Datasets:

jxie

/

wiki_books

like 2

after spooning out two heaping plates full, along with some rice, she put it in the microwave. she then motioned for him to have a seat at the table. `` you don't need to wait on me . ''`` just shut up and let me take care of you for two seconds . ''her words reminded him of when she had cleaned his wounds after dev's punch. no matter what the situation, she was always ready to be there for him and take care of him. the microwave beeped and brought him out of his thoughts. mason hurried over to the table and sat down beside pesh in his booster seat. when megan put down the steaming plates, he reached for her hand and kissed it. `` thank you . ''a funny look passed in her eyes before she smiled. `` you're welcome . ''`` won't you sit with us ? ''he asked. `` actually, i would love to take a warm bath. you know, to see if it would help relax my muscles . ''pesh smiled. `` i'll be happy to keep an eye on mason while you do that . ''`` you don't mind ? ''`` of course i don't . ''`` thanks.

i really appreciate it . ''she kissed the top of mason's head, and then kissed his cheek. she turned to start into the bedroom before whirling back around. he lowered his fork at the expression on her face. placing her hands on his cheeks, she leaned in and laid a big one on him. he couldn't hide his surprise. when she pulled away, she grinned at his speechlessness. `` i won't be long, '' she said. once the bedroom door closed behind her, pesh gazed over at mason. `` what do you want to do when we finish eating ? ''`` minions, '' he mumbled through a mouthful of food. pesh furrowed his brows in confusion. `` what's minions ? ''hopping down off his chair, mason ran over to the tv. when he returned, he had a dvd box in his hand. he pointed to some yellow blobs on the cover. `` minions . ''`` ah, i see. you want to watch this . ''mason bobbed his head. `` is it your favorite ? ''pesh asked. `` uh, huh, '' mason replied. `` then i guess we better eat fast so we can watch it . ''

at mason's beaming grin, pesh felt a little tug in his chest. even though he shouldn't, he already had strong feelings for the little boy. from almost the moment they'd met, mason had let pesh into his world. the sound of a fork clattering on a plate brought pesh out of his thoughts. `` done ! ''mason exclaimed, hopping out of his chair. although pesh wasn't finished, mason grabbed his hand and led him from the table. instead of arguing with him, pesh just let himself be dragged over to the tv. once he got the movie on, they settled down on the couch. he couldn't fight the warmth that spread through his chest when mason snuggled close to his side. instead, he just embraced the feeling and let happiness override the doubt that screamed in his mind. under the strong, warm jets of the jacuzzi tub, megan's pain started to fade. of course, as much as she tried to relax, it was too hard considering that pesh was in her living room. she couldn't believe that he had shown up out of the blue to check on her.

just when she thought he couldn't be any kinder or more attentive, he did something like that. tilting her neck on the foam headrest, she thought about her talk with kristi the day before. she hated to admit it, but she knew she had a choice to make. she either had to let go of pesh, or she had to make things official with him. they couldn't just keep dating and hooking up ... or was it just hooking up? with a frustrated groan, she shifted in the tub, sloshing the water around. closing her eyes, she tried to search her heart for how she truly felt. no man had ever made her feel like felt with pesh, and that could be said both inside and out of the bedroom. gazing down at her pruning fingers, she knew it was time to get out of the tub. she could stay there for days and still not have the answer she so desperately sought. after she toweled off and wrapped herself in her terry cloth robe, she went out into the bedroom.

as she threw on a fresh pair of pajama pants and a t-shirt, she noticed it was awfully quiet in the living room. wondering what mason and pesh could be doing, she ducked out of the bedroom. the sight across from her on the couch made her chest clench with emotion. reaching up, she clutched her t-shirt over her heart, trying to still some of the ache that burned there. with the strains of despicable me playing in the background, pesh lay on his back with mason on top of him. her son's face was snuggled into pesh's chest, and he was sound asleep. they both were. pesh's face was tilted down, his nose pressed into the strands of mason's hair. before she could harden herself to the emotions coursing through her, tears stung her eyes. in that moment, she allowed herself to fantasize that this was truly her life. she had a loving husband who adored her, and her son had an attentive and doting father. what more could she ask for in life?

in those minutes of weakness, she wondered why she had been fighting pesh so hard about a relationship. besides her own happiness, there was nothing more in the world that she wanted than for mason to be safe and happy. as she came crashing back to reality, she saw things clearly for the first time in a long time. pesh had been so worried about her that he'd driven over just to check on her. she'd never had a boyfriend who cared about her that much, and no matter how hard she searched in the future, she was probably never going to find another man like pesh. there were so many things about him that she liked ... maybe even loved. he made her want to get up in the mornings, so she could see him at work. she found herself anxiously checking her phone to see if she had a text from him. she loved spending time with him. but it was more than just the feelings that pesh felt for her or that she felt for him-it was the fact that he cared so much about her son.

