A Baby to Care for (Mills & Boon Medical) (3 page)

‘Really delicious,’ she said after she’d swallowed her mouthful. ‘He should market these. They’d sell so well all around the country.’

Dex nodded. ‘Agreed, but, you see, our Stig isn’t after worldwide fame and fortune. For some strange reason, he’s more than content to live here and provide the township of Didja and surrounding communities with amazing food.’ He grinned at Iris. ‘And all I can say to that is amen!’

She laughed, annoyed with herself for liking Dex so much. He was a determined flirt who no doubt had a harem of women falling at his feet on a regular basis. He was extremely good-looking—and knew it. He seemed to relate easily to everyone he met, whether male or female, old or young and everyone, in turn, seemed to love him back.

Well, she hadn’t come to Didja to love him. In fact, that wasn’t even on her list of things to achieve in the next six months. Dex would simply be another colleague to her. Nothing more. She was here to provide a medical service to an outback community. Not only would the appointment look good on her résumé but it gave her the opportunity to escape from her life and that had been the biggest draw when Melissa had first suggested she come to Didja.

She had a job to do and she’d do it. She had goals to achieve and she’d achieve them. Being head of paediatrics at a busy teaching hospital in Melbourne was high on her list and coming to Didja would most definitely help. Then she would move from Sydney to Victoria to the Royal Children’s hospital and away from her past. She’d already broken the mould by
coming here, by venturing to do something different, and she hoped it would help her to put her previous life behind her once and for all.

They both finished eating and Dex looked at her. ‘Want another one?’

‘Perhaps later, although they were extremely good.’

‘Told you so.’

‘Yes you did. You’re a man who knows his schnitzel sticks.’

‘Thank you, Iris. Such a compliment from a woman of your calibre is something I shall treasure for ever.’

She smiled and shook her head. ‘Melissa was right. You are such an over-actor.’

Dex leaned a little closer and said in a stage whisper, ‘It’s already on my résumé.’

His hypnotic, earthy scent wove around her and she tried not to like it. There was heat radiating from his body as his lips twitched into a smile. Iris took a step backwards, not liking the mildly intimate atmosphere he’d created. ‘Glad to hear it.’ She tried to keep her tone brisk and impersonal but wasn’t sure she’d succeeded.

‘So…’ He clapped his hands together. ‘Where to next? What would you like to see? More stalls? Or perhaps the pub? It is the main hub of the town.’

Iris thought for a moment, unsure what to do. She decided it was best if there were people around them—lots of people—wherever they went. When she’d driven by the pub earlier, she had noticed it was relatively full. Yet the fair atmosphere would provide less time for personal chit-chat as there was so much to comment on.

‘Perhaps another stall,’ she remarked. ‘After all, I hear that the district does need an ambulance. Best get to spending our money.’

‘Yes, we should.’ And he stepped forwards to link his arm with hers as he’d tried to do when she’d first arrived.

‘We don’t need to do that,’ she said, stepping back from him again.

Dex held up his hands in surrender. There was definitely a big N
O
T
OUCHING
sign above her head and he could respect that. ‘Fair enough. Was just trying to be neighbourly.’ He indicated to the stalls with an open hand. ‘Would you like to go to the cake stall? The second-hand clothing stall? The jewellery stall? The kissing booth?’ He raised an eyebrow suggestively. ‘I could take another turn if you’d prefer to spend your money wisely?’

Iris shrugged and started walking off. ‘Oh, I don’t know. That Bluey chap looked OK.’

Dex nearly choked on his tongue and she couldn’t help but laugh. ‘What would your husband say about that, I wonder?’ he asked, unashamedly fishing.

Before Iris had time to respond, a woman started shrieking at the top of her lungs.

‘Help! Help! He’s choking. Watson. Stop it. Help! Somebody!’

Dex and Iris wasted no time, both doing an about-face as they headed in the direction of the cry for help. It was coming from the area where people could sit and relax whilst they ate.

