<b>Book </b><b>2 </b>First Penalty


    “And how long have you been experiencing these feelings of disconnect?” Dr. Matthews asked, her pen poised over a notepad.


    Emma nced at Alek beside her on the therapist’s cream–colored sofa. Two weeks of marriage counseling had brought them here, to a sleek office overlooking Boston Harbor, attempting to rebuild what had fractured since the hospital.


    “Since losing the pregnancy,” Emma answered. “Though honestly, maybe even before that. We never really discussed having children beyond ‘someday.”


    “We both assumed it would happen naturally when the time was right,” Alek added. “Then the ectopic pregnancy forced immediate decisions we weren’t prepared to make.”


    Dr. Matthews nodded thoughtfully. “Reproductive trauma often revealsmunication patterns couples don’t recognize during less stressful times.”


    “We’re good at professionalmunication,” Emma said. “Running the team together has never been an issue.”


    “But personal vulnerability is different,” the therapist observed. “Aleksander, you mentionedst session that protecting people is deeply ingrained in your identity. Could you expand on


    that?”


    Alek shifted ufortably, his usual boardroom confidence nowhere to be seen. “After my parents died, protecting Natasha became my primary focus. Everything else–hockey, education, personal rtionships–was secondary.”


    “And this pattern continues in your marriage?”


    “I didn’t think so,” Alek admitted. “Until the pregnancy loss made me realize how… primitive my reactions be when Emma is threatened.”


    “Primitive?” Dr. Matthews prompted.


    “Instinctual,” Alek rified. “Overriding rational thought. I just need her safe, regardless of other considerations.”


    “Even when safety means different things to each of you,” the therapist noted, turning to Emma. “And you equate being protected with being controlled.”


    Emma nodded. “My entire rtionship with Jack was about supporting his dreams while minimizing mine. With Alek, I thought I’d found true partnership, but sometimes his protection feels like… restriction.”


    < Book 2 First Penalty


    “Yet you also derive security from his protective nature,” Dr. Matthews observed.


    “Yes,” Emma acknowledged. “It’s confusing.”


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    The therapist set down her pen. “For this week, I’d like you to practice something called ‘reflective listening.‘ Before responding to each other, especially in moments of tension, I want you to paraphrase what you heard the other person say.”


    “To ensure we’re actually hearing each other,” Alek concluded.


    “Exactly.”


    As they left the office, stepping into bright spring sunshine, Emma felt lighter than she had in weeks. Not fixed, but moving forward.


    “Lunch?” Alek suggested, checking his watch. “We both have an hour before meetings.”


    Emma hesitated. “Actually, I’m having lunch with Natasha. Hospital cafeteria.”


    “She didn’t mention it,” Alek said, surprise evident in his tone.


    “Last–minute thing. She’s consulting on a case and wantedpany.” Emma touched his arm, a small reconnection. “Rain check?”


    “Of course.” Alek’s smile didn’t quite reach his eyes. “I’ll see you at home tonight.”


    As Emma walked toward Massachusetts General, she reflected on Dr. Matthews‘ observations. She did find security in Alek’s protective nature–his steady presence during Franklin’s health crisis, his ungging support of her professionally. Yet that same protectiveness had nearly driven them apart when applied to her reproductive choices.


    The hospital cafeteria bustled with activity as Emma spotted Natasha in scrubs at a corner table, medical journals spread before her.


    “You look like a proper doctor,” Emma observed, setting down her sd.


    Natasha grinned. “Just consulting on a cardiac case. The attending asked for a second opinion after I mentioned some research from my program.”


    “How’s Grandpa today?” Emma asked, having left before his morning check–up.


    “Stubborn as ever, but his numbers are improving.” Natasha closed her journal. “More importantly, how was therapy?”


    “Helpful,” Emma admitted. “Though it feels strange discussing our most private feelings with a stranger.”


    < Book 2 First Penalty


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    “Better than not discussing them at all,” Natasha pointed out. “The silent treatment wasn’t working for either of you.”


    “We’re trying,” Emma said defensively. “Both of us.”


    “I know.” Natasha’s expression softened. “Alek called mest night, asking advice about showing you he’s listening without making decisions for you. It was actually sweet.”


    Warmth bloomed in Emma’s chest at this evidence of Alek’s efforts.


    “Oh, before I forget,” Natasha pulled an envelope from her bag. “This came to the house for you this morning. Looked personal so I grabbed it.”


    Emma epted the heavy cream envelope, instantly recognizing the embossed return address: Reynolds Residence, Seattle, Washington.


    “From Jack?” Natasha raised an eyebrow.


    Emma nodded, slicing the envelope open with her fork. Inside was an elegant invitation, gold lettering on thick card stock:


    Jack and Veronica Reynolds wee you to celebrate their expected arrival…


    “A baby shower,” Emma said, disbelief coloring her voice. “They’re inviting us to their baby


    shower.”


    “That’s…” Natasha searched for words. “Unexpected.”


    “It’s in three weeks. In Boston.” Emma scanned the details. “Apparently they’re hosting it here since Veronica has a modeling shoot that weekend.”


    <i>“</i><i>Are </i>you going to go?” Natasha asked cautiously.


    Emma stared at the invitation, emotions churning. Jack and Veronica building the family she and Alek had briefly glimpsed before losing. Theplicated history between them all. The tender state of her marriage, still healing from fractures.


    “I have no idea,” she admitted.


    “Absolutely <i>not</i>,” Alek stated tly that evening, pacing their living room. “It’s insensitive at best, deliberately cruel at worst.”


    Emma sat on the sofa, watching him move. “You don’t think they simply didn’t consider the timing?”


    “Jack Reynolds doesn’t do anything without calction,” Alek countered. “After sending you those photos of Elise and me? This is another attempt to insert himself into our lives.”


    <Book 2 First Penalty


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    Emma considered this. “Or maybe it’s an olive branch. A way of acknowledging our improved rtionship since the trade.”


    Alek stopped pacing, studying her face. “You want to go, don’t you?”


    “I think…” Emma chose her words carefully. “I think not going gives the invitation more power <fn4550> Official source is Find_Novel(.</fn4550>


    than it deserves.”


    “What does that mean?”


    “If we decline because it’s too painful, we’re letting our loss control our choices,” Emma exined. “If we go, holding our heads high as a united front…”


    “We’re showing everyone–including ourselves–that we’re moving forward,” Alek concluded, understanding dawning in his expression.


    “Exactly.”


    Alek sat beside her, processing. “I was about to make another unteral decision, wasn’t I?”


    “You were expressing an opinion,” Emma said fairly. “But yes, the t refusal felt familiar.”


    “I’m trying that reflective listening thing,” Alek said, taking her hand. “You believe attending together would demonstrate strength, not weakness.”


    “Yes,” Emma squeezed his fingers. “Though I understand your protective instinct.”


    Alek nodded slowly. “If you feel ready to face this, I’ll support your decision.”


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