“I can’t ask you that much,” he says, rubbing his tired face.
I touch his arm, and his eyes stare into mine. “Don’t worry; I have the day off tomorrow. Go to sleep. I promise if I need help, I’ll call you.”
“You’ve already done so much for us.”
“It’s a pleasure to stay with her. Go back to sleep.”
“Thank you.”
He approaches, and for a moment, my heart skips a beat. He kisses the baby and goes upstairs.
I look at my watch and see that it’s only 4 in the morning. Emily has fallen asleep but is flustered. I rest her on my chest and lie down on the sofa. I cover her with a sheet and admire the beauty of this little angel as I stroke her back.
Chapter 10
Jace
The alarm rings, and I turn it off. The house is silent. I assume Emily is still asleep.
I take a shower, get dressed, and go down to the kitchen. The vision in front of me makes my heart skip a beat.
Maddie fell asleep on the sofa with Emily in her arms. They’re both sleeping peacefully.
I stop to look at them, and my eyes caress Maddie's body. When I opened the door and saw her with her hair tousled and wearing only her nightgown, my mouth went dry. She's sexy, sweet, beautiful and...
And she's not for you! She’s perfect, and you’re just a single father.
I swallow the bitterness in my mouth and go to brew the coffee and prepare Emily's milk.
I'm sipping my coffee, watching them sleep. It’s an image that I’ll hardly be able to forget.
* * *
Emily starts to move, and Maddie wakes up, hugging her.
"Good morning, princess," she whispers, smiling at her.
My heart is melting at this sweetness. When Maddie catches me looking at them, she smiles, gets up, and walks over to me. As I hand her the bottle, she shakes her head. Maddie gives me the little girl and steals the cup of coffee I was drinking.
"Emily wants her dad,” she whispers while drinking my coffee.
I’m surprised to see her lips resting on my cup.
Emily finishes her milk, and I change her diaper.
"I'll ask for a week off so I won't bother you anymore."
"Don't be silly; you're not bothering me. She's adorable."
"I should be done by 3 pm. I know it's your day off, and I really feel guilty asking you, but could you keep Emily?"
"You don't even have to ask. It will be a pleasure to be with her," she answers, facing Emily." Isn't it, sweetie? Just a girlie day!"
"I'll take steps to find a babysitter, I promise."
I see her get sad, and I don't understand why.
"There's no rush. I'm here when you need it,” she answers, smiling, but it’s a sad smile.
* * *
I go to work, leaving the girls at home, although I’d like to stay with them.
Chapter 11
Maddison
When Jace closes the door, I feel weird.
A babysitter... I’ll miss this little one.
"What do you say, little one? Let's sleep a little, and then we'll go for a walk."
Emily stares at me, and I'm sure she thinks that I'm crazy. I smile at her and start to rock her. After a while, she falls asleep.
I put her in the crib, then start cleaning the house. When I finish downstairs, I go upstairs, carrying the baby monitor. I put a laundry load in the washing machine while I change the sheets on Jace's bed. I smell his pillow, inhaling his aftershave. It drives me crazy.
When the washing machine is done, I move everything to the dryer and get the baby's bag ready.
My phone rings and I answer in a low voice: "Hi, Lorie, how are you?"
"Hi, Maddie. I've been trying to call you since last night, but you didn't answer."
"Sorry, I was with my neighbor. His ex left the baby with him and left."
"I can't believe it! What a bitch!"
"I know. Emily is lovely."
"So is he?"
I sigh but didn't answer.
"You like him!"
"Lorie, no ... yes, it's just that...”
"It's just that you like him, admit it. How is he?"
"He's … argh … he's pretty hot, Lorie, and so sweet."
"Maddie, if you like him, what are you worried about?”
"He's perfect, Lorie, and I mean it. I'm afraid Mathew might somehow hurt us. I can't allow it."
"This isn't life, Maddie. You have to start having a life. It has been eight months since you broke up."
"And despite everything, he still haunts me."
"Give yourself a chance, honey. You deserve to be happy."
"I know, and I'll enjoy this little angel while I can."
"Send me a picture. I want to see her."
"Done."
"God, she's so cute! Now I understand why you fell in love with her."
"She stole my heart."
"Who, Emily or her father?"
"Both of them."
"Interesting…"
"And you, what about Ayden?"
"Maddie, you have no idea how much I’m into him. He’s amazing, and in bed, he's ... a god of sex."
I burst out laughing, "I'm happy for you, Lorie. I hope he'll make you happy, or else I'll hunt him down."
"You’re unique! I have to go back to work, Maddie. Try it. Don't let the past influence you."
"Okay, Lorie. Bye."
* * *
The morning passes quickly, and Jace sends me a message.
'Hi, Maddie. Is everything okay at home?'
'Hi, Jace. Yep, Emily is amazing. '
'I know that baby is a heartthrob.'
