Maitland Maternity: Triplets, Quads and Quints

He smiled. “I won’t have to threaten such a thing, Bri. Abby won’t refuse to give me her files. It’s my job to be on top of each situation. She knows that.”

“No! You have nothing to do with my pregnancy. I told you that. I don’t want strangers going through my file!”

“Stranger? You’re calling me a stranger?”

“We’re business acquaintances. It will be awkward to know that you’ve—you’ve read my files. And it’s unnecessary. I’m perfectly healthy. Abby will tell you.”

Hunter noted that her hands and lips were trembling. “Drink some milk and eat your muffin. It’s good for the girls. Have you named them yet?” He’d thought about that last night.

“Yes.”

“Well? Are their names secret, too?”

“No, of course not. I’m naming them Emily, Eleanor and Elizabeth. Emily was my mother’s name.”

“Elizabeth was my mother’s name.” He was amazed at how much that meant to him. He liked all three names, but Elizabeth was special to him.

“I didn’t know that!”

He cocked one eyebrow. “I know.”

Helen buzzed him again. “Abby is here.”

Hunter stood again as Abby entered his office. “Good morning, doctor. Hope we didn’t interrupt your busy schedule?”

“I don’t start appointments until ten,” Abby said with a smile, but her gaze was focused on Briana. “Hey, Bri, are you doing all right?”

“Fine,” Bri said, but she didn’t sound like it.

“Glad you’re drinking milk. Mmm, that muffin looks good, too.” Just as Abby finished, Helen came in with another coffee cup and saucer and poured her a cup of coffee from the pot already on the tray. “Oh, thank you, Helen.”

Hunter slid the plate of muffins toward Abby. “Help yourself.”

“Thanks. I missed breakfast this morning.” She selected a muffin and bit into it, a look of pleasure on her face.

Hunter gave her a couple of minutes to enjoy the muffin. Then he cleared his throat. “Bri and I were having a difference of opinion and she was getting stressed. I thought it might smooth things out if you explained the necessity to her.”

Abby looked first at Bri and then Hunter. “Of course, I’ll try, though Bri’s pretty savvy about things around here.”

Bri wasn’t looking at anyone, just staring into the glass of milk.

“I explained to her that I would be reviewing her file, as I will all our patients. She would prefer that you keep her file to yourself.”

Abby stared at Bri. “I can’t do that, Bri. Dr. Callaghan is the head of obstetrics for the multiple birth wing. Of course he’ll review the files. He’s more experienced in multiple births than me.”

BRI KNEW when she’d lost a battle. And she also knew Dr. Hunter Callaghan’s office was not the place to embark on her next battle. She’d talk privately to Abby about not having the man in the delivery room when it came time for her girls to arrive.

She carefully set the glass of milk, scarcely touched, back on the tray. “I’m sorry. I should never have objected. It’s just that I hadn’t realized—he took me by surprise. Of course he’ll need to review my file. But, as I told him, I’m in perfect health. I won’t take up much of his time,” she added with a smile at Abby. “I’m sorry I interrupted your busy morning.” She pushed herself up from the chair. “Be sure to call if you need anything, Dr. Callaghan.”

“I need you to drink your milk.”

His calm words acted like a brick wall. An awkward silence filled the room. Drawing a deep breath, she said, “Of course.” Picking up the glass, she added, “I’ll take it with me and drink it while I’m working.”

“I’d rather you drink it here while you finish the muffin. I want to be sure that the girls get their nourishment.”

Bri shot a frantic look at Abby, but her doctor and friend nodded in agreement with him.

“I think Hunter’s right, Bri. You look like you need to take a break.”

Feeling trapped, Bri sank back into the chair and closed her eyes.

“I don’t think she slept well last night,” Hunter murmured to Abby, as if Bri suddenly couldn’t hear.

“I’m still here,” she said without opening her eyes. “I haven’t left the building.”

“Did you have a bad night?” Abby asked.

Bri licked her suddenly dry lips. “Yesterday was a little stressful.”

Abby said, “I still think we should run some tests, put you in a hospital bed for a couple of days.”

Bri’s eyes popped open. “No, I’m fine!”

“Multiple-birth mothers frequently can’t sleep well for long periods of time. Naps are necessary. That’s why I suggested Bri start working half days. Then she could go home and take a nap,” Hunter said.

