Читать книгу Maitland Maternity: Triplets, Quads and Quints - Kasey Michaels - Страница 14

Hunter stood in the parking lot, staring as Bri drove away.

He was an idiot. He’d offered to marry the woman, and she’d refused. So why did he still feel protective, concerned, mesmerized by her? He’d intended to keep his distance, not to risk his heart. But two minutes alone with her and he wanted to give her a foot rub.

He was crazy. But he wasn’t going to walk away from his children. The girls, as Bri called them, would know their father. Briana might refuse to marry him, but he would claim his children. He’d have DNA tests run after their births if he had to. He would have his family with or without Briana.

Okay, so she wasn’t a useless woman, wanting the glory without the work. Everyone had praised her work ethic. The McCallum Wing was functioning well. And that didn’t happen without a good administrator. But a good work ethic didn’t mean she was honorable in her dealings with men. Maybe she got her kicks by luring men in and then dumping them.

He didn’t believe her story about the ex-boyfriend, though. With a frown, he crossed to his car. If she didn’t tell anyone about the boyfriend, then how could he check it out? But that fact was also why he didn’t believe it.

Caleb. Her brother would know, if no one else would. It was time he bought the guy a beer, did a little talking.

An hour later, after a few phone calls, he arrived at Lone Star, a steak place down the street from the hospital. But instead of heading into the restaurant, he grabbed a seat at the bar and watched for Caleb’s arrival.

“Dr. Callaghan,” Caleb McCallum said with a friendly smile. “Hope I haven’t kept you waiting.”

“Not at all, Caleb, and call me Hunter. What’ll you have to drink?” Caleb had obviously seen his photo to identify him. But Hunter hadn’t needed a photo. Caleb resembled his sister, only he didn’t look soft, sweet, feminine.

“What you’re having will do,” Caleb said, nodding toward the draft beer Hunter had hardly touched. Hunter waved to the bartender. Then he debated his approach. Caleb took the lead however.

“R.J. said you had some questions about the security at the hospital. I’m a consultant for them, not actually in charge of security, but maybe I can answer your questions. What do you need to know?”

“No specific questions. More general things, like what’s the crime in this area? Are there crimes in particular we need to be aware of? Have we had problems?”

The bartender delivered his beer, and Caleb took a sip before he answered. “Maitland Maternity is in a safe neighborhood. However, in the past year, they’ve had a few problems. Mostly connected to the Maitlands themselves, rather than their patients.”

“Problems?”

Caleb grinned, “Things like the day-care center being held hostage.”

Hunter had been looking for info about Bri. He’d never suspected there had been real problems. “You’re kidding.”

“Nope. But it was taken care of. Since the McCallum Wing opened, there hasn’t been anything.”

“Is your sister going to put her babies in the day-care center?” Hunter realized he’d been less than subtle when Caleb’s eyes narrowed, eyes just like his sister’s.

“Why do you want to know?”

Hunter drew a deep breath. He had a choice—continue to try to outfox this man, and Caleb appeared to be pretty sharp, or come clean. He looked at Caleb and made his decision. “Because I think I’m the father of her babies.”

Caleb came off his stool, his hands forming tight fists.

“Wait a minute before you beat me to a pulp,” Hunter asked, still calm. He wasn’t surprised by Bri’s brother’s response. He would’ve been disappointed if he hadn’t shown anger.

“Why would I wait?” Caleb growled.

“Because she says I’m not.”

Caleb slowly sat back down. “Explain.”

“It’s a long story,” Hunter warned. Caleb nodded, and Hunter began his tale, starting seven months ago…

“And you didn’t know where to reach her?”

Hunter sighed. “I knew. But would you pursue a woman who walked out on you after you thought you’d found the one woman in the world perfect for you?”

“So it was coincidence that you wound up here?”

“No. When word got out about the opening, I leapt at the chance to come here. I’d told myself Bri was a wealthy woman, playing games, not worth my time, but when I got the opportunity, I took it.”

“But you’ve left her here alone for seven months!” Caleb exclaimed.

“Yeah, but I didn’t know she was pregnant. I was shocked when she walked into the office.”

