Alec harbored deep reservations about Vicki. Merely being decent momentarily wasn't sufficient. One needed to demonstrate enduring goodness. Would Vicki genuinely regard Austin as her own, or would her feelings alter once she had a child of her own?

While Alec mulled over these doubts, Jarrod abruptly asked, "Go ask Dr. Burton when I'm scheduled for the surgery."

"Surgery?" Alec asked, his brow furrowed in confusion, "Sir, which surgery are you referring to?"

With a serene expression, Jarrod simply stated, "Vasectomy."

Alec was taken aback. He stood there, dumbfounded, for a long moment before stepping closer, his voice tinged with urgency. “What? Why?"

And how could Jarrod want a vasectomy?

Given Austin's precarious health, it was uncertain whether he could grow up without complications. If Jarrod went through with a vasectomy, what would happen if something were to befall Austin?

Would the Schultz family then be left without an heir?

Jarrod remained expressionless, clearly having made his decision.

A vasectomy before marriage was indeed rare.

Noticing Jarrod's silence, Alec tried to sway him. "Mr. Schultz, are you sure about this? Think about your family lineage. Families expand by having children. I'm sure your parents, watching over us from above, would want to witness your family grow."

Alec consciously avoided any mention of Austin's fragile condition, knowing Jarrod wouldn't tolerate it.

To Jarrod, Austin was his only child, and he had no intention of having others. Jarrod, typically reserved and detached, didn't believe he was suited to fatherhood. That was why he planned to marry Vicki. He wanted to ensure someone was there to look after Austin.

Jarrod had known Vicki for years. Unlike Doreen, he found Vicki had never crossed the line into wrongdoing so far. She was notably kinder.

Her gentle side made her an ideal candidate for motherhood.

Jarrod had also taken the precaution of drafting a will, placing Austin at the forefront as his primary heir, contingent on no unforeseen accidents. This gave him confidence that Vicki would never mistreat Austin. If anything happened to Austin, Vicki would find herself without any support. He was confident she understood this and would act accordingly.

"There's no need for delay. Let Dr. Burton handle it as soon as he can." Jarrod's decision to undergo a vasectomy was not just about his marriage. It was also driven by a fear of manipulation and the possibility of another child. He was unwilling to accept a child that wasn't brought to the world by Nicole.

Alec attempted to argue, but Jarrod remained unresponsive, his silence a clear sign that his decision was final. Once Jarrod made up his mind, no one could sway him.

Yet, Alec found it hard to come to terms with this decision. Even he, a man of modest means, understood the value of perpetuating the family line, be it through a son or a daughter. His desire was to bring a healthy child into the world. Maybe his longing wasn't about lineage at all, but rather a testament to his existence.

In Alec's book, Jarrod's choice seemed fraught with risks. However, since it wasn't his life, all he could do was respect the decision.