Emma spoke gently:

“Sweetheart, you need to understand something. This has nothing to do with a lack of desire. In fact, it’s often the opposite. When love and care grow that deep, a man’s first instinct is to protect. The fear of hurting you — or of doing anything wrong — can be paralyzing.”

“But Emma, the doctor already said it was fine. I told him that myself.”

“That’s the logical part,” Emma replied calmly. “But what he’s feeling isn’t rational — it’s emotional. Deep down, he probably just