The Doctor's Husband (Colorado Blues) (12 page)

“If you need to chat, you know you can count on me. My lips are sealed.” She tipped the last of the coffee into her mouth before putting the cup down and sighing. “Well, if that was my break away from Fisher, I’ve had it. I left him with Rory for half an hour. He’s such a sweetie with that little boy. Nobody would know Fisher wasn’t his own child.”

“He certainly is a good man. I know Evan is too, underneath all of this. It’s his reaction to it all that worries me. I’m going to try my best to make him see the truth.” She stood up. “I want what you and Rory have.”

“You will, wait and see. From what I know, all the Watson boys have this innate sense of responsibility that always come to the fore. He won’t let you down. Might make you suffer a bit, but I think he’ll come through in the end.”

“Thanks for coming to visit. I appreciate it very much.” Denver accepted another hug and walked Gina to the door.

“Rory said something about you guys doing a dinner one night soon. Let me know if I can do anything to help, okay?”

“Sure. I’ll talk to Evan about it.” She held the door open and watched as Gina walked away, the small swagger that pregnant women seemed to get visible already.
I’ll walk like that soon, all things going my way.

Unsure how to approach Denver, Evan tried to act as if there was nothing wrong in the weeks that followed their argument. The mood in the house turned slightly cooler than normal, but he accepted it and tried to make things go as smoothly as he could. Hopefully she would make up her mind and share her decision before there was no hope of fixing what he was fast coming to realize, was his mistake. A monumental blunder on his part.

He’d promised to love and honor her when they wed and in one awful night he’d managed to hurt her feelings, call her a liar, and leave her with the worst possible option to fix their marriage. If he’d been smarter, or even kinder, they could have talked it out like rational people, but he’d chosen to jump to the wrong conclusion after having words with a stranger. It was stupid and childlike. Of course he was hurt, but he knew she loved him. Knew the passion she showed him wasn’t contrived or false. What she’d said was true, they’d fallen in love and he only reacted badly to the idea she’d married him for the job because he’d been caught unawares. One day they would laugh this off and wonder why they fought over it.

But would he be able to take back the hurt he saw in her eyes?

“I don’t know how to fix it.” He looked over at his brothers and swallowed a groan of frustration. They were out on the back deck chatting over a cold beer while keeping an eye on Fisher running around the yard with Sherbet dogging his every step. The little boy squealed with laughter as the Australian Cattle Dog herded him back toward the steps.

“Just get down and grovel. I’m pretty sure that would do it.” Chance whistled at the dog and made her sit so Fisher could catch a breath. The toddler plopped down on his bottom, grabbed a fist full of dog fur, and snuggled against her.

“I’m not averse to that, believe me, and if it would make things happier in this house I would. I don’t know how to fix the hurt I caused her.”

“Hang on. Let me get this clear.” Chance stood up and put his beer on the table. “She originally wanted you for a husband so she could move to town and get the job, right? The job she already knew about and had been offered?”

Evan shrugged his shoulders. “Yeah.”

“So, in my humble opinion, even though she fell in love with you and said to hell with the job, according to her, I’ll go along with whatever Evan decides, shouldn’t she bear some of the responsibility of this argument?”

“I believed her when she said that. I have no reason to doubt her. The problem here is not what she was originally going to do, it’s how I reacted knowing damn well that isn’t why we got married. I hurt her, deeply.” He glanced inside the kitchen where his wife and sisters-in-law were chatting around the kitchen.

“So apologize.”

“There’s more to it, right Evan?” Rory spoke up, as Evan knew he would. He’d never let anyone get away with telling only half the story on anything.

“Hmm, now why did I know that was coming?” The eldest of them shook his head. “Spit it out, brother. What have you done?”

His gut clenched and a bead of sweat broke out on his top lip. “I told her to make me believe her, she had to prove it.”

Chance only raised an eyebrow and glared at him.

“I told her to have a baby now, not later as we’d planned.”

Chance shook his head. “You really are an idiot sometimes. You know that, right?” He glanced around as the sound of laughter wafted out of the kitchen and blew a kiss at his wife before turning back to his brother. “So, how are you going to fix it? I gather you’re keen to do the right thing?”

“I am, of course I am.” He shuffled his feet, feeling all of twelve again and under interrogation from his older brothers with no hope of slinking away to lick his wounds. “It’s just that she’s been really busy getting the hospital sorted out, and starting the new doctor’s clinic. They had their first day today and she’s pretty happy with it from what I understand.”

“What doctor’s clinic? I haven’t heard about that one.” Rory looked at him, interest sparking in his eyes.

“They have so many people coming into the emergency department, it holds up beds for the more serious cases. Denver figured if they had a dedicated clinic like the hospital used to have, the ED would run a lot smoother. She’s right about that. I saw how non urgent cases clogged up the department in the city.”