“That’s not a bad idea,” Abby murmured.

Bri drew another deep breath to calm herself. “I appreciate your concern, and possibly I will do so before my delivery date, but I’d prefer to keep going as long as I can.” She shot a pleading look at Abby.

“I think you can do so for a while longer without endangering the girls,” Abby agreed.

“Good. Then I’ll get back to work,” Bri said and started to rise.

“The milk and muffin,” Hunter reminded her, his blue eyes keeping her seated.

She struggled to hold on to her temper. “I’m not hungry!”

“I’ll bet the girls are.” He continued to stare at her, waiting for her to comply with his orders.

Finally, Bri grabbed the muffin and tore off a big bite, shoving it in her mouth. As soon as she’d chewed it, she took a long drink of milk. She repeated the process several more times until the muffin and milk had disappeared.

“Anything else, Dr. Callaghan?” she snapped, glaring at him.

“Not right this minute, Ms. McCallum. I’ll let you know, probably around lunchtime.” He smiled as if he were pleased with himself.

He might as well have waved a red flag in front of a bull. Bri felt her blood pressure rise, but she fought any response. “Then I’ll return to my office. Thanks for stopping by, Abby.” She hurried from the office before she lost the battle with her temper.

“I DON’T THINK there’s a problem with Bri, except maybe her blood pressure,” Abby said in a considering manner as she stared at Hunter.

He felt guilty. He knew he’d upset Bri and caused her blood pressure to go up. “You’re right. I shouldn’t have pressed her as much as I did, but I could tell she hadn’t slept well last night. I was concerned.”

“I’m sure Bri will appreciate that concern when she calms down. I’ll check on her later today. If anything, she has too many people concerned about her. Even the mail boy checks on her when he delivers the mail. Everyone’s kind of adopted her as our poster patient.”

“Yes, I’ve noticed. I had no idea it would upset her so much for me to read her file. Good thing I didn’t mention that I would observe her delivery.” He was already determined to be there when his daughters entered the world. Emily, Eleanor and Elizabeth.

“You’re right. I’m glad you didn’t mention that. It might make it hard for Bri to face you after that.” Abby stood, but she didn’t start toward the door. Her gaze remained fixed on him.

Hunter stood also. “I appreciate your coming so quickly.”

“No problem. Uh, did you and Bri know each other before you accepted the job?”

Hunter stood frozen, not sure what to say. He knew he didn’t lie well, but how could he tell Abby the truth? It wouldn’t take much to put together the time of the conference and seven months later.

“If I’d met Bri before, I can assure you I’d remember,” he finally said. “She’s a beautiful woman.”

“True. She’s special, too, warm and giving, which is why so many of us want her pregnancy to be a great success. She deserves happiness.” With a nod and a smile, Abby left the office.

Hunter fell back into his chair, giving thanks that he’d found a way to answer Abby’s question. Bri would be furious that he hadn’t believed her story about her old boyfriend fathering the triplets. She’d definitely explode if she found out he’d shared his belief that the babies were his, with anyone.

Like everyone else in the building, he wanted Bri’s pregnancy to have a happy ending. That’s why he’d drop by her office about lunchtime to check on her.

Chapter Eight

“Bri, do you want me to bring you some lunch?” Lisa asked, interrupting Bri’s concentration.

“No, thanks, Lisa. My dad is taking me to lunch.”

“Okay, I’ll switch the phones to voice mail until I get back.”

Bri muttered “Okay” without looking up. She was trying to find a solution to the head nurse’s rotation problem. It looked like it was going to cost more money and the budget was already tight.

Several minutes later, someone knocked on her open door. “Just a minute, Dad,” she said, again not looking up.

“I didn’t know we were that friendly, Bri. Besides, I’m older than you, but not all that much.”

She looked up to find Hunter standing at her door.

“What are you doing here?” Not exactly a gracious response, but he made her nervous.

“Wondering what you were doing for lunch. Surely you weren’t planning on skipping it?”

“No, my father—oh, hi, Dad,” she said as her father appeared behind Hunter.

Hunter turned around and extended his hand. “Mr. McCallum, I was hoping to meet you soon. I’m Dr. Hunter Callaghan, the new head of obstetrics for the McCallum Wing. It’s a fine facility.”

“Dr. Callaghan! I’m glad to run into you. I apologize for missing the party yesterday, but I had an emergency come up at my company and couldn’t get away.”

