Maitland Maternity: Triplets, Quads and Quints

Chapter Nine

Bri was feeling better than she had in days when she reached the office the next morning—except for the guilt she felt about the mean things she’d thought about Hunter.

Because he’d been wonderful.

Knowing she didn’t want to go to the hospital, he’d spent a lot of time calming her down—with a foot rub. He’d actually put her to sleep. Then he’d made sure she hadn’t had to cook a meal. Lisa had arrived with a nutritious meal, including milk, from Austin Eats.

She’d immediately explained that Dr. Callaghan had insisted on giving her money for dinner for both of them. “He was so sweet, Bri, so concerned for you. I know he’s a doctor, but he’s only known you a couple of days.”

Bri had agreed that Dr. Hunter Callaghan was very sweet, outstandingly so. Which irritated her. Which made her angry again. Which made her think bad thoughts about Dr. Hunter Callaghan!

She knew she’d have to thank him this morning for his consideration. And that thought made her blood pressure rise again.

“Okay, has my schedule changed this morning?” she asked, hoping to discuss business rather than the sainthood of Dr. Callaghan.

“Oh, yes. Dr. Callaghan’s having a department heads’ meeting at nine o’clock and wants you to attend.” Lisa pulled out Bri’s calendar and showed her how she’d cleared her schedule by moving several appointments to the afternoon. “But if you want to go home at noon, I can transfer the appointments to tomorrow morning.”

Bri suspected the idea of her going home at noon came from Hunter, which irritated her. She’d remembered how he’d said his mother stayed home with her children. How he hoped to give his children the same kind of home life.

That, of course, was before she’d realized she was going to be carrying his children. She’d spent her entire life preparing for this job as hospital administrator. She’d wanted to contribute in some way, to others, so they wouldn’t die as her mother had. And she was good at it. She should give that up? Abandon her life’s dream? She could provide for her children and love them. She knew about the love children needed. Besides, these were her babies, not Hunter’s. He had nothing to say about it.

“Do you need anything else, Bri?”

“No, Lisa, thank you. You’ve taken care of everything.” And obviously followed Hunter’s lead. She liked Lisa, and she was a good worker. Bri hoped she didn’t have to have her transferred.

She went to her desk and removed her shoes. She kept a stool under the desk to rest her feet on. She certainly wasn’t going to a meeting in Hunter’s office with her feet all swollen.

She arrived at Hunter’s office at exactly nine o’clock. Helen waved her through to his office. She hadn’t wanted to be late, but she also hadn’t wanted to arrive before anyone else got there.

When she opened the door, it appeared she was the last to enter. All the department heads were gathered around Hunter’s desk. Some were seated in folding chairs, clearly brought in for the meeting. The unusual thing was the leather wing chair she’d occupied before, the most comfortable chair in the room except for Hunter’s, was empty.

Joanna, the head of the cafeteria, leapt to her feet and gestured to the big chair. “Dr. Callaghan reserved this chair for you, Bri, so you’d be comfortable,” she announced with a smile. Though she first smiled at Bri, Bri noticed how it slid to Hunter’s face, filled with admiration for him.

“How kind of him. But totally unnecessary. Does someone else want the honor?”

No one would take the chair, of course. Not when Dr. Callaghan had designated it for her.

She felt like an ungrateful jerk, but she wanted to walk out on the meeting. She hated being the center of attention. She had no choice, so she sat down.

Hunter immediately stood, as did Joanna. He said, “I asked Joanna to provide us with a few snacks. A reward for the good work you people have been doing.”

While Joanna uncovered trays on the big coffee table before the sofa, Hunter leaned down and pulled out a padded footstool for Bri. She stared at it, sure it hadn’t been in his office before.

“Where did that come from?” she whispered fiercely.

“It’s a gift from one of our donors. I thought it would come in handy for you.” He smiled after putting her feet on the stool, but he kept his eye on her, as if he thought she might kick him while he was squatting in front of her.

Not a bad idea.

Joanna came over, carrying a small tray holding a glass of milk and several pieces of banana nut bread. “Sam baked the banana nut bread special for you, Bri, ’cause he knew you’d be here this morning.”

Bri pasted on a smile. “Tell Sam thank you for me.”

“Here, Joanna, put it on the corner of my desk. I think Bri can reach everything from there,” Hunter suggested.

Oh, yes, she could reach it, but it would be in plain sight of everyone, so they could monitor her appreciation of Sam’s special treat. She glared at Hunter, but he ignored her response.