“What’s wrong with them going to see you? I don’t get it. We’ve tried so hard to keep that clinic open and they still insist on going to the hospital.” Rory had been instrumental in helping keep the practice open and Evan knew it would hit him hard as Gina had recently signed up for her pregnancy care with him.

“And according to Denver, the board will give her more money if she makes a profit with the clinic. She’s doing the right thing, I know that, but it hasn’t given us much time to talk about the elephant in the room—namely my stupidity. I’m kind of loath to bring it up when I know I’m the idiot here.””

“Going to have to sooner or later. No point tip toeing around each other trying to cover up the damage when it’s still festering underneath. Better to get it over and done with and recover from there.” Rory hurried down the steps and pulled the strands of dog hair from Fisher’s mouth. He picked him up and walked him over to the tire swing in the back yard under the old oak tree.

“I want what he has. I didn’t realize how much until I gave Denver that ultimatum.”

“In my experience, ultimatums don’t work that well, especially with strong minded women like your wife. Better you apologize and try to show her how wonderful it could be with a baby. Ease her into it gently instead of using the steamroller effect. That always works better.”

“Are you and Callie going to...”

“Eventually. We’re more than happy enjoying each other for now. It’s been a long time since I’ve been able to be this selfish and she’s not in any hurry. Gets her maternal fix with Fisher and that suits her for now.” They watched Rory swinging his excited son. “It’ll come together if you love each other enough. If you don’t, you never stood a chance anyway.”

***

“You must be so excited, Denver, that the idea is working out.” Gina rubbed her belly. The small mound was only now starting to show and Denver wondered how she was going to be able to keep her own pregnancy a secret from Evan for much longer. They needed to talk about things before she could comfortably tell him the news. This child would not be used as a bargaining chip by anyone for anything.

“It was pretty exciting seeing it all come together. I wish I could talk Evan into heading the clinic; he’d be so good at it.” She tipped the salad out of the spinner into a bowl and placed it on the counter. “The doctor working there is young and doesn’t really have Evan’s bedside manner which is damned good. He has a way with patients and I’d love him to take over.”

“Why won’t he?” Callie picked a lettuce leaf from the bowl and popped it in her mouth.

“He didn’t want to let down Dr. Hennessey down because he’s retiring soon. Fair enough, I understand that, but still.”

“You guys talking now?”

Denver looked at Gina, trepidation crawling up her spine. “Oh come on, Callie picked it ages ago and spoke to me. She worried you were working yourself sick at the job. I didn’t tell her the details, promise, only that you two had a fight.”

“Like I’m going to say anything. Us girls have to stick together.” She picked at the speck of lettuce stuck on her front teeth and grinned. “Spill sister-in-law.”

“Yes, we’re talking in a fashion. Avoiding all talk of that night and the argument. It’s a bit strange treating each other like this, but I’m not prepared to back down on what I said and neither, so it would appear, is Evan.”

“So, he doesn’t...”

“No.”

Callie looked between the two of them. “You’re holding back and that’s against the sister-in-law club rules. Don’t you two know anything about how that works? Sheesh, do I need to educate the pair of you.”

“I can’t say it now in case he hears me. You’ll have to wait until we can have a chat away from the boys.”

“Oh, I see. Well then, we’d better make a coffee date during the week. I don’t know if I can hold out that long, but I guess I have no choice.”

Denver smiled, happy to keep the secret to herself for a little longer. She’d popped into the pathology lab today to have a full blood count done and a pregnancy test. The answer had come back before she left work.

“Congratulations, Dr. Sinclair. You’re going to be a mother.” She’d hung up the phone as nervous as she was relieved. This baby had come at the wrong time as far as her relationship with Evan was concerned. Being pregnant shouldn’t have come as a huge surprise to her. She was never one to remember to take her pill. She should have expected the result, especially since they had spent a lot of time making love while they were back for the wedding.

That didn’t stop her thinking she’d timed it all wrong. And as much as she wanted to end this argument with Evan, she didn’t want to use the baby to do that. Poor child deserved to be wanted for itself, not to prove her love for her new husband.

“I can see your brain ticking over. Let me in on what’s going on.” Gina placed a hand on her shoulder, offering support.

“It’s okay. I think it’s time we served dinner. Do you want to call the guys in for me while I put the food on the table?”

“Sure.” Gina shared a concerned glance with Callie, but went to do as Denver had asked.

“What can I do?” Callie reached for the silverware Denver held and headed to the table. “Don’t be shy giving me jobs. I kinda figured we were over that now.” She set out the forks and knives and came back to the counter for the plates Denver took out of the cupboard.

“Yes, I know. Sorry, I don’t mean to be so controling in my kitchen. Lots on my mind right now.” She gave a small smile to set Callie at rest. “If you could take all of these I can get the lasagna out of the oven and we’re set to go.”

