Praise for Sue MacKay:

‘An emotional drama full of powerful feelings and emotions. An immensely satisfying read on all counts—a wonderfully human story which will leave the reader moved. I look forward to reading more books by this author in the future.’

—Contemporary Romance Reviews on THE GIFT OF A CHILD

‘The first book in this duet, THE GIFT OF A CHILD by Sue MacKay, is a deeply emotional, heart-rending story that will make you smile and make you cry.

I truly recommend it—and don’t miss the second book: the story about Max.’

—HarlequinJunkie.com

‘What a great book. I loved it. I did not want it to end.

This is one book not to miss.’

—GoodReads.com on THE GIFT OF A CHILD

The Midwife’s Son

Sue MacKay

www.millsandboon.co.uk

Dedication

Thanks very much to Kate Vida for her medical help.

Any mistakes are mine.

And to Deidre and Angela, because I can.

Contents

CHAPTER ONE

CHAPTER TWO

CHAPTER THREE

CHAPTER FOUR

CHAPTER FIVE

CHAPTER SIX

CHAPTER SEVEN

CHAPTER EIGHT

CHAPTER NINE

CHAPTER TEN

CHAPTER ELEVEN

CHAPTER TWELVE

CHAPTER ONE

JESSICA BAXTER STARED at the champagne glass twirling between her thumb and forefinger. It was empty. Again. How had that happened? Best fill it up. She reached for the bottle nestled in ice in the silver bucket beside her.

‘You planning on drinking that whole bottle all by yourself?’ The groomsman sat down beside her, his steady green gaze fixed on her. Eyes so similar to his sister Sasha’s, yet far more dramatic. The way they were sizing her up at this moment sent shivers of anticipation through her. But it was more likely she had whipped cream and strawberry compote on her nose rather than anything earth-shatteringly sensual going on.

Her finger shook as she wiped the top of her nose. Nope. All clear of dessert. So what was fascinating Jackson Wilson so much that his head seemed to have locked into position and his eyes forgotten how to move? Maybe if she answered him he’d get moving again.

So she told him, ‘Yes.’ Every last drop.

‘Then I’ll have to get my own bottle. Shame to have to move, though.’ Jackson smiled at her, long and slow, making her feel as though she was the only person in the marquee. The only woman at least.

Which was blatantly untrue. Apart from Sasha, who was looking absolutely fabulous in a cream silk wedding gown, there had to be half the female population of Golden Bay in this marquee. Hadn’t Sasha said she wanted a small wedding? Define small. Jess looked at the bottle in her hand. Had she drunk too much? Not yet. ‘This has to be the best champagne I’ve ever tasted. Your father went all out.’

‘Can’t argue with that.’

She wasn’t looking for an argument. Her mouth curved upwards. Just some more champagne. The bubbles sped to the surface as she refilled her glass. The sight was enough to turn a girl on. If you were the kind that got turned on easily. Which she definitely wasn’t. Her eyes cruised sideways, spied Jackson’s legs stretched far under the table, and stilled. Well-toned thighs shaped his black evening trousers to perfection. Her tongue stuck to the top of her mouth, her skin warmed, and somewhere below her waist she felt long-forgotten sensations of desire. Maybe she was that kind of girl after all.

She lifted the bottle in Jackson’s direction. ‘Got a glass?’

‘Of course.’ He presented one with a flourish. ‘I never go unprepared.’ That gaze had returned, stuck on her, apparently taking in every detail of her face.

She paused halfway through filling his glass, raising a well-styled eyebrow. ‘Has my mascara run or something?’

Jackson shook his head. ‘Nope.’

Spinach in my teeth? Except spinach hadn’t featured on the wedding dinner menu. So what was he looking at? Looking for? Jackson Wilson had never taken much notice of her before. They hadn’t even liked each other much during the two years she had gone to school here; both had been too busy trying to steal the limelight.

The last time she’d seen him had been at their school graduation party. Thirteen years ago. He’d been the guy every girl had wanted to date. She’d been the girl everybody had invited to their parties because she could supply anything money could buy. They’d never hooked up.

‘Hey, stop.’ He said it quietly, in that bone-melting voice of his. ‘My glass runneth over.’

‘What?’ Eek. Bad move. She’d been so distracted she’d started pouring again without realising. So unlike her. Worse, he knew exactly what she was distracted by—him. Suck it up, and get over him. He’s a minor diversion.

Jackson raised his fingers to his mouth and lapped up the champagne. Had he heard her telling herself to suck it up? She shivered deliciously. The gesture was done so naturally that she had to presume Jackson hadn’t meant it as a sexual come-on. But, then, why would it be? She’d be the last female on earth he’d come on to. They probably still wouldn’t get on very well; she was a solo mum, he was used to glamorous, sexy ladies who didn’t sport stretch marks on their tummies.

Wait up. He’d only been back in Golden Bay for five days and before today she’d only seen him at the wedding rehearsal. She might have that completely wrong. She was open to having her opinion changed. He didn’t look so full of himself any more. No, rather world-weary and sad, if anything.

Then Jackson seemed to shake himself and sit up straighter. Lifting his glass carefully, he sipped until the level dropped to a safe place, before clinking the rim of the glass with hers. ‘To the happy couple.’

‘To Sasha and Grady.’ She should be looking for her friends as they danced on the temporary floor in the centre of the marquee, but for the life of her she couldn’t drag her attention away from Jackson. When had he got so handsome? Like so handsome she wanted to strip him naked. Back at school, she’d never been as enthralled as all the other girls, but maybe she’d missed something. His body was tall and lean. His face had a chiselled look, a strong jawline and the most disconcerting eyes that seemed to see everything while giving nothing away.

‘Has my mascara run?’ he quipped.

Her face blazed. Caught. Why was that any different from him scrutinising her? It wasn’t, but she never normally took the time to look a guy over so thoroughly. She usually wasn’t interested. ‘Yes.’

‘Wonderful. My macho image is shattered.’ His deep chuckle caught her off balance.

That made her study him even closer. There were deep lines on either side of that delectable mouth. More of them at the corners of those eyes that remained fixed on her. What had caused those lines? To avoid getting caught in his gaze she glanced at his hair, dark brown with a few light strands showing in the overhead lights. Grey, yet not grey. She glanced back to those eyes. ‘You look exhausted.’

Jackson blinked, tipped his head back to stare at the top of the marquee. His mouth had tightened, instantly making Jessica regret her words. There was no way she wanted to upset him; she didn’t want him to think she was probing, being nosey. ‘Sorry. I take that back.’ She sipped her champagne, the glass unexpectedly trembling in her hand.

‘I am totally beat.’

Phew. Still talking. ‘Jet-lag?’ She supposed it was a longish haul from Hong Kong.

‘Nah. Life.’ His hand groped on the tabletop for his drink.

‘Here.’ She pushed it into his fingers.

‘Thanks.’ Sitting straighter, he took a deep taste of the nectar. ‘You’re right. This is superb.’

Again she wondered what hiccups there had been in his life to make him look so shattered. From what she knew, he worked as an emergency specialist in a huge hospital in Hong Kong. That would keep him busy, but many specialists put in the long hours and didn’t end up looking as jaded as Jackson did right now. He’d be earning big money and no doubt had a fancy apartment and housekeeper, along with the to-die-for car and a string of women to ride alongside him. Maybe one of those women had caused a ripple in his otherwise perfect life? ‘Why Hong Kong?’

