Maitland Maternity: Triplets, Quads and Quints

“Me, too,” Bri agreed, giving Abby her best smile. “Emily, Elizabeth and Eleanor are going to be the healthiest triplets ever born.”

“Okay. So follow my orders until two o’clock. You can put in a brief appearance at the welcoming party, but don’t stay long.”

“I won’t. I promise.” Relieved that she’d have a good excuse to exit early, her smile grew even brighter.

“Then I’ll see you there. And eat all your lunch!”

“Yes, ma’am.” Bri even added a mock salute as Abby left her office.

Alone once again, Bri released a big sigh. She hadn’t even gotten around to worrying about the welcoming party. Before she could, Abby had given her an out. She’d go for the initial introduction, shake Hunter’s hand…dear heavens, she didn’t want to touch him.

“You’re being ridiculous!” she exclaimed to herself. Their brief acquaintance had happened seven months ago. She’d simply exaggerated the effect he had on her. That was all, a silly exaggeration. She could shake his hand, as if they were two business acquaintances, without feeling anything. Nothing to it.

She drew a deep breath.

“Did you call me?” Lisa asked from the door.

“Uh, no, I hate to admit it, but I was talking out loud to the girls. Sorry.”

“No problem. I think that’s so sweet. They’re lucky girls to have you for a mom.”

Bri smiled at her assistant. “Thanks, Lisa. You always make me feel better.”

“I’m going down now to get your lunch. I’ve switched the phones to voice mail, so don’t bother answering them. Just stay in your rocker and rest.”

“I promise to follow orders,” she agreed, and Lisa nodded, disappearing from view.

And the best thing she could do for herself and her girls was not to think about the new obstetrics chief for the McCallum Wing. Ever. She didn’t want her girls feeling any connection to the man.

They were her daughters. Three little miracles who belonged to no one else. That was her story and she was sticking to it!

HUNTER FOLLOWED R. J. Maitland through the wing, impressed with the facilities and the friendliness of the staff. He wouldn’t find out about their skills until he saw them in action.

“You’re cutting a wide swath through our nursing staff,” R.J. muttered as they left yet another area.

Hunter frowned. “What do you mean?”

“You haven’t noticed all the younger nurses fainting at your feet? Even some of the older ones are swooning.”

Hunter continued to stare at him, wondering what he was talking about.

“Man, the nurses are interested. Surely you noticed?”

“Look, Maitland, all I’ve seen are a lot of friendly faces, which I appreciate. I think you’re exaggerating.”

“I thought you were single.”

“I am. Very.”

“Not looking?”

Hunter ground his teeth together, wondering what the man would say if he told him he’d learned his lesson about women at his administrator’s hands. Instead, he said simply, “No, I’m not looking.” Then, before the man could speak, he added, “And, before you ask, I’m not gay. I’m just intent on my work.”

“Good enough. I hope if you do decide to, uh, change your status, you’ll look outside the hospital. I’m sure local Austin society will make you feel welcome. Some of our Texas ladies are real lookers.”

Hunter smiled. He’d already heard stories about Maitland Maternity’s past history. “Like you looked outside the hospital?”

R. J. Maitland’s cheeks turned bright red. He cleared his throat. “Well, uh, I guess you know I didn’t.” R.J. had married his secretary Dana Dillinger.

“Yeah, I know. But I didn’t let it sway my decision to come here. I don’t think personal relationships affect a man’s work that much.”

“Okay. Let me take you to your office now. You already have an assistant, Mrs. Helen Robb. If you don’t think you can work with her, let me know. I’ll find another place for her and you can hire your own assistant.”

“Thanks. I’ll let you know.” Hunter hoped he could work with the woman, but if she was young and followed him around all day long, he’d take R.J. up on his offer. He wanted nothing to do with romance or women.

But he did want to talk to Briana.

Not because he was still attracted to her. He’d explained away his attraction a million times. When he’d let down his guard over the past seven months and found himself yearning for her, he’d immediately reminded himself that she was a wealthy woman, looking for kicks, taking a title to make herself feel important.

Not the woman for him.

But for those few hours when he’d held her, when he’d made love to her, she’d been his dream, his future, his love. He was fortunate, really, that she’d slapped him in the face with reality so quickly. If he’d spent a month or two believing in that fantasy, he might not be able to dismiss those thoughts so easily.