‘He’s choking!’ The woman continued to yell.

‘Hit him on the back,’ someone suggested.

‘No, put your arms around his waist and pull,’ someone else suggested.

‘Doc Dex? Doc Dex!’ Stig was calling for him.

‘I’m here,’ Dex called over the hullabaloo. At the back of the area Stig had set up with tables and chairs for his patrons, a young boy, Watson, who was seven years old, was frantically trying to suck air into his lungs.

‘Stand back,’ Dex ordered. ‘Give him some room.’ He lifted the boy to his feet and wrapped his arms around the upper part of the abdomen. Clasping his hands into a fist, he suddenly and firmly forced them upwards into the gap
between the lower ribs, hoping the compression of air in the chest would expel the bolus of food.

It didn’t. Watson continued to gasp for air, his mother screaming hysterically. Iris came up behind Dex.

‘Bend him slightly forward,’ she instructed, and Dex obeyed. He kept Watson’s head as low as possible whilst Iris struck the seven-year-old firmly between the shoulder blades with the heel of her hand.

Nothing!

A crowd was beginning to gather, everyone hovering with mounting anxiety. Iris thought quickly and looked at Stig, who was dithering nearby.

‘Is there a vacuum cleaner? Find a vacuum cleaner. Plug it in, bring it here.’ She knew it was a risky solution but if she didn’t try something soon, Watson would choke to death.

‘The new doc’s barmy,’ a bloke called.

‘Just do it,’ Iris insisted, her tone brooking no argument. Stig rushed off to do her bidding. Dex was soothing Watson trying to get the child to relax his body in the hope that a smidgen of air could continue to make its way through until they’d dislodged the obstruction.

While they waited, Dex held the boy in position whilst Iris struck him firmly between the shoulder blades again. Still nothing.

‘Try and relax your muscles,’ Dex told Watson. ‘It’s all right. We’re here. We’re going to help you.’

‘Has someone called for a—?’ Iris stopped, only then remembering that the town didn’t have an ambulance. Not yet. ‘A bucket. I’m going to need a bucket.’

‘You all right, Doc?’ A woman asked.

‘The bucket’s not for me,’ she said with a touch of impatience. What was taking them so long with the vacuum cleaner? Why did everything seem to be happening in slow motion?

‘Tip his head back and try and blow some air past the obstruction,’
she suggested to Dex, but even as the words left her mouth Dex was already shifting Watson around to do just that.

‘Here it is,’ a person called, and Iris turned to see Stig running towards them with an old vacuum cleaner.

‘Plug it in,’ she urged as she pulled the head off the vacuum, getting the nozzle ready.

‘All right.’ Stig yelled across the room. ‘It’s in.’

Iris tested the suction and found it wasn’t too strong for picking up dirt but it was better for what she was about to do. ‘Suction is ready. Sit him upright,’ she instructed, and Dex complied, holding Watson’s jaw down and open, whispering quietly and reassuringly in the boy’s ear. Iris placed the vacuum cleaner pipe into Watson’s mouth, ensuring the tongue was depressed. The poor child started gagging as the suction began but Dex held him firm, as well as delivering a few more blows between his shoulder blades.

Within seconds, the blockage was cleared and Iris carefully removed the pipe. A collective sigh of relief rippled through the crowd and Watson collapsed against Dex, who held the boy, soothing him.

‘Bucket.’ Iris held out her hand, her eyes still watching their patient. She accepted the bucket and placed it in front of Watson who, seconds later, started to retch. She watched as Dex continued to hold the boy, talking calmly. The poor boy was still as white as a sheet but was now completely out of danger. Dex was certainly very good with children and obviously had a calming bedside manner. She was impressed.

Iris looked over to where Watson’s mother was crumpled in a heap on the floor, friends crouched down beside her, rubbing her back and supporting her as she cried. And quite right, too. Seeing your son choke was a highly traumatic event. After years of treating children, Iris knew it was often the parents who reacted more than the child.