they were a package deal for any future man, and he had willingly embraced that fact without complaint. on shaky legs, she walked over to the couch. as she stood over the two of them, she couldn't help reaching out her hand and tenderly touching pesh's cheek. he stirred at the contact. when his eyelids fluttered open, she smiled at him. `` hi . ''his gaze spun around the room like he was trying hard to remember where he was. when he glanced down at mason, realization washed over his face. `` sorry. i didn't mean to fall asleep . ''`` it's okay. i'm sure you needed it. besides, i took too long in the tub . ''he smiled. `` i would argue that you need it as well . ''bending over, she slid her hand under mason's stomach while the other went under his legs. she hoisted him up and into her arms. when he whimpered, she murmured, `` shh, mommy's going to put you to bed . ''`` night, night, pesh, '' mason mumbled drowsily. `` good night, little man, '' pesh replied.

once she had tucked mason in and kissed his cheek, she closed his bedroom door and returned to the living room. pesh sat hunched over on the edge of one of the couch cushions, as if he were planning to leave as soon as she came back. `` is he okay ? ''he asked. she nodded. `` out like a light the moment i put him down . ''`` good . ''when he started to stand up, she pushed him back down on the couch. easing down onto his lap, she wrapped her arms around his neck. he brought his hand up to rub lazy circles over her back. she didn't speak for a few minutes. instead, she just enjoyed being close to him, the feel of his hand on her, his strong, muscled thighs beneath her. `` thank you for coming over tonight . ''his brows rose in surprise. `` are you sure? i was afraid i was overstepping my bounds . ''raking her fingers through his dark hair, she shook her head. `` i think we need to talk about our boundaries . ''`` oh ? ''she nodded. `` you coming over here tonight made me realize something very important.

what we've been doing has been fun, and i've enjoyed every minute of it. but now- '' pesh's dark eyes snapped shut, and the expression on his face shifted as if he were in pain. `` please. you don't have to say this. i'll just go . ''`` but i don't want you to go, '' she argued. `` then what are you trying to say ? ''`` that i need you in my life, and i want more . ''his brows shot up. `` more? as in more of us together ? ''`` yes . ''he sucked in a breath. `` you want us to be an official couple ? ''she smiled. `` yes, i do. well, everywhere except work . ''`` i can't believe it, '' he murmured. `` this isn't exactly the reaction i thought you would have, '' she teased. `` oh, i'm happy. trust me. i'm just shocked, that's all . ''she brought her lips to his and gave him a tender kiss. against his lips, she murmured, `` can you ever forgive me for being so stubborn and so stupid ? ''`` i can try. but i suppose you're going to have to work very hard to make it up to me . ''`` am i ? ''he nodded.

`` yes, very hard . ''`` why do i have the funny feeling that your idea of me making it up to you is entirely different than mine ? ''`` no more orgasms for dates. just dates . ''`` i can handle that . ''a wicked gleam flashed in pesh's eyes. `` the first date will be to the fox to see an opera . ''she groaned. `` you don't play fair . ''he ran his hands up her sides, causing her to shiver. `` i would have to argue that you haven't been playing fair all along. now it's my turn . ''`` are you going to punish me ? ''she questioned in a whisper. `` mmm, hmm, there will lots of dates and lots of time spent together . ''he quirked a brow at her. `` a true hell on earth . ''she couldn't help giggling. `` i'll be a good girl and take it . ''`` i'm glad to hear it . ''as they lapsed into silence, megan's fingers wound through the hair at the base of his neck. `` do you want to stay the night with me ? ''pesh's brows furrowed as if silently questioning her proposal. `` but you- '' `` no sex.

just sleeping . ''`` you think that's a good idea with mason ? ''`` we're a couple now. he's going to be seeing a lot of you . ''pesh smiled. `` yes, he is . ''staring into his eyes, she asked, `` so you'll stay ? ''`` it would be a pleasure . ''without another word, she rose off his lap. after he got up off the sofa, she took him by the hand and led him to her bedroom. as she sat on the edge of the mattress, she watched as pesh stripped down to his boxer shorts. when he was finished, he walked slowly over to her. `` i'm sorry we can't do anything else . ''he brushed the hair out of her face and cupped her cheeks. `` i don't mind. i'm happy just to be with you . ''in her heart, she was happy as well and not just about him staying the night. but for how everything between them had worked out. `` so am i, '' she murmured before lying back on the bed. `` so am i . ''chapter eighteen for megan, the next few weeks flew by.