Bri watched the two men uneasily. She didn’t want her father getting too chummy with Hunter. “Are you ready, Dad? I can go now.” The sooner the better.

“You’re taking your daughter to lunch?” Hunter asked, an easy smile on his face. “I was just checking to see if she’d share lunch with me. I don’t know too many people yet.”

Bri froze. He managed to inject a lost-puppy tone in his voice, and she knew what was coming next.

“Well, feel free to join us. I’d love to have a chance to visit with you. You don’t mind, do you, Bri?”

Oh, she minded. But it would make her father suspicious if she insulted her new boss.

“Um, why don’t the two of you go ahead, and I’ll take a rain check, Dad? I have a lot to do.”

“No way,” Hunter said. “I’m not going to ruin your lunch. I’ll—I’ll go down to the cafeteria.”

She wanted to tell him to quit acting. But her father immediately insisted they all three go, leaving her no choice.

“I’ve noticed Bri works too hard. I’m trying to talk her into working half days until the babies are born,” Hunter said with a smile, as if he was only concerned with her health.

Of course, she couldn’t think of another reason why he’d want her to work half days, but there had to be one.

“Not a bad idea. Come on, Briana. I’m hungry for a juicy steak,” Jackson McCallum said, motioning for her to join them at the door.

“Hmm, I like your taste, Jackson. A steak sounds perfect. For Bri, too. She needs protein.”

“We think alike, Hunter. I’m going to feel a lot better about Bri continuing to work knowing you’re keeping an eye on her.” Jackson beamed at the other man, and Bri ground her teeth.

“Dad! You know I can take care of myself!”

“I know, sweetheart. Come along now.”

Jackson had a driver and a limo waiting downstairs to drive them the block and half to Lone Star. The hostess seated them in a circular booth, roomy for three, but Bri, seated between the two men, thought it was too small.

Once they’d ordered, Hunter began a flattering conversation about the wing Jackson had paid for, and the good it would do.

Jackson liked hearing all the praise. And it left Bri completely out of the conversation. She was glad about that. She was afraid her father might notice her antagonism if she was forced to converse with Hunter.

“And how do you feel about having triplet granddaughters?” Hunter asked, suddenly claiming Bri’s attention.

“Wonderful!” Jackson said, beaming at Hunter. “I didn’t spend much time with my children when they were babies.” He frowned. “I was too busy mourning their mother’s death.”

Hunter murmured a sympathetic phrase.

“But I’m going to take more time for these babies. Bri is going to name the firstborn after her mother. I’m pleased about that. And it’s perfect timing. Adam is doing well with the company. We made all our money in oil well supplies. But times are changing. Adam is prepared. I’m not. So I’m retiring and playing with the girls.”

“And she’s naming one of the others after my mother,” Hunter added.

Jackson stiffened. “Why?”

“It’s purely accidental, Dad. When I chose the names, I didn’t even know Hunter’s mother’s name.”

Jackson stared at his daughter. “You didn’t even know Hunter, I assume. Or is there something you’re not telling me?”

Bri wanted to bury her face in her hands and curse Hunter Callaghan. But that would make her father even more suspicious. “Don’t be silly, Dad. He just got here yesterday.”

“He seems to have covered a lot of territory in two days,” Jackson pointed out.

Hunter still seemed relaxed, unconcerned. “Of course I have. I asked for all the files on our multiple-birth patients at once so I could get up to speed. But I’ll admit, I’ve given a little more attention to Bri than the others. That’s because she’s the favorite of the entire staff.”

Jackson relaxed a little. “Yes, I’ve noticed that. They all check on her all the time.”

“That’s because she works too hard. They all know she pushes herself.”

“I am still sitting here,” she said sharply. “I’d appreciate it if you wouldn’t talk about me as if I weren’t.”

“Sorry, sweetheart. Do you have children, Hunter?” Jackson asked.

Bri froze again. She wasn’t sure Hunter had believed her lie. What would he answer?

With a laugh, as if he were telling a joke, Hunter said, “Not that I know of.”

She slowly let out her breath. Hunter went on to explain that he hadn’t found the woman he wanted to spend the rest of his life with.

Bri picked up her glass of water and sipped. After he’d made love to her, she’d thought for sure she had finally found the man of her dreams. Too bad he hadn’t felt the same way.