When Watson was finished, Iris handed the bucket to
someone and took the boy’s pulse. It was still elevated but slowly returning to normal. ‘How are you feeling?’ she asked him.

‘Tired.’

Both Dex and Iris smiled at the answer. ‘That’s to be expected. Your throat’s going to be sore for the next few days.’

‘And that means,’ Dex continued, Watson still in his arms, leaning heavily against him, ‘no talking loudly, no singing, no yelling at your sisters.’

‘Not fair,’ Watson whispered, but nodded.

‘I think we’ll have you stay at the hospital tonight,’ Iris said. ‘Just so we can monitor you.’ Watson’s eyes grew wider at this information.

‘It’s just overnight,’ Dex reassured the young boy. ‘And you’ll have Bub looking after you, and you like Bub. And you’ll have to eat soft, mushy foods.’

‘Like puréed spinach?’ Watson whispered, and wrinkled his nose. Iris found it difficult not to laugh.

‘I think we can do better than that.’ Dex chuckled and she tried not to let the sound wash over her. The man really did have the sexiest laugh she’d ever heard. So smooth, so rich and so genuine. ‘Like…Oh, I don’t know. What do you think, Dr Iris? Ice cream?’

She snapped her attention back to what was happening, rather than being concerned about Dexter Crawford’s husky laugh. ‘Hmm.’ She pretended to think for a second. ‘Ice cream, eh? That might do.’ She looked at Watson and snapped her fingers. ‘Oh, I know. What about jelly?’

‘And custard.’ Dex nodded and licked his lips. ‘I think I’m going to enjoy visiting you in hospital. Maybe you’ll share?’

Watson grinned and shook his head. Iris was pleased there was colour coming back into the boy’s cheeks. He’d had a terrible scare but he’d do just fine.

‘Well…OK, then. I guess that’s fair,’ Dex remarked. ‘But you do know there’s something extra-special about you now.’

‘What?’ Watson whispered.

‘You’re Dr Iris’s first patient in Didja.’ He nodded. ‘And what a fine initiation it was for her.’ He looked at the crowd around them. ‘What d’ya say, mates? How about a big round of applause for our new resident paediatrician—Doc Iris.’

And indeed a round of applause was exactly what she received. Iris felt highly self-conscious as she stood and smiled, politely accepting the thanks from the people of this strange but loving outback town.

She glanced down at Dex who winked at her, then treated her to one of those butterfly-inducing smiles. His tone was warm and inviting as he said more quietly, ‘Welcome to Didja, Iris.’

T
HE
clinic, which had a little ten-bed hospital at the rear of the premises, wasn’t what Iris had been expecting.

They’d bundled Watson into the rear of her four-wheel drive, Watson’s mother beside him and Dex sitting in the front passenger seat, exuding way too much heat and male pheromones for Iris’s liking. Thankfully, the drive had been relatively short and Dex had directed her to park the car around the rear of the building.

‘That’s where we live.’ He pointed to a set of four ground-level apartments, which were separated from the clinic by the small and private car park they were in. Even Dex’s words— ‘That’s where
we
live’—made her want to blush, made her want to correct him and point out that they weren’t, in fact,
living
together but rather sharing an apartment block. Then again, she knew she’d only be arguing semantics and it would only show Dex how much his words had affected her. Besides, they had a patient to deal with.

As they headed inside, Dex carrying young Watson whilst the boy’s mother trailed behind, Iris marvelled at the difference between outback medicine and that of its counterpart in the city. A wheelchair would have been provided for Watson back in Sydney to transport him from the vehicle—which would have been an ambulance—into the sanctuary of the
hospital building. There would have been paperwork to be filled out and red tape to be processed. Insurance. Public liability. Doing everything by the book. Instead, she’d driven the patient to the hospital in her own vehicle and Dex had carried the patient inside, talking animatedly to him as they went.

