Expecting the Doctor's Baby (15 page)

“Damn right you didn't,” he said heatedly. “The least you could do is let me know I'm going to be an uncle.”

“But I'm not really your sister.” She did her best to keep any hint of a whine from her tone.

“Says who?”

“Well, no one did in so many words. It's just I don't expect you to feel any obligation to me just because your father put a roof over my head. I was adopted.”

“Yeah. I got the memo. Even if I didn't,
you
never forget about it.”

“It's a fact.”

He nodded. “It's also a fact that I love you. You're my sister just as much as Fiona. You're family, Sam. That means you don't keep stuff like a baby to yourself.”

“Your father did.”

“I'm not my father.” His eyes went dark. “I'm your big brother and that's not going to change. Ever. Got it? I've only ever treated you like a sister. You're the one who can't get past the lack of a biological connection which is not a big deal to the rest of us. Including Dad, by the way. He's just as hard on me and Fee in case you haven't noticed.”

“Are you saying it's my problem?”

“Yeah,” he said, nodding. “If you're willing to throw away a perfectly good brother then that's up to you, but I wouldn't recommend it.”

That's when she burst into tears.

The next thing she knew, Connor had pulled her into his arms. “Don't cry, Sam.”

“I c-can't help it. Hormones have taken over my body. And—” she struggled to control the sobs “—you're too s-sweet for words.”

“Yeah. Be sure and spread the word to all your friends. The single ones. I like tall, but someone your height isn't a deal breaker. Blonde, brunette. Redhead. I'm not fussy.”

She couldn't help laughing. “You're bad.”

“You just said I was sweet,” he reminded her.

“That was before you were hitting on all my friends.”

He rubbed his chin on the top of her head. “I'm not coming on to them. It's better if you do the work.”

She stepped back and punched him playfully in the arm. “I'm not doing your dirty work for you. That's not what sisters are for. I'd be happy to introduce my brother to someone smart, funny and reasonably attractive that I think would be good for him.”

“So I'm your brother now?”

She took his hand and led him over to the corner group, pulling him down beside her. “You've always been. I guess I've been afraid to let my guard down, afraid of losing anyone else I care about.”

“Like your mom.” He took her hand between both of his. “That was a tough break. But now you're going to be a mother. Would you want this child to hold back and let life pass by without really living it?”

“Of course not.”

“Okay, then.”

She tipped her head to the side and studied him. “I bet you're a really good attorney.”

“I am.” He grinned. “And speaking of that, Fiona said to tell you she would be here with me, but she's got a client dinner. She'll be over tomorrow.”

“I'll look forward to that.”

“So I'm going to be an uncle?”

“Of course this baby is all about you.” She laughed, then turned serious.

“Of course.” His expression was protective as he scanned her face. “Are you really okay? Dad said you were in the E.R.”

“I'm fine. There was some spotting, but it stopped right away. The doctor says it happens sometimes and isn't a cause for alarm. So I'm going to be a mom.”

He shook his head. “Just so you know, I plan to spoil my niece or nephew until he or she is the most obnoxious child on the planet.”

Tears welled in her eyes again. “I'm glad there will be a strong, kind man in his life.”

“What about Mitch?”

The name was like a knife to her heart. “You know?”

“Dad didn't hold back.”

Why should he start now?

“I have no reason to believe that Mitch intends to be a part of this child's life,” she explained, proud of herself for keeping her voice from breaking. The slight lip tremble was tougher to control.

Connor's mouth tightened. “You have legal recourse, Sam. He needs to take some responsibility—”

“That's the last thing I want to do,” she interrupted. “I don't want to force anything on him.”

“This is his child, too. That should count for something.”

It should. But she didn't want her baby to ever feel like she did, like a nuisance someone got stuck with. As sweet as Connor was being, he'd never understand what it felt like to lose your whole world and have no alternative but to fit into someone else's—someone who didn't welcome you with open arms.

“Let's be clear about something,” she said. “This is my child. I've informed Mitch that he's going to be a father and the rest is up to him.”

“But, Sam—”

“No buts.” She shook her head. “I don't want to be a duty to him. I don't want the baby to be nothing more than a duty, either. I don't want anything if it's just about appearances.”

