Читать книгу Maitland Maternity: Triplets, Quads and Quints - Kasey Michaels - Страница 19

Hunter left Bri’s condo with a smile on his face. For the first time, Bri had admitted the girls were his daughters. She’d given it away when she’d threatened to tell everyone he’d abandoned her.

He was coming to know Bri better, and he was pretty sure she told the truth. Except to him.

When he’d seen the tuxedo stud, he knew it was the one he’d been unable to find the morning he’d left her room. And she’d kept it. And she’d said the father of her babies had abandoned her when she’d wanted him to love her.

She wanted him to love her.

He was willing. But he was pretty sure she couldn’t handle any pressure about her life right now. It was taking a lot of work on his part to keep her blood pressure from rising too high. The best thing he could do now was to take care of her and the girls. Later, when they were safely born, he’d woo her, convince her he hadn’t left her.

The last thing he’d wanted was to lose her. He climbed into his SUV and looked up at her windows, dark now so she could sleep. If he was lucky, he’d get his cake and eat it, too. He’d have Bri to love and three little girls to complete his life. All he had to do was wait.

THE NEXT MORNING, the tenth of December, Bri got to work early. The hospital opening had occurred before Hunter had arrived. She hadn’t wanted Christmas decorations up until after the opening.

Today they would be hanging two angels in maroon robes with golden halos on their heads, playing their horns, in the huge windows of the lobby. The angels would be seen both from inside and outside the hospital.

At the other end of the lobby, there would be a huge Christmas tree, a real one. The fragrant scent of pine would fill the air. Twinkling white lights would cover the tree, as well as oversized ornaments.

All the departments would get a regular-sized artificial tree. Though Bri hated to use the artificial ones, she did because some patients might be allergic to the smell of real evergreens. The staff members would decorate their trees. Overnight, the entire hospital was going to be festive.

She loved Christmas.

“Bri, nice job,” April called as she crossed the lobby at eight. “I wondered when we would have decorations.”

“I wanted to wait until after the opening. By then it was hard to get on the schedule,” Bri explained.

“This is perfect. We’ll have at least a couple of weeks to enjoy them. How’d your checkup go yesterday?”

“Fine,” Bri said, thinking that at least here was one person Hunter hadn’t called. “Abby says the girls are in good shape if we have to deliver any time soon, but late January is still the expected delivery.”

“Great. I heard we got several more patients in the hospital last night. Let’s go to the cafeteria and have some breakfast, and I’ll tell you all about it.”

“Did Hunter put you up to this?”

She regretted her question when April looked at her with surprise.

“No. I didn’t eat breakfast. All I could think about all the way here were those cinnamon rolls Sam makes. Don’t you love them?”

With a sigh, Bri agreed. “Yeah. Let me tell the guys where I’ll be if they run into any problems.” She consulted the workers and then followed April to the cafeteria.

Soon she was indulging in a cup of hot tea and a big cinnamon bun, warmed to just the right temperature. “I’d worry about the calories, but Hunter is encouraging me to eat more.”

“Wow! That’s my kind of doctor. I thought Abby was your ob-gyn, though.”

“Uh, yeah. Dr. Callaghan is a hands-on supervisor.”

“I see.” After taking a bite, April looked at her friend. “There are a lot of rumors circling the wing.”

“About what?” Bri asked cautiously.

“About you and Dr. Callaghan.”

Bri chewed deliberately on her bite of cinnamon bun, giving herself time to answer. “Don’t believe anything you hear. People make things up,” she said with a big smile.

The level of noise in the room mounted, and they both turned around to see what had caused the uproar. Two men brought in big boxes and began putting together the artificial Christmas tree for the cafeteria. It was bigger than most of the trees because the room was so large.

“I guess everyone’s pleased about the decorations,” Bri said, delighted to change the conversational topic.

“Yeah, some of them thought we wouldn’t have Christmas decorations this first year, since we had the big opening.”

“Oh, no! I should’ve said something. That didn’t occur to me. I just didn’t want them up until after the opening, that’s all.”

“I know. But it’s going to lift the spirits of everyone. And having the new patients will, too.”

“You haven’t told me about them.”

