do n't you forget how amazing he is . '' her expression turned solemn as she replied , `` i could never forget his attributes both in and out of the bedroom . '' after he gave her a somewhat chaste kiss , he asked , `` how about we test out my kitchen attributes now ? '' `` sounds good . i 'm starving , '' she replied , as she climbed out of the tub . pesh followed her out , handing her one of his plush towels . after she finished drying off , he gave her a terry cloth robe to put on . she slid it on and tied the front together . `` wait here . i 'll bring it to you . '' `` dinner in bed ? that would be marvelous . '' he winked before heading out of the bedroom . he fixed two heaping platefuls of food . after putting the plates on a tray , he got two bottles of water out of the fridge . when he got back to the bedroom , he found her lounging back against the pillows with an expression of pure relaxation . after he set the tray down on the bed , he smiled . `` i want to try something with you . ''
he undid the ties on his robe , letting it fall open . after shrugging it off his shoulders , he stood na**d before her . without answering her , he climbed onto the bed . his hands went to the lapels on her robe . he opened them and then pushed the robe open to her waist . `` i thought we were eating dinner , '' she murmured huskily . `` we are . '' while her brows furrowed in confusion , he passed her a plate and a fork . then he took his . `` pesh , why are we eating dinner naked ? '' `` i want to teach you about delayed gratification . '' `` the tantric stuff ? '' she eyed him curiously . `` look into my eyes , '' he commanded . when her blazing blue eyes were trained on his , he brought a forkful of food to her mouth . `` open up , '' he said . her gaze held his as her tongue darted out , tentatively tasting the spicy rice . when she decided that she liked it , her mouth clamped over the fork . as she chewed , she still remained staring at him . `` feed me , '' he insisted . she momentarily broke their eye contact to stare down at the plate . she speared a piece of lamb before bringing it to his mouth .
after he took in the bite , his tongue slid over his lips , licking up the remaining sauce . something stirred in her at his action-a slight tremble . he brought a piece of lamb to her mouth , and she wrinkled her nose . `` i do n't like lamb . '' he nodded and then took the bite for himself . he then picked some of the vegetables and brought them to her . this time she took the forkful . `` it 's very good , pesh . '' each time she took the fork into her mouth , he could n't help imagining that it was his ck instead . sitting nad with her in such a close proximity had his juices beginning to flow . when she lowered her gaze to eye her plate for his next bite , she caught sight of his growing erection . immediately , she started to put her plate down , but he stopped her . `` not yet . '' `` but you 're hard , and i 'm getting wet sitting here with you staring at me like you 're already buried inside me . '' `` that 's the point , my love . how good do you think it 's going to be when i do finally get inside you ? '' as she swept up a forkful of rice , she brought it to his mouth . `` so how long do we do this ? ''
`` until we clean our plates . '' she appeared both disappointed and frustrated at his response . to give her something else to focus on , he brought the fork to her mouth . she took from him , chewing methodically while staring into his eyes . each time he fed her a bite , he tried conveying through his gaze what he was imagining doing to her . a bite of vegetables had him sucking her breast , his tongue flicking over her nipple . a forkful of rice had his face buried in her wet core as he licked her juices . as she chewed and swallowed , pesh could tell desire was overtaking her . `` can i have some water ? '' with a nod , he brought one of the bottles to her lips . she drank in long gulps , her eyes never leaving his . when she finished swallowing , she gave him a grateful smile . then in a flash , she tackled him , causing his plate to flip over onto the sheets . `` megan ! '' he cried . she was too busy kicking out of her robe to care . at the sight of smeared vegetables and rice on the sheet next to him , he began to laugh . his chest shook so hard that he wanted to clutch his stomach , but megan 's body was in the way .
as she gazed down at him , he pushed the long , blonde strands of hair out of her face . `` i do n't believe we were finished eating , '' he chastised . she drew his bottom lip between her teeth , causing him to groan . at the same time , her wet core ground against his cock . `` i guess you 'll just have to punish me the next time , '' she replied . cupping her bu**ocks , he sent a resounding smack against one of her cheeks . her eyes widened . `` pesh nadeen , did you actually just spank my ass ? '' he grinned up at her before smacking the other cheek . `` mmm , i like this side of you , '' she murmured , before bringing her lips to his . as their tongues battled against each other , pesh flipped megan over onto her back . after spreading her legs , he buried himself deep inside her with one thrust . `` oh god , that feels amazing , '' she cried . `` see how much better it is when you wait ? '' he questioned , as he leisurely moved in and out of her . `` yes , mmm , it 's so good . you 're right . '' although her body trembled , she was n't close yet . he continued his pace of slow strokes within her .
then he took her legs and put them on his shoulders to where he could pump deeper inside her . she moaned at the feeling , her hands sliding up above her head to grip the sheets . pesh ducked his head to bring his mouth to her brsts , alternating between each one . as he felt her begin to tense up , he increased the pressure of his tongue on her niles , lightly grazing them with his teeth . and then she came apart beneath him , crying out and clasping her hands onto his shoulders . the sight of her was so alluring he could n't hold back , and he came in a rush inside her . when he 'd finished shuddering , he raised his head to gaze down at her . her eyelids fluttered open , and then she smiled sheepishly up at him . `` sorry for being a tantric sex failure . '' `` baby , i do n't care about that one bit . i like the fact you 're aggressive when it comes to f**king . '' her hands feathered over his back and down to his ass . as she squeezed his cheeks , he sucked in a breath . `` you 're very good at that . '' `` you think so ? '' `` how good are you at laundry ? '' he asked , motioning to the leftover dinner that was now staining the sheets .
she swatted his ass playfully . `` i was planning on taking care of that . '' `` why do n't we get dressed and then sit down and really eat ? '' `` i think that sounds like a good idea . '' i want to make sure you 're feeling your best for what i have to ask you . '' as he pulled himself off megan , her brows furrowed . `` ca n't it wait until we finish eating ? '' rolling her eyes , megan said , `` you know i ca n't wait for things . '' pesh sighed as he bent down to pick up his robe . as he slid his arm through the hole , he met megan 's questioning gaze . `` i wanted to invite you to dinner at my sister 's house this weekend . '' `` why did you think i would need to be feeling my best for that ? '' `` it wo n't just be my sister and her husband . all of my family will be there , including my parents . '' `` you want to introduce me to your parents ? '' she nibbled on her bottom lip as she was prone to do when she was nervous . `` but that would mean we 're pretty serious , right ? '' `` yes , '' he replied , with utter certainty .
scooting to the edge of the bed , she gripped her gaping robe as best she could . she stared up at him . `` you 're not the least bit worried what they 're going to say about you dating me ? '' the corners of her lips tugged up in a smile . `` then i 'll go , '' she said softly . when she bobbed her head , he rushed forward to wrap her in his arms . `` thank you , my love . you 've made me very happy . '' `` you make me happy every day . it 's the least i can do . '' with her head buried in pesh 's chest , she was finally able to let the smile she had plastered on fade into a frown . while she should have been elated that pesh wanted to introduce her to his family , she could n't help feeling overwhelmed . what if they hated her ? what if their dislike caused pesh to not want to see her anymore ? she did n't want to think about what it would be like not having him in her life . at the same time , it was hard processing all the emotions that pesh 's devotion made her feel . davis had never wanted to introduce her to his parents . she met them by accident after one of his games .
now she had a man who wanted nothing more than to share all aspects of his life with her . it was hard to process . in the end , she could only hope that everything went well . chapter nineteen the following day at work when pesh found a lull in patients , he stepped into the nurses ' station . while he said hello to some of the other men and women of the nursing staff , he had a singular focus of getting to megan . when he joined her at the counter where she was doing paperwork , she jumped like he had tasered her . `` go away , '' megan hissed . `` you know , i think i can be seen back here in the nurses ' station without arising any suspicion . after all , i could be discussing a patient with you . '' `` then you better start talking in patient codes very soon . '' `` i wanted to know if it would be all right to pick you up at seven on friday evening ? '' when megan jerked her gaze off the chart she was working on , her blue eyes bulged in horror at him . in a low voice , she said , `` i can not believe you are talking about a date here at work . do you care anything about my reputation ? '' he held his hands up defensively .
i do n't know what i was thinking besides the fact that i missed you and wanted to talk to you . '' megan 's expression softened . `` i 'm sorry , but we ca n't be that way here . '' pesh opened his mouth to protest when a voice behind them cut him off . `` do n't you two look cozy , '' kara mused . pesh whirled around to find kara staring at them with venom burning in her eyes . `` excuse me , but i need to get another chart off the carousel , '' megan said , with her head tucked to her chest . she turned to go , but kara reached out and grabbed her arm . `` if you do n't mind , exam room three needs a clean-up . '' `` kristi is the only one authorized to give me orders around here , '' megan replied . kara pursed her ruby red lips . `` insubordination and sleeping with a doctor-you really have a career death wish , do n't you ? '' megan started to protest , but pesh stopped her . glaring at kara , he said , `` i want to talk to you . alone . '' after shooting megan a triumphant look , kara let pesh lead her out of the nurses ' station and down the hall .
`` what in the hell do you think you 're doing ? '' `` saving you from making a huge mistake . you do n't need a girl like that-you need a woman to take care of you . '' when her hands started to snake up around his neck , pesh grabbed them . `` do n't touch me ! '' he snarled . a sultry smile spread across her face . `` you liked when i touched you before . '' `` that was one time-a drunken mistake that i regret daily , and i never intend on making again . '' she narrowed her eyes at him . `` so you 're throwing me aside for a young bimbo ? '' `` do not speak that way about megan ever again . do you hear me ? '' `` and do you really feel that she thinks you 're worth throwing her career away for ? '' pesh closed the gap between them . looming over kara , his entire body shuddered in anger . `` listen to me when i say that if you threaten to expose megan one more time , i will make life a living hell for you . as the supervising physician over the er , i can have you shipped off to some hellhole far from here . '' he glared down at her . `` do you understand me ? ''
she slowly nodded her head as the realization that there was nothing between them finally dawned on her . `` if you 'll excuse me , i need to go clean my exam room . '' as she hurried past him , pesh exhaled a breath of relief . he never used that tone of voice with women , or men for that matter , unless he was absolutely pushed to do so . but kara 's previous behavior and the way she 'd acted today had forced him to become what he was n't . at the feel of a hand on his back , he whirled around . megan gave him a beaming smile . `` my hero ! '' he laughed at her expression and words . `` you do n't have to worry about her harassing you or me for that matter . i took care of things . '' `` i heard you . '' `` you did ? '' `` it was amazing . '' `` i 'm glad you thought so . '' `` i 've never had a man take up for me like that before . '' `` that 's a shame . '' `` if we were n't in the middle of the er 's hallway , i 'd kiss you to show my gratitude . '' `` i 'll gladly take a rain check . '' `` oh you will ? that 's good to know . ''
lowering his voice , he said , `` i 'll expect that kiss later tonight when we 're alone . and i do n't just want it on the lips . '' his brows rose . `` i want it on several places on my body . '' `` i think that can be arranged . '' `` i 'll be looking forward to it . '' `` dr . a nurse called from the top of the hall . `` you 're needed in rxam room four . '' `` as soon as i finish this patient consultation , i 'll be there , '' he replied . at his blatant lie , megan covered her mouth to hide her giggling . `` i have to go . but can i come over tonight ? '' `` yep . let me get mason fed and bathed , and then i 'm yours . '' `` see you later . '' he winked at her before he turned and started down the hall . a few nights later pesh found himself speeding along the quiet streets of megan 's neighborhood . his phone dinged once again . slowing down , he took a peek to make sure it was n't the hospital . he was n't too surprised to find it was another text from megan .
he could tell from the way she had been frantically texting him that afternoon and evening that she was nervous , which was totally surprising to him . she was so strong and fearless that it was hard for him to imagine her ever feeling nervous . but he supposed that in megan 's mind she had good cause to be nervous as tonight he was introducing her to his family . after he picked her up , they were going to his sister , shveta 's , house for dinner . his parents , along with at least one of his brothers , would be there . although he had spent a lot of time with her family , it had n't quite meant the same thing as her spending time with his . he did n't know if her nerves stemmed from simply meeting his family or if they were from the fear of how far their relationship had progressed in the last few months . he turned into the driveway at ten after seven . he did n't even get up the front porch steps before the door flew open , and megan rushed out . her diminutive figure wobbled a little on the black high heels she was sporting . she wore black pants , and a dressy red top that had a lot of beading . it reminded him of the kurta , a style that women from his culture wore . he wondered if she had chosen it for that reason .