‘To live? I did part of my internship there and was offered a position in the emergency department for when I qualified.’ Now he stared into his glass, seeming to see more than just the bubbles rising to the top. ‘Hong Kong was exciting, buzzing with people, and completely different from Golden Bay. It was like starting a whole new life, unhindered by the past.’

‘You sound like you hated it here.’ What had happened to make him want to head offshore?

‘I did at times.’ Draining the glass, he reached for the bottle, peered at it. ‘We need another one. Be right back.’

Jess watched Jackson stride around the edge of the dance floor, ignoring the women who tried to entice him to dance with them. So he was determined to sit with her for a while and share a drink. Why? Why her of all the people here? There had to be plenty of family and friends he knew from growing up in Takaka, people he’d want to catch up with. Come to think of it, she hadn’t noticed him being very sociable with anyone in particular all day. Not that he’d been rude, just remote. Interesting. There must be more to this man than she knew.

Was she a safe bet, unlikely to molest him because she sat alone, not leaping up to shake and gyrate to the music? Well, he’d got that right. She didn’t come on to men any more. Not since the last one had made her pregnant and then tossed ‘Don’t send photos’ over his shoulder on the way out, heading about as far north as earth went.

The sound of a cork popping as Jackson returned was like music to her ears. ‘What is it about champagne that’s so special?’ she asked, as he deftly topped up her glass. ‘Is it the buzz on the tongue?’

‘That, the flavour and the fact that champagne goes with celebrations. Good things, not bad.’ Somehow, when he sat back down, his chair had shifted closer to hers.

‘I guess you’re right.’ Goose-bumps prickled her skin and she had to force herself not to lean close enough to rub against his arm. Bubbles tickled her nose when she sipped her drink and she giggled. Oops. Better go easy on this stuff. Then again, why not let her hair down and have a good time? It had been for ever since she’d done that.

‘Of course I’m right.’ He smiled, slowly widening his mouth and curving those delectable lips upwards, waking up the butterflies in her stomach and sending them on a merry dance. Then he said, ‘That shade of orange really suits your brown eyes and fair hair.’

‘Orange? Are you colour blind, or what? Your sister would have a heart attack if she heard you say that. It’s apricot.’ She fingered the satin of her dress. Being bridesmaid for Sasha had been an honour. It spoke of their growing friendship and being there for each other. One of the best things about returning home to Golden Bay had been getting to know Sasha, whom previously she’d only thought of as the girl about the bay who was younger and wilder than her. But that had been then. Nowadays they both were so tame it was embarrassing.

Jackson shrugged. ‘Orange, apricot, whatever. You should wear it all the time.’

‘I’ll remember that.’

‘Do you want to dance?’

What? Where had that come from? Dancing had nothing to do with dress colours. ‘No, thanks.’

‘Good. I’m hopeless at dancing. Always feel like a puppy on drugs.’ His smile was self-deprecating.

‘Then why did you ask?’ She seemed to remember him gyrating around the floor at school dances.

‘Thought you might want to.’ He chuckled again. Deep and sexy.

‘Luckily for you I’m not into dancing either.’ She could get addicted to that chuckle. It sent heat zipping through her, warming her toes, her tummy, her sex. Once more her cheeks blazed, when they’d only just cooled down after the last time. What was going on here? She never blushed. It must be the drink. She stared at her glass belligerently and tried to push it aside, but couldn’t. Not when she was letting her hair down for the first time in years and enjoying a drink or three. Nicholas was staying with his little friend, Bobby, just down the road at Pohara Beach. Tonight was hers to make the most of, mummyhood on hold for a few hours. Tomorrow reality would kick back in and she’d pick up the reins again. Not that she ever really let them go. But for one day and night it was great to be able to stop worrying.

‘How old is your little boy?’

So mindreading was one of Jackson’s talents. ‘He’s four and a handful. A gorgeous, adorable handful who keeps me on my toes nonstop.’ He’d looked so cute at the marriage ceremony in his long trousers and white shirt.

‘What happened to his dad?’

This man was blunt. ‘Which rumour did you hear?’ she asked, as she contemplated how much to tell.

‘That he was a soldier on secondment who didn’t take you with him when he left. That he was the married CEO of a big company who liked beautiful young women on his arm.’ Jackson drank some more champagne. Was that what had made him suddenly so talkative? ‘That he was an alien visiting from Mars for a week.’

Her growing anger evaporated instantly and she dredged up a smile. ‘Guess you know you’re home when everyone starts making up stories about you.’

‘Which is why I hightailed it out of here the day after I finished school.’

‘Really?’ Jess could feel her eyebrows lifting and brought them under control. How much would he tell her?

The steady green gaze locking onto her lightened. ‘Really. I hated it that I couldn’t sneeze without someone telling me I’d done something wrong.’

Not much at all. Memories niggled of a rumour about Jackson and a pregnant girl, something to do with a set-up. ‘It’s like that, isn’t it? Claustrophobic.’ She shuffled around on her chair, all the better to study him again. ‘But there’s also security in that.’

‘You haven’t told me which story is true. I’m guessing none of them.’

Persistent man. Or was he just shifting the focus off himself? She didn’t talk about Nicholas’s father. Not a lot of point. ‘I prefer the alien one.’

He nodded. ‘Fair enough.’

That’s it? He wasn’t going to push harder for information? Most people wouldn’t care that the subject had nothing to do with them. She could get to like Jackson Wilson. Really like him. ‘How long are you home for?’

‘Almost three months.’

Her eyebrows were on the move upwards again. Three months? That seemed a long time when Sasha had mentioned this was his first visit in thirteen years. Of course, his mother had MS now. And there was Sasha’s baby girl, Melanie, to get to know. ‘Amazing how weddings bring people together from all corners of the world.’

‘You’re fishing.’ He grinned at her.

‘Am I catching anything?’ She grinned straight back.

His grin faded. His focus fixed on her. Again. She was getting used to his intense moods. ‘I need a break. A long one.’ He stretched those fascinating legs further under the table and crossed them at the ankles. ‘And now you’re going to ask why.’

Putting all the innocence she could muster into her gaze, she tapped her sternum. ‘Me? No way.’ Then, unable to hold that look, she grinned again. ‘If you don’t tell me I’ll have to torture you.’

His mouth curved upwards as his tongue slicked over his bottom lip. ‘Interesting.’

Idiot. She’d walked into that one. Now he’d make some smutty comment and ruin the easy camaraderie between them. ‘Um, forget I said that.’

‘Forgotten.’ Did he add, ‘Unfortunately,’ under his breath?

She so wasn’t into leather and handcuffs, or whips and ice. At least she hadn’t been. Her mouth twitched. Maybe she should head home now, before the champagne made her say more things she shouldn’t.

Where were Sasha and Grady? Right in the centre of the floor, still dancing, wrapped around each other as though they were the only people there. A sudden, deep envy gripped her, chilled her despite the summer heat.

She wanted what they had. Wanted a man who loved her more than anything, anyone else. Who’d put her first. A man to curl up against at night, to laugh and cry with. A man like— Her eyes swivelled in her head, away from the dance floor right to the man beside her. A man like Jackson? No. For starters, he was her best friend’s brother. Then there was the fact he was only home for a few months. Add his sophistication and Jackson was so not right for her.