“Well now, first of all, I want to congratulate you on the state of our wing. I’ve never seen a special unit function as well as this one does. It’s a pleasure to come to work here each morning.”

Bri knew she was being difficult. No one could find anything wrong with Hunter’s opening. But she did! Butter wouldn’t melt in his mouth. When was the other shoe going to drop? And if he talked long enough, she’d think up some more appropriate clichés!

But no matter how long she listened, he said nothing she could hold against him. Except for preparing her team for when she was on maternity leave, however, he made it clear he expected her to return to her job.

Liar! She knew that wasn’t what he wanted.

Of course, he did pause occasionally to remind her to eat the special bread Sam made for her. And to drink her milk for the babies’ sake.

Then he stopped talking and asked them to tell him what they needed and what problems they were having.

It was a management technique Bri had used, but she hadn’t expected such consideration from Hunter. He didn’t hurry the staff, and never denounced their ideas. Occasionally, he complimented some suggestions but explained that they had limited funds.

She’d expected her team to ask for everything possible, thinking Bri could strong-arm the money out of her father’s pocket. Hunter pointed out the generosity of their benefactor, her father, and the need to stay within budget unless what was needed would save lives.

And dammit! They listened to him.

When he dismissed her team, Bri could read the satisfaction in their faces. She began the struggle to rise.

“Stay seated, Bri. I have a couple of other things to go over,” he added softly before he escorted the others out. Everyone turned and stared at her, smiles on all their faces.

As if they thought Hunter was flirting with her!

That realization sent her blood pressure over the roof. How idiotic! They were both professionals. How could her people think that she was interested in romance at a time like this?

It was Hunter’s fault! He was paying her too much attention because he thought her babies were his, too. Well, she’d set him straight about that. Right now!

He closed the door and walked back toward her.

“These are not your babies!” she snarled as he got closer.

“Why are you bringing that issue up now?” he asked calmly.

“Did you see their faces? They think we’re—we’re interested in each other! You’ve got to stop paying me special attention!”

“But I am interested in you, Bri,” he said, his gaze fixed on her. Those damned blue eyes.

“Only because you think these babies have something to do with you. And they don’t!”

He sat in the chair next to her, the one earlier occupied by Joanna, and reached for her wrist. “I think you’re getting upset again. You’ve got to stop that, or I’ll have to put you in the hospital. It’s bad for the girls.”

She closed her eyes and leaned her head against the back of the chair. “It’s your fault.”

“I know. I warned you I gave good foot massages, but I didn’t expect you to beg for another one so soon,” he said, a grin on his handsome face.

She groaned. Then she sat up. Before she could start to rise, however, he reached for her feet. “I don’t have any lotion here, but I can do a quick massage while we talk.”

“No! No, you can’t. What if—” Then she groaned again as his magic fingers pressed into her flesh.

And Helen entered the office.

Bri tried to jerk her feet out of his hands, but he held on. “Yes, Helen?”

“I have all the doctors’ files for you to review, Hunter. Oh, Bri, you lucky girl. When I was pregnant, I would’ve done anything for a foot rub. My husband refused to give me one.” She sighed. “Is there anything else, Hunter?”

“No, Helen, thank you.” And he continued to massage Bri’s feet.

Bri covered her face with her hands. “Hunter, please stop. The entire hospital is going to be talking about us if you don’t.” She realized her voice had descended to the level of pleading, but she didn’t know how else to get him to stop.

“Honey, I’m just trying to make things easier for you, that’s all. I’ll explain it to anyone who says differently. Indirectly, you’re my patient. I know what’s good for pregnant ladies.”

“I—I have to go. I have a job to do. It’s very important that I do my job.”

“I know. Have you arranged for some help after the babies are born?”

“Grace says she knows of someone,” she muttered.

“Grace? Oh, I remember. The lady who took care of you and your brothers. She can’t come?”

“She’s too old to take on three babies. And I’ll need help with the cooking and housecleaning. I’ve even been thinking about hiring someone now. I don’t have a big place, but it can get dirty fast. And sometimes I don’t feel up to doing laundry and the dishes.”

She hadn’t meant to tell him that, but it seemed once she started talking about it, she couldn’t stop. She didn’t want to complain at the hospital. And she couldn’t talk to her father about such things. He’d move an army into her house and she’d lose her privacy.

“Why don’t you call Grace today and talk to her about it? And be sure it’s someone who can cook. You shouldn’t have to cook dinner after working all day.”

