“Darling, that was several years ago, don’t forget. I’m sure new products have come on the market since then. Besides, there’s a great deal of difference between an overworked public health nurse at a free clinic with limited resources, and the top man in his field at the best hospital here in the city. Jordan will have far more resources at his disposal so that he can work with us at finding a better solution. Because this,” he gestured to her shivering, cramping form, “is not something that can go on any longer.”

She sighed and began to button up his dress shirt. “I’m just not sure what other alternatives will work for me. Most everything I’ve researched has hormones of some sort, and that’s apparently what I have a bad reaction to.”

He kissed the top of her head. “Let’s see what Jordan has to say, hmm? I’ll tell you now, Tessa, as much as I hate the thought, I’d resort to using condoms before I see you suffer through one more cycle like this.”

“No!” She shook her head vehemently, having feared he’d bring that subject up. “I’d hate that, Ian, absolutely hate that.”

He scooped her onto his lap and tucked her head beneath his chin as he held her. “So would I, but it would still be better than watching you this way.” He splayed his head over her belly. “And since I don’t plan on getting you pregnant just yet, we’ll have to do something.”

Tessa gave a little gasp and lifted her head to stare at him. “We’ve never actually discussed that particular subject, have we?”

“No, we haven’t.” Ian looked pensive all of a sudden. “What are your feelings on the matter?”

She smiled and placed her hand over his. “I’ve always wanted children. And I especially want to have your children.” She bit her lip uncertainly. “But - that’s only if you do too, of course.”

Ian kissed her, a sweet, soft gesture. “My darling, don’t you know that one of my fondest dreams is to see your belly grow big with my baby one day?” His hand cupped her breast, drawing a hiss from her as his thumb rasped over the nipple. “Or to watch my child nursing at your breast? Yes, of course, I want children, Tessa, so long as you’re their mother.”

“I love you, Ian,” she told him quietly, resting her head on his shoulder. “And I would love nothing better than to give you as many babies as you wish.”

He chuckled. “Let’s start with one and take it from there, all right? But,” he added, in a more serious tone, “not just yet. I’m a selfish enough man to want you all to myself for a time. Which is why we are going to see Jordan as soon as possible and get this birth control situation taken care of.”

“Okay.” She gave an exhausted sigh, too worn out to argue any further.

Ian frowned in concern as he gently laid her back against the pillows and covered her with the duvet. “Tessa, I’m not convinced you shouldn’t see Jordan before next week. Not to discuss birth control - I want to be present for that - but to check you out right now. You’re so pale, darling, and your skin feels clammy. Why don’t you let me set something up for today? If he can’t fit you in I’m sure one of his associates can. Simon can drive you.”

“No.” she clasped his hand. “This isn’t anything I haven’t been through many times before. It will pass, it always does. By tomorrow it will have eased up, and by the time you return on Thursday it will hopefully be all done. So,” she added teasingly, “you’d better get lots of sleep while you’re away because you’ll be expected to perform as soon as you get back.”

Ian laughed as he bent and kissed her cheek. “Very well, my lusty maiden. I know what you’re like after you’ve had to abstain for several days, so I will definitely try to get as much rest as possible. You’re certain about Jordan?”

“Yes. I’ll be fine. Just make the appointment for next week, all right?”

Tessa knew Ian had a lot on his plate right now, that this unexpected situation in Las Vegas couldn’t have come at a worse time. They had been traveling almost constantly these past few weeks, trying to get as many hotel reviews done as possible in anticipation of their vacation next month. Ian was taking her to Tuscany in mid-September, and then to London, and they would be away for a total of two weeks. So the last thing she wanted to do was worry him, or give him cause for concern. She very intentionally didn’t tell him, therefore, that this was the worst she’d ever felt during one of her periods. The cramps were unbearable, the regular doses of Tylenol doing nothing to ease her suffering. She’d been bleeding heavily for almost two full days now, and felt weak from the blood loss, almost dizzy at times. She had no energy, could barely even think of getting out of bed, and was grateful she didn’t have a regular job she had to report to. She only hoped she could summon enough strength to attend tomorrow’s orientation.

She hadn’t realized she’d begun to doze off until Ian sat back down on the bed next to her. She gazed up at him drowsily, her thoughts more than a little unfocused.

“Hmm, what is it?” she murmured sleepily.

His brows knit together worriedly. “I’m afraid I need to leave now, darling. Simon will be arriving within the next five minutes. Are you certain you’re all right? I don’t have a very good feeling about leaving you this way.”

“I’ll be fine,” she whispered, too tired to even lift her head from the pillow. “And don’t forget. I’m the one who always gets those bad feelings, not you. Besides, today’s a Monday. Bad things only happen on Wednesdays.”

He shook his head in exasperation. “If it’s the last thing I do, I’m going to clear your mind of that ridiculous superstition. Now, give me a kiss good-bye, love.”

Tessa clung to him as he gave her a long, searching kiss, unwilling to let him go. In the end, he gently disengaged her arms and stood, smoothing her hair off her face as he did so.

“I’ll expect frequent calls and texts from you, understand?” he told her in mock severity. “I may be tied up in meetings but I’ll check my phone on a regular basis. Now, rest up and recover.” He winked at her. “We have a big date on Thursday night. Maybe I’ll bring you a surprise back from Las Vegas. From the La Perla store, to be exact.”