she didn't know if it was because she was so busy at work, or it was because she was so happy being with pesh. she liked to think it was the latter. or maybe it was that she was busy being with pesh. on her off days and his, they spent every second together. most often, he came to her house. they made dinner together or they went out. although her parents didn't entirely approve, he slept over as well. what they didn't know is that some nights nothing illicit even happened between them. exhausted from the day's events, they merely enjoyed lying in each other's arms. as she came out of a patient's room, she glanced up to see pesh standing across the hall talking to another doctor. for just a moment, his gaze met hers, and although no one else could have possibly noticed it, she saw the longing and the affection. she gave him a brief nod before walking on to the nurses ' station.

since they had become a couple, their time at work had become almost a game of wills to pretend there was nothing going on between them. most days, it was harder than megan could have ever imagined not to burst out in a smile whenever she saw him or to resist the urge not to wrap her arms around him. but somehow they made it work. in the end, the pent up emotions that were suppressed during the day made for a lot of heated fireworks in the evenings. megan's thoughts were interrupted at the buzzing of her phone. when she glanced down at it, she grinned. it was pesh. it killed me not to be able to kiss you a moment ago. i know. me too. dinner at my place tonight? u cooking? she questioned. yeah. indian food. mmm, sounds good. what time ? ''7. does mason like indian food? megan eyed his text thoughtfully. the last three times she had been with pesh, mason had been with them as well. pesh never seemed to mind, but megan wanted a night with just him. a true date night. not sure.

will get my parents or papa to babysit. you don't have to do that. i know. i want to. okay. see you at 7. bye. she had just slipped her phone back in her pocket when she was ambushed by kara. since the day she'd seen kara grope pesh in the hallway, megan had loathed the sight of her. she had managed to keep her distance from her at work, but lately, she noticed that kara had been creeping around, staring at her. `` can i do something for you ? ''megan asked politely. `` yeah, for starters, you can drop the sugar sweet act. i know how you feel about me . ''megan fought the urge to roll her eyes. instead, she crossed her arms over her chest. `` fine. what do you need kara ? ''kara glanced around them before she spoke. `` i want you to back off of pesh . ''`` excuse me ? ''narrowing her eyes, kara said, `` i know you're into him. i can see it in the way you look at him ... it's in the way he looks at you, too. and i don't like it . ''

`` well, i'm terribly sorry that you don't, but frankly, i don't see how any of that is any of your business . ''`` oh, he is very much my business considering we've been together . ''`` um, okay. whatever, '' megan replied, feeling slightly shattered by kara's proclamation. in the rational side of her mind, she knew there was no way pesh could be involved with kara. but at the moment, it was the irrational side that seemed to be winning out over whether pesh was truly hers. kara jerked her chin in the air. `` besides the fact of what pesh and i are to each other, i'm sure it would be very interesting business to your professor. last time i checked, a nursing candidate wasn't supposed to get involved with a doctor. bad for one's reputation . ''`` are you threatening me ? ''after a casual shrug of her shoulders, kara replied, `` just stating facts. you don't impress me as one of those bimbo girls who likes to be used by a man for sex, which i'm afraid that's exactly what pesh is doing with you.

but more than not wanting to be a sex toy, i imagine you wouldn't want to do anything to harm your future career . ''`` i'm not discussing this any further, '' megan muttered, as she started past her. `` i won't be either as long as you stay away from pesh . ''without giving kara a final glance, megan continued walking down the hallway. she didn't know where she was going, but she knew she wanted to put as much distance as she could between herself and kara. the rest of the day she felt haunted by kara's words. more than anything, she couldn't wait until she could be alone with pesh to talk to him about it. pesh jerked his head up at the loud bang behind him. the garage door leading into the kitchen was thrown open with such a force that it rattled on its hinges. megan stalked into the room, her mouth turned down in a determined frown. she threw her purse down onto the floor beside one of the bar stools.

with a frustrated breath, she blew back a few errant strands of blonde hair that had escaped the loose knot at the back of her neck. `` bad day ? ''he asked, with thinly veiled amusement. she glared at him. `` yes, as a matter of fact it was . ''`` what happened ? ''`` well, where do i start? when i went to drop mason off at papa's house, there was a woman there with him . ''pesh's brows rose in surprise. `` patrick is dating ? ''`` he claims she's- '' megan paused to make air quotes with her fingers, `` just a friend. but i don't buy it . ''as he stirred the rice, he glanced at her over his shoulder. `` would it be wrong if he were dating ? ''a long sigh escaped megan's lips. `` no, he deserves to be happy. my nana has been dead for six years, so it's not like he raced out the moment he was free and started going through women like kleenex . ''pesh chuckled at her summation. `` did you not like her ? ''crossing her arms over her chest, megan replied, `` that's the other part. she seemed really nice.

