The Doctor's Baby (7 page)

“I’m sorry, David, but the answer is—”

“Don’t decide now.” He reached around her and opened the gate. “Two weeks is a long time. Just think about it. That’s all I ask.”

“You don’t give up easily, do you?”

He grinned. “Not when it’s something I want.”

Strong and determined. July found the qualities appealing. But that personality type usually had high expectations, not only of themselves but of others. Which made July wonder what David would think of her when he discovered that she was flawed and weak?

Though the photo of the majestic grizzly she’d snapped in Yellowstone should have been in the forefront of her mind, all July had been able to think about
was David and what had happened in the Elk Refuge that morning.

She pulled the rental Jeep to a stop in the supermarket lot and hopped out. Lowering her head against the brisk north wind she fought her way to the front of the store, wondering exactly when it was that she’d lost her mind.

Was it when she’d put David’s name on the birth certificate as Adam’s father? Or perhaps when she decided to move in with Mary Karen despite finding out she was David’s sister? No, it had to be the kiss. Considering the chemistry between them it was a wonder they’d made it out of the Elk Refuge with their clothes on.

Of course, she reassured herself as she grabbed a shopping basket, she’d stopped it after one kiss…or anyway, before the clothes came off. And if she ran into him tomorrow morning she’d simply turn and—

“July. What a pleasant surprise.” Lexi stood a few feet in front of her, a sack of groceries in one hand and a small girl in the other.

“Hello, Lexi.” July smiled. “I haven’t seen you since I was discharged from the hospital.”

“Yes, well, about that—” Lexi handed her daughter several quarters and pointed to a nearby gumball machine. She waited until the girl had scampered just out of earshot to say more. “Are you angry with me?”

July saw worry in the social worker’s eyes. Though it would have been nice to have all the facts up front, all July felt was gratitude. “Mary Karen is wonderful. The house is nice, the rent reasonable and she’s very good with Adam. Thank you so much for the referral.”

Lexi twisted her purse straps in her hands. “I should have told you she was David’s sister.”

“It
was
a bit of a surprise,” July admitted.

“Mommy. Mommy. I got me a blue one,” Lexi’s daughter called out. “I hope the next one is red.”

Lexi watched her daughter put a third quarter in the machine. The child’s dark brows were furrowed and her expression intense. It was as if she was trying to will the machine to give her the color she wanted.

“She looks just like you,” July said.

“That’s what everyone says.” Lexi’s expression softened. “Addie is a mini-me.”

“Granny says Adam looks just like David as a baby.”

“She knows?” The look of shock on Lexi’s face would have been laughable at any other time.

“Suspects.” July glanced down at the shopping basket in her hands. “They’ll all know soon enough.”

“You’re going to tell them?”

“I’m going to tell David…before I leave Jackson.”

“I know it’s none of my business, but I don’t understand why you’re waiting.”

“I have my reasons.”

“Oh my goodness.” Lexi’s eyes widened and July followed the direction of her gaze just in time to see Addie stick her hand—and most of her arm—up inside the machine. “Addison Marie, stop that this instant.”

“I’d better let you go—”

But Lexi’s hand on her arm stopped her retreat.

“July, I’m sorry I didn’t tell you about Mary Karen being David’s sister from the beginning. My only
excuse is that I really believed it was the perfect place for you and thought you wouldn’t give her a chance if you knew she was David’s sister.” The words flowed from Lexi’s lips like a fast-moving river that had been dammed up and had just been re-opened. “My decision to hold back that information walked the line of ethical behavior. If the situation had been reversed, I’d have wanted to know. Can you forgive me?”

“Of course I forgive you.” The sincerity in the social worker’s voice tugged at July’s heartstrings. “No hard feelings.”

As she accepted Lexi’s apology, July realized this is how it should be. If you wronged someone, you asked for their forgiveness. It shouldn’t have to be so difficult….

“Maybe you and I could get together for coffee sometime?” The hopeful gleam in the social worker’s eyes took July by surprise.

“I’d like that,” July said, realizing it was true. It had been a long time since she’d had a girlfriend. “I’ll give you a call the first of the week and we’ll set something up.”

“Perfect.” Lexi hesitated. “As long as you don’t mind if I bring Addie with me. After working all day, I don’t like to leave her with a sitter at night.”

“No problem at all,” July said offering up an understanding smile. “I planned on bringing Adam with me for the same reason.”

