Menopause to Matrimony (Fortytude Series Book 2) Read Free Page B

it easy for a week or so. No heavy exertion, no lifting. Between recovering from the episode and adjusting to the medications, you’ll likely feel quite tired. That’s normal.”
    Kiran nods. “Will I need to stay on the medication forever?”
    “Probably not. That will be up to your doctor, but you can expect to take them for at least a year.” He pauses to write something else on Kiran’s chart. “Well, then. If there are no further questions, I’ll be on my way.” He looks at us for precisely one second, and when no one responds, he makes his way toward the door. “Best of luck to you.”
    Sheesh. The guy must have a lot of rounds to make. Not the worst doctor in the world, although a little more bedside manner wouldn’t have killed him.
    “No permanent damage,” Ahsan says. “That’s excellent news.”
    Since Geena had stayed with Kiran the entire night, and his parents now received the news they had been waiting on, they both rise and start shuffling to leave.
    “Such a relief!” Geena gushes and bends to give Kiran a squeeze, her eyes a bit moist. “I love you so much!”
    “I love you, too,” Kiran answers with a smile.
    “Oh!” She turns to briefly look at Ahsan, and then addresses Kiran again. “Before I forget. Remember when I told you Seth was moving here from Washington?”
    “Yes.”
    I have no idea who Seth is.
    “Well, he bought a house,” Geena continues, “but it won’t be ready for him to move in for another month or so.”
    Kiran’s father stands behind her, shaking his head. “Kiran doesn’t need to concern himself with this right now.”
    “With what?” Kiran asks.
    “Well, I had a conversation with Seth before all of this happened.” She touches her throat and looks at her shoes. “And I mentioned to him that you and Anna probably wouldn’t mind letting him stay as a guest until his house is ready.”
    Ahsan frowns at Kiran and crosses his arms. “I tried to tell her that with us already staying with you, you don’t need the added stress of another houseguest, especially now. Our remodel has already taken longer than we anticipated.”
    “Who’s Seth?” I ask.
    “He’s Kiran’s older cousin,” Geena says. “My sister’s son. And he is such a delight. Kiran always looked up to him when he was younger.”
    Ahsan does not look pleased, and something makes me wonder if there’s more to his disapproval of this idea than meets the eye.
    “I certainly don’t mean to give you additional headaches,” Geena adds, “but I wanted to at least let you know. Do whatever you think is best. I know that he would love to see you and spend some time with you.”
    Kiran finally has the opportunity to respond. “Of course I would love to see him. It’s been over ten years.” He massages the back of his head, still appearing quite worn. “But I’d like to discuss it with Anna.”
    “Yes.” Ahsan gently takes Geena by the arm. “Let’s let them discuss it.” As he passes he leans into me, touches my shoulder, and murmurs, “It’s okay to say no.”
    I smile as they leave the room and Kiran gives me a questioning gaze.
    “I missed that. What did he say?” he asks once they’ve gone.
    I glance back at the door as I take a seat in the chair next him. “He said it was all right for me to say no. Why does your dad seem so irritated? I mean, it is a little clueless of your mom to put pressure on you if you don’t want him to stay…”
    Kiran lets out a groan, and yet he seems somewhat amused. “My father has never really cared for Seth.”
    “Why? Your mother certainly seems to adore him.”
    “Seth has always been very…” He wears a bit of a grimace. “Full of life, should I say? He’s charming, he likes to have fun—”
    “What’s wrong with having fun?”
    “He likes to have fun… with the ladies.”
    I lift my chin and nod. “Ah. I see. You mean he’s a man whore.”
    He laughs out loud. “That’s probably not the term my father would use,