Hold that thought. Focus on it. Believe it. Remember how she’d thought Nicholas’s father would give her all those things, only to be shown just how wrong she’d been. Instead, she’d found a man incapable of commitment, even to his wife back in the States. A wife she hadn’t had a clue about.

Unfortunately for her, right now, all the reasons for not getting involved with Jackson seemed to have no substance at all.

CHAPTER TWO

JACKSON WATCHED JESSICA. Her brown eyes lightened to fudge and darkened to burnt coffee depending on her emotion, flicking back and forth so fast sometimes she must give herself a headache. Talk about an enigma. One moment all shy and unsure of herself, the next flipping a sassy comment at him like she wanted him. Which was the real Jess Baxter?

Suddenly the months looming ahead didn’t seem so long and depressing. Instead, they were beginning to look interesting. Could he spend some time with Jessica and get to know her? Have some light-hearted fun for a while and find the real woman behind that sharp mind and sad face? He enjoyed puzzles, but right now he didn’t even know where to begin solving this one. They were hitting it off fine. There might be some fun to be had here.

But— Yeah, there was always a but. He didn’t want involvement. Especially not with a woman who’d require him to stay on at the end of those months, to become a permanent resident in the one place that he’d decided before he’d turned fifteen wasn’t right for him. Too small, too parochial. Too close and personal. Nasty, even. He’d never forget the gut-squeezing, debilitating hurt and anger when Miriam Blackburn had accused him of getting her pregnant. He’d only ever kissed her once. No wonder big cities held more attraction. Easy to lose himself, to avoid the piranhas.

From the little Sasha had told him, he understood that Jessica had come home permanently. That she’d begun mending bridges with the people she wrongly believed she’d hurt years ago. Apparently she wanted her son to grow up here, where he’d be safe and looked out for. There was no arguing with that sentiment.

He definitely wasn’t looking for commitment in any way, shape or form. Commitment might drag him back to the place he’d spent so long avoiding. He wasn’t outright avoiding women. But Jessica wasn’t like his usual type of woman. Those were sophisticated and well aware of how to have a good time without hanging around the next day. Women who didn’t get under his skin or tug at his heartstrings.

Jessica would want more of him than an exciting time. She’d want the whole package. Settle down, have more babies, find a house and car suitable for those children. And what was so awful about that? No idea, except it was the complete opposite from what he wanted.

Back up. He mustn’t forget why he’d decided to stay on after his sister’s wedding. He needed to spend time with his family, to help Mum and Dad as they came to terms with the multiple sclerosis that had hit Mum like a sledgehammer. He’d also like to get to know his niece. Melanie was so cute and, at three months old, had wound him round her little finger. Already, memories of her smile, her cry, her sweet face were piling up in his head to take back with him to Hong Kong.

Then there was the small issue of needing to rest and recoup his energy, to find the drive to continue his work in Hong Kong and keep his promise to his dead colleague. That motivation had been slipping away over the last year, like fine grain through a sieve. The catastrophic events of last month had really put the lid on his enthusiasm for his work. But a promise was a promise. No going back on it.

Clink. ‘Drink up.’ Jessica was tapping her glass against his again.

Yeah, drink up and forget everything that had happened in the past month. Let it go for a few hours and have some uncomplicated fun. ‘Cheers,’ he replied, and drained his glass. Picking up the bottle, he asked, ‘More?’

He saw her hesitating between yes and no, her eyes doing that light then dark thing. He made up her mind for her. ‘Here, can’t let this go to waste.’ When he’d filled both glasses, he lifted them and handed over hers, taking care not to touch her fingers as they wound around the glass stem. That would be fire on ice. ‘To weddings and families and friends.’

She nodded, sipped, and ramped up his libido as she savoured the sparkling wine, her tongue licking slowly over her lips, searching for every last taste. So much for avoiding contact. She could heat him up without a touch. That mouth... He shook his head. He would not think about her champagne-flavoured lips on his skin. Or her long, slim body under his as he plunged into her. While he lost himself for a few bliss-filled moments. Hours, even.

She was talking, her words sounding as though she was underwater.

Focus, man. Listen to Jess. Ignore your lust-dazed brain. ‘What did you just say?’

‘Looks like the happy couple are on the move.’ Her eyes followed his sister and new brother-in-law as they did the rounds of their guests, hugging and kissing and chatting.

‘You and Sasha never used to be mates.’

Jess had been the girl with the rich parents who had bought her anything and everything she could ever have wanted. Yet she’d never seemed genuinely, completely happy, always looking for more. Definitely a party girl, always in the thick of anything going down in Takaka, but at the same time she’d seemed removed from everyone. Like a child looking out the lolly-shop window at the kids gazing in at the sweet treats.

Yet she’d had more than the rest of them put together, having spent most of her childhood apparently travelling to weird and wonderful places. Hadn’t she had love? Had that been her problem? It would go a long way to explaining why she’d always bought her pals anything they’d hankered after. Perhaps she had been buying affection and friendship. Talk about sad.

Right now a big smile lit up her face, lightened her eyes. ‘The day Sasha walked into the medical centre to start her job we just clicked. Guess that amongst our past friends we’re the odd ones out, having left and come back. We’ve tasted the world, know what life’s like on the other side of Takaka Hill, and returned. Though Sasha’s done a lot more than I have when it comes to our careers.’

‘You didn’t work overseas?’

‘Nope. I’d travelled a lot with my parents when I was a child. The idea of working in another country didn’t appeal. Auckland was enough for me.’

‘Are your parents still living here?’

Coffee-colour eyes. And her teeth nibbled at her bottom lip. ‘Not often.’

He recognised a stop sign when he saw one. ‘Here comes the happy couple.’ Jackson stood, placed a hand on Jessica’s elbow and pulled her up to tuck her in beside him. Her warm length felt good against his body. The side of her thigh rubbed against his, her elbow nudged his ribs. A perfume that reminded him of Mum’s citrus grove teased his nostrils. Her hair, all fancy curls with orange ribbons woven through, tickled his chin when he lowered his head.

I want her. Like, really want her. Not just a five-minute quickie behind the shed either.

Surprise ricocheted through him and he felt his muscles tighten. All his muscles. Especially below his belt. Why was he surprised? Hadn’t this need been growing all evening? Against him Jess jerked, looked up with a big question in those pull-you-in eyes.

Don’t move. Hold your breath and wish away your out-of-left-field reaction to her before she catches on. Because otherwise she’s going to empty what’s left in that champagne bottle over your head.

His stomach dropped in time with her chin as she glanced down, over his chest to his waist, and on down. His breath caught somewhere between his lungs and his mouth. She’d have to be blind not to see his boner.

Her head lifted. Her gaze locked onto his. She clearly wasn’t blind. Those brown pools were filled with comprehension. Raising herself up on tiptoe, she leaned close and whispered, ‘Your place or mine?’

‘Yours.’ Definitely not his. He was currently staying at his parents’ house.

Her hand slipped into his and she tugged him off balance. ‘What are we waiting for?’

‘I have no idea.’ So now he was in the flirty corner of the Jessica puzzle. Fine by him. He’d look into the shy corner another day.

Sasha and Grady stepped in front of them. ‘Hey, you two. In a hurry to leave?’ Sasha asked, with an annoying twinkle in her eyes. ‘Without saying goodbye?’