“Do you think he's that type?”

“I don't know what to think because he hasn't said anything.”

“What do you mean?”

“I haven't heard from him since he brought me home from the E.R.” And acted as if he cared.

Lack of contact spoke volumes about how he really felt. He hadn't asked for this pregnancy to happen, but neither had she. And now bringing a new life into the world was the most important thing. His actions would suggest he didn't agree. Now she knew what he'd been through had shattered his capacity for caring. She had the rest of her life to come to terms with it.

“He's probably been busy,” Connor suggested.

“Don't,” she said, holding up her hand. “I refuse to get my hopes up. The reality is that he can't be there for me.”

“Then he's a complete idiot.”

“I love you for that, big brother.” She smiled sadly. “But it's best if I start getting over him.”

A stubborn, angry, determined look slid into Connor's narrowed eyes. “Don't write him off just yet, Sam.”

“Give me one good reason why not.”

“Because you're in love with him,” Connor said with conviction. When she started to protest, he held up a hand. “I'm not asking for independent clarification or denial. I have an instinct for these things.”

She didn't think anything could surprise or amuse her under the circumstances, but her brother did both. “You have an instinct for love?”

“I do. In some circles I'm known as Counselor Cupid.”

She laughed. “Now you're pulling my leg.”

“Yes. But in your case, I have a strong feeling that I'm right and you could use some counsel.”

“I don't like that look.”

“What look?”

“That look,” she said, pointing. “Tell me what you're thinking.”

“Besides beating him up?”

“You wouldn't.”

“Don't be too sure.”

“Please, promise me that you won't make things worse by confronting Mitch,” she said.

“I'd never make your life more complicated.” He made a cross over his heart, then held up two fingers. “Scout's honor.”

She nodded, but the reality was that things couldn't really get any worse. Committed men didn't go silent. The sound of silence told her that she was in love with a man who couldn't love her back.

It was time to face the fact that she needed to make plans for her and the baby. Alone.

“T
here's someone here to see you.”

At the sound of the voice, Mitch looked up from the medical journal he was reading. Rhonda was standing in the doorway of the break room.

“Who?”

The nurse lifted one shoulder in a shrug. “Maybe CIA. Could be Homeland Security.”

If he wasn't in such a crappy mood he might have cracked a smile at that. “Did he show you cop creds?”

“No. But he's wearing a suit. Looks like the official type.”

“And just what does that look like?”

“Rugged. Hunky. In a civilized, smart sort of way.”

“You watch too much TV.”

“Maybe.” She shrugged again. “Everything but the medical shows. That leaves mostly crime scene stuff.”

“Did you ask his name?”

“I may be hooked on homicides, but I'm not stupid. He wouldn't say who he is, but was quite clear that he's not leaving until you give him five minutes.”

“Okay, then. Bring him back.”

When she was gone, Mitch refilled his coffee cup and set it on the battered wooden table. He was in the mood for a fight and hoped his visitor was in the mood to accommodate him. His crappy frame of mind was directly linked to the absence of sunshine in his life. He missed Sam. It was as simple and as complicated as that. She was his sunshine and without her he was a storm waiting to happen. But he managed to taint everyone he touched and he just couldn't do that to her.

When the door opened again, Connor Ryan stood there with an armed and dangerous expression on his face. But Mitch's first thought was that something was wrong.

“Is Sam okay?”

“She's fine.”

“So what brings you here?”

“Sam.”

Mitch braced his feet wide apart and crossed his arms over his chest. “So Rhonda was right. You are the official type. Authorized spokesperson for the Ryan family.”

“No one sent me.” A muscle in Connor's jaw jerked. “Including my sister.”

“Oh?”

“In fact, she made me promise not to make things worse by confronting you.”

Mitch looked him over. “Since you're here, you obviously take after your mother.”

“I only promised not to make her life more complicated.”

“Do you have a plan for that?”

“Always,” Connor answered.