and mason loves her. i guess she's been there before when he stayed with papa . ''after abandoning his place by the stove, pesh placed his hands on the marble countertop and leaned in close to megan. `` it sounds to me like patrick has found a good woman who loves him and his family. i don't think you could ask for a better scenario . ''she stared into his eyes for a moment before she smiled. `` you're right. i don't know why i got so upset about it all . ''`` because as much as you love your grandfather, you're still protective of your grandmother's memory . ''`` you're so wise, '' she murmured. `` it comes with age, '' he replied, with a wink. `` whatever . ''he gave her a quick kiss on the lips before returning to the stove. `` so besides patrick's new lady friend, what else happened to get you so upset ? ''when megan didn't reply, pesh turned around. `` what else is it ? ''`` you need to have a serious discussion with kara . ''his brows rose in surprise. `` i do ? ''`` yes, you do . ''

`` megan, you do remember that i'm not in charge of nurses . ''she rolled her eyes. `` yes, i realize that. but you are in charge of your dick, are you not ? ''`` excuse me ? ''crossing her arms over her chest, megan said, `` kara seems to think that the two of you are an item . ''pesh chuckled. `` oh that's nonsense. we're just friends from working together . ''megan narrowed her eyes suspiciously at him. `` you've never seen her outside of work ? ''this was one area of questioning he hadn't bargained on ever having to answer. the truth was something he really didn't want to admit to megan. carefully choosing his words, he replied, `` we got together for drinks a couple of times after work a few months back. i hardly think that categorizes us as an 'item . ' ''`` it must be enough for her to think she can tell me that you're only using me for sex . ''pesh winced at the words. he would have never taken kara for being someone who was jealous. he put down the spatula and turned off the stove.

he knew he couldn't go forward without coming clean. `` megan, i haven't been honest with you . ''`` what do you mean ? ''she asked. `` i told you that kara and i had only had drinks a couple of times. but that isn't the whole truth . ''megan's eyes widened. `` what are you saying ? ''defeated, his shoulders drooped a little. `` after the night of noah's baptism, i couldn't get you off my mind. i wanted to prove to myself that i wasn't so enamored by you. so after having a couple of drinks one night, kara and i went to my car and fooled around . ''`` you got drunk ? ''he gave a mirthless laugh. `` that is what is most shocking to you in what i just told you ? ''`` did you think i would be mad at you for messing around with some woman when we weren't dating ? ''`` yes, '' he answered honestly. megan shook her head. `` what you did then was your business. i mean, i'm not thrilled to hear that you fooled around with her, especially since you wouldn't sleep with me when i asked you to . ''

`` but don't you see the difference? i cared for you, and i cared nothing for her. we were barely in the car fifteen minutes if that tells you anything . ''the corners of her lips tugged up in a small smile. `` i really don't need the details of how much you didn't enjoy yourself . ''he ducked his head. `` i'm sorry. i shouldn't have said that . ''`` but at the same time, i'm glad to hear that you won't be going back for a repeat performance . ''jerking his gaze up to meet hers, he replied, `` never could i do that . ''`` and you really were trying to get me off your mind ? ''`` yes, i was . ''`` in a warped way, that's very romantic, '' she teased. `` i'm glad you think so, '' he mumbled. `` look, it's not the fact that she said you were using me for sex that has me so upset . ''`` it's not ? ''`` she threatened me . ''pesh's eyes narrowed. `` physically ? ''`` not exactly. she said that if i didn't watch my back, she would report me to the dean . ''a low growl erupted from pesh's chest.

`` she seriously said that ? ''`` yes, she did . ''`` i'm sorry that her jealousy and spitefulness is rearing its head. i never imagined she was such a person when i ... well, when i got involved with her. i'll make sure to speak to her. no one should have to work in a hostile environment, and she must understand that just because of her seniority, she is not allowed to harass you . ''pesh watched megan fidget on her feet while nibbling on her bottom lip. `` do you not want me to speak to her ? ''`` no, that's fine. it's just ... '' `` is there something else ? ''`` you know how much i like you. i mean, the very fact i agreed to date you shows how much i'm committed to you . ''pesh crossed his arms over his chest. `` i'm thinking there's a 'but ' coming that i'm not going to like . ''megan sighed. `` but at the same time, whatever it is that is happening between us ... '' she swallowed hard. `` i've worked really hard in school, pesh.

i don't want anything on my record that could hurt my chances of getting a job . ''if she was the crying type, he would have sworn her eyes shimmered with tears. he came around the counter to pull her into his arms. `` hey now, don't you worry one bit about getting into trouble. anyone who has seen you in action on the floor knows what a talented and gifted nurse you are . ''she sniffled. `` if there's even a rumor of me having an affair with an attending physician, i could be blacklisted . ''pesh pulled away to grip her chin in his fingers. `` after i speak to kara, you will have nothing to worry about, okay ? ''he could tell that even though she wanted to relax and let go of her anxiety, she couldn't. `` come on. let's fix you up . ''she wiped her eyes. `` what do you mean ? ''with a wink, he went over to the cabinet and got down a wine glass. then he poured some white wine into the glass before setting it down on the bar. `` take that . ''megan glanced at the glass and then back at him.