The two exchanged a smile and a warmth filled July. Her intuition told her she and Lexi stood a good chance of becoming friends. It was a new experience. Oh, she
had A.J., but being friends with a guy was different. What was crazy was that in the short time she’d been in Jackson she’d put down more roots than she had during the twenty-six years she’d lived in Chicago.

The time here could be the start of a better life for her. A richer, fuller one than she’d known before.
If
she was strong enough to take that first step…

July reached out and grabbed Lexi’s coat sleeve when she turned to go. “One more thing.”

“Yes?” Lexi smiled.

“Do you know the name of a good counselor?”

L
ast night July had told A.J. about her appointment with the counselor, but they’d been talking for almost a half hour and he hadn’t mentioned it yet. Not that she
really
wanted to talk about it. She glanced at the clock on her bedside stand. “It’s getting late. I suppose—”

“How did the therapy session go?” A.J. asked.

It was a good thing she’d arrived early. She’d sat in her car for fifteen minutes before she’d gotten up the nerve to walk inside. “Okay, I guess.”

“That bad?” Disappointment filled his voice. “Just because that one didn’t work out doesn’t mean—”

“No. No. He worked out just fine,” July reassured him. “Dr. Allman reminds me of a teddy bear. It was like talking to Winnie the Pooh.”

“How much did you tell him?”

“Everything.” Her session was supposed to last fifty minutes but she’d been there almost two hours. She’d relayed her story matter-of-factly, without embellishment. “I cried a little. But he told me tears were good. That they always tell us something and we can learn from them.”

“O-kay….”

July smiled. A.J. had never been big on tears. Neither had she for that matter.

“Did you feel better afterward?” he asked. “Are you seeing him again?”

“Yes and yes.” July leaned back against the pillows she’d propped against the headboard and kicked off her shoes. “It’s not cheap but you’re right. We—
I’ve
—got to get rid of this baggage.”

“Good for you,” A.J. said, sounding strangely subdued. “What did he suggest you do about David?”

“He gave me homework. Can you believe it?” July laughed aloud but stopped when Adam stirred. “I’m supposed to apologize to an inanimate object then work my way up. Sort of a desensitization kind of therapy.”

“I don’t get it.”

July hadn’t understood it either until Dr. Allman had patiently explained it to her; not only how to do it but the theory behind it. “Instead of starting out with David, I apologize to some object, say one of Adam’s toys. Then when that goes okay, I move on to the dog, then to my baby. The goal is to work my way up to David. It makes sense to me.”

“That’s what matters,” A.J. said. “You’ll have to let me know how it works. I’ll be pulling for you.”

“Thank you, A.J.” July’s heart overflowed with emotion, thankful she had such a good friend. “I’m also supposed to start sharing things about my childhood, easy things first. I thought I’d start with you.”

“Me? There’s nothing I don’t know about you.”

“Yes, there is.” July tightened her fingers around the phone and reminded herself that this was A.J. and he was safe. “You, Adam Soto, are the reason I made it to adulthood. There were many, many times I didn’t want to go on, that I wanted to hang it up, but you were always there rooting me on. I’m grateful.”

“Yeah, well…”

She’d made him uncomfortable and she was feeling a bit awkward too. It was definitely change-the-subject time. “How’s Selena? Are you two still hot and heavy?”

He took a moment to respond. “You know how it is after you’ve been together awhile.”

“I’m not sure I do.”

“Chicks want the words,” he said, exhaling a frustrated breath.

“Are you saying she wants to hear you say you love her?”

“I don’t get into that stuff. You know that.”

The disgust in his voice made her smile. “Do you? Love her, I mean?”

Just when she’d given up hope of him admitting anything, he answered. “Yeah, I guess.”

“You guess? Or you know?”

A.J. expelled a harsh breath. “I know. Okay?”

“Far be it for me to give advice.” July chose her words carefully. “But maybe you could use the same technique the counselor gave me.”

“I ain’t tellin’ a damned stuffed toy that I love it, if that’s what you’re suggesting,” A.J. said. “No way.”

“Just consider it.” The clock in the living room began to chime. “I’d better go. Morning will be here all too soon. I love you.”

“Yeah, well, later.”

July smiled. Regardless of his initial resistance, she knew A.J. would consider her suggestion. She hoped he’d not only consider it but give it a try. Because it was time
both
of them got rid of their unwanted baggage.