“I guess Bri hasn’t, either,” Jackson said with a sigh. “We’ve tried to get her to tell us who the father is, but you’ve probably discovered she’s pretty stubborn.”

“Dad!” she protested.

Jackson ignored her. “I have three children, and only one has married.” He frowned. “And I hope that marriage holds together.”

Bri reached over to take his hand as it rested on the table. “It will, Dad. Adam and Maggie will get past the problems.”

“Sure. Of course, you’re right. But it’s ironic. My daughter-in-law wants a baby more than anything, and here Bri is, unmarried, but having three.”

The waitress brought their steaks. Bri had such a nervous stomach, she didn’t think she could take a single bite.

Jackson cut his steak and put a piece in his mouth. After chewing, he added, “Caleb, my third child, I don’t think will ever marry. He keeps to himself.”

“Dad, I’m sure Dr. Callaghan isn’t interested in our family.”

“Nonsense, Bri. I find it fascinating,” Hunter assured her, a grin on his face.

“Then you should reciprocate. What kind of family do you have?” Bri hoped to irritate him, but he seemed pleased by her question.

“My mother passed away about three years ago. My dad is a retired doctor, my brother a corporate attorney. We all lived in Chicago until I moved.”

“Did the move upset your father?” Jackson asked.

“Somewhat, but my brother is married with a couple of kids. Dad wants to stay close to his grandchildren. But he’ll be coming to visit soon.”

“Let me know when he comes, Hunter, and we’ll have a family dinner. Two old bachelors can compare notes.” Jackson grinned, obviously looking forward to entertaining Hunter’s father.

“Great. I’ll do that. Dad would enjoy meeting—” he paused and looked at Bri.

She froze again. He wouldn’t! Surely he wouldn’t!

“—some of the people I work with, and another bachelor with grandchildren.”

Bri slumped back against the booth.

“Sweetheart, you haven’t eaten your steak. Don’t forget the good doctor said you need the protein.”

Without looking at either man, she took a bite of potato. Then she cut a small piece of steak and valiantly chewed it. She only hoped the lunch would end soon, before she lost everything she managed to get down.

WHEN BRI GOT BACK to the office, she made a few quick decisions. Then she loaded up her briefcase with other problems to solve and moved to Lisa’s desk. “Lisa, I’m a little stressed today, so I’m taking half a day of vacation and I’m going home. If anything comes up that can’t wait, call me at home. Otherwise I’ll see you in the morning.”

“Can you drive yourself home?” Lisa asked, standing, an anxious expression on her face.

“Lisa, I’m going home to put my feet up. Don’t worry about me.”

“Should I call Dr. Abby or Dr. Callaghan?”

“No!” Bri took a deep breath. “Just let me take the afternoon off without any complications, Lisa. That’s all I want.”

She hurried out of the office to get away from any more questions or suggestions. She appreciated everyone’s concern for her and her babies, but sometimes she wished she’d moved to a town where no one knew her.

Half an hour later, she was feeling much better. As soon as she got home, she’d stripped and filled the tub with warm water and bubble bath. She stretched out in the oversized tub and breathed deeply, trying to forget about the stressful lunch. It had lasted forever because neither man would leave until she’d finished every bite of her steak and potato.

She wanted to murder Hunter Callaghan. He’d known what he was doing with each teasing response. He’d even known she was upset. What a jerk!

“You should’ve known better. That was what you thought he was seven months ago. People don’t change.”

She shook her head. “And now I’m talking to myself. What am I going to do?”

She slid a little lower into the water, trying to clear her mind. She didn’t want to think about a future with Hunter Callaghan around.

The phone rang. She considered getting out of the tub, but with her bulky shape right now, she’d never get to the phone in time to answer it. Besides, she had her answering machine on.

She could vaguely hear a man’s voice, but not loud enough to recognize it. She’d check the message when she got out.

Ten minutes later, when her skin felt as though it was shriveling, she began the laborious task of getting out of the tub. Once she was upright, she wrapped her body in a big bath towel, thinking she looked like a house moving down the road. All she lacked was a tow truck.

The doorbell rang, and she frowned. No one should expect her to be home, so who could it be? She decided not to answer it and continued down the hall to her bedroom.

But she stopped because the caller abandoned the doorbell and began beating on the door itself, yelling her name. Afraid a neighbor might call the police, she rushed to the door. “Who is it?”