“One lady is having twins, but her blood pressure got too high. Her doctor thought she would carry them longer if she remained in bed.”

“Oh,” Bri groaned. She hoped that didn’t happen to her.

“The other is a teenager. She’d been living at a boardinghouse nearby. Dr. Beaumont got her on the approved list for a charity case and they moved her in last night. She’s only a little over six months and she’s carrying quadruplets. I’ve heard they’re small. She didn’t get any prenatal care until she saw Dr. Beaumont a couple of days ago.”

Bri shuddered. “That’s terrible. I hope the babies make it.”

“Yeah, I think they said she’s twenty-six weeks, so she’s three or four weeks behind you.”

“Well, I’d better finish my breakfast and get upstairs. I’ll want to be sure they have everything they need for both patients. But I’ll stop and check on the twins we already have in the nursery. Aren’t they sweet?” Bri asked.

“They’re terrific, and already gaining weight. I think they and their mom will go home tomorrow,” April said. “Our first successful multiple birth for the wing.”

“Okay. I’ll see you later.”

After checking on the twins and stopping in their mother’s room to see if she had any complaints, Bri went back to the lobby to make sure everything was progressing as it should.

The foreman came over to speak with her. “Ms. McCallum, the new head doctor wanted us to add a banner that says Peace on Earth beneath the angels. We have a really nice one with gold-leaf trim that looks as if it’s on a roll, but it will cost an extra five hundred. He said to ask you about the expense.”

The budget was tight, but she decided to grant Hunter’s request. Everyone was so excited about the decorations. It made her feel guilty that she hadn’t let them know they would have Christmas decorations before now.

“All right, that will be fine. Just add it to our bill.”

“Great. It will look real nice.”

“I’m sure it will.”

On the way to her office, she was humming “Silent Night” beneath her breath. She stopped by Hunter’s office and told Helen to assure Dr. Callaghan they were adding Peace on Earth. “He’ll know what I mean, Helen.”

“Is that Bri?” Hunter called from his office.

“Maybe you’d better tell him yourself, Bri. He’ll be upset if you try to avoid him.”

Bri raised her eyebrows, unused to not being obeyed by the employees, but she guessed Helen didn’t want to be caught between the two of them. She crossed over to Hunter’s door. “Yes, it’s me. I just wanted to tell you that we’re adding Peace on Earth.”

“Good. I think that will be a nice touch.”

“Thank you for leaving the decision up to me.”

He grinned. “No problem. You heard about our two new patients?”

“Yes, I’m checking with their doctors to see if they have everything they need. I suspect the teenager might need a few things.”

“Can we provide them?”

“It will get done,” she said, not mentioning that the money might come out of her own pocket. She was fortunate to have the funds to live as she wanted. She liked to help those who couldn’t.

“If you need a donation, let me know.”

“Okay, thanks.”

“Oh, and Bri? Nice working with you.”

He was right. This was the first time they’d both wanted the same thing. And it was nice. She gave him a smile and slipped away.

After calls to the two doctors of the new patients, Bri went back downstairs to visit with the teenager, Jenny Barrows. As she’d expected, the girl had almost nothing in the way of personal supplies. Afterward, Bri talked to the nurses.

“She didn’t bring much with her. We put her in a hospital gown because she didn’t have anything but a T-shirt.”

“And she has no family,” the second nurse added.

“All right. We’ll see if we can help her out a little,” Bri said.

Both nurses relaxed. “Thanks, Bri. That’s great.”

She returned to her office. “Lisa, we’re going shopping. Switch the phones to voice mail because we’ll be gone a while.”

An hour later, they returned from one of the large economy stores, with several bags. “Why don’t you take off the price tags and go introduce yourself to Jenny, our new patient, and tell her these things are hers to keep.”

“But Bri, you should take them. You bought them.”

“The charity fund bought them. I’ll fill in an expense-account form for the money. Besides, I need to check all the departments to be sure the trees are taken care of.”

“But I could do that and save you some—”

“Just do as I ask, Lisa,” she said quietly. “I’m going to eat lunch before I check the departments, so it will be a while before I get back.”