Jackson removed his hand from Jessica’s and carefully hugged his sister. ‘You look beautiful, sis. No wonder Grady hasn’t moved more than two centimetres away from you all day.’

Then he slapped Grady on the back and stepped away to watch the two women hugging tightly. They’d got so close. Like they shared everything. A small knot of longing tightened in his gut. He wanted that, too. No, he wanted what his sister and Grady had. Wanted to be able to talk about what had happened last month, share his fear and apprehensions, even the promise that hung over him. He would like to know there was someone special to look forward to going home to every night, someone who wasn’t the housekeeper.

Jessica? Maybe, maybe not. Though so far tonight she’d been totally in tune with him, not pushing for answers to questions he refused to give, understanding when he wanted to talk and when he didn’t. Knowing how his body reacted to hers.

Which reminded him. Weren’t they going somewhere? In a damned hurry, too?

‘See you two tomorrow,’ he told Grady, and grabbed for Jess’s hand. He whispered, ‘We’re out of here.’

And received a big, knowing smile in return. ‘Sure are, Doctor.’

As they passed the bar he swiped a bottle of champagne and tucked it under his free arm. ‘Neither of us is driving tonight. Let’s hope one of those vans Dad organised for transporting inebriated guests home is available.’ Like right this minute. Hanging around waiting for a ride and being forced to listen while other guests talked and laughed in their ears would be a passionkiller for sure. Though the beach was a short walk through the flaxes if need be.

They were in luck. The beach could wait for another night. Two vans were lined up so they snaffled one and ten long, tension-filled minutes later Jess was unlocking her front door.

She didn’t bother with lights. ‘There’s enough light from the full moon to see what we need to see. The rest we can do by touch.’ Her laughter was soft and warm, touching him in a way none of the sophisticated women he’d bedded had. Was this shy Jessica? Or fun Jessica?

‘Where are the glasses?’ he asked as he popped the cork on the champagne.

‘Come with me.’ She reached for his hand. Being tugged through the small house by this gorgeous woman with only moonlight to see by was a breathtaking experience, heightening his senses—and his growing need for her.

Jess’s slim outline with those just-right curves outlined by her gown hardened him further. Her backside shaped the fabric to perfection, her hips flared the almost skin-tight skirt subtly. ‘How are you going to get out of that dress?’

They’d reached the kitchen, where she removed two champagne glasses from a cupboard and handed them to him. Her mouth curved into a delicious, cat-like smile. ‘That’s your job.’

Give me strength. He wouldn’t last the distance. ‘Right.’

Just then she turned, pressed up against him, her thighs pushing against his, her lush breasts squashed against the hard wall of his chest. Her hands slid around his neck and pulled his head down so her mouth covered his. His pulse went from normal to a thousand in a flash. Wrapping his free arm around her, he hauled her close, so close her lower belly covered his reaction to her, smothered it, warmed it.

‘Gawd, Jess. Keep this up and we’ll be over before we’ve started.’

Her mouth pulled back barely enough for her to reply, ‘And your problem is?’

‘Why did we stop to get glasses?’ His lips claimed hers again. She tasted sweet, exciting, sexy. She tasted of what he so badly needed right now. Of freedom and oblivion. Of recovery.

Somehow she began stepping backwards, taking him with her, not breaking their kiss at all, not removing those breasts from his chest. Back, back, until they made it into another room. Thank goodness there was a bed. A big bed. His knees were turning to something akin to badly set jelly as desire soared through him. He was about to explode and that was only under the ministrations of her mouth on his. He lifted his head. ‘Turn around so I can free you.’

She spun so quickly she almost lost her balance. ‘Oops. I need to slow down.’

‘Really?’ Jackson reached for her zip. Idiot. He still held the champagne bottle and glasses in one hand. Oh, so carefully he placed them on the bedside table. He had completely lost where he was. All he knew was that Jess stood before him and that he wanted her like he’d never wanted a woman before. He was desperate for her. But first he needed her naked. He concentrated on pulling the zip down with fingers that refused to stop trembling. Desire vibrated through him, everywhere, not just his fingers, like this was totally new to him.

It was hard to understand. He hadn’t been living in a monastery. Far from it. There’d been a steady stream of women through his bedroom most of his adult life. Yet now he was losing control like the teenager he’d been last time he’d lived in this place, wanting desperately to bury himself inside Jessica Baxter.

‘Jackson. What’s going on back there?’

‘The zip’s caught.’ Idiot. Couldn’t even undo a simple zip. ‘Hang on.’

She giggled. ‘Hang on? Whatever you want.’ Her hand slid behind her and found him. Her fingers slid up and down his covered erection, while the other hand worked his fly, which she obviously had no difficulty with. His trousers were suddenly around his ankles. ‘I’m trying to get a hold.’

‘Jess, I’ll never get you out of this dress if you keep doing that.’ And I’ll come before I get my boxers down as far as my knees.

Instantly she stilled, her body tense, but he could feel her heat, knew her pulse was working overtime by the way her breasts rose and fell rapidly. She sucked her stomach in so tight it must’ve hurt. ‘Well?’

‘Thank you,’ he muttered, as he tugged downwards. ‘At last.’ He slid his hands inside the soft fabric, his fingers sliding over her hot skin, across her back to her waist, round to her stomach and up to cup those luscious breasts. Free breasts. ‘You haven’t got a bra on.’

‘Would’ve ruined the look.’ She wriggled her butt against him. Sucked in her breath. ‘Jackson, your thumbs are sending me over the edge to some place I’ve never been.’

Music to his ears. ‘That’s nothing to the storm your hand’s stirring up.’ His erection felt large, hard, throbbing and ready to explode.

She leant forward, teasing him with her rear end as she shrugged her upper body out of the dress and let it fall to her feet. Then she stepped out of the puddle of orange fabric and turned to face him. Insecurity and sass warred on her face, vied for supremacy. ‘We haven’t kissed. Not once.’

Jackson wasn’t sure he’d make it through a kiss. But that uncertainty blinked out at him from her dark eyes and he hauled on the brakes, pulled his hands from where they’d fallen to her waist, and encircled her with his arms. He so wanted to get this right for her. For him. Hell, he knew it would be great for him, but if Jessica wanted a kiss then she’d get one she’d never forget. When his mouth covered hers he couldn’t believe he hadn’t done this earlier. She tasted of champagne and the promise of hot sex. She also tasted of honest-to-goodness, trustworthy woman with a lot to offer and something to take.

When she pushed her tongue into his mouth to tangle with his he thought he’d died and gone to heaven. His jelly knees melted and they tipped onto the bed, neither breaking their hold on the other. As they rolled and sprawled he continued to devour her mouth. Until now he’d thought kissing highly overrated, but this moment had rewritten his ideas. Kissing Jess went so far off the scale he might never come back to earth.

Then her hand found him again. Forget kissing. His lungs seemed to fold in on themselves as all the air hissed over his teeth. Forget everything. Absolutely everything.

Pulling her mouth away, Jess said, ‘You mentioned always being prepared for anything. I guess that means you’ve got a condom or two in your pocket.’

He froze. Swore under his breath. No. He’d been going to his sister’s wedding, had not expected to be bedding a hot bridesmaid.

Hot, shaky laughter filled the room. ‘You owe me, buster. Top drawer by the bed. They’re probably out of date but better than nothing.’

Within moments she had him covered and her hand was back on him, heat rolling through every cell of his body.