“Sure.” She took the plates and came back for the serviettes and condiments, placing them on the table. Before she could do anything else, her husband swept her into a hug giving Callie a sensual kiss that almost had Denver blushing. She looked over and saw Evan watching her, an unreadable expression on his face. She quickly averted her gaze and concentrated on the hot dish she was taking out of the oven. Carefully, she gripped it with two pot holders and walked it to the table, then placed in on serving tray in the middle of the table.

“Smells divine, Denver.” Rory carried Fisher over and put him in the highchair they’d brought with them and sat down beside him. He sniffed again and grinned at his wife. “Looks like you have some competition, my love.”

“I don’t mind that at all.” Gina placed a bib over Fisher’s head and tucked it down so the food wouldn’t get on his clothing before sitting the other side of him.

When Denver was seated, she handed Evan the serving spoon, blushing when their fingers touched briefly. “Care to do the honors?”

He glanced at her, a small twitch at the corner of his lips. For a moment their gazes were locked before she tore hers away and looked down at her plate.

“Can I get anyone a glass of wine?” Chance held the chair out for Callie and then stepped over to the fridge, bringing out the bottle of white he’d brought with him.

“Not for me thanks, I have an early start and it will fog my brain. I’ll have water.” Denver reached for the jug on the table and filled up her glass before handing it to Gina sitting next to her.

“I hear the new clinic is going well. You must be happy with that, Denver.”

“Yes, I am. It was an idea from one of our doctors and I have to say I was on board as soon as I heard it. The board approved it without any fuss at all. I know I didn’t have to run it past them, but I’m glad I did.” She put down her water glass and picked up her fork, poking it in the cheese topping. “They like the idea of it so much they’ve offered me more money on this year’s budget. Win win all round if you ask me.”

“I’m sorry, Evan, the doctor’s office has to close down at the end of the week. The hospital board decided it’s no longer viable now they have the new clinic set up. They’re convinced if they streamline the services they offer, it will save money and make life easier. I tend to agree with them.”

“I have a contract. What the heck am I supposed to do now?”

“They want you to go to the clinic. Work out your contract there and if you like what you’re doing, I see no reason why they won’t extend it.” The older doctor punched him playfully on the shoulder. “Not like you don’t have an insider to take up your case, is it?”

“I already turned my wife down when she offered me the job. I didn’t know they were going to do this to us though.” He turned to look out the window, anger building. Denver should have told him instead of leaving it to Dr. Hennessey to inform him. Just as he was getting the hang of being in small town practice, the bubble burst. “Well, guess there’s no choice then. Are you coming over as well?” He looked at the older man and his heart ached for him. His whole life revolved around this tiny little hands-on clinic and it was all tumbling down around his ears just as he was set to retire.

“No. I was offered of course, but I’ve decided I may as well take my retirement now. That way the wife and I can get traveling and enjoy what time we have left.” He patted Evan on the shoulder, his touch firm belying his advanced years. “Don’t look so wounded on my part, Evan. I’m rather happy the way it’s all turned out to tell you the truth. I struggle to keep up now and I’m going to make the most of my retirement, make no bones about that.” He walked to the door. “If you want to go up and make yourself known to the hospital staff, feel free. The appointment book is rather lacking today.”

“Right, I might just do that. Thanks.” Evan watched him walk out and shut the door before letting out the deep sigh of frustration building up inside him. How could she not tell him what was happening? It didn’t make sense. Even if she was annoyed over his blunder, he would have thought she would take pleasure in informing him of the change. To say nothing was strange indeed.

There was nothing for it, he needed to go and speak to her before things got out of hand and he lost his cool completely. He grabbed his truck keys and headed out only to be stopped by the receptionist.

“Dr. Watson, I have Dr. Sinclair on the phone for you.” She held out the receiver but he shook his head.

“Tell her I’m not available at this time please.” He turned from her, ignoring the shocked expression, and walked out. When he climbed behind the wheel, Evan berated himself.
That was childish and uncalled for.
He excused it by telling himself he wanted to see her face when she explained why she’d failed to inform him of the change on plans. Plans that had an effect on how they looked at each other from here on in.

He parked in the visitor’s bay and strode into the hospital, walked past the receptionist to the elevator, and punched the button for the floor with anger in every movement. When the doors opened he stomped in and turned his back on the other occupants, waiting for the doors to close and the elevator to rise. He wondered how she would react and what her excuses would be. Surely she would come clean and apologize. At least look as though she’d gone over the top without consulting him.

The doors opened with a ping and he stepped out and walked over to her door. Her receptionist knew him and nodded for him to go ahead. When he stepped into her office, she was on the phone having a heated discussion. Evan saw the resignation in her eyes and knew he had picked it right. This was payback for his ultimatum and bile burned its way up his throat. There could be not marriage if this was how they were going to treat each other.