There was a protectiveness in his stance that bothered Mitch. How stupid was that? The guy was there to look after his sister, see to her welfare. It was a job Mitch wanted but had no right to do and every reason not to if he was going to safeguard her best interests. And he couldn't help being ticked off that he wasn't Sam's go-to guy.

“Are you going to share this plan?” Mitch didn't even try to take the edge off his irritation.

“There's nothing to share. I want to know what your intentions are toward my sister.”

Mitch slid his hands into the pockets of his lab coat and curled his fingers into fists. “So you're like your father after all.”

“I'll take that as a compliment since it's obvious that my dad already asked you the same question.”

“He did.”

Connor's eyes narrowed. “And what was the answer?”

“I told him I'd never do anything to hurt Sam.”

“Then you've already failed miserably.”

Anger exploded through him and Mitch took a step forward. “What the hell does that mean?”

“It means that I held my sister while she cried and you're the guy responsible.”

Sam was crying? Damn it. “I haven't even seen her—”

“Bingo,” he said, pointing an accusing finger.

“It's for her own good.”

“She's pregnant. With your baby. How do you figure it's best to abandon her?”

Mitch winced at his choice of words. If he wasn't so angry, probably he'd be more inclined to see another point of view. But right now he didn't give a damn about being a bridge or getting past obstacles. His goal was to keep Sam from being hurt and taking himself out of the equation was the best way to do that.

“I want what's best for Sam.”

“You've got a funny way of showing it,” Connor said.

“Yeah, well, I've got my reasons. You'll just have to take my word on that.”

“This is my sister and her baby. Where her welfare is concerned, your word's not good enough.”

Mitch dragged his fingers through his hair. “It's all I've got. My word and a relationship track record littered with casualties. I don't want to do that to Sam.”

“Have you considered what she wants?”

“Of course I have. Her happiness and the baby's are my primary concern.”

“Again I have to say that disappearing without a word is a funny way of showing that.”

“Look, Connor,” he said, the anger suddenly draining out of him. “I care about Sam more than I've ever cared about anyone in my life. I know my word doesn't have much capital with you, but that's the God's honest truth.”

“Right.” Sarcasm dripped off the single word.

“Believe it.” He shrugged. “Or not. There's nothing I can do about that. But Sam and the baby won't want for anything. Not ever.”

“Except for your emotional support.”

“You couldn't be more wrong.”

“So you love my sister?”

God, yes, he wanted to shout. He loved her with everything he had. He loved her enough to let her go. He loved her enough not to discuss it with her brother. “It's none of your business.”

“But you care?”

“Of course I do. The day she was here and I didn't know if I was going to lose her, or the baby, or both—” He dragged in a long breath. “I've had some days that really sucked. But that day, before I knew she was stable, that day was the worst.”

“Have you told her how you feel?” Connor demanded.

Mitch stared at the other man for several moments. “I thought you promised not to make her life more complicated.”

“I did. This should simplify everything.”

“What the hell are you talking about? What do you want from me?”

“I'll tell you what I want.” Connor took a step forward. “Put up or shut up. Quit trying to look like a hero instead of the coward you obviously are. You're trying to play both sides of the fence and it's not going to work. Either have the decency to tell Sam you love her or tell her that you're just not into her. But for God's sake face her. Then get the hell out of her life.”

They stared at each other for several moments, both breathing hard as if punches had been thrown. Mitch wanted to hit something, but if Sam had taught him anything it was to think first. And before he could come back with any kind of retort, Connor had turned away and walked out, his angry words hanging in the air.

Get the hell out of her life
.

More than once within the walls of Mercy Medical Center Mitch had battled death to preserve a life. He'd faced worried family members with good news and bad and always told it like it was, straightforward truth. That wasn't always easy. Somewhere along the line he'd lost himself. He'd been punishing himself for not being able to save Robbie or his marriage. He'd resigned himself to being alone. And he had been.

Until Sam had marched into his E.R. to do battle for his soul.

Now he couldn't picture his world without her in it. If there was no one to care about, no one you couldn't wait to see at the end of a long day, no one who cared whether or not you came home at all, what did any of it mean?

Mitch realized he couldn't get the hell out of Sam's life.

She
was
his life.