“Yes, ma’am. I’ll switch the phones back on as soon as I return.”

“Good.”

After Lisa left, Bri drew a deep breath, then headed to the cafeteria. She was tired from the shopping expedition, which probably explained why she didn’t shop anymore.

After she’d chosen her meal, she turned around to look for an empty table. She found one near the windows and sat down with a sigh. No question about her appetite today.

“Mind if I join you?” a male voice asked.

“Uh, I don’t mind, but it would be better if you don’t. There’s a lot of gossip already,” she told Hunter, giving him a quick glance and then staring at her plate.

“I told you not to pay any attention to gossip,” he said lightly, sliding his tray onto the table beside her.

Bri was concerned about the thrill that seemed to flow through her. She mustn’t let her hormones dictate her behavior. She had to think of the girls. And her weak resistance when it came to Hunter. She was as hard as whipped cream when it came to Hunter. Then she caught sight of Annabelle just leaving the cash register. She waved to get her friend’s attention.

“You don’t mind if my friend joins us, do you?” Bri asked, staring at Hunter.

“Of course not. I’m hoping to get familiar with all the staff.”

Annabelle reached the table.

“Join us, Annabelle,” Bri said at once, pleading with her eyes.

“Of course, if Dr. Callaghan doesn’t mind.” Annabelle kept looking from one to the other as she sat down after Hunter’s assurance that she was welcome.

“Dr. Callaghan, this is Annabelle Reardon. She’s one of our delivery nurses.”

“Of course, that’s where I’ve seen you. You were there when the twins were delivered.”

“Yes, that’s right.”

“Good job. You work with Dr. Beaumont a lot?”

“When I can. He’s a good doctor.”

The two of them continued to chat, and Bri found it easier to eat her food. She could see Hunter watching her to see if she ate, but she could ignore that.

“Oh, Bri, the Christmas decorations are so wonderful. We weren’t sure—”

“I should have explained to everyone. As soon as I can, I’m going to put out a weekly newsletter that will keep everyone posted on what’s going on.”

“Good idea,” Hunter said, and Bri was pleased.

“It won’t happen any time soon, what with the babies coming.”

“Why not ask the public relations department?” Hunter asked. “You can provide any information you want in the newsletters to them, but they could add birthdays, events in the lives of the staff, things everyone would be interested in.”

“Do you think they’d have time?” Bri asked, pondering his idea.”

“More than you. Besides, that falls under their expertise.”

“That’s a good idea,” Annabelle said, beaming at Hunter.

Bri suddenly wondered if her friend was one of those members of the staff who was interested in Hunter. Not that she minded. Of course not.

“Annabelle’s right about the decorations. You did a fine job, Bri. Have you already decorated at home?”

Bri ducked her head. “No. I probably won’t this Christmas. It’s a lot of work.” She couldn’t keep the longing out of her voice, but she figured the other two wouldn’t notice.

Since she’d been eating while the other two talked, she finished her meal before them. “I hope you don’t mind, but I need to check the Christmas trees in each department.”

“Can’t someone else do that?” Hunter asked, frowning.

“There’s no need for someone else. I need to talk to the staff a little and apologize for not letting them know we were decorating,” Bri said, then she slipped away.

HUNTER WATCHED Bri hurry away. They’d got along better today, and it had been nice. But she was still working too hard. “Dr. Callaghan?”

“Yes, Annabelle, and make it Hunter. No need to be formal when it’s just staff.”

“Oh, thank you. I need to ask you something. You sat in on Bri’s last examination, didn’t you?”

“Yes.” He wondered what she wanted to know and whether Bri would get upset.

“I was going to ask Abby, but since you’re here—You see, we’re going to give Bri a shower. Well, April is, but several of us are helping her. We want to wait until January because Christmas is such a busy time, but we’re worried she won’t carry the babies that long. What do you think?”

Hunter smiled at the young woman. “That’s a tough call, but I don’t think she’ll go full term. I’m hoping we can get her through New Year’s.”

“Oh! Then we’d better have it right away. Thanks for the advice.” She picked up her tray and stood.