“And when you asked her about the babies?”

“She told me they weren’t mine. That her old boyfriend met her at the airport and told her he was ready to commit now. Then, six weeks later, when her pregnancy was discovered, he split.” Hunter watched Caleb closely.

“I don’t remember any old boyfriend. I mean, there was a man she was crazy about in college. Then she overheard some gossip that he only wanted her money. She had me play a role in a little drama, pretending our dad’s company had gone bankrupt, and we’d lost all our money. He started backing out of the relationship at once.”

“So she’s had acting experience?”

“Not professionally,” Caleb assured him with a grin.

“I didn’t believe her story, but she was pretty good when she told it.”

“So what are you going to do?”

“What do you suggest?”

Caleb rubbed his chin, staring into space. “I don’t know. She’s stubborn.”

“Yeah. I think I’ll try to be supportive, try to convince her I’m sincere, until after the babies are born. I don’t want to put any stress on her now. Then, afterward, I’m going to insist on my parental rights.”

He stared at Caleb, his jaw firm. He wanted to know now if he was going to have a problem with her family.

“I don’t blame you. But fight fair.”

“I always do,” he assured him.

“Will you offer marriage as an alternative?”

Hunter’s immediate response was yes, but he didn’t say it. He’d offered marriage already. She had two months of pregnancy left, if she went to full term. Maybe he should get to know her better. Then he could make his decision. “I’m not sure. I’ll wait and see.”

Caleb seemed to be a reasonable man. “I understand. Shall I talk to my father, or my brother Adam?”

“No. I’ll explain myself when the time comes. I’d appreciate you keeping what I’ve told you quiet.”

“Okay. Just—just don’t hurt her.”

“No, but I won’t give up my children.”

FIRST THING the next morning, Hunter asked Helen to get the files on all the multiple birth patients from the various doctors on the staff. He wanted to review all the cases. “And in the future, Helen, tell the doctors I’ll expect an update after each contact with the patient.”

Helen nodded and excused herself.

Hunter hoped everyone else’s reaction was as accepting as Helen’s. But he wanted to be on top of the situation if they had difficulty with any patient. In particular, with Briana McCallum.

Helen returned a few minutes later and assured him all the doctors would send the files as soon as they could get them copied.

“Good. And after the files arrive, we’ll need to schedule a visit with each doctor to go over the cases. Now, call Ms. McCallum and tell her I’m ready to go over some things with her as soon as she’s free. And when she comes, I’d like you to bring in some milk and a muffin for her and coffee for me.”

“Yes, sir.”

He wanted to make sure she was eating properly. He’d decided last night, lying in his bed, staring at the ceiling, that he wasn’t going to risk his heart. But he was going to take care of his babies.

Only minutes later, Helen buzzed him to say Briana had arrived. He rose from his chair as the door opened and the mother of his daughters entered. Today she was wearing black slacks and a rose-colored top that matched her cheeks.

“Good morning,” he said and gestured toward a large, comfortable chair in front of his desk. As she sat down, he found a low table near another chair, cleared everything off it and put it in front of Bri’s chair. Then he lifted her feet to rest on the table.

“What—what are you doing?”

“It’s better for pregnant women to keep their feet up.”

“But I’m at work. I can’t—”

“You’re also one of our patients. Did you get a good night’s sleep?” He didn’t think so. She looked a little fragile this morning.

“Yes,” she replied, her voice crisp. “I brought you a list of the problems we’ve dealt with in the past month. I’ve also set up a rotating checklist to stay on top of possible problems, and a contact sheet of people to call, depending on the specific problem. Other than me, of course. I’m supposed to be called when anything goes wrong.”

“How very efficient of you. That will come in handy when you’re on maternity leave. Have you thought about working half days now until you deliver?”

She glared at him. “No, I haven’t!”

“Hmmm. Well, we’ll talk about that later, after I review your file.”

“After you what?”

He had been scanning the sheets of paper she’d given him. When he looked up in surprise, he discovered her leaning forward, stress on her features.

“I said, after I look at your file. I’m reviewing all the cases we’re currently handling. I want to be familiar with all our patients before we have a surprise.”