`` you look beautiful , '' pesh murmured , leaning in to kiss her tenderly . when she did n't warm to his touch , he gazed down at her . rolling her eyes , she snapped . `` duh , i 'm really nervous . '' `` you 're really that worried about my family 's opinion of you ? '' she threw up her hands . `` of course , i am . your family is very important to you . i do n't want ... '' she tore her gaze from his . `` you do n't want what ? '' he pressed . `` i do n't want to bring shame to you . '' he bit down on his lip to keep from laughing at her . he could n't believe megan was so concerned with his family 's opinion . his heartbeat accelerated at the thought . it had to mean she really was falling in love with him . he brushed a silky strand of blonde hair out of her face . `` sweetheart , you 're not the first american girl i 've brought home with me . '' `` yes , i 'm well aware of that . i 'm also aware of the fact of how well your family loved and accepted jade . it might not be the same way with me . '' `` i 'm not like her , pesh .
i 'm not meek and good-hearted . '' `` that 's not true . you are good-hearted . i see that part of you each and every day . '' cupping her chin with his fingers , he brought her gaze to his . `` you saw my brother , dev . through all of his missteps and antics , my parents still love him very much . so i promise you there is nothing you can do to where they wo n't like you or where you 'll bring shame on me . she gave a reluctant nod . taking her by the hand , he led her off the porch . once he 'd gotten her in the car , he went around and slid into the driver 's seat . when pesh cranked up the car , megan gasped in horror . she motioned to the clock on the dash . `` oh my god , we 're going to be late . can i make a worse first impression ? '' `` maybe i should tell you a few things , etiquette wise , so tonight will go a little easier . '' `` what does that have to do with us being late ? '' `` because it 's considered good form to arrive thirty minutes late . '' `` huh , i did n't know that . '' `` well , how could you ? ''
`` i tried doing a little research . i even watched monsoon wedding , '' she said . `` did you now ? '' `` yeah , it was pretty good . i kinda hated there were n't more dance numbers and songs . '' `` megan , i 'm pretty sure none of my family is going to break out into song like in a bollywood movie tonight , '' he said , with amusement ringing in his voice . `` i did n't expect them to , smart-ass . '' `` so testy tonight . '' after exhaling a long breath , she gave him an apologetic smile . `` i 'm sorry i 'm so bitchy . '' `` you 're not bitchy . '' `` and you 're lying . '' `` regardless of your out-of-control emotions , i know that my family is going to love you just as much as i do . '' the moment the words left his lips he grimaced . there was the big l word . they had n't actually exchanged it yet , and now he 'd managed to screw up and say it before he could find the right time . `` oh god , did you have to say that now ? like i 'm not nervous enough ! '' `` i 'm sorry , '' he murmured .
burying her head in her hands , she groaned . `` this is ... you are ... i ... '' `` look , you don't- '' `` i love you , too ! '' she shouted from behind her hands . his hands jerked on the wheel , and he sent the car careening onto the emergency lane . when he recovered and got the car back into the right lane , he dared himself to look over at her . `` i love you , pesh . i really f**king do . '' `` oh megan , '' he whispered . pulling her hands away from her face , she gave him a genuine smile . `` i love you more than any man i 've ever known . '' `` i love you more- '' suddenly he found himself unable to continue . did he love her more than he had jade ? he had spent years with jade and had only months with megan . if he did love megan more , what did that say about his relationship with jade ? she reached over and took one of his hands in hers . `` hey , you do n't have to say what i said . our situations are completely different . '' he clenched and unclenched his jaw . `` no woman wants half a man 's heart , '' he argued .
`` but i know it is n't half your heart . and i would n't want you to stop loving me just because i died , so why would i expect you to do the same with jade ? '' `` it 's not fair to you , '' he croaked . `` life 's not fair , baby . you have to get used to that one . '' she squeezed his hand . `` besides , i know what i feel when i feel your love . there 's no half about it . you love me with all your heart and soul . '' `` i do . i honestly do . '' unfastening her seat belt , she lunged over to kiss him . when she started to deepen the kiss , he had to pull away . `` hey now , you got ta stop that or we 're not going to make it to my parents . '' she giggled and then eased back down into her seat . she managed to behave herself the remaining five minutes . when he pulled into his parents drive , he saw it was already crowded with cars . the sight of so many people set megan off , and she began tapping her fingers nervously on her leg . he asked , as he turned to her . `` as i 'll ever be , '' she muttered .
he shook his head as he got out of the car . like always , he opened her car door and helped her out . as they started up the sidewalk , megan was a flurry of movement . she smoothed down her hair and then she adjusted her top . then she fiddled with her purse on her shoulder . `` quit fidgeting , '' pesh whispered , as he rang the doorbell . i 'm nervous . '' he grinned down at her . `` megan , they 're going to love you . `` they 're going to hate me because i 'm not a submissive indian woman . wait until they hear i had a child out of wedlock . they 'll be ready to disown you then . '' the door flew open , cutting off the rest of their conversation . `` brother , it 's so good to see you ! '' his brother-in-law , sanjay , cried . after he hugged pesh , his gaze went to megan . his eyes widened , and he gasped in surprise . `` uh , hello . '' `` hi , '' megan said . sanjay gave pesh a curious look . `` you did n't tell me you were bringing company . '' `` this is megan . ''
with a self-assured tone , he added , `` she 's my girlfriend . '' well , what about that ? '' sanjay gave megan a welcoming smile . `` we 're so glad to have you . '' as sanjay turned to go into the living room , megan smacked pesh 's arm . `` you did n't tell them you were bringing me ? '' `` no , i like the element of surprise when it comes to my love life . '' `` s-seriously ? '' she sputtered . `` it 's better this way . trust me . '' before she could say anything else , pesh started taking off his shoes . wide-eyed , megan watched him . quickly , she stepped out of her heels and put them in the pile next to his . `` more etiquette you forgot to tell me ? '' she hissed . he patted the small of her back . as they came into the living room , pesh felt megan tense at his side . he supposed that it was overwhelming coming into a room packed full of strangers . his sister , shveta , came forward first . `` hello brother . you 're looking well this evening . '' so are you . '' he hugged her tight . as he pulled away , he glanced down at her swollen belly .
`` and how is the future prince doing ? '' shveta smiled and brought her hand to her abdomen . `` he 's busy kicking me at the moment . '' when she spied megan behind him , she gasped . `` and who is this ? '' he drew in a breath and gazed around his family . `` before i go through this with each and every one of you , i might as well get it out of the way . i want to introduce you to someone very special , my girlfriend , megan . '' deafening silence reverberated around the room after his statement . his mother and father exchanged a glance before staring back at pesh . megan tucked herself even closer to his side . although public displays of affection between men and women were frowned upon in his culture , he wrapped his arm around her waist . `` well , say something , '' he commanded . `` we 're sorry , son . it 's just you caught us off guard , '' his mother said . his father 's bushy brows rose . `` so you 're really dating , eh ? '' at his declaration , his father clapped his hands and grinned . `` that is most wonderful to hear ! '' he came forward to embrace megan . `` you are very welcome here . ''
`` thank you , '' she said . `` i 'm charlie , '' his father introduced . `` megan , '' she replied , with a small smile . pesh peered past his father where his mother stood chewing her lip . he could tell she was n't entirely happy that another blonde-haired , blue-eyed woman was standing beside her son . while shveta and arjan had both sought out indian partners to marry , he and dev were somewhat the black sheep since they had n't chosen to settle down with women within their culture . finally , his mother 's manners won out over anything else , and she stepped forward to shake megan 's hand . `` i 'm lavani . it 's nice to meet you . '' `` nice meeting you , too , '' megan replied . the room then fell into an awkward silence . pesh glanced around , willing someone to say something . his mother cleared her throat . `` i 'll go and finish up dinner . '' as she started into the kitchen , shveta followed her , along with arjan 's wife . since it was customary for women to be in the kitchen , pesh found it to be only megan left with the men . it did n't go without her notice either .
`` should i go and offer to help ? '' she questioned , in a whisper . that would be nice . '' her expression told him that she really did n't want to leave his side , but she did anyway . once she was out of earshot , pesh found everyone 's eyes on him . charlie chuckled . `` you even have to ask , my son ? '' `` so ask your questions and get it over with before megan comes back in here , '' he replied , as he collapsed onto the couch . he faced a barrage of questions about where they met , how long they had been seeing each other , and how serious was it . he mustered as much patience as he could to answer them all . when he was finished , the men sat back in surprised silence . `` i never thought i would see the day , '' his father mused . sanjay shook his head . `` oh , i knew the day would come . i saw that when he was out with emma . '' charlie 's brows furrowed . `` emma ? '' pesh pinched his eyes shut and wished his brother-in-law did n't have such a good memory . `` just a friend . ''
with a snort , sanjay replied , `` you certainly did n't look at her like she was a friend , even if she was pregnant . '' `` you were with a pregnant woman ? '' charlie asked . `` alpesh how could you ? '' his mother demanded from the doorway . `` how could i what ? '' lavani 's expression was horror stricken . `` get a woman ... in the family way . '' pesh rocketed off the couch . he glanced past his mother to where megan stood . `` you 're ... ? '' he could n't even form the words . megan 's face flushed blood red . of course , i 'm not ! '' lavani gave him a confused look . `` not her , '' she replied , pointing at megan . `` this emma that sanjay speaks of . '' bringing his hand to his forehead , he rubbed furiously to try to ward off the ache that was starting to pound in his head . everything was getting shot to hell so fast . `` first of all , emma and i were never intimate . she was pregnant by the man she is now married to . yes , i took her to the opera with sanjay and shveta , but there was nothing really between us . '' he shook his head and could n't help wondering if he would ever have to stop explaining what had happened between him and emma .
