Chapter 4 #2
Tipping his chin down, he gazed at her face, admiring the flawless complexion and the tiny mole just below her left eye. He was prepared to fight for her, because he suddenly realized that living without her would be hell on earth.
Dr. Blake Forsythe watched the man prowling the length of his office and had to admit to himself that he was intimidated. His office was large, but Samuel Copeland was consuming the space. The man was larger than life and was also very irate.
"So far you've enumerated all the risks involved, and they all sound scary. What the hell is ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome?"
"OHSS, as it is more popularly known, can occur when fertility medications overstimulate the ovaries."
"Which can lead to?"
The doctor's eyes darted to the woman who remained silent and was allowing her husband to do most of the talking. He had no idea that was the agreement she had made with Samuel that morning.
"I want to question him my way. That's not negotiable," he had told her firmly.
"It can cause the ovaries to become enlarged, and fluid to accumulate in the abdomen and lungs. We-"
"What else?" Samuel interrupted him tersely, lifting a warning hand when he noticed that his wife was about to intervene. "I asked for this, and you agreed."
Turning back to the doctor, he asked the question again. "What else?"
"There are also egg retrieval complications and embryo transfer risks.
" Steepling his fingers, he faced Samuel squarely.
"I've explained everything in detail to your wife, all of the risks involved, including the possibility of multiples and the complications that come with carrying two or more fetuses.
She knows it all and told me she's prepared to take on the challenge.
And it will be a challenge." His expression softened as he swung his gaze towards Eliza, who looked even lovelier than the last time he had seen her.
She was fresh and lovely and not overly painted like most of the women in her line of work.
The baby-blue cashmere sweater looked great against her lovely skin, and her eyes were sparkling.
Unaware that Samuel was staring at him with an ominous frown, he continued in the same tone.
"We're the best in the business, and as I assured you before, we will assign a team of doctors who will be committed to your care. "
"If we decide on doing this, and that's a big if-" Samuel warned, his voice harsh and implacable. "You'd better guarantee that my wife will still be alive when all of this is over."
"You're being unreasonable." Finally breaking her silence, Eliza sent him an exasperated look. "Dr. Forsythe is not God. How can you expect-"
"I want him to understand what's at risk here.
" He turned to face the doctor, who felt a shiver at the coldness that had entered the silver eyes.
"I recognize the name of the clinic; it's on the list of ones we fund for charity.
You're doing research in drug and toxicity testing.
Copeland Enterprises has funneled several million dollars to the clinic already.
If anything happens to my wife, your research-" He waved a hand around the office.
"This clinic, your license, will not be worth the paper it is written on. Am I clear?"
"Samuel!" Eliza sprang from her seat, eyes blazing. "Dr. Forsythe, would you please give us a minute?"
"Of course." He escaped without hesitation, closing the door behind him.
She faced her husband with blazing eyes, fists clenched on her hips. "You promised. What on earth is wrong with you? You promised you would at least try. How dare you threaten-"
"I meant every word." He rounded on her, face taut.
"Two nights ago became a turning point in our marriage.
We made a fresh commitment to try and make things work.
I certainly did not make that kind of commitment so that I could turn around and lose you.
I want him to take this seriously. I want him to dedicate everything to keeping you safe. And I'm not going to apologize for it."
The anger drained out of her and left her feeling limp.
Approaching him cautiously, she lifted her hands to cup his face, her expression tender.
"I know this is scary, and things could go wrong-" She held on when he started to step back.
"Please hear me out. We both need this, and I promise to do everything I'm told.
If it means that I have to take to my bed for the duration, then so be it. "
Her expression turned pleading. "All I need you to do is be on my side. Can you do that for me, please?"
Her expression, the look on her striking face, melted him. With a heartfelt sigh, he placed his hands over hers. "He's smitten."
"What?"
"The doc. He's half in love with you."
"That's ridiculous."
"Is it?" he asked wryly. "I cannot blame him as long as he remembers that you're mine." Tilting her chin up, he kissed her on the lips. "All right, I'll try."
She was still reeling a little from what he said about the doctor, but his acquiescence had the conversation fading from her mind.