“I don’t want you to look at my file!” She drew a deep breath, an obvious effort to calm down, but her gaze remained firmly on him. “I’m going to ask Abby to keep my file private.”

“If she does, she’ll have to operate at some other hospital,” he said calmly.

She was sputtering, unable to get a coherent word out as Helen walked in carrying a tray.

“Ah, thanks, Helen. I think my guest is ready for a break.”

Helen smiled back and then looked at Briana. “My dear, are you all right? Do I need to call Abby?” She shot Hunter a suspicious look, as if he were responsible for Bri’s distress.

“Maybe you should ask Abby to visit with us as soon as she can, Helen. Bri and I are having a difference of opinion.”

After another close look at Briana, Helen moved quickly to the door.

When it closed behind her, Bri found her voice. “You can’t threaten to throw Abby out of her own family’s hospital! You’ll be out the door if you try such a thing!”

He smiled. “I won’t have to threaten such a thing, Bri. Abby won’t refuse to give me her files. It’s my job to be on top of each situation. She knows that.”

“No! You have nothing to do with my pregnancy. I told you that. I don’t want strangers going through my file!”

“Stranger? You’re calling me a stranger?”

“We’re business acquaintances. It will be awkward to know that you’ve—you’ve read my files. And it’s unnecessary. I’m perfectly healthy. Abby will tell you.”

Hunter noted that her hands and lips were trembling. “Drink some milk and eat your muffin. It’s good for the girls. Have you named them yet?” He’d thought about that last night.

“Yes.”

“Well? Are their names secret, too?”

“No, of course not. I’m naming them Emily, Eleanor and Elizabeth. Emily was my mother’s name.”

“Elizabeth was my mother’s name.” He was amazed at how much that meant to him. He liked all three names, but Elizabeth was special to him.

“I didn’t know that!”

He cocked one eyebrow. “I know.”

Helen buzzed him again. “Abby is here.”

Hunter stood again as Abby entered his office. “Good morning, doctor. Hope we didn’t interrupt your busy schedule?”

“I don’t start appointments until ten,” Abby said with a smile, but her gaze was focused on Briana. “Hey, Bri, are you doing all right?”

“Fine,” Bri said, but she didn’t sound like it.

“Glad you’re drinking milk. Mmm, that muffin looks good, too.” Just as Abby finished, Helen came in with another coffee cup and saucer and poured her a cup of coffee from the pot already on the tray. “Oh, thank you, Helen.”

Hunter slid the plate of muffins toward Abby. “Help yourself.”

“Thanks. I missed breakfast this morning.” She selected a muffin and bit into it, a look of pleasure on her face.

Hunter gave her a couple of minutes to enjoy the muffin. Then he cleared his throat. “Bri and I were having a difference of opinion and she was getting stressed. I thought it might smooth things out if you explained the necessity to her.”

Abby looked first at Bri and then Hunter. “Of course, I’ll try, though Bri’s pretty savvy about things around here.”

Bri wasn’t looking at anyone, just staring into the glass of milk.

“I explained to her that I would be reviewing her file, as I will all our patients. She would prefer that you keep her file to yourself.”

Abby stared at Bri. “I can’t do that, Bri. Dr. Callaghan is the head of obstetrics for the multiple birth wing. Of course he’ll review the files. He’s more experienced in multiple births than me.”

BRI KNEW when she’d lost a battle. And she also knew Dr. Hunter Callaghan’s office was not the place to embark on her next battle. She’d talk privately to Abby about not having the man in the delivery room when it came time for her girls to arrive.

She carefully set the glass of milk, scarcely touched, back on the tray. “I’m sorry. I should never have objected. It’s just that I hadn’t realized—he took me by surprise. Of course he’ll need to review my file. But, as I told him, I’m in perfect health. I won’t take up much of his time,” she added with a smile at Abby. “I’m sorry I interrupted your busy morning.” She pushed herself up from the chair. “Be sure to call if you need anything, Dr. Callaghan.”

“I need you to drink your milk.”

His calm words acted like a brick wall. An awkward silence filled the room. Drawing a deep breath, she said, “Of course.” Picking up the glass, she added, “I’ll take it with me and drink it while I’m working.”