He ignored the sarcastic laughter those thoughts earned from his mind. He was beginning to think he’d misjudged Briana because he was afraid of being hurt. He’d sought ways to dismiss the magic of their time together to make it easier to forget her.

“Hunter? Allow me to introduce Mrs. Helen Robb,” R.J. said, jolting him from his thoughts. Apparently they’d reached his office while he was thinking. He had no idea how they’d gotten here.

“Welcome to Maitland Maternity, and McCallum Wing in particular, Dr. Callaghan.”

Hunter stared at the trim, gray-haired woman. Her voice was serene and soothing. Now, if she had brains, he was in luck.

“Thank you, Mrs. Robb.”

“Please, call me Helen. Everyone does.” She turned and led the way into his office. “I arranged the furniture to my liking. If there’s anything you want changed, don’t hesitate to tell me. I’ll call maintenance and get someone up here at once.”

His office was large. “I like the arrangement very much. It looks efficient and soothing.” The decor was done in blue and beige with an occasional touch of yellow.

“I left room on the wall by the windows for your degrees and certificates. If you’ll give them to me when you’ve unpacked, I’ll see that they are hung in place.”

“Perfect. Have you worked at the hospital long?”

“Yes, almost since the beginning. I was Mr. William Maitland’s secretary until he died. Then I’ve worked in different departments, so I feel I know the hospital well.”

Hunter looked at R.J. and nodded before he responded to her words. “Good. You’ll be a big help to me as I try to learn everyone’s name and position. Thank you, Helen.”

She smiled and disappeared into the outer office.

“She seems perfect, R.J. Thanks.”

“She’s one of the best. But if a problem arises, let me know. Now, do you want to go to lunch at a nearby restaurant, eat in the cafeteria, skip lunch while you settle in, have Helen bring you something, or—”

“I’d love for Helen to bring me something while I get settled in, if that wouldn’t be rude of me. I’m anxious to find my footing. Everything happened so quickly, I need some time. It’s only been ten days since I first interviewed.”

“Of course, and Helen will be glad to do so. She’ll start you a tab in the cafeteria. You don’t pay until after you’ve run up a hundred dollars a month, so you don’t have to give her any money,” he added as Hunter reached for his wallet. “It’s part of your contract.”

“Maybe the first thing I’d better do is read the details on that contract,” Hunter said with a laugh. “I’d forgotten that little benefit.”

R.J. smiled in return. “I’m just glad you signed it. You could’ve stayed in Chicago and received the same promotion within another year. We feel fortunate you felt like a change of venue. Any particular reason?”

Hunter avoided the other man’s gaze. With a shrug of his shoulders, he said, “You know, sometimes you just feel the need to move on. And Maitland Maternity Hospital, even without the new wing, has a great reputation.”

“True. Well, welcome one more time. I’ll stop by at two and pick you up for your welcoming party.”

“Thanks,” Hunter said again. Once R. J. Maitland, whom Hunter liked so far, had disappeared he breathed a sigh of relief. No more questions about his acceptance of the job. He didn’t want his reasons examined too closely. He didn’t even want to think about them. After telling himself he didn’t ever want to see her again, he’d jumped at the chance to work with her. The job was a good one, but Briana had been the deciding factor.

When Helen appeared at his door after he called her name, he asked her to fetch him lunch. She gave him a succinct summation of what they offered, and he chose randomly and sent her on her way.

Now he was really alone.

No one watching, no one talking, no one guessing about him.

Now he could replay his meeting with a very pregnant Briana McCallum. Pregnant with his children. He was going to be a father of three identical little girls. At least he thought so. He’d dreamed of having a family—one day. When he’d found Briana seven months ago, he’d dreamed of the family they would have. But then reality had slapped him in the face. He wasn’t married, making a future.

Reality. What would she expect of him? Now that she knew how to find him, would she insist on marriage?

His heart sped up as he again remembered the sensations he’d felt when he’d held her in his arms. Sensations he’d dismissed for seven months. They weren’t so easily dismissed now.

But he didn’t dare give in to those thoughts. He still had no proof that Briana was anything but a rich uncaring woman. She probably had no intention of raising her children. Maybe she was like her father, not interested in babies.