He was very good, very natural with the boy, and she wondered if he was like this with all of his patients. She knew he had the charm and charisma to seriously affect the female population but it appeared Dex could charm anyone, regardless of age, race or sex. He was obviously well liked and respected within the community and for that reason Iris decided to try and control her need to make snap judgements, to pigeonhole people and put them in a box marked ‘X’ so she could deal with them in a less personal way—and she would start with Dex.

She watched as he placed Watson on a bed and made sure both mother and son were comfortable before performing observations on their patient. Again, this was something a nurse would usually have done but it appeared out here in the outback it was all hands on deck. Hierarchy and rank appeared to have little or no consequence at all. At least, this was what she thought until she met Bub.

‘Dexter. I see you’ve brought me another patient,’ Bub said as she came over and embraced Watson’s mother. Iris guessed Bub to be a woman in her mid to late fifties. She had short grey hair and a weathered smile. Her eyes were bright with teasing as she shooed Dex away, taking the stethoscope from him and making him stand at the end of the bed.

‘Out of the way. It’s my job so let me do it.’

‘I was just trying to help.’ Dex sounded a lot like a scolded little boy. He turned and looked at Iris, winking at her which let her know that Bub really wasn’t as cross with him as she’d sounded. ‘Watson decided to breathe and eat at the same time,’ Dex said in an attempt to give some sort of handover. ‘Which resulted in—’

‘I know what happened. I’ve had at least twelve calls from various people letting me know what to expect.’ Bub turned and looked directly at Iris. ‘Honestly, darl, in this town there is no such thing as privacy.’ She looked away and said softly, ‘And sometimes that’s a good thing.’

‘Anyway, once you’re satisfied that Watson is as fine as fine can be, apart from a rather sore throat, which I’m sure can be soothed with the application of foods such as ice cream, jelly and custard, you might want to see the present I’ve brought you.’ Dex indicated Iris as he spoke.

Bub had a good look at Watson’s throat and finished her observations before turning to face Iris. The woman smiled brightly, taking both of Iris’s hands in her own. She sighed and nodded slowly.

‘You’ve brought me a paediatrician.’ She ignored Dex and looked directly into Iris’s eyes. ‘How wonderful that you’re here, darl.’ The words were so heartfelt, so sincere that Iris was quite moved by them. ‘First we were blessed with Melissa, who has been so wonderful for the female community, and now we have you—someone to look after our gorgeous children.’ Bub squeezed Iris’s hands before letting them go. ‘Welcome.’ And in the next instant Iris found herself being embraced warmly by the woman who so obviously ran this hospital.

‘Er…thank you.’

Bub let her go and then started fussing around Watson’s bed, straightening sheets and plumping pillows as she spoke. ‘Now, I know you’re only here for six months—a great pity Joss couldn’t talk you into staying longer but perhaps you’ll end up like Melissa and find yourself a nice young man and settle down here for good.’

‘Uh…’ Iris was taken aback by Bub’s words. She tried to think of a polite way of saying that such a suggestion was absolutely ludicrous and the last thing on her mind. ‘Well, it’s a nice offer and definitely something to consider.’

‘Good.’

Dex was momentarily puzzled. Obviously Bub didn’t realise Iris was already married. He waited for Iris to set the other woman straight.

‘But—’ Iris felt compelled to continue ‘—I’ve already secured another appointment at the end of my six months here.’

At her words, Iris felt all eyes on her. Watson’s, his mother’s, Bub’s and most of all Dex’s.

‘Where are you going?’ Dex asked calmly.

‘The children’s hospital in Melbourne.’ A moment of silence followed her announcement and she wondered what she’d done wrong. She was only here for six months. This was just a job and one that not only afforded her the opportunity to get out of Sydney but which would look good on her résumé, thereby securing her the job she was really after.