`` second of all , could everyone just back off for a second ? i mean , you 're not exactly giving megan a very good impression of our family . '' a nervous laugh erupted from megan 's lips . she covered her mouth with her hand , trying to hide her giggling . he winked at her , and she lowered her hand to smile at him . now that we 've cleared all that up , why do n't we eat ? '' lavani suggested . `` that sounds wonderful , '' charlie replied . as they made their way into the dining room , pesh went to megan 's side . `` you surviving okay ? '' he whispered . `` i 'm hanging in there . i may need a drink when we leave . '' `` just no silver tequila for you , '' he mused . without the others catching her , megan smacked his arm . `` ass , '' she hissed under her breath . he chuckled as he held out the chair for megan . `` thank you , '' she said before sitting down . he then eased in beside her . as the dishes began making their way around the table , he felt megan kick him . when he glanced at her in surprise , she whispered , `` where is the silverware ? '' `` we eat with our hands . ''
he leaned over to whisper in her ear . `` but do n't use your left hand because it 's considered rude . '' she jerked back to stare wide-eyed at him . `` i 'm left handed , '' she protested . he fought the urge to smile at her horror . he could tell that she would rather die than do something to embarrass him in front of his family . `` you 'll be fine . they wo n't expect as much out of you since you 're american . '' `` alpesh , whatever is it that you 're whispering about ? '' lavani asked , narrowing her eyes at him . `` i was just telling megan what a wonderful cook you are . she loves indian food , so i 'm sure she 's in for a treat . '' pesh squeezed megan 's knee under the table . she cut her eyes over to him and smiled . once the plates had been passed around and everyone served , they began to eat . `` mmm , the samosa is delicious , '' megan complimented . `` thank you , '' lavani replied , with a beaming smile . as his mother turned her attention to shveta , pesh bowed his head and spoke in a low voice to megan .
`` once i tried bribing beau with some samosa . '' `` you did ? `` i was at aidan 's house checking on emma when she was on bed rest . i guess you could say he did n't like me invading his turf . '' `` would he not take it from you ? '' `` oh , he took it , ate it , and seemed to enjoy it . but i did n't make any friends that night . '' `` good old beau . '' pesh raised his brows . `` you 're siding with the dog ? '' `` in that scenario , yes . he was merely protecting emma and noah . '' tilting her head at him , she added , `` besides , i do n't like any scenario where you and emma are anything more than friends . '' `` i was there in a medical capacity , '' he argued . she wagged her finger at him . `` you brought dinner with you . that fact alone shows you were there for more than just practicing medicine . '' when he quickly pushed her finger down , she gave him a look that was a cross between puzzled and infuriated . `` are you trying to silence me ? '' `` no , i 'm just helping you save face . we do n't point-it 's considered rude . ''
`` i 've done something else wrong now ? '' `` next time , you better plan on giving me a crash course in indian culture before you even think about bringing me around your family . '' across the table from them , shveta cleared her throat . when pesh and megan glanced at her , she smiled . `` you 're doing fine , megan . please do n't worry about following all the rules of our culture . we certainly do n't expect you to . '' megan returned shveta 's smile . i would never dream of doing anything to offend you . '' `` of course you would n't , '' charlie replied . pesh did n't dare sneak a peek at his mother . after all , she was the one who upheld the traditions and customs of their heritage while his father had tried to americanize himself as much as possible , right down to changing his name . charlie dabbed the corners of his mouth with his napkin . `` i understand you have a son , megan . '' `` yes , mason is almost two . he 's my entire world . '' `` you should have brought him with you this evening . we would have loved to meet him , '' shveta said . `` maybe next time .
of course , after you see how much energy he has , you might change your mind . '' as the table laughed , she glanced over at pesh . `` mason truly adores pesh , and pesh is so good with him . his patience is infinite . '' `` he 's a good boy . `` so it 's serious between you two ? '' lavani asked . `` uh , well- '' megan began before she was interrupted by the doorbell . sanjay rose out of his chair . `` that must be dev . '' `` how surprising that he 's so late ? '' shveta mused with a smile . pesh almost laughed at the horrified expression on megan 's face at the mention of dev . `` you did n't tell me he was going to be here ! '' `` i was n't sure if he was coming or not . but do n't worry . things are fine between us now . '' megan gave him a skeptical look as dev walked into the dining room . `` hey everybody , '' he said , throwing up a hand . at the sight of megan sitting next to pesh , dev 's eyes widened . `` well , well , if it is n't miss right hook , '' he mused with a smirk .
`` it 's miss left hook , actually , '' she corrected . dev grinned . `` good to know . '' `` you 've met megan , dev ? '' lavani asked curiously . `` we had the pleasure of meeting each other one day when i went by the hospital to see alpesh . '' at megan 's sharp intake of breath , dev winked at her . he then eased down across from them and began piling food on his plate . `` so you guys work together and now you 're dating , huh ? '' `` yes , '' pesh replied . after taking a bite of his samosa , dev motioned at them while he chewed . `` alpesh is sort of your boss , right ? '' pesh could feel megan 's anger rising . `` no , actually he is n't . i have a preceptor , or head nurse , who is my boss . and before you can make it sound any seedier , it is n't against the hospital rules to date each other . besides , we met each other long before i started working at wellstar . '' `` is that right ? '' dev replied . `` yeah , it is . '' a slow grin slunk across his face . `` i like you , '' he said to megan .
`` you have an interesting way of showing it . '' charlie chuckled at the head of the table . `` my , my , alpesh , have n't you picked a feisty one ? '' pesh glanced at megan , who had flushed the red color of her blouse . she gave charlie a weak smile . with a tsk , charlie replied , `` please do n't . it 's been rather refreshing to see you putting dev into his well-deserved place . i understand you punched him , too . '' when his mother gasped in horror , megan fumbled under the table for pesh 's hand . he squeezed it reassuringly as she ducked her head . `` um , well , i 'm sorry to say that i did . '' `` in megan 's defense , i totally deserved it . i punched alpesh and said some really shitty things . '' `` dev ! '' lavani cried . in true dev fashion , he rolled his eyes at his mother 's outrage . `` we 're fine now . everyone calm down . '' he met pesh 's gaze . `` i 'm happy for you , brother . you 've made a good choice . '' he cut his eyes over to megan .
`` i hope you both will be very happy together . '' pesh was taken aback by the sincerity in both dev 's words and his expression . `` yes , thank you . '' dev leaned back in his chair , clasping his hands behind his head . `` and now to ensure that my news overshadows any excitement brought on by the two of you , i 'd like to announce that i 'm getting married next month- '' lavani once again gasped in horror . but dev was n't finished . `` and i 'm going to be a father . '' pesh 's mouth gaped open as the table erupted in absolute pandemonium . he wondered if his mother was going to pass out . turning to megan , he found her with her napkin over her mouth . from the way her shoulders were moving up and down , he could tell she was laughing . `` guess we 're off the hook , huh ? '' `` yeah , i think we 're good . '' `` i love you . '' `` i love you more . '' chapter twenty now that he and megan were an official couple who had said the `` l '' word , pesh no longer had days off where he had to wonder how to pass the time .
he wanted to spend every waking minute with her and with mason , and she always made sure that they had time together . today found him at patrick 's house , wedged on the couch between some of megan 's male family members . just like at his parents , the women were all stationed in the kitchen , putting the finishing touches on sunday lunch . as soon as becky came in the living room and announced it was time to sit down , there was a stampede to the dining room . he followed slowly behind the others , searching for megan who he felt like was his lifeline in the crowd . `` where 's aidan and emma ? they 're never late , '' angie remarked , as she sat a giant platter on the table . liz shrugged . `` they have n't called . we could go ahead and get started , and then they can start when they get here . '' john pulled out a chair . becky rolled her eyes . `` you 're always starving . between you and percy , we 're going to be eaten out of house and home . '' pesh hung back as the others started taking their seats at the massive mahogany table . regardless of how welcoming the fitzgerald 's had been , he still could n't help feeling like an outsider .
megan came in carrying a plate of ham . after she deposited it on the table , her gaze searched the room for him . when she spotted him , she gave him the smile that always warmed his heart before crooking her finger at him . as he started to join her , mason came running in . `` get me , esh , '' he urged , holding his hands up . pesh grinned as he stooped over to pick mason up . `` uh , huh . '' `` are you going to sit with me or pesh ? '' `` esh , '' he replied . `` we 'll be fine . '' she motioned for him to have a seat . just as they sat down , aidan appeared in the doorway of the dining room with noah in his arms . `` sorry we 're late . '' `` where 's emma ? '' megan asked , as she took noah from aidan . with a grimace , aidan said , `` she is n't feeling well . it seems that with this pregnancy she 's having third trimester morning sickness . i told her i would stay home with her , but she insisted i come get a good meal . '' `` poor thing .
we 'll fix her a plate for you to take home to her later on , '' megan said . aidan smiled . if she can eat it , i know she 'll be grateful . '' patrick clicked his fork against his water goblet . `` is everyone here that 's supposed to be here ? '' a chorus of , `` yes , '' rang around the room . let 's return thanks . '' pesh obediently bowed his head along with the others . when patrick finished , the dishes were passed around and food was served . it was certainly a lot different than how his family did it , but he still enjoyed being with megan 's family . while mason ate off his plate , megan gave aidan a break by feeding noah , or more appropriately letting him drape her in food while he fed himself . `` you 're a mess , '' megan said , into noah 's carrot-and-corn crusted face . his response was to grin at her . `` i 'm sorry , mister , but that cute little grin is n't going to work for me . '' `` he 's so stubborn , '' aidan said . `` a stubborn fitzgerald ? i 've never heard of such , '' becky joked across the table . `` i 'm serious .
he refuses to let me or em feed him , and then he ends up wearing more than he eats . '' `` sounds like his father , '' angie mused . when aidan gave her an exasperated look , she said , `` you were the exact same way . i do n't think you ate a meal until you were two that mother did n't have to hose you off after you finished . '' aidan grunted . `` do n't tell em that story . she already blames me enough for noah 's stubbornness . '' `` let 's hope that this next baby has emma 's temperament . '' `` like she is n't stubborn , '' aidan countered . `` much less than you are , '' megan replied . pursing his lips , he appeared to be surveying her words . `` you might have a point , '' he said , with a grin . after everyone finished eating , the adults lounged around the table talking and laughing while the kids went into the living room . both mason and noah wanted to go with the bigger kids . `` will you keep an eye on them ? '' megan asked percy . `` sure , '' he replied . `` i owe you , perce , '' aidan said , as percy took the boys by the hand .