He had to touch her. But suddenly he was on his back and Jess was straddling him. Before he’d caught up with her she was sliding over him, beginning to ride him. His hands gripped her thighs, his thumbs slipped over her wet heat to find her core. She instantly bucked and for a moment she lost the rhythm.

But not for long. Her recovery was swift. This woman had to be something else. He kept the pressure on as he rubbed across her wetness.

Above him Jessica let out a long groan and squeezed tight around him and his brain went blank as he lost the last thread of control over his body.

* * *

Careful not to wake Jess, Jackson withdrew his arm from around her waist and rolled onto his back. A comfortable exhaustion lapped at him. It would be so easy to curl back into Jess and sleep for hours. Too easy, which was a scary thought. They’d made love again. Slowly and sensually, and just as gratifying. She’d been generous in her lovemaking, and hungry for her own release. He hadn’t experienced anything so straightforward and honest in a long time. And he’d enjoyed every moment.

But now he had to be thinking of getting home. Squinting at his watch, he tried to make out the time. Four twenty-four? The sun would soon be clawing its way up over the horizon. He slid out from under the sheet and groped around the floor for his clothes, which he took out to the bathroom to pull on.

He had to get away from here before there was a chance that anyone might see him leaving. He would not give anyone reason to gossip about Jess. It might be harmless but he knew how it could still hurt, ricocheting around the bay and getting more outrageous by the hour. According to Sasha, Jess wanted nothing more than to blend in around here, and to become a member of the community who everyone could rely on for help and empathy. She most definitely would not want to be the centre of idle chitchat at the corner store or in the pub. Jess wasn’t as lucky as he and Sasha were, she didn’t have her family to believe in her and stand by her.

Biting down on a sudden flare of anger, he dressed and headed to the kitchen to find pen and paper. He wouldn’t leave without saying thank you. Or something. Anything but nothing. He did not want her waking up and thinking he’d done a dash while she’d slept because he hadn’t had a good time or couldn’t face her in the light of day.

Back in the bedroom he quietly crossed to place the note on her bedside table. Then he stood looking down at her in the glimmer of light from the bathroom opposite. Sleeping Jess appeared completely relaxed. No sass, no uncertainty. His heart lurched. And before he could think about it he bent down to kiss her warm cheek. His hand seemed to rise of its own volition and he had to snatch it back before he made the monumental error of cupping her face and leaning in for one of those brain-melting, hormone-firing kisses.

Another lurch in his chest. She was like a drug; slowing his thought processes, making him forget things he should never forget. So, he was already half under her influence. If he didn’t leave immediately he might never go away. Which would cause all sorts of difficulties. He and Jessica were light years apart in what they wanted for their futures. Futures that could never blend comfortably. He didn’t need the hassle of trying to make it work and failing, and neither did Jessica.

Walking away was hard, and for every step his heart made a loud thud against his ribs. But he had to—for Jess. Making sure the front door was locked behind him to keep her safe—which also meant he couldn’t go back to her—he began the ten-kilometre walk back to his parents’ house.

Hopefully, if anyone he or Jess knew happened by at this early hour they wouldn’t put two and two together and come up with...four. Because there might be gossip about them spending the night together, but this was one story that would be based on truth.

Three hundred metres on and headlights swept over him. A car sped past, the horn tooting loud in the early morning. Again anger flared, sped along his veins. So much for being discreet. It just wasn’t possible around here. Increasing his pace, he tried to outrun the temper threatening to overwhelm him. When would these surges of anger stop? It had been more than a month since the attack. He should have got past that terrifying night by now.

The nearly healed wound in his side pulled as Jackson swung his arms to loosen the knots in his neck and back. There was another reason for leaving before the sun came up. That bloody scar. If Jess saw it she’d have a stream of unwanted questions to fire his way. Somehow she hadn’t noticed the rough ridge of puckered skin during the night. Amazing, considering he doubted there was a square millimetre of his body she hadn’t touched at one time or another.

‘So, Jackson,’ he muttered, as he focused on the road and not tripping over some unseen obstacle in the semi light of dawn, ‘where to from here, eh?’

His lips tightened as he grimaced.

‘That’s a tricky one. I don’t want commitment, gossip or questions about why I’ve got an ugly red scar on my body.’ That about covered everything.

If only he’d worn running shoes he could be jogging now. Like they’d have been a good match for the wedding clobber he still wore. But who was around to notice? It was weird how quiet it was around here. No hordes of people bumping into him, no thousands of locals talking nonstop as they began their day. Very, very quiet. Peaceful. A complete contrast to Hong Kong.

‘Don’t get too comfortable. You’re heading out of here before the end of April.’ He spat the words. ‘But I wouldn’t mind a repeat of last night with Jess.’ Just the mention of her name calmed him, slowed his angry thoughts. A smile began deep in his belly, sending tentacles of warmth to every corner of his body, curving his mouth upwards. ‘Oh, yeah. I could do that all over again.’

But would he?

Even if it meant talking about things he preferred buried deep inside his psyche?

Right at this moment he had no damned idea.

CHAPTER THREE

KEEPING HER EYES closed, Jess reached across the bed for Jackson and came up cold. What? She scrambled up and looked around. She was alone.

‘Jackson?’ she called.

Nothing. No cheeky reply. No deep chuckle. Silence except for the house creaking as the sun warmed up the day.

‘Great. Bloody wonderful, even. I hate it when the guy of the night before leaves without at least saying good bye.’ Her stomach tightened. Jackson had enjoyed their lovemaking as much as she had. She’d swear to it. ‘Maybe he didn’t want the whole bay knowing we’ve been doing the deed.’

Was that good or bad? Did she want the whole of Golden Bay discussing her sex life? Nope. Definitely not. The muscles in her stomach released their death grip.

Did she want to do it again? With Jackson? Oh, yes. Her stomach tightened again. Absolutely wanted that. Which was a very good reason not to. Already she felt the need to see him pulling at her, wanted his arms around her, to hear his sexy chuckle. And that was after one night. Blimey. Was she falling for her best friend’s brother? Even when she knew she shouldn’t? That was a sure-fire way to fall out with Sasha, especially once Jackson packed his bags and headed back to his job. But there was no helping those feelings of want and desire that seemed to sneak out of her skull when she wasn’t looking.

Throwing the sheet aside, she leapt out of bed. He might’ve left but, darn, she felt good this morning. Despite the uncertainty of today and, in fact, every other day of the coming months with Jackson in the bay, she felt great. Just went to show what a healthy dose of sex could do for her.

‘What’s that?’ A piece of paper lay on the floor by the bed. Picking it up, she read:

Hey, sleepyhead, thought I’d get away before the bay woke up. Thanks for a great night. See you at brunch. Hugs, Jackson.

Hugs, eh? That was good, wasn’t it? Seemed he wasn’t hiding from her if he’d mentioned the post-wedding brunch. What was the time? Eight-thirty. Yikes. She was supposed to be at the Wilsons’ by nine-thirty and she had to pick up Nicholas. Her boy, the light of her life. She might’ve had a fantastic night but she missed him.

The piping-hot shower softened those aching muscles that had had a rare workout during the night. Singing loudly—and badly—she lathered shampoo through her hair while memories of last night with Jackson ran like a nonstop film through her mind. Hugging herself, she screeched out the words to a favourite song.