Even he couldn’t believe that fantasy. She might have left him high and dry. She might not have been interested in a future with him. But he’d seen nothing in their brief time together that said she would ignore her—their daughters.

And he intended to play a role in his daughters’ lives, so if she insisted on marriage, then he’d marry her. He didn’t want anyone calling his daughters illegitimate. He’d punch their lights out if they dared.

So, a marriage of convenience?

That was probably what she’d want. He could handle that. Of course he could. He began massaging his temples at the thought of living in the same house with Briana and never touching her. Never.

“Dr. Callaghan? Do you have a headache?” Helen asked. She’d entered his office quietly while his eyes were closed.

“No! No, not at all. I was thinking. That was fast, Helen. I promise I won’t ask you to wait on me all the time. I just needed a little time to myself.”

“I don’t mind at all.”

“Have you eaten?”

“I picked myself up some lunch while I was there.”

“Why don’t you bring it in here and we can talk while we eat. Unless you would be uncomfortable?”

“Not at all.”

Hunter wondered how long it would take him to lead the conversation to Briana McCallum without being obvious. Because she was the only part of the hospital he was interested in right now.

AT FIVE UNTIL TWO, Briana touched up her makeup, determined not to look washed out, combed her hair, smoothed any wrinkles out of her navy blue two-piece maternity suit, and started out of her office for the welcoming party in the cafeteria.

“Are you ready to go, Bri?” Lisa asked, jumping up from her desk. “Dr. Abby said I was to go with you, in case you felt faint.”

Bri sighed. She was paying a heavy price for her silly fainting spell. But it wouldn’t happen again. Because she wasn’t going to be surprised again. “Fine, Lisa.” She waited patiently for Lisa to reach her side.

“The new doctor sure is a looker. Everyone’s talking about how handsome he is. You should hear all the nurses.”

Bri sank her teeth into her bottom lip. It shouldn’t bother her. She already knew he was handsome. But she also knew he was one of those men who took his pleasure and avoided the consequences. He was a jerk, plain and simple.

“Really? I guess I didn’t notice his appearance all that much.”

Lisa giggled. “I guess not. You were too busy fainting.” Then she covered her lips with her free hand. “Oops, sorry, Bri.”

“Nothing to be sorry about. That about sums it up. So, did you think he was that handsome?”

“Wow, yeah! I mean, I guess he’s too old for me, but he’s very handsome. And he has just a few grey hairs at his temples. They blend in with his blond hair, but still, they make him look distinguished. I’d trust him with my life,” she added, a dreamy expression on her face.

“Good looks aren’t a lot of help in a medical emergency, Lisa,” Bri pointed out, sarcasm in her voice.

“I know, but what I meant is he looks trustworthy.”

“Even jerks can look trustworthy. That’s why they get the opportunity to be a jerk. No one trusts an ugly man.”

“That’s not true. I trust Benny, and he’s not handsome.”

“I trust Benny, too, and I think he’s kind of cute.”

Lisa giggled. “Yeah, so do I.”

Benny was a paramedic who made deliveries to the hospital. Sometimes he and his partner would go to the cafeteria and have a cup of coffee. His nose looked as if it had been broken, and he could use a good dentist, but he had a heart of gold.

They’d arrived at the cafeteria, and Briana immediately began checking to see if everything had been done as she’d asked. The cafeteria supervisor appeared at her side to see if there was anything else to be done.

“It looks wonderful, Mrs. C.,” Bri said at once.

Joanna Carpenter beamed at her. “Oh, thanks, Bri. I think I did everything you asked. Come have a look at the cake. Sam did a great job decorating it. He’s getting very good.”

Bri looked at the cake and offered praise for Sam, the baker in their cafeteria. It hadn’t been an easy task writing Welcome Dr. Callaghan on the cake.

Members of the staff began filling the cafeteria, many of them checking on Bri before they drifted off to chat with friends.

When the new arrival entered with R. J. Maitland, a cheer went up from everyone gathered, and helium balloons were released from bags in several corners of the room. Of course, they didn’t have far to go but soon the strings tied on them were hanging down, allowing those present to take one of them as a souvenir. And they did add a lot of color.