“I’d rather you drink it here while you finish the muffin. I want to be sure that the girls get their nourishment.”

Bri shot a frantic look at Abby, but her doctor and friend nodded in agreement with him.

“I think Hunter’s right, Bri. You look like you need to take a break.”

Feeling trapped, Bri sank back into the chair and closed her eyes.

“I don’t think she slept well last night,” Hunter murmured to Abby, as if Bri suddenly couldn’t hear.

“I’m still here,” she said without opening her eyes. “I haven’t left the building.”

“Did you have a bad night?” Abby asked.

Bri licked her suddenly dry lips. “Yesterday was a little stressful.”

Abby said, “I still think we should run some tests, put you in a hospital bed for a couple of days.”

Bri’s eyes popped open. “No, I’m fine!”

“Multiple-birth mothers frequently can’t sleep well for long periods of time. Naps are necessary. That’s why I suggested Bri start working half days. Then she could go home and take a nap,” Hunter said.

“That’s not a bad idea,” Abby murmured.

Bri drew another deep breath to calm herself. “I appreciate your concern, and possibly I will do so before my delivery date, but I’d prefer to keep going as long as I can.” She shot a pleading look at Abby.

“I think you can do so for a while longer without endangering the girls,” Abby agreed.

“Good. Then I’ll get back to work,” Bri said and started to rise.

“The milk and muffin,” Hunter reminded her, his blue eyes keeping her seated.

She struggled to hold on to her temper. “I’m not hungry!”

“I’ll bet the girls are.” He continued to stare at her, waiting for her to comply with his orders.

Finally, Bri grabbed the muffin and tore off a big bite, shoving it in her mouth. As soon as she’d chewed it, she took a long drink of milk. She repeated the process several more times until the muffin and milk had disappeared.

“Anything else, Dr. Callaghan?” she snapped, glaring at him.

“Not right this minute, Ms. McCallum. I’ll let you know, probably around lunchtime.” He smiled as if he were pleased with himself.

He might as well have waved a red flag in front of a bull. Bri felt her blood pressure rise, but she fought any response. “Then I’ll return to my office. Thanks for stopping by, Abby.” She hurried from the office before she lost the battle with her temper.

“I DON’T THINK there’s a problem with Bri, except maybe her blood pressure,” Abby said in a considering manner as she stared at Hunter.

He felt guilty. He knew he’d upset Bri and caused her blood pressure to go up. “You’re right. I shouldn’t have pressed her as much as I did, but I could tell she hadn’t slept well last night. I was concerned.”

“I’m sure Bri will appreciate that concern when she calms down. I’ll check on her later today. If anything, she has too many people concerned about her. Even the mail boy checks on her when he delivers the mail. Everyone’s kind of adopted her as our poster patient.”

“Yes, I’ve noticed. I had no idea it would upset her so much for me to read her file. Good thing I didn’t mention that I would observe her delivery.” He was already determined to be there when his daughters entered the world. Emily, Eleanor and Elizabeth.

“You’re right. I’m glad you didn’t mention that. It might make it hard for Bri to face you after that.” Abby stood, but she didn’t start toward the door. Her gaze remained fixed on him.

Hunter stood also. “I appreciate your coming so quickly.”

“No problem. Uh, did you and Bri know each other before you accepted the job?”

Hunter stood frozen, not sure what to say. He knew he didn’t lie well, but how could he tell Abby the truth? It wouldn’t take much to put together the time of the conference and seven months later.

“If I’d met Bri before, I can assure you I’d remember,” he finally said. “She’s a beautiful woman.”

“True. She’s special, too, warm and giving, which is why so many of us want her pregnancy to be a great success. She deserves happiness.” With a nod and a smile, Abby left the office.

Hunter fell back into his chair, giving thanks that he’d found a way to answer Abby’s question. Bri would be furious that he hadn’t believed her story about her old boyfriend fathering the triplets. She’d definitely explode if she found out he’d shared his belief that the babies were his, with anyone.

Like everyone else in the building, he wanted Bri’s pregnancy to have a happy ending. That’s why he’d drop by her office about lunchtime to check on her.