as he sat with his arm draped over the back of megan 's chair , pesh enjoyed listening to the lively conversation around him . occasionally one of aidan 's sisters would ask him a question or his opinion . he had always been naturally quiet , and when he got in the midst of such a lively bunch , he tended to be even quieter . he realized if he was going to truly fit in , he was going to have to speak up more . their conversation was interrupted by a shriek that came from the living room followed by a loud wail . aidan was out of his chair in a flash while megan was close on his heels . mason came running into the dining room . `` noah got hurted . '' aidan reappeared in the dining room with noah in his arms . `` he 's fine . he just fell down . '' taking noah 's hand , aidan said , `` here daddy will kiss the booboos away , okay ? '' noah sniffled and bobbed his head . once aidan finish with his hand , noah stuck out his leg . once he bent down to noah 's leg and kissed it , he asked , `` are you daddy 's boy ? '' `` uh-huh . '' angie chuckled . `` that 's not fair to do that when emma is n't here . ''
as the others laughed , pesh glanced at mason . he was staring at aidan and noah with a contemplative look on his face . never in a million years could he have imagined what he would do next . mason crawled up into his lap and patted pesh 's chest . `` esh mace 's daddy . mace daddy 's boy . '' conversation in the dining room silenced . without even looking up , pesh felt his skin singing under the burn of everyone staring at him and mason . there was no way he could deny the boy when he wore such an expression of happiness . `` yes , you 're daddy 's boy . '' a strangled cry caused him to snap his gaze from mason over to megan . wide-eyed and open mouthed , she blinked a few times as if she were trying to believe that what she was seeing was real . then without another word , she bolted from her chair and fled the room . pesh sat in a shocked silence for a few seconds trying to decide what to do . bending over , he whispered into mason 's ear , `` will you go back and play with the others ? i need to check on mommy . ''
when mason nodded , pesh gently sat him back down on the floor . after he raced out of the dining room , pesh finally glanced at the others . `` excuse me , '' he said , before rising out of his chair . he made his way down the hallway . he did n't have to look hard for megan-she was in the one bedroom with the door closed . he rapped lightly on the wood . when she did n't answer , he went ahead and opened the door . he found her sitting on the edge of the bed with her head in her hands . he went over and sat down next to her . tentatively , he put his hand on her back . `` i 'm sorry for not setting mason straight and telling him i was n't his daddy . he looked so happy , and i did n't want to hurt him . '' with her elbows braced on her knees , megan turned her head to look at him . tears streamed down her cheeks . `` you think i 'm angry at you ? '' he nodded his head . she hiccupped a cry . `` oh pesh , you 're so naive sometimes ! '' he jerked back at her words . `` just when i think i ca n't love you more , you go and do something like that . ''
before he could process her words , she threw herself at him , kissing his cheeks and mouth . she straddled his lap and brought her hands around his neck . `` you really love mason , do n't you ? '' `` of course i do . '' `` you could see yourself really being a father to him ? '' `` yes , i could . but what- '' she silenced him with a kiss . it was one that was laced with desperate emotions . he wrapped his hands around her waist and drew her closer to him . just as he was about to deepen the kiss , she pulled away . `` you love me too , do n't you ? '' `` you should have no doubts on that one . '' `` you love me enough to be a husband to me ? '' her question caused him to suck in a harsh breath . he felt like he had been kicked in the gut . `` yes , i could-i always have . '' she tilted her head at him and smiled . `` then marry me . '' bringing her lips to his , she murmured against his mouth , `` marry me . make me your wife . '' at that moment , he thanked god he was sitting down because if he had n't been , he was pretty sure he would 've done something totally emasculating like fainting .
he also questioned both his hearing and his sanity . had megan just proposed to him ? surely , he was hallucinating . `` did you just ask me to marry you ? '' he questioned lamely . giggling , megan nodded her head . `` i wish you could see your face right now . i should be insulted . '' it 's just you surprised me . '' she cupped his face in her hands . `` i 'm sorry i do n't have a ring , and i did n't get down on one knee , '' she lovingly teased . he brought his hands up to touch hers . `` you 're really serious ? '' bowing his head , he tenderly kissed the tops of her hands . `` i love you so much , megan , and i want nothing more than to make you my wife . '' `` so is that a yes ? '' `` i just want to make sure you know what you 're saying . one minute you 're in the dining room , laughing with your family , and then the next you 're in here weeping and then proposing to me . and let 's not forget how adamant you have been the entire time i 've known you about being too young to get married . ''
megan 's lips turned down in a pout . `` ca n't a girl change her mind ? '' `` yes , of course , but i just want to make sure this is really what you want . '' tears sparkled in her blue eyes . `` you are everything i could ever want in a man . you love me , you watch out for me , you want the best for me . while that would be enough to make me want to marry you , you love my son . you watch out for him and you want the best for him . i could n't ever imagine loving someone more than i do you . i ca n't imagine wanting to be anyone else 's wife but you . '' `` i was so stupid for so long . i could n't believe that someone like me could truly deserve someone like you . but you never gave up on me . if you give me the chance , i 'll spend the rest of my life trying to make you happy . '' pesh could n't stop the racing of his heart . he was sure both his heart rate and blood pressure were off the charts at this moment . he cupped her cheeks . `` nothing in the world would make me happier than for us to get married . '' `` so we 're engaged ? ''
`` yes , we are . '' when a smile lit up megan 's face , he shook his head . `` but not formally yet . not until i put a diamond on your hand . '' `` but i do n't need that to know i 'm promised to you and that we 're getting married . '' `` maybe you do n't , but i do . '' i 'll let you buy me a diamond . a great big one , okay ? '' `` i promise to spend a fortune . '' `` you know i would be happy to wear your ring even if it was a little chip . '' `` i know you would . but i want to spoil my beautiful future wife . '' `` okay , i wo n't argue with you . '' pesh brought his mouth to hers . as their lips moved against each other , he could n't believe how lucky he was . megan was his-she was really going to be his for the rest of his life . when she flicked her tongue against his , he groaned into her mouth . considering they were at patrick 's with all of her family down the hall , he knew the last thing on his mind should 've been flipping her over onto her back and pounding into her . but he did n't care .
he wanted inside her body . he had finally made it into her heart , mind , and soul , and he once again wanted to be inside her perfection . when megan pushed him onto his back , pesh raised his brows at her . `` mmm , i think my future wife is getting ahead of herself . usually the consummating comes after the wedding , not the engagement , '' he teased . `` i think we 've consummated enough over the last few months where it does n't matter . '' `` i suppose you 're right . '' as she ground her core against his growing erection , she said , `` looks like i 'm not the only one with consummating on the mind . '' `` you should know that has a mind of its own . '' she grinned down at him . `` well , right now i think we 're both of the same mind . '' as she continued to grind against him , his hands swept to her brsts . he cupped and kneaded the flesh over her top . at the sound of the door opening , pesh tried to pull away , but he did n't make it in time . `` oh fking hell ! '' aidan 's voice boomed from the doorway .
megan quickly scrambled off pesh , and they both rose up , trying to straighten their clothes and hair . with a pained expression , aidan said , `` seriously ? this is my old bedroom ! '' `` i 'm sorry , but you of all people should understand that when the mood hits , you act on it . '' megan smacked his arm playfully . `` that is not exactly what happened . '' holding up one of his hands , aidan said , `` frankly , i do n't really want to know what happened . i just came back here to make sure megan was all right . next time , i 'll make sure someone else comes , so i do n't need eye bleach to wipe that out of my memory. `` `` ha , ha , very funny , '' megan grumbled , as she got off the bed . `` we were only celebrating , '' pesh said . aidan pinched his eyes shut . `` i do n't think i even want to know what you were celebrating . '' `` our engagement , pervert , '' megan replied . aidan 's blue eyes widened . `` holy shit , you two are engaged ? '' pesh smiled as he rose off the bed and took megan 's hand . `` yes , we are .
well , i mean , i need to go to her father and properly ask for her hand . and there 's the fact she does n't have a ring . '' shaking his head in disbelief , aidan said , `` that 's ... wow . i 'm so happy for you two . '' and i do mean that . if it were n't for you and emma , i never would have met megan , '' pesh said . aidan grinned as he clapped pesh on the back . `` you 're more than welcome , man . i 'm just so glad you two finally realized how good you were for each other . '' he turned back to the door before motioning them . `` come on , let 's go tell the others . i think this calls for a celebration , but just not the kind that you two were partaking in . '' `` we were n't going to tell anybody yet . '' `` she does n't even have a ring . '' aidan snorted . `` do you really think anyone out there is going to give two shits about whether or not you have a ring ? '' `` we just want to do it the right way , '' pesh replied . holding up his hands in surrender , aidan said , `` all right , i 'm not going to argue with you anymore .
but i will say that there is no right way . hell , look at me and em . in the end , you have to go with the flow and appreciate the moments that are bigger than you could ever imagine . '' he then turned and strode out of the bedroom . pesh stole a glance at megan who appeared to be processing aidan 's words . `` come on , we better get back out there before they send someone else , '' she finally said . with a smile , he took her hand and led her down the hall . when they got back to the dining room , everyone glanced expectantly at them . even though he knew he should n't , pesh blurted , `` we 're engaged ! '' he did n't have time to worry about megan 's anger about him blabbing because he realized she had said it at the same time he had . cheers went up over the room , and he was hugged and kissed by megan 's aunts . when megan 's father , paul , stood before him , pesh felt like he 'd been kicked in the groin . `` mr. mckenzie , i apologize . i intended to come to you and ask for megan 's hand-to show respect to you and your wife .
i 'm so sorry . '' paul shook his head and smiled . `` please do n't apologize . i 'm just grateful that she 's met such a wonderful man who will be a good husband to her and a good father to mason . '' `` i swear to you that i will . '' he and paul shook hands to seal the vow . in the absence of champagne , wine was poured to celebrate . at the head of the table , patrick held up his glass . `` to my granddaughter and the good doctor , i give you an irish marriage blessing . 'may god be with you and bless you . may you see your children 's children . may you be poor in misfortunes and rich in blessings . may you know nothing but happiness from this day forward . ' '' `` to megan and pesh . '' the others raised their glasses . once pesh tasted the rich bouquet of the wine , he leaned over and kissed megan . he did n't even mind the cat-calls and whistling-he was too happy to care . chapter twenty-one standing in front of the lighted hotel mirror , megan surmised her appearance .
it was the first time she had n't been encircled by pesh 's mother , sister , and aunts since she had stepped inside the suite an hour ago . when she had agreed to an indian engagement party , she had n't quite known what she was getting into . she thought it would just be a great way to get their friends and family together . she did n't know that pesh 's family did n't do anything on a modest scale . without her input , the plaza ballroom of the ritz carlton in atlanta had been booked . when she had dared a peek inside earlier , it had been transformed into something out of a bollywood movie . she had wanted to honor pesh 's culture by dressing just as a true indian prospective bride would , so she had gone sari shopping with lavani and shveta . what she had n't bet on was how gorgeously intricate the outfit would be . now as she gazed at herself in the mirror , she was almost blinded by the glittering stones and beading on the deep purple and gold sari . the outfit put even the blingiest miss america pageant dress to shame . the top part was sleeveless , and it ended just below her br**sts . while the front part appeared to be plain satin , the back was encrusted in beading and gems .