R. J. Maitland raised one hand for silence and again welcomed Hunter Callaghan, obstetrician extraordinaire to the staff, adding an impressive list of qualifications. Everyone cheered again when he’d finished and began shouting for Dr. Callaghan to speak.

Hunter nodded, smiled and held his hand up in appreciation for their welcome. When they quieted, he made a gracious speech about how much he was looking forward to working with them and how much he appreciated the warmth of their welcome.

Bri tried to ignore the warm tendrils of remembrance that curled around her heart as she listened to his voice. How calming that voice had been when they were stuck in the storeroom. How exciting it had been when he’d held her in his arms and made love to her.

Now it meant nothing to her, she assured herself. Nothing at all. But she didn’t approach him at once to excuse herself. She had to have time to regain control, because touching him could be even worse than hearing his voice.

Finally, she approached the table where he was eating his piece of cake and assuring Sam it was the best cake he’d ever had. Sam, beaming, backed away from the table and Bri just barely managed to sidestep him in time.

“Oh, Bri! I’m so sorry! I didn’t hurt you, did I?”

“No, Sam, not at all.”

“Did you get a piece of cake?”

“I’d love one, but my doctor said I had to give up all that sugar for a while.”

“Oh, of course. When you can eat cake again, I’ll bake you a special one.”

“I’ll hold you to that.”

Sam kissed her cheek and hurried off to the kitchen where he could repeat Hunter’s appreciative remarks to his friends.

Dr. Callaghan, as she was determined to think of him, had risen to his feet and stood waiting.

Bri kept about three feet of distance between her and the table. “Sorry to interrupt, R.J., Dr. Callaghan. I wanted to welcome you again to our wing, Dr. Callaghan. And to excuse myself. Abby insisted I only stay a couple of minutes.”

R.J. stood and crossed the three feet and kissed her on the cheek. “You did a bang-up job, Bri. Now go take care of those girls. I’m sure Hunter agrees that their well-being takes precedence over any party.”

“Thanks, R.J.” She immediately turned to head for the door, but she couldn’t escape quite so quickly.

“Ms. McCallum,” Hunter said, stopping her in her tracks. “Thanks for arranging such a nice party.”

“You’re welcome,” she said, backing up.

“And I believe you said you’d set aside some time in the morning for us to talk?”

Her gaze flickered to his blue eyes and hurriedly looked away. There was an edge to his words, almost threatening. “Yes, at nine in the morning, but only if you want to talk then. If you have more important things to do, we can make it when it’s more convenient for you.”

“More convenient for me? Hmm, I’ll let you know in the morning. Is that all right with you?”

“Yes, of course. Just let Lisa know.”

She hesitated, wanting to leave but not wanting to appear rude. That would start all kinds of rumors flying through the hospital. And endless questions.

Though she kept her gaze down, she couldn’t help but see the hand he held out. Oh, my. She was going to have to shake his hand after all. Maybe she could claim to have poison ivy! Or the measles. Or—or—nothing else occurred to her. And none of her ideas would work. Abby would be all over her if she heard her say any of those silly things.

Come on, Briana, where’s your courage? Just shake his hand and get out of here! She drew a deep breath and reached out to receive his offer of a handshake. It had to be her nerves that caused the trembling, not his flesh. But something happened. She felt like static electricity had shot through her.

With a gasp, she jerked her hand away and fled from Dr. Hunter Callaghan’s presence. She’d think up a good excuse later…if anyone bothered to ask.

Chapter Six

When five o’clock rolled around, Lisa stuck her head through the door. “It’s time to go home, Bri. Are you ready?”

“Not today, Lisa. It’s been such a strange day, I need a few more minutes to work before I can leave.”

“But Dr. Abby said—”

“I know. But she said my life should go on as normal for as long as I can manage it. And I definitely wouldn’t leave all this paperwork for tomorrow. Besides, I’m just going to sit here, no strain. I promise.” She gave Lisa her best smile. After all, she was the boss.

“Okay, but maybe you should sleep in in the morning and come in late.”

“And keep Dr. Callaghan waiting? Not a good career move.” Bri would prefer to do as Lisa said, but she knew she couldn’t.

“Oh, I’d forgotten. Okay, but don’t stay late.”

“I won’t.” She looked down at the papers on her desk, hoping Lisa would take the hint and leave without more warnings. She appreciated all the concern from her colleagues, but she didn’t need a hundred mother hens.