 

In Darlyn's office, Sam sat down across the desk from her boss. “Thanks for making time to see me.”

“No problem.” Darlyn rested her glasses on top of her short, auburn hair. “What's up?”

She folded her hands in her lap and decided not to beat around the bush. Straight out. No introduction or sugarcoating. “I'm pregnant.”

“Wow.” Warm brown eyes went from shock to sympathy to sheer delight. As she continued to observe, an assessing expression settled on her face. “Are congratulations in order?”

“Yes—if morning sickness and feeling like roadkill are cause for celebration.”

“I want to know how you feel about this, Sam. I'm your friend as well as your boss and I can support this in whatever way you need.”

“I want this child very much.”

“That's what I wanted to hear.” Darlyn grinned. “My gosh, a baby.”

“Yeah.”

“Is the father happy, too?”

“I don't think so.”

“Did he say so?”

“Not in so many words. But actions speak louder.” Sam gripped her hands so tightly they hurt. Maybe that would take the edge off how she hurt inside.

“Do you want me to take a whack at him?”

One corner of Sam's mouth turned up. “My brother already offered.”

“You're not going to throw me a bone, are you? You're going to make me ask who he is.”

“I'm not going to make you do anything.”

“Mitch Tenney is the father, isn't he?”

Sam was too surprised to sidestep the question. “How did you know?”

“I was guessing, but you just confirmed.” Darlyn nodded with satisfaction. “Don't ever give up your day job to play poker. You don't know the first thing about bluffing.”

“But what made you think of him?”

“Three things,” she said holding up one finger. “He switched coaches twice. The first time because you intrigued him, the second because you two were involved. I knew he pushed your buttons when you were reluctant to take him on as a client, but I thought they were professional ones.”

“It's complicated. I just thought you should know about the baby. If you want my resignation—”

“No way.” Darlyn held up her hand. “After getting that new corporate contract I need you more than ever. You wouldn't abandon me now.”

“Not if you want me.”

“You're very good at what you do and I absolutely would like you to stay on. We can work out the details of your maternity leave as your due date gets closer.”

Sam breathed a sigh of relief. “Thank you. That's a load off my mind.”

“We can set up on site day care,” her boss said. “I know some people at UNLV's early childhood development program. Maybe I can work out an internship situation with the students.”

One of Sam's major concerns was financial, and keeping her job was crucial. She'd never expected this kind of support, too. She knew that if her mother had been there, this was how she'd have reacted. Her throat thick with emotion, Sam could only nod.

Everything was falling into place, everything but Mitch.

Darlyn looked at the watch on her wrist. “I have someone coming in now. If you need to talk more I can—”

Sam shook her head and stood. “It's fine. I just wanted to tell you what was going on.”

“If you need anything, don't hesitate to ask. I'm throwing a baby shower.”

At the door Sam rested her hand on the knob. “You're going to arm wrestle my sister Fiona for that right. And I should warn you, she might look delicate, but she's got some moves.”

Darlyn laughed. “We'll work something out. I can hardly wait. See you later.”

Sam nodded, then left the office. She stopped in the bathroom before going back to her own space. Skidding to a stop in the doorway, she saw Mitch standing in front of her desk.

“Hi,” he said, lifting his hand in a wave.

“What are you doing here?”

“That gave me a warm fuzzy.”

She was warm, too, and fuzzy had nothing to do with it. Her heart was beating fast, probably because she was so glad to see him. When her brain took over she'd be all right.

“I haven't seen you for several weeks. It's a logical question,” she said, proud of the coolness in her tone.

That was when she saw the cellophane-wrapped bouquet of flowers on her desk. She met his gaze and her pulse kicked up again. “Tell me those aren't for me.”

He slid his hands into the pockets of his battered brown leather jacket. “I could do that, but it would be a lie.”

“That's out of character for you.”

“Not anymore,” he said. “Coaching has made a new man of me.”

Sam so didn't need this. Most of the time she felt like she wanted to throw up and today was no exception. Definitely she wasn't at her best. Then he shows up looking like Hollywood's hunk of the hour just when she was getting a handle on how to move forward without him. It wasn't fair. On top of that, it was breaking her heart.