the skirt , with its beaded waistband , started just beneath her belly button and fell to the floor in the most exquisite silky material . it was hard imagining she was going to be baring her mid-drift , as was the fashion of the sari . thankfully , she had a jewel encrusted drape that slung across one of her shoulders and down one side . earlier after one of pesh 's aunts had done her makeup , lavani and shveta did her hair . the long strands were swept back and pinned on the side in loose curls . a gorgeous purple orchid adorned the curls . all that was missing from her ensemble was the jewelry that pesh 's family had requested that she wear . apparently , it was all heirloom pieces and kept in a safe at a bank . although the necklace and earrings were to come , her arms were heavy laden with bangle bracelets that lavani and shveta had put on her . they both had tears in their eyes when they finished . `` you look absolutely breathtaking , my dear , '' lavani said . and thank you so much for making tonight happen . '' lavani cupped her cheek . `` i look forward to seeing many happy years between you and my alpesh . i 'm grateful that you make him so happy .
it had been so long since i had seen a light in his eyes . but when you came into his life , you brought back that light . '' at lavani 's words , megan felt tears stinging her eyes . when she felt like she could speak without crying , she brought her hands together as if she were praying and then bowed her head as was the sign of respect in pesh 's culture . `` i want you to know that before pesh , i was in darkness , too . he has become my light as well . i can assure you that i will spend the rest of my life honoring him and making him happy . i am very thankful for the amazing man you have raised . '' lavani 's dark eyes filled with tears , and she brought a handkerchief up to dab her eyes . `` thank you , my dear . '' shveta stepped into the bathroom , her face lit up in a broad smile . `` alpesh is here . '' gathering up the bottom of her skirt , megan walked out of the bathroom and into the bedroom . her heart stopped at the sight of him . she had never seen him in kurta-pajama , as they were called . basically , it was a long , tunic like shirt that came to his knees .
underneath he wore loose cotton-like pants . but his top was made much like hers . it was gold in color and encrusted in gems and beading . she did n't want to begin to imagine how much it cost . when she brought her gaze back to his , she shivered under his heated stare . `` you are a vision of absolute and total perfection , '' he said . doing a little turn , the fabric of her sari twirled around her . `` so you like it ? '' `` i feel a little like a poser . like 'you can put the irish girl in a sari , but you ca n't take the irish out of the girl ' kinda thing . '' `` i would n't have you any other way , '' he said , with a serious , yet tender tone . megan eyed the two velvet boxes in his hand . `` ooh , let me see the goodies . '' with a bark of a laugh , pesh sat one of the boxes down on the table before he opened the other . megan gasped as two enormous earrings glittered back at her . while there was a thick base , the rest flowed down in flourishing designs that would probably touch her shoulders when she put them on .
they had a gold overlaying , but all the gems were diamonds and amethysts that would match her sari . `` this is why your mother and shveta wanted me to pick a purple sari ? '' `` they 're breathtaking , '' she murmured . `` wait until you see the necklace , '' he replied , with a smile . her shaky hands reached forward to take one of the earrings . she quickly worked the clasp and fastened it to her lobe . then she did the other . while they were so heavy she felt like they might weigh her down , she glanced up at pesh and smiled . `` you 're welcome , my love . '' he reached for the other box . megan 's eyes widened as the diamonds and deep amethysts sparkled in the light . he took the necklace out and unfastened the clasp . he moved behind her and then lifted the necklace over her head . she closed her eyes at the pleasurable sensation of feeling his closeness . `` there . now you 're ready . '' whirling around to face him , she brought her lips to his . his thumb tenderly rubbed her cheek . `` i love you , too . '' from the doorway of the bedroom , lavani tsked disapprovingly at them .
`` alpesh , stop mauling her , or you 're going to mess up her makeup ! '' `` i hardly think i was mauling her . '' she waved her hand dismissively . `` come now . it 's time we went downstairs . '' after pesh held out his arm for her , megan slid hers through his . `` do n't be nervous , '' he murmured into her ear . `` i 'm not , '' she lied . `` megan , i know you well enough by now that i know when you 're nervous . you fidget and bite your lip . '' `` sorry , '' she muttered , as they got onto the elevator . considering it was packed with pesh 's family , megan kept her mouth shut about her nerves . the last thing she wanted to do was to come off wrong in front of them . when the doors opened , she drew in a couple of deep breaths to still her nerves . there was a whole lot of pomp and circumstance that she did n't quite understand about how they were all supposed to enter . she just tried not to mess up the part when she came in with her parents . just like at a wedding reception , she and pesh sat at a table at the head of the room .
of course , she had n't quite prepared herself for the golden chairs that looked almost like thrones . once everyone was assembled , pesh 's father got up to speak . `` we are very grateful that you all could be with us this evening . i know that with megan 's friends and family , as well as some of our son 's , there are a lot of you unacquainted with our culture . i will try to explain to you what the proceedings are . '' on the table in front of them were two flower wreaths that reminded her of the leis that you would see in hawaii . they were in colors of white , gold , and purple . the wreaths crisscrossed over the black ring boxes . she knew from what pesh had told her that they would be giving each other rings tonight to symbolize their future union . it all seemed pretty extreme to her for just an engagement party-it was almost like a wedding . `` it 's show-time , '' pesh murmured in her ear before he stood up . she quickly followed his lead . he took one of the flower wreaths off the table and brought it over her head . he made sure to adjust her hair so it flowed over the flowers .
when he was done , she did the same , although it was a little harder for her to reach up over his head . then he took one of the platinum bands and put it on her trembling finger . `` i love you so very much , megan . there 's not another woman in the world i could love like i do you , '' he whispered to reassure her . `` i love you so much , too . '' she then slid the band on his hand . once it was done , applause went out over the ballroom , and pesh pulled her to him for a kiss . `` now what do we do ? '' he smiled at her . `` we dance . '' after exhaling the breath she had been holding , megan took pesh 's hand and let him lead her to the dance floor . a song she had never heard before in her life began to play from the dj . `` so what were you thinking when it came to the wedding ? '' `` something small . '' i was thinking you would want to go all out . '' `` i just want something simple with our closest friends and family . i do n't have to have something showy to make me happy . '' `` you know that anything 'simple ' is not going to set well with my parents . '' `` well , they 're just going to have to accept it . ''
`` we could just run off and get married in a cave in hawaii , '' he suggested . `` that idea has potential , but i think as my parents ' only daughter , they would kill me if they did n't get to plan something . '' his expression grew serious . `` i do n't want us to have to wait much longer . '' `` i agree . i want to get married in the next couple of months . '' i 'm glad to hear that . '' as megan glanced over to see her grandfather dancing with his lady friend , an idea popped into her head . `` what if we got married in papa 's rose garden ? '' `` it sounds like a beautiful place , but is there enough room ? '' `` only our closest friends and family , remember ? '' she insisted . `` it could work . '' `` so you like the idea ? '' `` i do . '' with a wink , he said , `` it makes sense considering you proposed to me at patrick 's house . '' it does . '' `` think we can put it all together in two months ? '' `` i do n't see why not . '' he brought his warm lips to hers , and megan shivered in spite of the heat on the dance floor .
`` i ca n't wait to make you my wife , '' he murmured against her lips . `` i 'm ready to make an honest man out of you , too . '' pesh threw his head back and chuckled . `` only you would say something like that . '' `` hey , the truth is the truth . '' the song ended , and pesh escorted her back to their table . after they finished with the blessings from pesh 's family , dinner was served . megan could n't believe all the food that was paraded by her . she lost count on how many plates of delicious indian food she sampled . by the time the desserts came out , she was thoroughly stuffed and could n't eat any . `` let 's go mingle , '' she suggested when pesh also turned down any dessert . `` sounds good to me , '' he said , before getting out of his chair . they made their way through the maze of tables , talking to family and friends . megan was introduced to so many of pesh 's relatives that she was sure she would never be able to remember them all . when they finally got to the fitzgerald tables filled with her parents and aunts and uncles , she was thrilled when pesh took a seat across from aidan and emma .
after they had been talking for a while , emma turned aidan . `` do you think noah 's okay ? '' `` i 'm sure he 's fine , babe . the sitter looked very qualified . '' although emma nodded her head , megan could tell that she was n't convinced . both mason and noah were upstairs in the hotel with babysitters outside of their family for the first time in their young lives . megan shared a bit of emma 's apprehension , but when she had dropped mason off in the suite , he seemed to get along with the woman they had hired . `` i might just go peek in on him . you know , make sure she got him to sleep , '' emma said , rising out of her chair . aidan shook his head and stood up . `` you need to be off your feet . you said yourself you were n't feeling too well before we left . '' emma shot him a murderous look . `` thanks for saying that in front of pesh and megan . '' aidan gave them a sheepish grin . `` sorry guys . i hope it does n't ruin your fabulous party knowing that emma , at nine months pregnant and some change , was n't feeling wonderful . '' megan laughed while pesh shook his head .
`` emma , if you want to go on upstairs and lie down , we wo n't be hurt . i remember how awful it feels being overdue , '' megan said . `` no , i 'm fine . i want to stay , '' emma replied . when aidan motioned for her to have a seat , she shook her head . `` i need to go to the restroom . '' `` you want me to go check on noah ? '' `` i 'm sure he 's fine or the sitter would have texted me . i 'm just being overprotective . '' aidan gave her a quick kiss . `` love you , sweetheart . '' she smiled at him . after she headed through the crowd to the bathroom , aidan began telling pesh some wild story from work that had pesh doubled over with laughter . when emma returned , she did n't sit back down . instead , she swayed back and forth on her feet next to her chair . `` aidan , '' she said in a strained voice . megan could n't help noticing how emma had paled considerably since her trip to the bathroom just a few minutes before . he held up his finger . `` one second , babe . i got ta finish telling pesh this story . '' `` but my water broke . ''
without taking his eyes off pesh , aidan slid his glass of water over to her . `` here take mine . '' if the situation had n't been dire , megan would have laughed at how oblivious aidan was . pesh leaned forward in his seat . `` um , aidan , i think- '' he did n't get a chance to finish . instead , water splashed against the side of aidan 's face . he shot out of his chair before whirling around to emma . `` what the hell , em ? '' `` my . water . broke , '' she muttered through gritted teeth . `` oh shit , '' he replied . after tossing his napkin back on the table , he held up a hand . `` okay , it 's fine . no need to panic . we 're not that far from the hospital- '' `` like twenty minutes , '' emma argued . aidan 's hands came to her shoulders . `` it 'll be fine , babe . emma huffed out a few frustrated breaths as she weighed his words . then her grim expression softened . aidan grinned as he turned back to pesh and megan . `` i hate to cut and run , but it looks like baby caroline is a big attention whore who wants all the glory tonight . ''
megan rose out of her chair . `` do n't you worry about it one bit . since she 's a week overdue , i 'm going to let her have this one without accusing her of trying to steal the limelight . '' `` can we do anything ? '' while aidan shook his head , emma said , `` just make sure noah is okay . '' angie rose out of her chair . `` i 'll go check on him right now . '' `` thanks . '' aidan dug around in his pocket . when he produced a set of keys , he tossed them at pesh . `` since i came after work , em and i are in separate cars . whoever has noah overnight will need our suv to get him to the hospital tomorrow . '' pesh nodded as megan said , `` good thinking . i 'm not sure if mom is taking him or becky . '' at emma 's somewhat apprehensive look that there was n't a strict plan in place for noah , megan said , `` it 'll be fine . `` okay , '' she said , a little reluctantly . sliding his arm around emma 's waist , aidan said , `` come on , sweetheart . we need to go . ''
at the feel of pesh 's hand on her back , megan glanced up at him . `` exciting night for them , eh ? '' `` how about letting me take you for another spin on the dance floor ? '' `` i 'd love that . '' as an indian love song flowed out from the speakers , megan wrapped her arms around pesh 's neck . this time he did n't bother dancing more formally like he had in savannah . instead , he wrapped his arms around her waist and drew her flush against him . closing her eyes , she rested her head on his broad chest , loving the gentle beat of his heart beneath his shirt . when the song finished , they did n't move . they just waited for the next one . thankfully , it was another slow one . halfway through , she felt a tug on the bottom of her drape . glancing down , she saw georgie peering up at her . `` what are you doing , sweetie ? '' he glanced left and right before he spoke . `` mommy told me not to tell anybody , but she needs you to come up to her hotel room . '' what for ? '' `` noah 's going crazy wanting aunt emma , and she thinks you 're the only one that might be able to get him to calm down . ''
`` ah , i see . '' when she turned back to pesh , he smiled . `` you do n't even need to apologize . go see if you can help . '' she leaned up and gave him a smacking kiss on the lips . `` thank you for being so amazing each and every moment of the day . '' his thumb brushed against her cheek . `` be back as soon as i can . '' `` i 'm going to hold you to that . '' taking georgie 's hand , she made her way off the dance floor and out of the ballroom . after getting on one of the elevators , they rode to the sixth floor . she let georgie lead the way . he stopped halfway down the hall and knocked on the door . by then , she did n't have to guess which room noah was in . she could hear his screams all the way outside . when becky flung open the door , she waved megan through with her hand . `` the others did n't want me to interrupt you , but we 've been trying the last hour to get him to calm down , and he 's just not having it . '' megan found the scene in hotel room somewhat comical .