`` are you trying to ply me with wine ? ''`` maybe . ''she leaned forward and picked it up. he watched as she couldn't resist the temptation and she took a hearty gulp. closing her eyes, she murmured, `` that's so good . ''`` i'm glad you like it . ''he walked around the counter again. this time he took her free hand. `` come on . ''`` where are we going ? ''`` for part two of your relaxation . ''megan smiled at him before he began tugging her down the hall. when he got into the bedroom, he noticed her sigh of frustration when they bypassed the bed for the bathroom. `` while i finish dinner for us, you need to soak in a nice, hot bath . ''`` you spoil me, '' she protested with a smile. he gave her a playful wink before turning on the bath water. once he got the temperature right, he turned back to her. `` bubbles? bath salt ? ''she raised her brows. `` don't tell me you actually have those? i mean, i know you're a metrosexual but really ? ''`` we all have our secrets, '' he replied.

he didn't have the heart to tell her that he had kept some of jade's bath and body works stuff. he might've tried to bury them under the bathroom counter to get them out of sight and out of mind, but they were still there. he rummaged around to pull out a vanilla bottle as well as a peach. he held them up to megan for her approval. `` hmm, vanilla . ''`` good choice . ''it was the one scent that didn't remind him of jade since she never used it. he poured a healthy cupful under the water, letting the foam magnify. `` ready to get in ? ''megan glanced down at herself before looking back at him. `` well, i seem to still be dressed . ''pesh cocked his head at her. `` oh really? i can help you with that . ''he took the wine glass from her and sat it on the counter. his fingers came to the hem of her shirt. without taking his eyes off of hers, he jerked it up and over her head. he gazed down at her simple, white bra.

she sucked in a breath when his fingers skimmed her abdomen before he gripped the waistband of her scrubs and tugged them down. she stepped out of the pants, standing before him in only her bra and skimpy thong. taking her by the shoulders, he gently turned her around. his fingers trailed down her back to the clasp of her bra. once he unhooked it, he brought his hands up to slide it off her shoulders. unable to resist the softness of her skin, he bent his head to kiss along her back. as he dropped the bra to the floor, his hands skimmed up her ribcage to cup her br**sts. `` mmm, '' megan murmured, letting her head fall back against his chest. `` i'm only supposed to be undressing you, '' he argued, as he let her br**sts fall free of his hands. she immediately picked them up and brought them back to cup her flesh. `` i like the way you undress me. it's very relaxing . ''rolling her puckered ni**les between his fingers, he was rewarded with her gasp of pleasure. `` the water is getting cold, '' he warned.

`` i'm getting so hot, i can warm it up . ''he chuckled against her ear before taking his hands away from her. as she whined in protest, his fingers jerked her thong down over her thighs. she raised her feet to step out of the underwear. `` all right. get in . ''`` tease, '' she muttered, before walking over to the tub. he only got to admire her na**d backside for a moment before she lowered herself into the tub and disappeared under the foam. leaning back against the wall, she closed her eyes in bliss. `` this feels amazing . ''`` good . ''`` but you know what would feel even better ? ''`` what ? ''her eyes popped open, and she smiled invitingly up at him. `` if you were in here with me . ''`` really ? ''`` mmm, hmm . ''`` i should be finishing dinner, '' he argued, feebly. megan eyed the growing bulge in his pants. `` i think you should be in here letting me finish you . ''he threw his head back and laughed. `` fine. you drive a hard bargain, my lady . ''he quickly unbuttoned and took off his shirt.

then his fingers went to the button and zipper on his pants. he slid them and his boxers down and stepped out of them, leaving him naked. megan didn't take her eyes off him the whole time. he shifted them in the water, bringing megan up to straddle him, but she was facing away from him. `` what are you doing ? ''she asked. he brought his hands to her shoulders and started massaging the tense muscles. `` helping you relax . ''she ground herself against his erection. `` i was hoping a couple of orgasms would do that instead . ''he chuckled. `` don't you believe in foreplay ? ''`` yes, but not when i'm this horny . ''bending his head, he let his warm breath tickle her outer ear. `` you, my love, are never going to be a candidate for tantric sex. you will never allow yourself to enjoy delayed pleasure and release . ''`` i want to try-honest, i do . ''`` but just not this evening, right ? ''one of his hands abandoned her shoulder to slide down in between her legs.