“Oh,” she said with a big sigh. “That would be heavenly, wouldn’t it?”

“Yeah. Will you call Grace?”

“I shouldn’t. I can manage until the girls get here. I’ll just get lazy if I don’t keep moving.”

His blue eyes darkened, but his face remained calm. Suddenly he leaned forward and kissed her—on the lips. It happened again. Even though the kiss was almost brotherly, her response wasn’t. The magic she’d felt the first time was mild compared to what she felt today with just the touch of his lips. Had she lost her mind? She wanted more and almost reached out for him. Fortunately, his phone rang before she could actually make such a disastrous mistake.

“Go back to your office, honey. I’ll check on you later.”

“Yes, uh, but you shouldn’t call me honey. We’re professionals,” she reminded him as she closed the door behind her.

At least she hoped she was.

DR. ZACH BEAUMOUNT was on the phone Helen told him. Hunter had met the obstetrician and liked him. He reached for the stack of files, finding the ones belonging to Beaumont as Helen put the call through.

“Zach? Hunter here. How can I help you?”

“Did you get my files?”

“Just got them. I haven’t had a chance to go over them yet. Is there a problem?”

“Not with those cases. But I saw a new patient today.”

Hunter waited for him to come to the point. Multiple births could show themselves very early.

“She’s about five and a half months pregnant…and carrying four babies, two sets of identical twins.”

“What’s her history?”

“I’m the first doctor she’s seen.”

“Damn! Any problems?”

“The babies are undersized. I made sure she got a supply of vitamin tablets. I don’t think she has any money. I want to put her on our charity list.”

“Of course. Do you have an address or phone number?”

“She’s staying at a boardinghouse. Says she’s a widow, but she’s only seventeen. Her landlady convinced her to come see me.”

“Okay, I’ll authorize putting her on the charity list and I’ll send our social worker to visit with her and take information. Do you think she’ll be able to carry them long?”

“I doubt it. She’s small. I don’t think she’s eating well. I’d like to put her in the hospital as soon as I can talk her into it.”

“That’s probably a good idea. We’ll get the ball moving from this end. Thanks for letting me know, and send a copy of her file to Helen.”

“Right away. Thanks for supporting me on this case.”

Hunter smiled. “That’s what I’m here for.”

He knew everyone would want to test him out, to see how cooperative he’d be. They’d soon learn that babies’ lives were his first priority. If he had to go out and solicit funds himself, he didn’t want any multiple birth to occur in less than exemplary conditions so that the children had the best chance of survival.

He rang for Helen, and she hurried in, a steno pad in her hand. He immediately gave her orders. Her concern for the young woman, even though she didn’t know her, came through loud and clear. Hunter was pleased.

“Let me know when the file gets here and when everything has been taken care of.”

“Yes, doctor, at once.”

As she got up to go to her desk, he stopped her. “Do you happen to have Caleb McCallum’s work number? Or could you get it for me?”

“Of course. Is there a problem with security?”

“I just have a question for him,” Hunter assured her. He wasn’t about to tell her that he was going to interfere with Briana’s personal life. But he was.

Within minutes, he got Caleb on the line.

“Hey, doc, what’s up?”

“Caleb, I need Grace’s phone number.”

“Grace?” he repeated, as if he’d never heard the name before.

“Yeah, you know, the lady who took care of you when you were little.”

“Yeah, I know, but how do you know? And what do you want her number for? She’s retired.”

Caleb, it appeared, didn’t take anyone on trust right away. With a sigh, Hunter said, “Grace is going to recommend someone to take care of Bri and the babies. Bri is determined to make it on her own until the babies are born, but I think she needs help now. Someone to cook and clean, to make sure she eats properly.”

“Oh. Did you discuss it with Bri?”

“Yes, I did, but she’s stubborn. She admitted it sounded wonderful to have some help, but she’s afraid everyone will think she’s lazy, which is ridiculous.”

“Yeah, it is. Okay, here’s Grace’s number, but you do realize Bri is going to be furious that you’re interfering, don’t you?”

“Yeah, but I’m going to try to get Grace on my side. So keep our conversation to yourself.”

“You got it, doc.”

Hunter wrote down the number.

When he dialed the number, a sweet feminine voice answered.

“Is this Grace?”

“Yes. Who’s speaking?”

“You don’t know me. I’m the new obstetrics head at the McCallum Wing.”

“Dr. Callaghan? Of course I know who you are. Is there a problem with my volunteering? I do love it so. I hope I’m—”

“I didn’t know you volunteered.”