David reached the gate leading out of the Elk Refuge and stopped to stretch. He hadn’t seen July in three days. Not since the morning he’d kissed her right where he stood now. Instead of returning to his normal route, he’d continued to come to the Refuge in the morning, hoping their paths would cross. But so far, no July.

He wasn’t sure if she’d quit walking or had changed locations. Maybe after talking with A.J. she’d regretted the kiss and was attempting to keep her distance.

David tightened his lips. The guy called himself her friend. Yet he hadn’t come to Jackson to see her or Adam. At first he’d wondered if A.J. was Adam’s father. But now it seemed doubtful. Wouldn’t a dad at least want to see his offspring?

July’s little boy deserved better. He was an amazing
baby. Alert and intelligent yet easygoing. Any man would be proud to call him son.

Of course, David had to admit he might be a little prejudiced. He’d known Adam was special from the moment the baby had struggled to take his first breath. And July…she was something special, too. He wanted to stop over and see her and Adam but he didn’t want to wear out his welcome.

Besides, July’s comment had scored a direct hit. He’d been spending too much time at Mary Karen’s. He did have his own home and his own life. If it wasn’t as robust and full as he’d like, well, that was his fault. In the meantime, he and Travis would be bringing pizza over to Mary Karen’s on Friday night. For now the knowledge that he’d get to see July and Adam then would sustain him.

Granny was just leaving for a card party with her friends when July got back from Yellowstone on Friday. It had been a frustrating, nonproductive day. The last thing she wanted was to participate in a young mother’s book club. But when Mary Karen had heard about July’s plans to get together with Lexi, she’d come up with another idea. She’d suggested the three of them form their own book club and include Kayla Simpson, a new mom with a child born with a congenital heart defect.

They planned to meet monthly and the first meeting was tonight. July saw no need to mention that by the time the next meeting rolled around she’d be gone.

She pushed open the door and stepped inside wondering when David would be stopping by. Last night Mary Karen had told her he’d agreed to take his nephews for the evening.

Her heart picked up speed. She hadn’t seen David all week. She glanced down at her jeans and long-sleeved shirt. Perhaps if she hurried, she’d have time to freshen up before he arrived.

July made her way through the house and found Mary Karen in the kitchen with a big stack of paper plates in each hand. Her face brightened when she saw July.

“Perfect timing. Which do you prefer?” Mary Karen raised her right hand. “Fuchsia?” She lifted the other. “Or blue-and-yellow striped?”

July didn’t have to think. “Fuchsia.”

Mary Karen nodded her agreement. “That’s my favorite, too.”

July’s gaze dropped to the infant seat where Adam slept peacefully. “Wow, he’s sure zonked out.”

“Blame it on the twins. They played with him all afternoon.” Mary Karen smiled. “You should have a few minutes before he wakes up. If you help me set the table before everyone gets here, I’ll take care of the drinks.”

July pulled her brows together and took the plates from Mary Karen’s right hand. “I thought Lexi and Kayla weren’t coming until seven.”

“They aren’t.” Mary Karen turned and opened the refrigerator, her words muffled as she stuck her head inside. “I invited David and Travis for pizza at five-
thirty. I figured if they were watching the boys for me, I should at least feed them.”

Mary Karen pulled out a jug of milk. “Actually, we’re only providing the drinks. When I mentioned I’d run across this fabulous recipe for a cajun tofu and roasted red pepper pizza, Travis insisted the men supply pizza.” Her lips curved up in a smile and she chuckled. “The man has no sense of adventure.”

July wondered if Mary Karen realized how often she smiled when speaking of Travis. Adam started to fuss but she finished putting down the plates. Then she walked over to the infant seat. She took a deep breath and stared into his tear-filled eyes. “I’m sorry Mommy made you wait.”

He stared at her for a moment then smiled, his arms waving in the air. July exhaled the breath she’d been holding. That hadn’t been too hard.

Earlier in the week she’d apologized to his rattle when she’d dropped it on the floor. Flushed by that success she’d moved on to Henry, the cockapoo. Yesterday she’d bumped into the dog in the hall. He’d licked her hand when she told him she was sorry.

She picked Adam up and cuddled him against her breast. He immediately began to root. July dropped into the nearest chair and unbuttoned her shirt, experiencing a surge of triumph. In seconds Adam was nursing contentedly. What a difference a few weeks made, she thought to herself. When she’d first brought Adam home she’d always gone into her room to feed him. But the atmosphere in the house was so comfortable and accept
ing, it seemed ridiculous to shut herself off from the others.