“’Night,” Lisa called, and then there was silence.

She was alone at last. No more questions about her reaction to Dr. Callaghan’s handshake. As she’d figured, there had been a few. She’d told them all it was carpet shock or something. Amazingly enough, they’d believed her. Or appeared to, even Abby, who’d dropped by around three to check on her.

Now, she’d passed all the tests and would probably only see the man at rare intervals. They could handle most of their business over the phone. She’d just have to deal with his voice.

She turned her attention back to her work. She only had a few minutes worth, but she wanted to make sure she didn’t run into the good doctor as he left the building. She figured he’d be gone soon. After all, it was his first day. He couldn’t be behind so quickly.

After she finished the last of her chores, she cleared her desk and made a list of what she needed to deal with when she first arrived in the morning. It was best not to be caught unawares.

A noise in Lisa’s office caught her attention. “Is someone out there?” Briana called through the open door.

“Oh,” Dr. Hunter Callaghan said as he appeared in the doorway. “You’re still here. Good.” He entered her office and closed the door behind him. “I thought we should have a little talk.”

Briana struggled to control the panic welling up in her. “I was about to go home, Dr. Callaghan.”

“Don’t be so formal, Bri. Make it Hunter.”

“I realize I said we’d talk at your convenience, Dr. Callaghan,” she began, ignoring his offer of informality, “but I really think tomorrow morning would be better.”

“Oh, we’ll talk tomorrow morning. But that will be a business meeting. Right now I think we need to have a personal meeting.”

He wasn’t going to play the game. Pretend they’d never met. Okay, she’d take the gloves off. “Why? It’s a little late to explain why you dumped me.”

“Why I what?”

She lifted her chin, not about to be intimidated by his behavior. “Why you left me asleep and disappeared, no note, no nothing.”

“Lady, I went to my room to shower and change. Then I came back down to take you to breakfast.”

She sneered at him. “Easy to say, now, isn’t it? Look, doctor, I prefer that we forget what happened in the past and simply work together as business colleagues, nothing more, nothing less.” She shoved back her chair. “If you’ll excuse me, now that we’ve got that straight, I’ll be on my way.”

“There’s one problem with your suggestion,” he said softly, glaring at her.

“What?”

“You’re having my children.” His blue eyes were piercing, leaving her no—what had he called it?—wiggle room.

But she’d prepared for this moment. “You’re wrong. I’m not having your children.”

“Abby said you’re twenty-eight weeks. That’s exactly how long it’s been since I made love to you in New York City.”

She cleared her throat. “I realized it might seem that way to you, but then you don’t know what happened when I got off the plane.” She held her gaze steady, determined to do the best acting job of her life.

“What happened?”

“My ex-boyfriend met my plane. He convinced me that he was ready for commitment, which was what we argued over. I gave him a second chance. We were together about six weeks when I took a pregnancy test. Abby told me I was four weeks pregnant, she thought. You know how inexact these things can be.”

“So where is he?”

“He panicked and ran. He wasn’t ready after all.” She sat silently, watching him, hoping and praying she’d convinced him.

“Have you told him about the girls?”

“No.”

“Are you going to?”

“Why would I? He doesn’t want any children. Why would we want him?”

“What’s his name?”

She was tempted to make up a name, but she refrained. “I don’t think that’s any of your business, Dr. Callaghan. I haven’t told anyone his name, and I don’t intend to start now.”

He stared at her and she fought to keep her gaze level to his.

“I’m prepared to marry you,” he said abruptly, leaving her without anything to say.

When she didn’t respond, he said, “I assumed that’s what you would want, now that you know how to locate me.”

She leaned back in her chair and lifted her chin another inch. “You’re wrong, Dr. Callaghan. I’m not carrying your children, and I don’t require such a sacrifice of you. You made your feelings toward me and any commitment quite clear that day in New York City when you disappeared.”

“I told you, I was coming back. Of course, then I thought you were a working stiff, like me. Not the incredibly wealthy Ms. McCallum, hiding behind a title.”

Bri tried to remember the need to keep her blood pressure down. Drawing several deep breaths, she counted to ten. Several times. Finally, she said, “You may not care for me personally, Dr. Callaghan, but I will not accept such disparaging remarks about my work.”