The phone was ringing as she towelled herself. Knowing she had no babies due at the moment, she wondered who’d be calling. Sasha would be too busy with Grady, it being the first day of married bliss and all that.

‘Hello,’ she sang.

‘Is that Jessica Baxter? The midwife?’ a strained male voice asked hesitantly.

Her stomach dropped. ‘Yes, it is. Who’s this?’

‘You don’t know me, but my wife’s having a baby and I think something’s wrong. It’s too early. Can we come and see you? Like now?’

No. I’m busy. I’m going to have brunch with the most amazingly attractive, sexy-as-hell guy I’ve ever had the good luck to sleep with. Except, as of now, she wasn’t. She swallowed the disappointment roiling in her stomach. ‘Let’s start at the beginning. Yes, I am Jessica. You are?’

‘Sorry, I’m panicking a bit here. I’m Matthew Carter and my wife’s Lily. We’re up here for the weekend from Christchurch. Staying at Paton’s Rock.’ The more he talked the calmer he sounded. ‘She seems a bit uncomfortable this morning.’

‘How far along is your wife?’ Why had they come away from home and their midwife when this Lily was due to give birth?

He hesitated, then, ‘Nearly eight months. Everything’s been good until this morning, otherwise we wouldn’t have come away. But my cousin got married yesterday and we had to be here.’

‘You were at Sasha and Grady’s wedding?’ She didn’t remember seeing any obviously pregnant women, and as a midwife she usually noticed things like that.

‘No, Greg and Deb Smith’s.’

No one she knew. There were often multiple weddings in the bay in January. The golden beaches were a huge attraction for nuptials. ‘Right. Tell me what’s going on.’

‘Lily’s having pains in her stomach. Personally I think she ate too much rich food yesterday but she wants someone to check her out.’

‘That sounds wise. They could be false labour pains. Can you drive into Takaka and meet me at the maternity unit? It’s behind the medical centre. I’ll head there now.’ She went on to give exact directions before hanging up.

Immediately picking the phone up again, she called the mother of Nicholas’s friend and asked if it was all right for him to stay there a while longer. Then she phoned Sasha’s mother.

‘Virginia, I’m very sorry but I have to bail on brunch, or at least be very late. A pregnant woman from Christchurch is having problems.’

‘That’s fine, Jess. You can’t predict when those babies will make their appearance.’

Yeah, but this wasn’t one of hers. Then there was the fact it was coming early—if it was even coming at all. ‘Can you tell Sasha and Grady I’m sorry? I really wanted to be there.’ And can you let your son know too?

‘Sure can. What about Jackson?’

Ahh. She swallowed. ‘What about him?’

Virginia’s laughter filled her ear. So that’s where Jackson had got that deep chuckle. She’d never noticed Virginia’s laugh before. ‘Seems he had a bit of a walk home at daybreak. We shared a pot of tea when he got in. He doesn’t realise how little I sleep these days. It gave him a bit of a shock when he crept in the back door just like he used to as a teenager.’

So much for Jackson trying to stop the town knowing about their night of fun. But his mother wouldn’t be one for spreading that particular titbit of gossip. Or any other. She didn’t do gossip. And...Jessica drew a breath...she didn’t need to know what he’d got up to as a teen.

‘Tell him thanks.’ Oops. Wrong thing to blurt out to the man’s mother.

‘For what, Jess?’ That laughter was back in Virginia’s voice.

Too much information for Jackson’s mother. ‘For...’ she cast around for something innocuous to say, came up blank.

Virginia’s laughter grew louder. ‘I’ll tell him thanks. He can fill in the blanks. Good luck with the baby. Come round when you’re done. We’d love to see you.’

I’m never going to the Wilson house again. My face will light up like a Christmas-tree candle the moment I step through their door. Apparently Virginia had a way of getting things out of a person without appearing to be trying.

Hauling on some knee-length shorts and a sleeveless shirt, she gave her hair a quick brush and tied it in a ponytail. There wasn’t time to blow-dry it now and as she wasn’t about to see Jackson it didn’t really matter any more.

Pulling out of her driveway, she saw her neighbour, Mrs Harrop, waving at her from the front porch. They both lived on the outskirts of town in identical little houses built back in the 1950s. Mrs Harrop took care of the gardens for both of them while Jess made sure the other woman had proper meals every day by always cooking twice as much as she and Nicholas needed.

‘Morning, Mrs Harrop. Everything all right with you today?’

‘The sun came up, didn’t it? How was the wedding? Who was that man I saw leaving your place in the early hours?’ There was a twinkle in the seventy-year-old woman’s eyes.

Damn. Usually her neighbour was half-blind in full daylight. ‘Mrs Harrop...’ Jess couldn’t help herself. ‘You won’t mention anything to your friends, will you?’

‘Get away with you, girl. My lips are zipped.’

Now, why did she have to mention zips? Jess’s brain replayed the memory of Jackson undoing the zip of her dress last night. Oh, and then of her hand on his fly, pulling that zip down. Turning the radio onto full blast, she sang some more cringeworthy words and banged the steering-wheel in an approximation of the song’s beat, and drove to town.

Jess made it to the maternity unit fifteen minutes before the distressed couple arrived. She filled in the time making coffee and nipped next door to the store to buy a muffin for breakfast. Nothing like the big cook-up she could’ve been enjoying at the Wilson establishment. But way better for her waistline.

The man she supposed to be Matthew helped his wife into the clinic and stood hopping from foot to foot, looking lost and uncomfortable.

After the introductions, Jess helped Lily up onto the examination bed. ‘This is where they used to tell the husbands to go and boil water.’

Matthew gave a reluctant smile. ‘Thank goodness the world is far more modern these days. But I admit having something concrete to do would help me right now.’

‘You could hold your wife’s hand while I examine her.’ Try being a comfort to her, rubbing her back. She’s the one doing the hard work here.

‘Speaking of water, Lily did pass a lot of fluid just before I rang you.’

‘You’re telling me her waters broke?’ What was wrong with letting me know sooner?

Matthew looked sheepish. ‘Lily wouldn’t let me look and I wasn’t sure.’

Jess wanted to bang her head against the wall and scream. These two really weren’t dealing with this pregnancy very well. After an examination she told them, ‘Baby’s head’s down, and its bottom is pointing up. You’re definitely in labour.’

Lily said nothing, but her face turned white. ‘Now? Here? We shouldn’t have come.’ The eyes she turned on her husband were filled with distress and something else Jess couldn’t quite make out. Blame? Fear?

‘Matthew told me you’re nearly eight months along.’ When Lily nodded slowly, Jessica groaned internally. She’d have preferred to be dealing with a full-term baby when she didn’t know the patient. ‘I need to talk to your midwife. Lily, have you timed how far apart your contractions are?’

‘She wasn’t sure they were contractions,’ Matthew replied.

‘So this is your first baby?’ Jess asked.

‘No, our second.’ Matthew again.

So far Lily had hardly got a word in. Maybe that boiling water was a good idea after all. Jess pasted on a smile before saying, ‘I really need to talk to Lily for a moment. Have you timed the pains?’

Lily nodded, her face colouring up. ‘They’re four minutes apart.’

‘Okey-dokey, we’ve got a little lead-in time, then.’ Possibly very little, if this baby was in a hurry, but there was no point in raising Lily’s anxiety level any further. ‘You can fill me in on details. Like who your midwife is and how I can get hold of her for a start.’