her mother , along with her aunts julia and liz , stood in a circle around one of the beds . outfitted in a fuzzy , blue footed sleeper , noah sat in the middle of the mattress , his cheeks streaked and soaked with tears and his face red from crying . `` what is the matter ? '' everyone whirled around to look at her . everything 's fine . go back to your party , '' angie said , over noah 's wails . `` um , i think it 's safe to say that it is n't fine . or at least , he 's not fine . '' liz fanned her face with her hand . `` it 's like the moment emma left the hotel , he freaked out . he woke up out of a dead sleep screaming for his mama . the poor baby-sitter hung in as long as she could before she finally called us . '' megan cocked her head at noah . `` poor thing . '' she bypassed her aunts to hold out her arms . considering he 'd spent so much time with her , noah happily reached for her , and megan pulled him into her embrace . `` hey buddy , you 've got to stop crying . ''
he was snubbing so hard his breath came in big hiccups as his chest heaved . `` mama . want mama , '' he pleaded pitifully . megan hugged him tight to her chest . `` i know , sweetie . but she 's at the hospital having your baby sister . '' her answer did n't satisfy him since he drew in a deep breath to start screaming again . `` you wan na go downstairs to the party ? '' he appeared thoughtful . `` pesh is downstairs . you wan na see him ? '' `` esh ? '' `` yes , he 's down there . '' `` see esh , '' he said , kicking his feet as if to tell her to start walking . `` here . i 'll take him , '' her mother suggested , reaching for noah . he shrieked before wrapping his arms tighter around megan 's neck . `` i think it 's safe to say he 's staying with me . '' `` but it 's your engagement party , '' julia protested . `` yes , and i 've been enjoying it the last four hours . i do n't think watching him is going to take away anything for me . '' as she started out the doorway , she asked , `` is mason okay ? '' her mother nodded .
`` thank goodness he 's down the hall , or we 'd have two toddlers running around at eleven o'clock . '' megan giggled as she walked down the hall . her necklace and the beaded sari seemed to be holding noah 's interest . `` pretty , huh ? '' she asked , as they got on the elevator . `` ooh , pwetty , '' he mimicked . when she got back downstairs , pesh was seated at their table , talking to some of their colleagues . the moment noah saw him , he reached out for pesh . `` well hello , little one . were you really crying because you wanted to come to our party ? '' noah grinned at pesh behind his pacifier , which caused pesh to smile . `` he looks so much like aidan when he does that , does n't he ? '' `` yes , he does . i 'm sure he 's going to use that cute little grin to his advantage when he gets older , just like his daddy did . '' she eased into the chair beside them . after spitting out his pacifier , noah asked , `` daddy ? '' `` uh , oh , i should n't have said that , '' megan muttered under her breath . `` my daddy ? '' `` he 's at the hospital with mommy .
we 'll take you there in the morning , '' she replied . that statement caused noah 's lip to tremble . before he could start crying , pesh rose out of his chair . `` let 's go look at all the pretty party decorations . '' megan smiled as she watched pesh take noah around the room . her heart warmed at his thoughtfulness . she could n't believe there was ever a time when she fought her feelings for him . there was n't a better man in the whole world , and the fact that he loved her was a true miracle . by the time pesh returned , noah had fallen asleep . he carefully sat back down beside her . `` here , '' she suggested , taking off her glittering drape . she wrapped the fabric over noah like a blanket . `` did i mention how much i loved you in a sari ? '' pesh questioned , with a wicked gleam in his eyes . she glanced down to see the top had her boobs bulging out the front as well as the fact her stomach was now bared . `` i 'll have to wear one more often for you . '' `` i would love that . '' when her phone beeped , she reached across the table and grabbed it . `` oh my god ! ''
`` that was aidan . the baby is already here . '' `` considering it 's a second baby , it is n't too surprising . '' `` i need to tell my mom and aunts . '' `` go ahead . we 're fine . '' megan smiled at noah sleeping soundly against pesh 's chest . she made her way over to her family 's table . caroline was just born . '' a whoop went up around the table . `` is emma okay ? '' becky asked . `` he said mother and baby are doing great . '' julia shook her head and smiled . `` aidan with a daughter-now that 's going to be something to see . '' they all laughed . `` that 's so true , '' megan said . becky glanced at the group . `` why do n't we go see them ? i mean , the hospital is n't too far from here . '' angie nodded . `` sounds good to me . i 'd personally like to see aidan in action with his baby girl . '' with a snort , megan added , `` i would have liked to have been in the delivery room when she was first born . his expression then would have been priceless . ''
`` i bet he cried , '' liz said . `` oh yeah , he bawled for sure , '' angie replied , with a grin . as her aunts started gathering up their purses and telling their husbands where they were going , megan said , `` i want to go too . '' before they could argue , she held up her hand . `` it 's late . the party is pretty much over , and there 's two more next week at some of pesh 's relatives ' houses . besides , i want to see the newest fitzgerald baby girl . '' her mother frowned . go tell pesh , and we 'll meet you out front . '' she smiled as she went back to their table . `` my mom and aunts are going to the hospital to see aidan and emma . '' `` you want to go ? '' her heart warmed at the fact that he already knew what she was feeling . can i go too or is this just a hen party thing for the women ? '' `` yes , you can come . '' pesh glanced down at noah . `` he 's going to want to see his mother . '' i do n't think we could go without him . ''
as pesh rose out of the chair , noah stirred but did n't wake up . `` get aidan and emma 's keys out of my pocket . '' she nodded and reached into his pants . when she accidentally touched his penis through the fabric , he jumped . `` sorry about that , '' she replied , as she pulled out the keys . `` no problem , '' he muttered through gritted teeth . they said a quick goodnight to pesh 's parents and other relatives who remained . then they headed out to the lobby . after giving the valet aidan 's keys , they waited for the suv to be brought around . when she caught her reflection in the glass doors of the hotel , she gasped . pesh inquired . `` the jewelry ! i ca n't go loaded down with this expensive stuff to the hospital ! '' she cried . she snatched off the earrings and then started working on the necklace . `` i 'll run go give it to your mother . '' `` if you insist , '' pesh replied . she kicked off her heels so she could run easier . the necklace and earrings weighed down her hands . she grabbed the first member of pesh 's immediate family she saw , which unfortunately happened to be dev . `` can you get these to your mother ?
i 've got to get to the hospital . '' his dark eyes widened as he took the jewelry from her . `` i 'm fine . a cousin 's baby was just born . do n't let anything happen to that , okay ? '' dev chuckled . `` yeah , i 'll be unloading this pronto . the last thing i need is for my ass to be the one to lose the family jewels . '' with a wink , he added , `` they 'd be taking my family jewels . '' megan laughed and then gave him a wave before running off . when she got back outside , aidan and emma 's suv had just pulled around . noah began to squirm in pesh 's arms . `` guess where we 're going ? '' pesh said , before he could start crying . `` mama ? '' `` yes , we 're taking you to your mama and daddy and new baby sister . '' noah 's face lit up at the prospect , and he happily let them buckle him into his car seat . following her mother 's car , they made the drive in almost a caravan of relatives . when they got to the hospital , pesh pulled up to let her out . `` i 'll go park and bring him in . ''
i 'll see you guys up there . '' when she got up to the maternity floor , there was a quite a group waiting for her , including emma 's best friend , connor . `` did casey not feel like coming tonight ? '' megan asked , as she hugged him . casey was just a few weeks shy of her own due date with a little girl . `` oh , she 's here all right . she 's just in labor herself . it seems like caroline and olivia are going to be true best friends by being born almost the same day . '' `` that 's wonderful news . '' connor wrinkled his nose . `` i think casey will be appreciating it a little more when her epidural kicks in . she was n't too happy the last time i went back to see her . '' `` oh yes , i remember that feeling well . '' megan 's phone dinged , and she quickly read the text . `` aidan says we can come back now , '' she said to her aunts . the group made their way through the double doors and down the hall . when they reached emma 's room , angie knocked on the door . within a few seconds , aidan appeared .
`` hey guys , '' he said , with a beaming smile . `` the nurse is actually checking on em , but give me a second . '' he disappeared back behind the door only to reappear within a few moments . this time he held a tiny bundle wrapped in a pink blanket . `` here she is . miss caroline elizabeth fitzgerald . '' collective oohs and aahs went up over the group as aidan held caroline out for them to see . she did n't seem too interested or impressed by them . she yawned and closed her eyes . `` she 's absolutely beautiful , '' megan said . `` she 's something all right , '' aidan murmured . `` there it is ! i see a tear , '' becky teased . aidan rolled his eyes at his sister . you had some kind of bet going about whether i cried or not ? '' liz patted his back . pesh appeared then . the moment noah saw his father he kicked to get down . once he got his feet on the floor , he ran to aidan , wrapping his arms around aidan 's leg . `` hey buddy . you want to meet your sister ? '' squatting down , aidan held caroline to where noah could get a good look at her .