July gently stroked her son’s fine dark hair. “I didn’t know Dr. Fisher was into babysitting.”

It was a silly statement that she regretted the moment the words left her mouth. She barely knew the young doctor and certainly had no knowledge of his feelings toward children.

Mary Karen dropped ice into some of the glasses. “He’s just along for the ride. They’re planning on taking the boys to the movie theater downtown. Travis is like a big kid. He’s a sucker for those animated movies.”

“He’s also a good-looking guy,” July said, striving to keep her tone casual. “Don’t you agree?”

Mary Karen confiscated a package of plastic silverware from a drawer and began placing the utensils on the table. Her hair swung forward, hiding her expression. “A lot of women think so.”

“I didn’t ask about other women,” July said pointedly. “I asked if
you
think so.”

The young mother turned and leaned back on the counter. “What is it you really want to know?”

July smiled. “I’m trying to figure out if you’re interested in him romantically.”

Mary Karen’s eyes widened. She looked at July as if she’d lost her mind. Then she laughed. “I have three little boys under the age of five. Romance is not an option.”

“Sure it is. You’re young.” July wasn’t sure exactly how old Mary Karen was, but they’d graduated from high school the same year.

The smile faded from Mary Karen’s lips and the eyes that met July’s were suddenly serious. “I don’t feel young. I’ll turn twenty-six in August and I’m already dreading it.”

“Why?”

Mary Karen shrugged.

“C’mon, tell me,” July urged.

“Most women aren’t even married at this age. I’m already divorced.” Mary Karen dropped her eyes to the table as if she was about to admit a deep dark secret. “Despite everything my husband did, a part of me hoped he would come to his senses and realize what he was giving up.”

“Do you still love him?” July asked softly.

“A part of me will always love him. He’s the father of my boys.” A look of sadness swept across Mary Karen’s beautiful face. “But if you’re asking if I want him back, the answer is no. The man I loved and married would never have deserted his family.”

July wanted to find out more but the door in the foyer creaked open and the sound of deep masculine laughter wafted into the kitchen.

Alarmed, July glanced down at Adam, whose eyes were now closed. She gently unlatched him from her breast and had just pulled her shirt shut when David and Travis strolled into the kitchen.

David looked more as if he was going out on a date than taking three rambunctious boys to the movies. July felt a rush of arousal. His thick dark hair still held a hint of dampness, as if he’d just stepped from the
shower and toweled off. She had no doubt that if she got close he’d smell as good as he looked.

Her heart flip-flopped when he shifted his attention to her. “Hello, David.”

“Hey, slacker,” he taunted. “Haven’t seen you at the Refuge lately.”

Okay, so she was a coward and he was calling her on it, in a very nice way of course. But she knew without a doubt that if she showed up at the Refuge they’d kiss again. And she wasn’t sure it would stop at that.

“I decided to check out another route.” She kept the response deliberately vague, not convinced running into him that morning had been mere coincidence.

“Good for you,” he spoke as if it didn’t matter that he hadn’t seen her in almost a week. His gaze shifted to his friend who was holding three large pizza boxes. “We tried to get tofu, Mary Karen, but they were all out.”

“Har, har.” Mary Karen took the boxes from Travis. “Hello, Trav. It’s been too long.”

“I agree,” he said, flashing a smile then launching into the relative merits of bean curd.

That led to David and Travis reminiscing about some long-ago dinner Mary Karen had made for them. One story led to another but somehow, despite the banter, the pizza and salad and drinks got on the table. The boys were strung tight, the twins vying for David and Travis’ attention.

“What’s up with the boys tonight?” July asked Mary
Karen as they stood at the counter adding Cool Whip to chocolate pudding.

“They just get all geared up when guys are around,” Mary Karen said with a shrug.

“Travis seems nice,” July said. “He was more than agreeable when I asked him to hold Adam.”

“He is nice. I’ve known Trav since high school.” Mary Karen dropped her voice even lower. “He was the first boy I ever kissed.”

“What are you two beautiful ladies whispering about?” Travis called from the table.

“We were talking about how good-looking you are,” Mary Karen said with a straight face.

“And about kissing,” July added. The second the words left her mouth she wished she could call them back. But that was impossible. All that was left was damage control.

Both men turned and suddenly she had their full attention.