I so do not like flying blind. A perfectly normal pregnancy so far, according to Matthew, but that baby was coming early. Too early really. Jess punched the cellphone number Matthew read out from his phone.

‘They’re where?’ the other midwife yelped when Jess explained the situation. ‘I warned them not to leave town. Lily has a history of early delivery. She’s only thirty weeks. The last baby didn’t survive.’

‘Thirty weeks? You’re sure? Sorry, of course you are. Damn it. Why would Matthew have said nearly eight months?’ Jess would’ve sworn long and loud if it weren’t the most unprofessional thing to do.

‘To cover the fact he shouldn’t have taken Lily away at all.’ The other midwife didn’t sound surprised.

‘He’s brought his wife to a place where there’s no well-equipped hospital or any highly qualified obstetricians and paediatricians.’ All because he’d wanted to go to a family wedding. The closest hospital by road was Nelson, a good two hours away. Now what? She had to call one of the local doctors. At least she knew where they all were. At the post-wedding brunch. She needed help fast. And probably a rescue helicopter. Those guys would have Lily in Nelson with every chance of saving her baby’s life in a lot less time than any other form of transport.

Lily groaned her way through a contraction. It would only get worse very soon, Jess thought after another examination of Lily. ‘Your baby has definitely decided on Golden Bay for its showdown.’ But she’d do her damnedest to change that. ‘Do you know if you’re having a boy or a girl?’

‘A girl,’ Matthew answered.

A discreet knock at the door had her spinning around to see what her next crisis was. Another patient was not on her agenda.

Heat slammed into her tummy. ‘Jackson?’ Yes, please, thank you. ‘Come in.’ Perfect timing. ‘What brought you here?’

‘Mum’s truck.’ He grinned. ‘When she told me why you’d phoned I thought I’d drop by and say hi.’

‘I’m really glad you did.’ Then Matthew glared at her and Jackson so she quickly made the introductions.

‘Good. A doctor is exactly what we need,’ the guy had the temerity to say straight to her face.

Lily would’ve had any number of those if only they’d stayed in Christchurch. ‘Lily, Matthew, I need to talk to Dr Wilson. We’ll be right back.’

She dragged Jackson out of the room before anyone had time to utter a word. Her hand held a bunch of his very expensive shirt, the likes of which wasn’t usually seen around Takaka. In other circumstances, she’d have been pulling that gorgeous mouth down closer so she could kiss him hard and long. But today wasn’t her lucky day. ‘I know you don’t start covering for Grady for a few more days so I can phone Mike or Roz, but I’d like some assistance here.’ She quickly ran through all the details the midwife had given her. ‘I think it would be best if the rescue helicopter is called. I do not want to risk that baby’s life.’

‘I’m with you.’ Jackson caught her hand to his chest as she let go of his shirt. ‘The baby will need all the support it can get right from the moment it appears.’

‘She. It’s a girl.’ Jess spread her fingers across the chest that only hours ago she’d been kissing. ‘You need to make the call. I’m not authorised to except in exceptional circumstances.’ Which this could arguably be.

‘No problem. I’ll examine Lily first and then I’ll know what I’m talking about when I phone the rescue service. Can you get me the number? And the midwife’s? I’d like to talk to her, too.’ His green gaze was steady. ‘I’m not undermining you, Jess. I prefer first-hand information, that’s all. Especially since it’s been a while since I delivered a baby.’

The relief that he was sharing the burden swamped her, although she knew it shouldn’t. She had experience in difficult deliveries, though always in places where back-up was on hand. ‘Not a problem, I assure you.’ She turned to head for her patient. ‘Come on, we’ll talk to those two again. Together.’

Jackson still held her hand, tugged her back against him. ‘I had a great time.’ His lips brushed hers. ‘Thank you.’

You and me both. But she couldn’t tell him because of the sudden blockage in her throat and the pounding in her ears. So she blinked and smiled and then made her way into see Lily.

* * *

Jackson made the phone calls and returned to check on baby Carter’s progress. He was angry.

Breathe deep, in one two, out one two.

This mother and baby should not be here, jeopardising their chances of a good outcome. His hands fisted.

In one two. Out one two.

Sure, everything could work out perfectly, but at thirty weeks the baby would still need an incubator and special care. The father was a moron. Especially considering the fact their last baby had died. How did Jess remain so calm? Maybe she’d had time to settle down and get on with what mattered most, appearing confident in the current situation and ignoring the if-only’s. ‘Lily, you’re going to Nelson Hospital to have this baby. It’s too early for us to be bringing her into the world here.’ His tone was too harsh.

In one two. Out one two.

‘I’m not driving Lily over that awful hill in her condition. It was uncomfortable enough for her on Friday and she wasn’t in labour then.’ Matthew stared at Jackson as though it was his fault they were dealing with this here and now.

Jackson ground his teeth and fought for control. Losing his temper would do absolutely nothing to help. Finally, on a very deep, indrawn breath, he managed to explain without showing his anger. ‘The rescue helicopter will be here in approximately one hour. Jessica, where do they land?’

‘In the paddock out the back of the medical centre. I’ll go and see if there are any sheep that need shifting. Matthew, you can give me a hand.’ Jess winked at Jackson before she led the startled man out the door.

‘Go, Jess.’ Jackson grinned to himself, his anger easing off quicker than usual. Starting an examination of Lily, he talked to her all the while, explaining what was happening. And calmed down further. These sudden anger spurts were disturbing. He was usually known for his cool, calm manner in any crisis and he’d hoped taking time away from his job would fix the problem. It seemed he was wrong or maybe just impatient.

‘Will my baby be all right?’ Lily asked through an onset of tears.

He would not promise anything. ‘We’ll do everything we can towards that outcome.’

The tears flowed harder. ‘I didn’t want to come to the wedding but Matthew insisted. He can be very determined.’

Try selfish and stubborn. ‘We can’t change the fact that you’re in Golden Bay at the moment so let’s concentrate on keeping baby safe.’

‘Grr. Ahhh.’ Lily’s face screwed up with pain as another contraction tore through her.

Jackson reached for a flailing hand, held it tightly. The contractions were coming faster. All he could do was prepare for the birth and hope like hell the emergency crew would get here first. How fast could they spin those rotors? Where was Jess? She’d be more at ease with the situation than him. It’s what she did, bringing babies into the world. Admittedly not usually this early or with this much danger of things going horribly wrong, but she was still more used to the birthing process.

‘Hey, how are we doing?’ A sweet voice answered his silent pleas. Jess had returned, dissolving the last of the tension gripping him.

Stepping away from the bed and closer to this delightful woman who seemed to have a way about her that quickly relaxed him, he murmured, ‘Remind me to buy you another bottle of champagne when this is over.’

The fudge-coloured eyes that turned to him were twinkling. Her citrus tang wafted in the air when she leaned close to whisper, ‘I might need some of that brunch first. My energy levels need rebuilding.’

Jess would drive him crazy with need if he wasn’t careful. And did that matter? Of course it did. Didn’t it? He’d hate to hurt her in any way. ‘You’ll have to wait. How was that paddock? Any sheep?’

‘Nope, all clear. The windsock is hardly moving so the landing should be straightforward. How’s Lily doing?’

‘Starting to panic. And who can blame her?’

Jess crossed to the woman. ‘We’re all set for that helicopter, Lily. Ever been in one before?’

‘N-no. I—I don’t like flying.’