“Bri? Open the door!”

Recognizing the caller as Dr. Hunter Callaghan, Bri wasn’t inclined to follow his order. “What’s wrong?”

“I want to make sure you’re all right!”

“I’m fine. Go away!”

“I’m calling an ambulance and the police if you don’t open the door in one minute.”

“Why?”

“I have to check your blood pressure!” Then he began pounding the door again.

With a sigh, she opened the door. “Stop that! You’re going to upset my neighbors!”

Hunter stared at her, reminding her she was wrapped in a bath towel. She began shoving the door closed, but he stuck his foot in it.

“I’m coming in, Bri. I want to check your blood pressure,” Hunter insisted.

“Fine! I have to go get dressed.” She gave up the battle with the door and stomped out of her living room. She came back a few minutes later, wearing a muumuu she’d bought in Hawaii several years ago. It was the easiest thing to wear when she was relaxing.

Hunter was pacing the room, checking his watch every few seconds.

“Don’t let me keep you if you’ve got an appointment,” she said, her chin in the air.

He immediately opened his medical bag. “Sit down. I want to check your blood pressure. I noticed you were stressed at lunch.”

“Of course I was stressed!” Bri yelled at him. “You were upsetting me on purpose.”

“What?” Hunter responded, shock on his face. “I did not do that! I was visiting with your father, that’s all.”

She still stood, staring at him, when he reached out. “You’re weaving. Sit down before you fall down.”

She sank into the nearest chair and leaned back. “Look, just go back to the hospital and leave me alone. I’ll be fine if I get some time alone.”

Her phone rang again.

She stared at it, amazed that she was getting all these calls when she should’ve been at work.

Without asking permission, Hunter snatched up the receiver. “She’s okay, Lisa. I don’t know—why didn’t you answer the phone?” he asked Bri.

“Because I was taking a bubble bath to relax—until someone began pounding on my door.”

He only repeated the first part of her sentence. “Yeah, I’ll stay with her a little while until I’m sure she’s okay. Yeah.” He hung up the phone.

“Don’t mind me,” she muttered.

“Sorry, I should’ve asked permission, but I was sure it was Lisa. When I called and couldn’t get an answer, we both panicked.”

She closed her eyes. “I didn’t think you knew where I lived,” she muttered.

“Lisa gave me directions.”

She opened her eyes when he put the blood pressure cuff on her arm.

“Just lie back and relax,” he said softly.

The problem was she knew her blood pressure was high. She didn’t want him to order her to the hospital.

When he released the pressure and took the cuff off without saying a word, she prompted him. “Well?”

“It’s a little high, but I know you don’t want to go to the hospital. I’ll agree to that if you’ll let me treat you here.”

“What kind of treatment?”

“Remember when I told you I gave great foot massages?”

“Yes.” He couldn’t mean what he was implying.

“I’m going to give you a foot massage.”

“Don’t be ridiculous. I’m fine.”

“Stay calm. It won’t hurt.”

“I don’t want you touching me.” She was afraid it would remind her too much of making love with the man.

“Bri, either you let me rub your feet and calm you down, or you will have to go to the hospital.”

“No, I—Okay. A foot massage,” she rapidly agreed. Even if she protested going to the hospital, it would only take one call to Abby or her father for Dr. Callaghan to make it impossible for her to stay home.

“Let’s go to your bedroom.”

“No! I can sit on the couch.”

“We’ll be more comfortable on the bed. Do you have any foot cream?”

“Yes. It’s in the bathroom. It’s pink, scented peppermint. I’ll—”

“Go on to your bedroom and pile up lots of pillows behind you. I’ll get the cream.”

He entered the room only a couple of minutes later while she was still piling up pillows on the bed.

“I found the cream and a towel. Now, do you have a book to read, something you enjoy?”

She nodded. “I—I started a book last night, but I fell asleep.”

“Get it while I pour you a glass of milk.”

“But I just ate!”

He ignored her and headed for the kitchen.

“Fine. Bring me milk. If it will get rid of you, I’ll even drink it!” she muttered. Then she grabbed her book, turned on the bedside lamp and crawled up in the middle of the bed.

Hunter put a glass of milk beside her on the lamp table. “I’ll have to turn my back to you to do a good job, so just relax and read, drink a little milk.”