`` mama 's tummy baby ? '' aidan laughed . `` yeah , this is your baby sister , caroline . '' noah eyed his sister with a slight frown , as if he was trying to figure her out . megan could only imagine what was going on in his head at the moment . he 'd spent the last sixteen months being the center of his parents ' world , and now there was someone else to share the attention . when caroline scrunched up her face and whimpered , noah patted her arm . `` no cwy , baby . '' `` aw , he 's going to be a good big brother , '' angie remarked . `` yeah , he 'll be fine until caroline needs emma . then he 's going to be ready to sell her to the gypsies . '' a nurse exited emma 's room . `` you can go in now . '' as she gazed around the crowd , she shook her head . `` well , some of you can go in . '' rising up off the floor , aidan took noah 's hand . `` come on , buddy . mama wants to see you . '' noah did n't bother waiting on aidan . he barreled through the door . `` mama !
mama ! '' megan smiled as she watched him climb up on emma 's bed . `` there 's my baby boy ! '' emma cried hoarsely , smothering both his cheeks in kisses . he snuggled up to emma 's side . `` come on , meggie . you and pesh come in first , '' aidan suggested . megan did n't argue with him . instead , she took pesh 's hand and followed aidan inside . emma glanced up and shook her head . `` i 'm so sorry for ruining your engagement party . '' `` you did n't ruin our night , '' pesh reassured her . we kept right on partying-it did n't bother us at all , '' megan teased . megan smiled and jerked her chin over at aidan , who sat in the rocker with caroline . `` congratulations on a beautiful baby girl . '' `` thank you , '' emma replied , as a beaming smile lit up her face . `` are you feeling okay ? '' `` it was a little easier this time and a lot quicker . '' she turned to aidan . `` and this time i did n't have to worry that aidan might not make it . ''
`` no , you just kept screaming at me to drive faster because you were not going to deliver caroline on the side of the interstate . '' emma 's cheeks flushed . `` i guess i was a little panicked . '' pesh took megan 's hand and squeezed it . `` we better go and let the others have a turn , '' he said . `` do you want us to take noah back with us ? '' considering he was plastered to his mother 's side , megan was n't really looking forward to trying to take him . emma gazed down at her son with love burning in her eyes . `` no , i think he can stay here with us a little longer . i might get connor to take him home . i know he 'll be here until casey delivers . '' `` are you sure you wo n't need your rest ? '' `` oh , i 'll pawn him off to aidan and make sure i get plenty of sleep until miss caroline needs me , '' emma replied , with a sly smile . aidan did n't argue with her . he looked perfectly content to lose sleep if it meant being surrounded by his wife and children . after exchanging a few hugs and kisses , she and pesh headed out into the hallway and let the next group in .
as they walked down the hall hand in hand , pesh turned to her and smiled . `` you know , i never thought i would see the day i would be envious of aidan again . '' he heaved a sigh . `` seeing him with his children makes me envious . one day i hope that 's you with my child in your arms . '' whether or not they would have children together had never really been discussed . it was almost a given that they would , so it did n't seem necessary to iron out when and how many . she wanted nothing more than to give pesh a baby of his own . he was truly the father mason had never had . `` give me a year , '' she said softly . `` i 'd like one year for us to be together as a married couple before we try to have children . '' `` that only makes me an even older father , '' he protested . you 're awfully spry for your old age . '' `` i just do n't want to be on a walker at his or her high school graduation . '' `` one year is not going to make that much a difference . '' you win . we 'll wait one year . '' as the elevator doors dinged open , they stepped inside .
gazing down at her , pesh said , `` i could n't have picked a more amazing mother for my future children . '' `` yeah , i got ta agree that you did good , nadeen . real good , '' she teased . he cupped her face in his hands and gave her a lingering kiss that silenced anymore of her comebacks . when he pulled away , she smiled at him . `` keep kissing me like that , and i might decide to wait even longer for a baby . you 'll make me want you , your lips , and your dick all to myself for as long as possible . '' `` and here i thought my kisses might get you in the mood for baby-making , '' pesh mused . `` either way , it 's a win-win situation . so bring it on , nadeen . bring . it . on . '' chapter twenty-two although her stomach screamed in protest to drop her fork , megan could n't resist popping in the last bite of delicious crepe into her mouth . as she chewed , she closed her eyes at the delicious combination of chocolate and strawberries danced along her taste buds . `` good ? '' a voice asked from across the table . her eyelids popped open to take in pesh , her new husband of three days .
he wore an amused smile as he held his cappuccino cup in midair . `` orgasmically good , '' she replied . `` i 'm glad you 're enjoying them . '' `` i 'm going to gain ten pounds while we 're here , '' she replied . as she dabbed her mouth with her napkin , she sighed with absolute contentment . gazing around the tiny parisian cafe , she fought the urge to pinch herself . was she actually in paris on her honeymoon ? when pesh had asked her where she wanted to go , there was only one place . although it was somewhat cliched for a honeymoon destination , she had always wanted to see the city . and because she was marrying a man who loved to spoil her , pesh had booked them for a week 's stay at the hotel plaza athenee . not only had he chosen the hotel for its gorgeous views of the eiffel tower , but it was also where carrie bradshaw stayed when she was in paris . it seems pesh completely understood megan 's love for sex and the city . their first day in the city had been spent in their hotel room . a combination of jetlag and lust had kept them na**d and in bed , stopping only for room service and showers .
today they had pried themselves away from the room to go sightseeing . `` are you ready to go back to the hotel ? '' with a teasing grin , she asked , `` are you tired and want to rest ? '' desire pooled in pesh 's dark eyes . `` no , i do n't want to rest . i want you to model what you bought this afternoon . '' her gaze left his to go down to the pink and black bag at her feet . part of their sightseeing had turned into shopping , in which she bought some very racy lingerie . although she was enjoying her day out in the city , she was also itching to put on the outfit and get back in bed with pesh . `` then let 's go , '' she said . pesh certainly did n't need any more convincing . digging in his pocket , he took out his wallet and threw a wad of euros on the table . then he popped out of seat like a jack-in-the-box . she had to snatch up her purse and bag to keep up with him before he sprinted out the door and into the sunshine . as she passed the colorful flowers in bloom outside the cafe , they transported her back to her wedding .
it had been a perfect , cloudless day when she stood with pesh in the rose garden at her papa 's house . to her , he had never looked more handsome than in his black tux that fit his built frame like a second skin . since she was the master of party planning , megan had enlisted emma 's help in getting the quickie wedding done . even with newborn caroline to tend to , emma had gone above and beyond any expectations megan had . tears had stung her eyes when she first caught sight of the garden as she , on her father 's arm , made her way from the house to the ceremony . white chairs draped with blue silk bunting lined the garden in rows while a tent had been erected to the side of the makeshift altar . next to the chairs , votive candles lit the way up the aisle that was adorned in multicolored rose petals . emma , casey , and two of her best friends from childhood stood at the altar in their cornflower blue bridesmaid dresses . pesh , along with his brothers and aidan , wore blue vests with their tuxes . a string quartet struck up the bridal march to herald her arrival . she would never , ever forget the feeling of walking up the aisle to pesh .
his loving gaze took her in , and she felt like the princess she had always wanted to be on her wedding day . her dress was almost like what a disney princess might wear-a long train , a full ball gown , a bodice encrusted with pearls and sequins , and then a glittering tiara holding her veil in place . the entire world seemed to evaporate when pesh took her hand in his . he was her only focus . she barely heard the words the priest spoke or the lyrics of the song that emma sang . she just stared at her soon-to-be husband-the man who made her believe in romance and true love . she was so lost in thoughts of her wedding day that she accidentally mowed into a woman . `` excuse me , '' she apologized . the woman scowled at her while cursing at megan in french . well , megan imagined it was cursing since she did n't speak french . `` where is that head of yours ? '' pesh asked , with a smile . `` thinking of our wedding day , '' she replied . his smile grew broader at her response , and in the middle of a crowded street , he stopped to kiss her . while it was somewhat chaste and full of more love than lust , it did hold a promise of what was to come later on .
he ended it far sooner than she would like . `` let 's hurry , '' he replied . she giggled before breaking into a slight run towards the hotel . he followed her example . by the time they pushed through the revolving doors into the lobby , they were both breathless . like two mischievous kids , they raced to the elevators . once inside , they wrapped their arms around each other and kissed passionately until the door dinged open . they pulled apart long enough to get down the hall and into their suite . when the door closed behind them , pesh pulled her to him , bestowing a lingering kiss on her lips . as he ravaged her mouth , his tongue darted inside to tease along hers . when she felt his evident desire poking into her stomach , she broke the kiss . at his groan , she shook her head . `` not yet . i have to get dressed . '' `` next time , '' he muttered . pushing out of his arms , she grinned up at him . `` i 'll be back in just a second . you get ready . '' `` oh , i 'll be ready . that 's a promise . '' she laughed and then practically skipped into the bathroom . once she closed and locked the door , she sat the bag down and dug inside .
after she decided what to wear , she laid them out on the counter , and then started taking off her clothes . when she was naked , she reached for the lingerie . the tight bodice was solid black with pink ribbons that wove through making intricate designs . it pushed her brsts up and over the cups , making her appear to have far more cleage than she was blessed with . the black and pink panties were lace and practically see through . on her legs , she slid black silk stockings that had pink bows at the tops of her thighs . as she fluffed out her hair , she could n't help gazing in the mirror . she looked quite the sexpot , which she hoped pleased pesh . well , she knew it would please pesh . the man was ravenous for her , something for which she was very thankful . not quite the polite gentleman she had expected when she first met him , that was for sure . megan opened the bathroom door . across the room , pesh stood gazing out the window , stripped down to his boxer shorts . when she cleared her throat , he jerked his head to stare at her . slowly , she walked out of the bathroom . her eyes stayed on him . a shiver rippled through her as he tracked her every move .
when she finally stood before him , it took less than a second for him to pounce on her . his hands grabbed her by the waist , jerking her flush against him . his mouth bore down on hers in a frantic kiss as he ground his ck between her legs . breathless , she pulled away to gaze up at him . `` does this mean you like the lingerie ? '' `` oh hell yes , i do . i think we 're going to have to go back and get you some more . '' `` more shopping ? you wo n't hear me say no to that . '' bending over , pesh brought his arm under her knees and then lifted her up . she felt so light in his arms as he walked her over to the bed and gently deposited her on the mattress . as he loomed over her , her heartbeat sped up in anticipation the sensual delicacies she was about to experience . tugging on the straps of the bodice , he bared her brsts . his mouth hovered over her nipple , breathing warm air onto the cool tip . it puckered under his attention before his tongue darted out and flicked it . `` mmm , '' she murmured , her fingers tightening in his hair . making slow circles around her nipple , pesh continued his teasing assault .
arching her back , she gripped the strands of his hair tighter , willing him to take her nipple in his whole mouth . finally , he obliged her , sucking the hardened peak into his mouth . while he gave oral attention to one breast , his hand palmed and stroked the other . as the heat and moisture built in her core , megan began sawing her legs back and forth . the friction eased her a little , but she wanted pesh 's fingers , tongue , and dick there more than anything . over the fabric of her bodice , he kissed down her stomach . just as he reached the juncture between her legs , he bypassed it and began kissing and licking the exposed skin on her upper thighs . she groaned in protest . he gazed up at her with a teasing smile . `` did you want me to kiss you somewhere else ? '' raising her hips , she replied , `` you know where i want you-where i want all of you . '' `` patience , my love . '' she muttered . with one quick movement , she was out from underneath him in a flash . surprise filled his face as she flipped him over onto his back and straddled him once again . raking her fingernails down his chest , she stopped just at the waistband of his boxers .
