Expecting the Doctor's Baby (16 page)

“I'm very glad you've benefited from the Marshall Management program. Your continued success is thanks enough,” she said, looking at the gorgeous roses. “Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a client coming.”

Not until after lunch, but he didn't need to know that.

“You're throwing me out?”

“Yes.”

“Déjà vu all over again,” he said.

“What does that mean?”

“The very first time I was here you told me we wouldn't be a good fit. As it turned out, we fit together very well.”

His voice dropped into the seductive range that never failed to start flutters deep inside her. “Look, Mitch, on a professional level, I'm very happy that your work issues have been resolved. I don't think there's anything left to say—”

“I do. And I bought three sessions of your donated time at the fund-raiser. I can dig out the voucher, if you don't remember—”

“I do.” She'd never forgetten. It was the night she fell in love with him, the same night their baby was conceived. “We can schedule time, just see the receptionist on your way out.”

“There's no time like the present. Your next client can just wait.” He moved closer. “No one knows better than me that you're worth waiting for.”

“I don't understand.” Sam took a step back and felt her desk behind her. “What is this?”

“This is me trying to apologize for being an ass.”

“Why?”

“I love you. I want to marry you.”

Shock didn't come close to how she felt. This was a declaration she'd never expected to hear from Mitch Tenney. “Is that so?” was all she could manage to say.

“Yes.” His gaze narrowed even as a glint of something sharpened in his blue eyes. “Do you have a problem with that?”

“As a matter of fact—” She nodded. “It's hard for me to believe since you have an irrational fear of being responsible for someone else's destiny.”

“I see.” He nodded thoughtfully as he moved even closer. “Is there anything else you think I need to know?”

“Now that you mention it.” She tried to shrink away from him but there was nowhere to go. Resting her hand behind her, she felt the smooth cellophane surrounding the roses. “If this is a pity proposal, you can save your breath. My father and I had a long talk and were able to smooth out the issues between us. My family is behind me one hundred percent, as is my boss. So I'm not alone. The baby and I will be fine.”

“Good to know.” Nodding, he slid a finger softly, gently down her cheek. “You're certain that it's in the best interests of you and the baby to be on your own?”

“It's not ideal, but that pretty well describes life in general. We'll be fine. Don't worry about us—”

“What if I can't help it?”

“That's not something I can do anything about.”

“What if you could do something?”

She stared at him. This was Mitch, but different. He was the same unyielding man, but he wasn't being oppositional or defiant. The intense, argumentative doctor she'd first known was gone. In his place was a man who was…Asking questions in order to turn her views to his way of thinking.

“You're using my techniques against me,” she accused.

He had the audacity to grin. “I'm a quick learner.”

“There's more to a relationship than conflict resolution. Why the sudden change of heart?”

“Something your brother said.” The smile disappeared, replaced by an impassioned expression that was new.

“Connor went to see you?”

“Yeah. And it has to be said that he could benefit from your coaching.” He ran his fingers through his hair. “But he was right about one thing.”

“What?” she whispered.

“He told me that I should either tell you I love you or get the hell out of your life. I can't do that, the second one. It's safe to say that I don't suffer fools easily. And he made me realize that it would be foolish to throw away the best thing that's ever happened to me.”

This was a lot to take in. “You mean me?”

“Yes.” He cupped her face in his warm hands and looked into her eyes. “It wouldn't be smart to let your pride get in the way of what we have. If I could figure out how to make this a question, I would. But I can't so I'll just say it straight out. When you love someone being responsible isn't a burden. It's a joy. You're not alone, Sam. As long as there's breath in my body you'll never be alone again.”

Her gaze slid over his face, the intensity she'd admired and been drawn to right from the first. This straightforward Mitch was like the man she'd fallen in live with, but different, too. He was more lighthearted and tender.

“I'm afraid to believe.”

“I'll see your fear and raise you a terror or two.” He brushed his thumb over her bottom lip. “I'm more afraid of being without you than you could ever be of anything. You're my bridge and we're the right people. If we're together, there's nothing but opportunity for happiness.” He let out a long breath. “I understand your hesitation. I can respect it, but walking away is not an option. I'll keep coming back until I wear down your resistance. I'll be here until you get that I'm not going away and you, of all people, know how stubborn I am. I love you, Sam. I want to spend the rest of my life with you. Marry me. Please.”

He'd had her from that very first time she'd seen him go to battle for a little boy's life. He didn't give up and he didn't censor his words when he cared passionately.

He was right. It wasn't very bright to throw away what you wanted most when it was right there for the taking.

Sam smiled up at him as happiness poured through her. “I've been in love with you from the first moment I saw you in action in Mercy Medical's E.R. You're my hero, Mitch. There's nothing that would make me happier than being your wife and raising our child with you.”

He smiled, then kissed her softly before pulling her into his arms where she felt safe. “I'm thinking a Christmas wedding. What do you think, Sunshine?”

“Perfect.”

And it was. This was everything she'd always wanted—to love and be hopelessly in love with Mitch Tenney. She was expecting the doctor's baby.

Life didn't get any more perfect.