“I’ve got to check in with Dr. Beaumont. He’s going to look at Jenny Barrows again. He doesn’t think she’ll go much longer.” She started to leave, then added, “I forgot to tell Bri how sweet it was that she went shopping for Jenny. The poor child has nothing.”

“Bri’s a generous woman.”

“She’s the best,” Annabelle said with emphasis. Then she, too, abandoned him.

Bri had gone shopping this morning and now was touring the entire wing. She was going to be very tired tonight. He could call Alice and tell her to put Bri to bed at once, serving her dinner there. But Bri would get irritated again, and being in an almost civil relationship was quite pleasant. And gave him hope for later.

He remembered the longing in her voice for Christmas decorations. He didn’t believe she could decorate even if she wanted to. Especially not after today’s demands.

Maybe tomorrow would be easier. And she could sleep late on Saturday. If he carried everything to her apartment—then she might do a favor for him.

A smile settled on his face.

BRI WAS RELIEVED when she left the hospital Friday afternoon. Two days ahead of her of doing nothing but taking naps. Then she’d be able to face her job again on Monday. But it was getting more difficult to last through the week. She might have to admit that she needed to cut back.

Alice had certainly helped, but the days seemed longer recently.

Alice had fried chicken waiting when Bri arrived home. “Fried chicken? Doesn’t that have too much fat and cholesterol?” she asked.

“It’s not fried. It just looks and tastes that way. It’s a special coating I put on it. My husband had high cholesterol and he hated baked chicken. I came up with this recipe,” Alice said, beaming with pride.

“I can’t wait to taste it. And I’m so glad it’s Friday,” she added.

“Sit down at the table, and I’ll serve dinner at once.”

But Bri noticed that Alice checked her watch.

“Alice, do you need to leave early? It’s okay, I can serve myself.”

“Aren’t you a sweet thing. But, no, I don’t have to leave. I just—”

The doorbell interrupted Alice and Bri realized that was what Alice had been waiting for. She was expecting someone.

Somehow it wasn’t a surprise when she heard Hunter’s voice. But there were some extra sounds she couldn’t identify. Before she could decide to get up and do some investigating, Alice, followed by Hunter, entered the kitchen.

“Look who’s here!” Alice said, pretending to be surprised. “I asked him to join us since I had plenty of chicken made. You don’t mind do you?”

“Of course not. How convenient that you made extra chicken.”

Hunter sent her a rueful smile. “Alice, I don’t think we fooled her. The truth is, Bri, Alice and I talked, and I told her I was going to do something for you in hopes that you’d help me. She asked me to dinner then.”

Alice looked worried, and Bri couldn’t upset her. “It’s all right, Alice. We’d never turn down a hungry man.”

“Kind of like helping Jenny Barrows,” he said, raising one eyebrow.

Without looking at him, she said, “I’ll file an expense account to cover that.”

“Sure you will. You don’t lie any better than Alice, Bri. The two of you are quite a pair.”

Alice giggled, and even Bri couldn’t hold back a smile.

“I’ll practice,” she said.

“Don’t bother. You’re perfect the way you are.” After smiling at her, he turned to Alice. “Now, where’s that special chicken, Alice? I’m starving.”

Dinner was enjoyable. Hunter charmed both her and Alice, teasing them. Bri was glad Alice was there. It meant she wouldn’t give in to the attraction that was the reason she was big as a house.

“This chicken is the best, Alice. You are a great cook.”

“Wait until you try dessert. It’s my special recipe for peach cobbler, still warm, with ice cream on top.”

Hunter groaned. “I may have to deal with something else first. Then I’ll have room for dessert.”

“Something else?” Bri asked, frowning. “What something else?”

“Have you finished eating?”

“Yes.”

“Then come with me. I have a surprise for you.”

He took her hand and pulled her from her chair. Then he led her toward the living room.

By the time they reached the doorway, she already suspected what her surprise was. Standing in the corner was a full, fragrant Scotch pine tree, all ready for decorating.

Tears gathered in Bri’s eyes.

He made it so hard to resist his care, his sweetness. He seemed to know her better than she knew herself. But that couldn’t be true or he’d realize he only had to walk in the door to make her happy. Unless she remembered his abandonment.