she gasped as his thumb rubbed against her clit. as he continued stroking her with his thumb, he pushed two fingers into her slick passage. megan whimpered and thrust her h*ps against him. pesh kissed and licked her wet neck and back as he pumped his fingers in and out of her. `` does that feel good ? ''`` yes, oh yes, '' she murmured. he increased the pressure of his thumb, and megan shrieked, bucking her h*ps faster and faster against his fingers. when his other hand cupped and kneaded her breast, she cried out and came, her walls clenching against his fingers. once she finished shuddering, she collapsed back against him. `` feeling better now ? ''`` a little . ''she twisted her body around to where she was facing him. `` i want you inside me the next time i come . ''she rose up and then took his erection in her hand. while keeping her eyes on his, she guided him into her core. slowly, she sunk inch by inch on him. when she was fully seated, they both moaned at the feeling.

at the intensity of what he felt inside her, pesh was thankful she had taken him up on the birth control script where he didn't have to use condoms anymore. she brought her hands up to his shoulders, and then she began to ride him. his hands came to grip her waist as his head bent forward to suckle one of her ni**les into his mouth. his teeth grazed the bud before his tongue flicked and teased it into a hardened point. throwing her head back, megan's walls tensed and convulsed around him. he knew he had a long way to go before he was going to come. once she recovered, megan panted as she started riding him faster, causing the water to slosh around them. as his mouth latched onto her other breast, megan threw her head back and moaned. `` harder, '' she urged. pesh continued sucking her nipple as he began to thrust his h*ps up in time to meet her movements. each time he went a little deeper, and it caused megan to be more and more vocal.

she tugged at the strands of his hair and clawed at his chest as she strove harder and harder for her orgasm. `` please, please, '' she panted, as her hands came to cup her own br**sts. as she pinched and tweaked her own ni**les, it was pesh's undoing. shoving his hand down between her legs, he flicked her clit, sending her over the edge again. her movements caused him to jerk once and then come in her. once he finished shuddering and came back to himself, megan stared at him with an utterly satiated expression. `` that was ... amazing . ''`` thank you . ''`` where did a nice boy like you learn to f**k ? ''pesh chuckled at her choice of language. `` you know, a person's reputation has nothing to do with how they are in the bedroom. i'm sure there are many tough biker dudes out there who wouldn't know a clitoris from a labia-if they even knew that terminology . ''`` hmm, i suppose that's true.

my ex liked to think he was a ladies man, but half of the time, i had to take matters into my own hands if i was going to finish . ''she shot him a wicked grin. `` thankfully, i have a lover now who has the most amazing tongue and dick. i never have to worry about coming now . ''`` and don'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 . ''he smiled. `` i'm glad to hear that . ''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 . ''`` what is it ? ''she asked. he undid the ties on his robe, letting it fall open. after shrugging it off his shoulders, he stood na**d before her. megan's eyes widened. `` what are you doing ? ''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 ? ''`` yes . ''she eyed him curiously. `` okay . ''`` 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 don'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 . ''`` i'm glad you like it . ''each time she took the fork into her mouth, he couldn't help imagining that it was his c**k instead.

sitting na**d 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 ? ''`` oh, '' she murmured. as she swept up a forkful of rice, she brought it to his mouth. `` so how long do we do this ? ''she asked. `` 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 ? ''she asked. 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 don'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 wasn'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 br**sts, alternating between each one. as he felt her begin to tense up, he increased the pressure of his tongue on her ni**les, 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 couldn'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 . ''he laughed. `` baby, i don'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 ? ''`` mmm, hmm . ''`` 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 don't we get dressed and then sit down and really eat ? ''`` i think that sounds like a good idea . ''`` good. 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. `` what is it ? ''`` can't it wait until we finish eating ? ''rolling her eyes, megan said, `` you know i can'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 . ''`` okay, i think i can do that . ''tilting her head, she eyed him suspiciously. `` why did you think i would need to be feeling my best for that ? ''`` it won't just be my sister and her husband. all of my family will be there, including my parents . ''megan's eyes widened.