‘Oh.’ Bub was the first to speak. ‘Well, we wouldn’t want to stand in the way of a fancy job in the city but perhaps there’s still hope that you’ll meet someone and decide to stay for longer.’ She looked over at Dex. ‘Turn on the charm, boy. Be nice. Make Iris so happy she doesn’t want to leave.’

‘But…’ Dex was clearly confused. Wasn’t Iris already married? Perhaps it was her husband who didn’t want to stay in Didja any longer than six months. Rather than point out the obvious to Bub, he decided to simply turn the situation into a light-hearted moment. ‘What would you like me to do, boss? Propose right now?’ Even though the woman was married, he added silently.

Bub looked at him and smiled, the previous mood broken, to be replaced by one of joviality.

‘Why not? Start how you mean to finish,’ Bub added jokingly.

In a light-hearted and teasing manner, Dex immediately dropped to one knee and took Iris’s hands in his. ‘Iris Tennant, will you marry me?’

Iris glared at him for a second as though he’d grown an extra head. ‘No!’

Dex shrugged, stood up again and looked at Bub. ‘Can’t say I didn’t try,’ he remarked, and winked at Watson and his mother, who were laughing. Then he glanced at Iris, a little confused as to why she didn’t simply tell them that she was already hitched and that agreeing to marry him would only lead to a bigamy charge.

Instead, Iris looked around the room, even at the elderly woman who was dozing two beds up from Watson’s. She shook her head slowly. ‘You’re all stark raving mad.’

*

After her first week in Didja, Iris sat out in the courtyard, which was situated behind the apartments.

‘More wine?’ Melissa asked, the two women enjoying the opportunity to simply sit down and catch up.

Iris shook her head. ‘I’m fine, thanks.’

‘So…your first week in the outback. How did it go?’

‘Busy. So many children and they’re all in need of a lot of attention.’

‘That’s how I felt after my first week. So many women needing help, needing attention, needing another female simply to talk to. It can get very lonely for the women and children out here.’

Iris nodded. ‘It’s interesting, though. Different and interesting.’

‘Challenging,’ Melissa agreed. She took a sip of her wine and relaxed more into the chair. ‘I’m glad the boys went to the pub tonight. They can drink a few beers with their friends, play a game or two of pool and break up a fight.’

‘Male bonding.’ Iris nodded and Melissa chuckled.

‘Exactly. And in turn we get to sit here and relax in peace and quiet, sharing a nice bottle of red. I’m really glad you agreed to come to Didja, Iris. It’s nice having you here.’

‘You’re not going to try and convince me to stay longer?’

Melissa raised her eyebrows at that statement. ‘What makes you ask that? Have you been pressured?’ She took another sip of her wine.

‘Only a bit. Dex proposed to me.’

Shocked, Melissa nearly spat her mouthful all over the place. Instead, she swallowed and then started coughing. Iris patted her on the back.

‘Sorry. Should have picked my time better before imparting that piece of information.’

‘What? When?’ Melissa kept coughing.

‘My first day here. He was only joking, I know that, but still…’ She shrugged. ‘It was rather startling.’ And sort of nice and flattering, and for some reason she hadn’t been able to stop thinking about it. In fact, throughout the week she’d caught herself sneaking glances at Dex, thinking about him and wondering what the look on his face would have been like if she’d said yes?

‘Does he know about your husband?’ Melissa had recovered now.

‘He knows Tennant is my married name but apart from you and Joss, no-one knows about my past.’

‘Pasts are a tricky thing. Unless your past affects your future, it should stay in the past.’ Melissa smiled warmly at her friend. ‘You’ve been through so much. Coped with so much. You’re an inspiration to me, Iris.’

Iris smiled, accepting her friend’s warm words. Then she paused for a second before asking, ‘And no-one’s said anything about my clothes?’

‘What you wear is your business. If you want to wear long-sleeved shirts and trousers, then you do it. No one needs to know why.’