“I usually volunteer in the preemie nursery in Maitland, but when you get babies in your nursery, I’m transferring over there. I’m coming in today for a tour.”

“You are? What time?”

“My tour is at one.”

“Come at eleven and I’ll explain why I need your help. Then we’ll both go take Bri to lunch. Is it a deal?”

“It’s a deal. I’m very interested. Everything’s okay, isn’t it? I mean the babies and all?”

“I’m trying to make sure of that. But you know how stubborn Briana is.”

“Oh, yes. I’ll be there at eleven.”

Then he buzzed Helen. “I want you to call Bri and tell her that I expect her to join me for lunch today. I have a special guest I want her to entertain. And don’t take no for an answer. Tell her we’ll drop by her office at noon to pick her up. We’ll eat in the cafeteria.”

“What if she refuses?” Helen asked, frowning.

“It’s your job to make sure she doesn’t, Helen.”

She stared at him. “I don’t want to upset her.”

“Helen, Briana’s former nanny is coming to lunch today. She’s going to volunteer in the nursery as soon as we have some customers. Her presence is a surprise for Bri, so keep it a secret, but it’s a surprise Bri will enjoy.”

After Helen withdrew, Hunter sighed. His secretary thought he was a bully. That was a fine state of affairs. And he was trying to be so tactful.

Right on time, Grace arrived at his office. She was elderly, he’d guess in her seventies, but she looked healthy and had the most serene expression on her face he’d ever seen.

“Dr. Callaghan, I’m anxious to hear what you want to discuss with me.”

“Bri mentioned that you were going to recommend someone to help her with the babies.”

“Why, yes, a very nice, experienced woman.”

“Is the woman prepared to do housecleaning and cooking, also?”

“Of course,” Grace replied, a puzzled look on her face.

“Well, I’d like Briana to go ahead and hire the woman now. She goes home exhausted. I’m worried she’s not eating properly because she’s too tired to cook. She admitted she’s too tired to do housecleaning, and she worries that if she hires someone now, everyone will think she’s lazy.”

“That’s ridiculous! The poor child is carrying three babies. After what happened to her mother, I worry about her all the time.”

“Could you convince her she should go ahead and hire the woman so they can get to know each other before the babies come? Tell her she’ll be happier if she knows who’s taking care of her babies from the word go?”

“That’s a very good idea, Dr. Callaghan,” Grace assured him with a smile. “Of course I can do that.”

“Good,” he said, smiling.

“And with you recommending it, I don’t see how she can resist.”

“No! Don’t mention me!”

Chapter Ten

Bri sat hunched over her desk, irritation coursing through her. A special guest! Hunter needed her to entertain the person! Right! All he was doing was supervising her eating habits. Dr. Hunter Callaghan was an interfering, bossy man. How were they going to stop the gossip if he didn’t stop this silliness?

It was almost twelve. Helen had made it clear in her phone call that the invitation wasn’t one Briana could refuse. So, where was the big man? He seemed to think he could order her life around. The least he could do was be on time!

Just as the hands on her watch reached straight-up twelve, a soft knock sounded on her door. She called, “Come in,” ready to be difficult.

The door opened and Grace, her darling Grace, appeared. Bri struggled to her feet and went to the door to wrap her arms around her true mother. “Grace! What are you doing here? Is everything all right? Oh, I have to go to lunch with someone, or I’d take you—”

“Calm down, child. You’re going to lunch with me. Hunter arranged it all. Isn’t he a darling man?”

Bri tried to stifle her groan. Another person singing his praises? She didn’t think she could stand it. “Yes, fabulous,” she said, trying to dredge up enthusiasm. “Why are you here?”

“I’m taking a tour of the nursery. Once you start having babies there, I’m going to volunteer. I’ve had experience with multiple-birth babies, you know,” she added with a beaming smile.

Bri hugged her again. “I know you have. And you’re a terrific mother substitute.”

“Bless you, child,” Grace responded, tears in her eyes. Then she stepped back from Bri. “Now, how are you managing? Let me look at you. My, you’ve gotten quite a bit bigger since the last time I saw you.”

“Yes,” Bri agreed with a sigh.

“That’s good, child. You want these babies to grow so when they’re born, they’ll be okay.”

“Of course,” Bri agreed, smiling.

Grace frowned. “But you also need to take care of yourself. How are you managing?”

“You two ladies ready for lunch?” Hunter called. He’d stopped at Lisa’s desk and talked to her. Now he stepped to the door of Bri’s office.