as his breath hitched , her hands went to his thighs , scraping a trail up the exposed skin to his dick . his hps bucked up , causing her to smile . `` oh , did you want me to touch you somewhere else ? '' with a growl , he gripped her by the ass and forced her onto her knees . he slid down the mattress to where her core was right at his mouth . his tongue flicked out , sliding along the thin scrap of her panties . she gasped as he flattened his tongue and rubbed it over her clit . even through the fabric , it lit her on fire . as he added more pressure , she began to rock her hps against his face . closing her eyes , she concentrated on the feel of tongue . when he pulled away , she whimpered . his lips came to kiss along her thighs again . just as pesh 's teeth dug into one of the bows on her stockings , megan 's ringtone for mason blared out over her frustrated breaths . pesh protested the interruption with a grunt , but immediately let the stocking fall from his mouth . it 's his bedtime call . i have to take it , '' megan said , as she sat up in the bed . `` it 's all right , my love .
i 'm the one with patience , not you , '' he replied , with a smile . she rolled her eyes at him as she grabbed the phone off the nightstand and answered it . `` hey baby , '' she said , trying to catch her breath . `` hi mommy . miss you . '' her heart warmed hearing his tiny voice while an ache filled her chest . `` oh , i miss you too , sweet boy . are you being good for grammy ? '' `` uh-huh . pway with noah today . '' `` did you ? did you have fun ? '' but caowine cwies . '' megan laughed at his summation of the latest fitzgerald family member . `` i bet she does . she 's a little baby , and they do like to cry . you cried a lot when you were that age . '' `` where daddy ? '' glancing at pesh , megan smiled . `` he 's right here . you want to talk to him ? '' megan handed the phone to pesh . his face lit up as he said , `` hey buddy , how are you ? '' as mason rattled along to pesh , megan could n't help thinking of how happy mason had been on her wedding day . he had played his part as ring bearer wonderfully .
everyone commented on how handsome he was in small tux and how much he looked like her . he was so excited to have a daddy and to be part of a real family . he did n't even seem to mind that they were moving away from his grandparents into pesh 's house . of course , pesh had sweetened the moving angst by having a black lab puppy , just like beau , waiting for mason in his new room . he had squealed so loud that megan thought her ear drums were going to burst . `` oh , so beau two pee-peed on grammy 's rug , huh ? '' pesh asked , throwing megan an `` oh shit '' look . while they were away , angie was in charge of both mason and the puppy , who mason had aptly named beau two after his first love , beau . megan could imagine her mother was fit to be tied with her rugs being christened by puppy piss . `` okay , you better go to bed now . mommy and i miss you very , very much . we 're bringing you lots of presents home . '' at mason 's reply , tears shimmered in pesh 's eyes . `` i love you , too , buddy , '' he replied , in a choked voice .
`` say goodnight to mommy , '' he replied , thrusting the phone at megan . a sheepish expression came over pesh 's face as he ground the moisture from his eyes with his fists . megan took the phone . `` night , night , mommy ! '' mason called . `` night , night , baby . you have sweet dreams , and i 'll talk to you tomorrow . '' wuv you ! '' after megan hung up , she still cradled the phone to her ear as if by doing that , she was able to have mason a little closer . pesh 's hand came to rest on hers . `` he 's something , is n't he ? '' `` yes , he is , '' she murmured . `` i know it makes me a complete pansy , but every time he tells me he loves , i ca n't help but cry . '' putting her phone back on the nightstand , megan eased herself over onto pesh 's lap . `` do n't you ever worry that i think you 're a pansy because of what you feel for mason . it makes me love you even more . '' brushing her hand across his cheek , she added , `` a man who is n't afraid of showing his emotions or his vulnerability is very sexy . ''
`` mmm , i do . '' `` i 'm glad to hear you say that . '' `` where were we ? '' glancing down at his crotch , pesh said , `` i think we 're starting over from my perspective . '' megan 's hand went to cup his now deflated erection . she rubbed him over the boxers before dipping her hand inside to grip him . pesh hissed in a breath . his head fell back against the headboard as she started stroking his growing length . sliding down his body , she brought her hand to his lap and took him into her mouth . her tongue teasingly flicked across the tip . pesh 's hand came to tangle in her hair . she did leisurely strokes up and down his length before bringing him into her mouth . as she began bobbing up and down , pesh 's groans echoed through the room . as she cut her gaze up to him , he glanced down at her with hooded eyes . `` so good , baby . so , so good , '' he murmured . when he started tensing up , she let him fall free of her mouth . `` i want you to come inside me , '' she said , as she climbed up his body .
rising up on her knees , she brought pesh 's hands to the elastic band of her underwear . he tore them off her hps and down her thighs . somehow she managed to get them off and toss them to the floor beside the bed . leaving on the bustier , she guided his erection to her core . slowly , she eased down on him , inch by inch . when he was balls deep inside her , she sat back on his thighs . raising her knees , she placed both her feet flat on the mattress . from this position , she was giving pesh quite the view as she rose on and off of him . as the pressure began building inside her , the more frantic her movements became . harder and harder she bounced , the sound of skin slapping along with grunts and panting echoing through the room . when pesh 's fingers came to tease her clit , she came undone , crying out and collapsing onto his chest . he continued raising his hps to pump into her until he came a few moments later . brushing the hair out of her face , pesh stared up at megan with a satisfied expression . she brought her lips to his for a gentle kiss . `` i love you , mr . `` do you ? ''
`` i love you and your talented fingers and dick , all of who give me wonderful orgasms . '' he barked out a laugh . `` i 've married such a naughty girl , have n't i ? '' `` yes , you have . '' `` i would n't have you any other way , my love . '' megan smiled as he slid free of her body . easing her onto her side , pesh spooned up behind her , nuzzling his face in her neck . `` rest now , '' he said , drowsily . `` yes , you need your rest . i 'm going to want more of you in a little while . '' his chuckle made her tingle with love and lust . with the feel of his arm wrapped around her , megan let her drooping eyes close and drifted off to a contented sleep . chapter twenty-three as they sat outside the courtroom waiting to be called in , megan adjusted mason 's blue and white striped tie for the hundredth time . `` mommy , no , '' he pleaded . she snatched her hands away . `` i 'm sorry , sweetheart . i 'll leave you alone . '' `` tank you , '' he replied , going back to his game on his tablet . the truth was her nervous hands needed to be doing something .
sensing her need , pesh reached over and took her hands in his . `` relax . everything is going to be fine . '' megan wanted to believe him , but she could n't help feeling anxious . she would n't be able to calm down until the ink had dried on the paperwork . her feet , encased in black heels , tapped anxiously on the floor . the clattering noise echoed around the atrium . as she glanced between pesh and mason , megan had to smile . the two men in her life looked almost identical today in their navy suits and ties . of course mason 's was considerably smaller than pesh 's . when the door opened and a clerk poked her head out the door , megan 's heartbeat started thrumming faster and faster . `` megan nadeen ? '' she shot off the bench . `` that 's us . i mean , i 'm megan nadeen . '' the clerk smiled . `` you guys can come in now . '' taking a deep breath , megan reached for mason 's hand . `` this is it , baby . '' he grinned and then glanced up at pesh . `` you be my daddy now ? '' `` yes , i 'm going to be your daddy for real now . ''
they walked through the massive doors of the courtroom . the judge , in his ominous black robe , gazed down at them from his bench . `` good morning , '' he said , politely . `` g-good morning , '' megan stammered . `` i understand that we 're here today to petition for the adoption of the minor child , mason patrick mckenzie ? '' `` yes , '' megan and pesh replied . `` first , we need to swear you all in , '' the judge said . megan went through the motions of the procedure , trying desperately to calm her nerves . when pesh had first broached the subject of formally adopting mason , she initially had been thrilled and honored . but then she had to worry about whether davis would allow pesh to adopt mason or not . although he still had nothing to do with his son , davis had n't shown a lot of enthusiasm about the prospect . the closer they got to the adoption hearing , the more megan worried that he would refuse . `` dr. nadeen , i understand that you wish to adopt the minor child of your wife ? '' pesh nodded enthusiastically . `` yes , your honor , i would . ''
`` i see that you and your wife have been married less than two months , and that you 've only known her a year . '' the judge adjusted his glasses that had slid down his pointy nose . `` do you think it wise to legally bind yourself to this child after such a short time ? '' megan fought the urge to stalk up to the bench and smack the judge . instead , she took deep breaths and tried to reign in her temper . she glanced over at pesh who merely smiled pleasantly at the judge . `` your honor , i realize that on paper it might seem as though i am rushing into things . however , i 've never been more certain of anything in my life as i am about my love for megan and in turn , my love for mason . i 've waited a long time to be a father , and i do n't want to have to waste another second . '' the judge eyed the folder open before him . `` i understand the biological father has had no contact with the child . '' `` that 's correct , '' megan replied . `` he has also waved his parental rights so that dr. nadeen can adopt his son . '' megan exhaled a relieved breath that davis had signed the paperwork . `` i 'm glad to hear that , your honor , '' she said .
`` do you feel that your husband will make a good father for your son ? '' `` i never would have dated , least of all married him , if i did n't believe that pesh would be a good and loving father to mason . '' `` so the fact that he is a wealthy doctor had nothing to do with it ? '' `` how dare you ! '' when pesh grabbed her arm to silence her , she slung him away . `` you 've known us for two minutes and you 're making assumptions about me , my husband , and my marriage ? if this were about money , i could have used his father for child support considering he is a wealthy nfl player . but i would have sacrificed everything to ensure that my son had a good father ! '' `` mrs. nadeen , i will ask that you control yourself , or i will have to hold you in contempt , '' the judge said sternly . pesh wrapped his arm around her waist , drawing her against him . `` easy , '' he murmured . although she hated to do it , she said , `` i 'm sorry , your honor . '' when he smiled at her , she gasped in surprise . `` and i am sorry for rattling you , mrs. nadeen .
i often say or do unorthodox things to see the true nature of the people who come before me . '' `` you mean , you said that to get a reaction from me ? '' `` yes , i did . and you unwaveringly rose to my challenge . i can see that you are truly concerned with the wellbeing of your son . '' still reeling from the judge 's behavior , megan mumbled , `` thank you . '' peering down over the bench , the judge surmised mason . `` son , do you know why you 're here today ? '' `` i gettin ' 'dopted , '' mason replied . the judge smiled . `` yes , you are . do you want pesh to be your daddy ? '' `` do you want anyone else to be your daddy ? '' `` no , '' mason replied quickly , shaking his head back and forth . `` then come up here while i sign the paperwork . '' mason happily ran around the side of the bench to the judge . he climbed up onto the judge 's lap . after signing several sets of papers , the judge handed mason his gavel . `` once you bang that gavel , pesh is officially your daddy , and you are mason nadeen . '' with a broad grin , mason brought the gavel down .

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