The scars on her arms, upper legs and torso were something she’d had to live with on a daily basis. They were also a constant
reminder of the tragedy she’d lived through, of fighting that fire, of losing her husband and almost losing her own life.

‘It’s just out here, in the heat, people might wonder why I’m rugged up like a polar bear.’

‘You’re a strong woman, Iris. You’re a survivor—in more ways than one. I like to surround myself with emancipated women and you are definitely one of them. If you’re comfortable, why worry what other people think?’

‘I’m so self-conscious about the scars. Still.’ The words were said softly. ‘I had thought that as time went on, as the red angriness started to fade from the affected areas, I’d be able to cope better.’

Melissa could feel her friend’s pain. ‘All I know is I’m glad you didn’t die. I remember sitting by your bed in the burns unit night after night after night, hoping and praying that you’d live. And you did.’

Tears filled Melissa’s eyes and Iris felt a wave of her own coming on as her friend continued speaking such heartfelt words.

‘Physical scars you may still have but…’ She reached over and touched Iris’s hand. ‘But you’re still here. I’ve lost so many people, had them taken away from me. I’m just grateful you weren’t one of them.’ She sniffed and sat back, pulling a tissue from her pocket. ‘I’m also glad you’ve come to Didja. I don’t care if it’s only for six months. I don’t care if it’s to get away from Sydney or because it helped secure you a job in Melbourne. You’re here. I’m glad you’re going to be here for my wedding, to get to know my wonderful Joss as well as my crazy brother.’

‘Well…’ Iris sniffed and pulled herself together. ‘The crazy-brother part I could probably do without.’

Melissa sat back and laughed, before blowing her nose. ‘He is a bit full on is Dex but underneath he’s like a hurt little boy. He’s finally starting to let me into his life, to open up,
and it’s fantastic. Still, he covers so much up with nonchalance and laughter.’

‘And on-the-spot proposals,’ Iris added.

‘Yes.’ Both women laughed.

‘What’s so funny?’ a male voice said from behind them, and they both turned to see the man in question, as well as Melissa’s fiancé, walking towards them.

‘You two are back early.’ Melissa accepted a sensual kiss from Joss. ‘What? No fights tonight?’

‘Nope.’ Dex sank into a chair next to Iris. Joss stood behind Melissa, his hands protectively on her shoulders. ‘Carto wasn’t there so Bluey had no one to pick a fight with.’

‘Wow. A Friday night in Didja with no fight to break up? Is that a first?’ Melissa asked.

‘Remember the first fight you had to assist me with at the pub?’ Joss asked his fiancée, his blue eyes twinkling in the early evening light.

Melissa laughed and nodded. ‘Do I ever.’

Dex groaned. ‘Don’t.’

Iris picked up on the amused tension. ‘What happened?’

‘Carto and Bluey got into their usual argument about football and started swinging punches,’ Joss began.

‘Don’t.’ Dex hung his head and shook it. Iris was now more intrigued than ever.

‘Dex, being the strong, virile man that he is,’ Joss continued, ‘decided to break it up.’

‘He was so macho,’ Melissa teased her brother. ‘Standing between the two men. Telling them to stop fighting.’

‘Yeah, really macho.’ Joss started to laugh. ‘Until Bluey accidentally punched Dex instead of Carto.’

‘I hate you both,’ Dex murmured, and looked at Iris. She was smiling brightly, her green eyes alive with anticipation and interest. Her hair was pulled back in its usual long single plait and she again wore the long cotton clothing which he was
sure hid such a gorgeous, curvaceous figure. Still, the image she presented right now was…captivating. Didn’t she have any idea just how stunning she was?

‘He was out cold for a good thirty seconds,’ Melissa said, grinning at her brother.

‘And there we have it. Embarrassment is complete.’ Everyone laughed and Dex took a little bow. ‘Thank you both very much. You may go now,’ he announced.

Joss patted Melissa’s shoulders. ‘We’re being dismissed. Let’s go.’