`` you want to introduce me to your parents ? ''`` yes, i would . ''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 ? ''`` no, i'm not . ''the corners of her lips tugged up in a smile. `` then i'll go, '' she said softly. `` really ? ''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 couldn't help feeling overwhelmed. what if they hated her?

what if their dislike caused pesh to not want to see her anymore? she didn'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. he chuckled. `` 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'm sorry. i don'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 can't be that way here . ''pesh opened his mouth to protest when a voice behind them cut him off. `` don'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 don'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, don'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 ? ''he demanded. `` saving you from making a huge mistake. you don'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. `` don'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 wasn'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 don't have to worry about her harassing you or me for that matter. i took care of things . ''`` i heard you . ''he grimaced. `` you did ? ''she nodded. `` it was amazing . ''`` i'm glad you thought so . ''`` i've never had a man take up for me like that before . ''pesh shook his head. `` that's a shame . ''`` if we weren't in the middle of the er's hallway, i'd kiss you to show my gratitude . ''he smiled. `` 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 don't just want it on the lips . ''his brows rose. `` i want it on several places on my body . ''megan grinned. `` i think that can be arranged . ''

`` i'll be looking forward to it . ''`` dr. nadeen ? ''a nurse called from the top of the hall. `` yes ? ''`` 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 wasn't the hospital. he wasn'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 hadn't quite meant the same thing as her spending time with his. he didn'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 didn'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 didn't warm to his touch, he gazed down at her. `` what's wrong ? ''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 don't want ... '' she tore her gaze from his. `` you don't want what ? ''he pressed. `` i don't want to bring shame to you . ''he bit down on his lip to keep from laughing at her. he couldn'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 . ''

she stared up at him. `` i'm not like her, pesh. i'm not meek and good-hearted . ''he shook his head. `` 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 won't like you or where you'll bring shame on me. okay ? ''she gave a reluctant nod. `` okay . ''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. `` what ? ''he asked. she motioned to the clock on the dash. `` oh my god, we're going to be late. can i make a worse first impression ? ''pesh laughed. `` 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 . ''`` seriously ? ''`` yes . ''`` huh, i didn't know that . ''`` well, how could you ? ''`` i tried doing a little research. i even watched monsoon wedding, '' she said. pesh laughed. `` did you now ? ''`` yeah, it was pretty good. i kinda hated there weren'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. she rolled her eyes. `` i didn't expect them to, smart-ass . ''he tsked at her. `` 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 hadn'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. she peeked at him through her fingers. `` 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 don'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 isn't half your heart. and i wouldn'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. `` ready ? ''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 can't help it. i'm nervous . ''he grinned down at her. `` megan, they're going to love you. i promise . ''she shook her head. `` 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 didn't tell me you were bringing company . ''`` this is megan . ''with a self-assured tone, he added, `` she's my girlfriend . ''`` really? well, what about that ? ''sanjay gave megan a welcoming smile. `` we're so glad to have you . ''`` thank you, '' megan replied. as sanjay turned to go into the living room, megan smacked pesh's arm. `` you didn't tell them you were bringing me ? ''he shook his head. `` 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. `` you're fine . ''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 . ''`` thank you. 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 ? ''`` yes, i am . ''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 wasn'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 hadn'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 didn't go without her notice either. `` should i go and offer to help ? ''she questioned, in a whisper. `` sure. that would be nice . ''her expression told him that she really didn't want to leave his side, but she did anyway.

once she was out of earshot, pesh found everyone's eyes on him. `` what ? ''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 didn't have such a good memory. `` just a friend . ''with a snort, sanjay replied, `` you certainly didn'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 ? ''pesh asked. 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 couldn't even form the words. megan's face flushed blood red. `` no! 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 couldn'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. `` fine, fine. now that we've cleared all that up, why don'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 . ''`` seriously ? ''`` yes . ''he leaned over to whisper in her ear. `` but don'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 won'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 . ''she laughed. `` you did? why ? ''`` i was at aidan's house checking on emma when she was on bed rest. i guess you could say he didn'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 didn't make any friends that night . ''megan grinned. `` good old beau . ''pesh raised his brows. `` you're siding with the dog ? ''`` in that scenario, yes. he was merely protecting emma and noah . ''`` i see . ''tilting her head at him, she added, `` besides, i don'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 don't point-it's considered rude . ''megan's eyes widened. `` i've done something else wrong now ? ''`` you're fine . ''she shook her head. `` 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 don't worry about following all the rules of our culture. we certainly don't expect you to . ''megan returned shveta's smile. `` thank you. i would never dream of doing anything to offend you . ''`` of course you wouldn't, '' charlie replied. pesh didn'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 . ''she smiled. `` 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 . ''pesh smiled. `` he's a good boy. i enjoy spending time with him . ''`` 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 didn't tell me he was going to be here ! ''she hissed. `` i wasn't sure if he was coming or not. but don'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 isn'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 isn't. i have a preceptor, or head nurse, who is my boss. and before you can make it sound any seedier, it isn'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, haven'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. `` i apologize . ''with a tsk, charlie replied, `` please don'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. `` thank you . ''megan nodded. `` 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 wasn'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. he leaned over to whisper in her ear. `` guess we're off the hook, huh ? ''she grinned. `` 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 haven't called. we could go ahead and get started, and then they can start when they get here . ''john pulled out a chair. `` good. i'm starving . ''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 couldn'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. `` are you hungry ? ''pesh asked. `` uh, huh . ''`` are you going to sit with me or pesh ? ''megan asked. `` esh, '' he replied. `` is that okay with you ? ''megan asked. `` 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 isn'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. `` thanks.