Denver put down the phone and turned to him. “Evan, why didn’t you take my call?”

***

She waited for him to answer, but it was the hurt and disappointment in his eyes that she noticed more than anything.

“Why didn’t you tell me? Seems to be a pattern with you lately.” He walked over and rested his hands on the back of the chair opposite her desk. His knuckles showed white and she knew he was angrier than his cold face showed. As she would have been too if the roles were reversed.

“I didn’t know until this morning.”

He raised an eyebrow and made a noise she could only describe as a snort. “Right. How convenient. And you being the head of the hospital, you seriously expect me to believe that?” He kept his voice low. “You knew what you were doing, Denver, you can’t deny it. I’ve lost my job because of what you did.”

“Evan, I’m sorry.” She walked around the table with the fax paper in her hand and held it out to him. “I only found out this morning, the same as you did. I had no idea they would do this to you. You have to believe me.” She winced as he ripped the paper from her hand and Denver returned to the safety of her chair. While he read the letter that had gutted her first thing this morning, she tried to see things from his point of view. His job was the reason they’d moved here to begin with. And now it was all taken from him and it was indirectly her fault.

He threw the letter on her desk and ran a hand around the back of his neck before looking in her direction. “I’m sorry. I thought it was your fault and you weren’t telling me because we fought the other week. I figured it was payback for me being such an idiot.” He sighed before moving to sit in the chair. “We can’t go on like this, Denver. I love you and I’ve made a mess of things. I don’t know how to fix it between us.”

The tears welled in her eyes and she averted her gaze.
Hormones playing up already. How on Earth do people manage this thing called pregnancy?
She wasn’t a crier, never had been. When things went wrong she turned in on herself and hid behind a mask of calm and disinterest.

Evan jumped to his feet and hurried around the desk toward her. He wrapped his arms around her shoulders and pulled her to her feet to snuggle her against his chest. That was when she really lost it and sobbed uncontrollably. The soft smooth action of his hand rubbing circles on her back as he spoke soothing words in her ear took her back to childhood. Her mother had been the caring nurturing type unlike her father. She missed the comforting arms when her mother died and left them in the hands of their work-orientated father.

Now she had Evan to look after her. It was a warm, loving heat that went straight to her heart. He was a good man and she’d hurt him by doing what she’d done. Perhaps if they’d talked it over at night instead of being evasive and caught up in their own sadness, this wouldn’t have happened.

Denver sniffed and tried to form the right words. “I’m sorry. If I’d known they were going to do that to you I wouldn’t have gone ahead with the clinic.” She listened to the patter of his steady heartbeat against her cheek, content to stay against his chest where she was.

“I know it’s not your fault, the fax proves that. Regardless, I should have trusted you and I didn’t. I’m sorry.” He kissed the top of her head before letting her go.

She glanced into his face. “We should have talked about it before I made the decision.”

“No, we shouldn’t have. It’s your job, Denver, to do what you want to do here. Including me in your plans might be nice but not necessary. Besides, if you’d asked, I would have said go ahead because I know it makes sense.” He wiped his thumbs under her eyes, drying the remnants of her tears. “I’ll gladly start work here next week if that’s what you want me to do.”

“I want you to head the unit, Evan. You have the knack for organizing people and making everyone feel good about themselves, and I’m not only talking about the patients. The doctors love you too. My father made a mistake not giving you that job. I’m grateful he didn’t.”

“Yeah, me too as it happens. Part of me is still pissed, although I’m loving being back home with the family.” He dropped a kiss on her lips. “Listen, about what I said about a baby.” He shushed her when she tried to speak. “I was out of line, way out of line. We talked about this already and decided to wait until we had time together for ourselves and I still think that’s the best way. We’re in no position to bring a baby into the world just now; it wouldn’t be fair. My pissy mood isn’t enough to make us change our mind. Let’s leave things as they were for now.”

Any further protests were stayed when his lips met hers and he kissed her with such passion her brain went into melt down. She’d missed their lovemaking these last few weeks while they’d been avoiding each other. Now her body reacted with a need that frightened her. Denver nibbled at his lips as her hips thrust against his pelvis. “Tonight, Evan. We have so much to make up for.” Her tongue delved into his mouth to play a game of catch and keep.

Evan pulled away from her, his breath ragged. “If you don’t stop that, we’ll be on your desk making up for lost time.” He kissed her gently and untangled her arms from around his neck. “I have to get back to work. Maybe when we’re closer we can organize a lunch time liaison. For now, I must leave you as much as it pains me.”

Denver walked him to the door. She was prepared to tell Evan about the baby, but after his words she needed to think about it some more. He wasn’t ready so it was a case of how to make him think he was. It would bear some careful planning on her part, but it was early days. She had plenty of time.