Jackson groaned quietly. This day was going from bad to worse for the woman. ‘They’re quite different to being in a plane. Perfectly safe. The pilot will probably go around the coastline instead of over the hill so you won’t be too far above ground level.’

Jess added, ‘This is definitely the best way to keep your baby safe. Now, with the next contraction I want you to stand. You might find it easier to deal with the pain.’

Lily’s smile was strained as she clambered off the bed. ‘Thank you. I know you’re trying your best. I’ll be okay.’ Then all talk stopped as she went through another contraction.

This time Matthew held her as she draped herself over him and hung on. ‘You’re doing great, Lily.’

Finally, just when Jackson thought they’d be delivering Baby Carter in the medical centre the steady thwup-thwup of the helicopter approaching reached them inside the hot and stuffy room. ‘Here we go. Your ride has arrived, Lily,’ he said needlessly.

Everyone had heard the aircraft and Matthew had gone to watch the landing. Jackson followed him out and once the rotors had stopped spinning he strode across to meet the paramedic and paediatrician as they disembarked and began unloading equipment.

‘Glad to see that incubator.’ He nodded towards the interior of the craft. ‘You might be needing it.’

‘Baby’s that close?’ the man who’d introduced himself as Patrick asked. His arm badge read ‘Advanced Paramedic’.

‘The mother has the urge to push. But I’m hoping she can hold off for a bit longer.’

‘Let’s take a look before we decide how to run with it. I don’t fancy a birth in mid-air.’

In the end, Baby Carter made their minds up for them. She arrived in a hurry, sliding out into the bright light of the world, a tiny baby that barely filled Jackson’s hand. Handing her carefully to Jess, he concentrated on repairing a tear that Lily had received during the birth.

Matthew stood to one side, stunned at the unfolding events. ‘Is Lily okay? What about my daughter? Is she going to make it? At least she cried. That’s got to be good, doesn’t it?’

The last baby didn’t cry? Jackson looked up and locked gazes with Matthew. ‘The baby’s breathing normally, and Lily’s going to be fine. Have you decided on a name for your daughter?’

‘Yes, but we were afraid to mention it until we knew if she’d be all right.’ Matthew’s eyes shifted to the right, where his daughter was being attached to monitors inside the incubator. ‘Alice Rose,’ he whispered, and brushed the back of his hand over his face.

‘Alice Rose Carter.’ Jess spared the man a sympathetic glance. ‘I like it. Pretty. And so is she. Come over here and see for yourself.’

The paediatrician continued adjusting equipment as he explained, ‘Alice Rose is very small, as to be expected. At thirty weeks her lungs aren’t fully developed so this machine will help her breathe until she grows some. But...’ the man looked directly at Matthew ‘...everything so far shows she’s looking to be in good shape despite her early arrival. I’m not saying you’re out of trouble yet. There are a lot of things to watch out for, but one step at a time, eh?’

Matthew blinked, swiped at his face again and stepped closer to his daughter. ‘Hello, Alice. I’m your daddy.’ Then he sniffed hard.

Jess handed the guy a box of tissues. ‘Hey, Daddy, blow your nose away from your baby.’ She said it in such a soft tone that Jackson knew she’d forgiven the guy for being rather highhanded earlier. ‘You’re going to have to learn to be very careful around Alice Rose for a long time to come.’

Jackson helped Lily into a sitting position. ‘I’m so sorry you can’t hold your daughter yet.’ That had to be devastating for any new mother. During many long phone calls last year Sasha had often told him that she could barely wait for Melanie to be placed in her arms and to be able to give her that very first kiss. Lily and Matthew weren’t going to have that for a while.

‘I’m grateful she’s doing all right so far. Not like last time. We knew straight away little Molly wouldn’t make it.’ Lily’s bottom lip trembled. ‘No. I’m lying. I want to hold her so much it hurts. By the time I do she won’t be a newborn.’ The tears flowed, pouring down her cheeks to soak into the hospital gown that she still wore.

‘You’re going to need to head across to Nelson as soon as possible,’ Jackson told her, shifting the subject to more practical matters. ‘There’s a shower next door, if you want to clean up first.’

‘Thank you. It all seems surreal. I’ve just been through childbirth and there’s no baby in my arms to show for it.’ Tears sparkled out of her tired eyes as she gathered up her clothes and headed towards the bathroom.

His heart squeezed. For this couple who’d blown into their lives that morning with a monumental problem? Or could there be more to his emotional reaction? Since the attack he’d never quite known where his emotions were taking him, they were so out of whack. Coming home had added to his unrest. Having spent so many years being thankful that he’d escaped Golden Bay, it was difficult to understand why regrets were now filtering through his long-held beliefs.

He’d never really given much thought to having a family of his own. It wasn’t that he didn’t want one. It was just a thought that had been on the back burner while he established his career and got over his distrust of women enough to get to really know them. Then his career had grown into a two-headed monster, leaving him little time to develop anything remotely like a relationship. The women who’d passed through his life hadn’t changed that opinion. Probably because he’d chosen women who wouldn’t want to wreck their careers or their figures by having children. He’d chosen women who wouldn’t lie to him or about him.

But honestly? He wasn’t against a relationship where he settled down with someone special. The problem was, he couldn’t see it working in the centre of Hong Kong surrounded by high-rises and very little green space. As that city was where his life came together, where he was the man he’d strived so hard to become, he could see that there’d be no children in his life for a long while.

He looked around and found Jess regarding him from under lowered eyelids. Could she read him? Did she know that if he ever changed his mind she might be the one woman he’d be interested in? Get a grip, Jackson. Until last night he wouldn’t even have had these thoughts. One very exciting and enjoyable night in the arms of Jessica Baxter and he was getting some very weird ideas.

Because, love or hate Golden Bay, there was a lot to be said for the outdoors lifestyle and bringing up kids in this district. The district where his career would fizzle out with the lack of hospitals and emergency centres.

CHAPTER FOUR

THE HELICOPTER LIFTED off the paddock, the wind it created whipping at Jess’s clothes, moulding her shirt against her breasts. ‘Right, I’d better go and pick up Nicholas. I promised he would get to see Sasha and Grady before they left on their honeymoon.’ Jess glanced at her watch. ‘Brunch is probably well and truly wrapped up by now.’

Jackson’s gaze was on her breasts. ‘What did you say?’ he almost shouted.

She grinned. Deafened by the aircraft or distracted by her boobs? ‘I need to collect Nicholas. And hopefully catch Sasha and Grady before they leave.’

Jackson finally lifted his head enough to meet her gaze. ‘Okay.’ He tossed his keys up and down in his left hand. ‘I don’t think they were heading off until about one. Their flight leaves Nelson at four and they’re staying overnight in Auckland.’

‘Two weeks in Fiji sounds sublime.’ Jess sighed wistfully and headed inside.

‘Not just Fiji, but Tokariki Island. Tiny place, catering for only a few couples at a time. Heaven.’ Jackson grinned at her as he strode alongside, sending those butterflies in her stomach on another of their merry dances.

‘You are so mean. I’d love to go to the Islands.’ With a hot man. Not that it was ever going to happen. She was a mother with a four-year-old who needed her more than anyone. ‘Let’s get out of here before the bell rings and we’re stuck fixing cuts and scrapes for the rest of the day.’ Leading by example, she turned off the lights and headed for the outside door.

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