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. `` good. 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 isn'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. aidan shook his head. `` 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 don't think you ate a meal until you were two that mother didn't have to hose you off after you finished . ''aidan grunted. `` don't tell em that story. she already blames me enough for noah's stubbornness . ''megan smiled. `` let's hope that this next baby has emma's temperament . ''`` like she isn'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. `` what happened ? ''pesh asked. `` 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.

aidan smiled. `` okay . ''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 isn'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 didn'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 didn'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 wasn't his daddy. he looked so happy, and i didn'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. `` excuse me ? ''`` just when i think i can'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, don'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, don'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 . ''`` excuse 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 hadn'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 . ''`` i'm sorry. it's just you surprised me . ''she cupped his face in her hands. `` i'm sorry i don't have a ring, and i didn't get down on one knee, '' she lovingly teased. he brought his hands up to touch hers. `` you're really serious ? ''`` yes, i am . ''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. `` can'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 couldn't ever imagine loving someone more than i do you. i can't imagine wanting to be anyone else's wife but you . ''she sniffled. `` i was so stupid for so long. i couldn'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 couldn'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 don't need that to know i'm promised to you and that we're getting married . ''`` maybe you don't, but i do . ''she rolled her eyes. `` fine, fine. i'll let you buy me a diamond. a great big one, okay ? ''he laughed. `` 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 . ''she grinned. `` okay, i won't argue with you . ''pesh brought his mouth to hers.

as their lips moved against each other, he couldn'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 didn'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 doesn'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 br**sts. he cupped and kneaded the flesh over her top. at the sound of the door opening, pesh tried to pull away, but he didn't make it in time. `` oh f**king 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 ! ''pesh chuckled. `` 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 don'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 don'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 don'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 doesn't have a ring . ''shaking his head in disbelief, aidan said, `` that's ... wow. i'm so happy for you two . ''`` thank you. and i do mean that. if it weren'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 . ''megan shook her head. `` we weren't going to tell anybody yet . ''pesh nodded. `` she doesn'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 shouldn't, pesh blurted, `` we're engaged ! ''he didn'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 don'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 . ' ''he smiled. `` 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 didn'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 hadn'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 hadn'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 didn't know that pesh's family didn'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 hadn'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. megan smiled. `` thank you. 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. `` thank you, '' she murmured. 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 didn'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 ? ''he smiled. `` i love it . ''she laughed. `` i feel a little like a poser. like 'you can put the irish girl in a sari, but you can't take the irish out of the girl ' kinda thing . ''`` i wouldn't have you any other way, '' he said, with a serious, yet tender tone. `` thank you . ''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 ? ''she questioned. pesh nodded. `` 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. `` thank you . ''`` 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. `` i love you . ''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 ! ''pesh chuckled. `` 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. `` don'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 didn'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 hadn'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 ? ''she asked. 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 ? ''pesh asked. `` something small . ''his brows rose in surprise. `` really? i was thinking you would want to go all out . ''she shook her head. `` i just want something simple with our closest friends and family. i don't have to have something showy to make me happy . ''he grinned. `` you know that anything 'simple ' is not going to set well with my parents . ''megan laughed. `` 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 didn't get to plan something . ''his expression grew serious. `` i don't want us to have to wait much longer . ''`` i agree.

i want to get married in the next couple of months . ''he smiled. `` good. 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 . ''megan grinned. `` that's right. it does . ''`` think we can put it all together in two months ? ''`` i don't see why not . ''he brought his warm lips to hers, and megan shivered in spite of the heat on the dance floor. `` i can'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 couldn'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 couldn'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 ? ''aidan smiled. `` i'm sure he's fine, babe.

the sitter looked very qualified . ''although emma nodded her head, megan could tell that she wasn'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 weren'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 doesn't ruin your fabulous party knowing that emma, at nine months pregnant and some change, wasn't feeling wonderful . ''megan laughed while pesh shook his head. `` emma, if you want to go on upstairs and lie down, we won'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 ? ''emma sighed. `` 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. `` i love you, too . ''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 didn'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 couldn'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 hadn't been dire, megan would have laughed at how oblivious aidan was. pesh leaned forward in his seat. `` um, aidan, i think- '' he didn'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. i promise . ''emma huffed out a few frustrated breaths as she weighed his words. then her grim expression softened. `` okay . ''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. `` don'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 ? ''pesh asked. 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 . ''emma smiled. `` 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 wasn't a strict plan in place for noah, megan said, `` it'll be fine. i promise . ''`` okay, '' she said, a little reluctantly.