'I agree.'
'See you at 3, and thank you!'
'See you later, Jace.'
* * *
"Well, little one, let's go for a walk. But first, I need to get dressed. Are you ready?"
Emily smiles, and I melt. I put her in the stroller, and we go to my place.
Once out, I changed the milk powder, choosing a lighter to digest so that she doesn't get colic. I meet many neighbors who stop and say hello. Word has spread, and all are happy to meet Jace's daughter, but they’re unhappy with Natalie's behavior. Apparently, no one could stand her.
It’s almost 3 pm, and I’m heading for the fire station.
"Let's go get Daddy, princess. He'll be delighted to see you."
Chapter 12
Jace
"So, Maddie, huh?" Chris asks, smiling.
"Maddie’s my neighbor."
"Just that?"
"Yes, Chris, just that," I say, sighing.
"You like her, don't you?"
"Is it that obvious?"
He shrugs, laughing.
"Chris, you can’t understand. She's sweet, gorgeous, sensitive, and Emily loves her."
"Hmm-hmm. And is she beautiful?"
"You know she is. She's sexy, and I want to kiss her every time she licks her lips."
"Why don’t you do that?"
"She came out of a disastrous relationship. Her ex was beating her. That’s why she came here, to escape from her past. I don't think she's ready for a relationship."
"She or you?"
"Both. Unfortunately, Natalie broke my heart. I have a baby, and my life has changed."
"Being a parent doesn't mean giving up on love. If you like her, and you really like her, go for it. You have nothing to lose."
"Instead, I could lose her, and I don't want to."
"Not gonna happen!"
"I'm going home. See you in a week, guys!" I leave the building greeting my team when I see Maddie waiting for me outside with Emily.
"Hi. I took her for a walk, and I thought I'd surprise you. I hope you don't mind."
"Of course not. Thank you, it's a fantastic surprise," I tell her, taking the baby in my arms. "Hi, lovely. Were you good?"
"She was amazing."
"I see you've made other purchases," I tell her, pointing to the bags under the stroller.
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"I changed her milk to a lighter one, so we avoid colic."
"That would be great. I don't like seeing her feel bad."
"I know. Me either."
"Thank you very much, Maddie. You were my lifeline. Would you like to take a walk with us along the lakefront?"
"Sure, I'd be happy to,” she answers me, smiling. I love that smile. It makes my heart beat.
* * *
"So ... have you always wanted to be a pediatrician?"
"Yes, children always put me in a good mood. Look at this little one. She’s wonderful!" she tells me, covering the baby with a sheet. "And you? Have you always wanted to be a fireman?"
"I wanted to be a cop, but the academy wasn't for me."
"So, you opted for a risky job that would drive the girls crazy."
I burst out laughing because, on the one hand, it's true.
"Don't tell me I'm not right."
"Yes, it's true. At least, it was at the beginning. I love my job. The adrenaline and knowing I’m helping someone make me feel alive."
"I know that feeling."
We sit on a bench to feed Emily. Mrs. Lawrence approaches us, congratulating us on our daughter. I thank her. As soon as she leaves, I feel Maddie's eyes on me.
"Mrs. Lawrence doesn't like being contradicted. Right or wrong, everything she says is right."
"Now it all makes sense."
I shrug. "Would you like an ice cream?"
"Sure, vanilla."
"My favorite flavor!" I wink at her and order ice creams. We eat them in silence, looking at the lake while relaxing.
"Jace, what?"
Fuck! She caught me looking at her.
"Nothing, It's just that I wonder where you’ve been hiding so far."
She bursts out laughing while her tongue licks the ice cream, a heavenly vision. I wish she’d do it to me, too.
She turns and looks at me.
"You have some ice cream here," I tell her, taking it off her cheek. When I touch her skin, she closes her eyes.
God, how much I’d like to kiss her. I suck my finger and see her eyes fill with desire.
* * *
"You really are a nice couple, Jace! You finally gave up that slut."
"Mrs. Lewis, this is Maddison Wyatt."
"Oh, I already know who she is. There's nothing else to talk about in town. The new pediatrician has conquered everyone with her sweetness and charisma. Honey, hold on tight because Jace is a good man."
"I know," Maddie replies with a smile, leaving me speechless.
Mrs. Lewis walks away, leaving us alone.
"Can we go home?" she asks me.
"Yes, that would be a good idea. It's about to rain," I tell her, looking at the sky.
We make it back to my car just before it starts raining. When I park the car, the rain is heavier.
"I'm going to open the door, and then I'm going to get the little one so we can run inside."
"While you open the door, I'll join you with the little one."
"You’ll get wet!"
"It's just water, Jace."
I quickly get out and run to the door. Meanwhile, she arrives with Emily.
Maddie had taken off her jacket to cover Emily, and the water made the now almost transparent T-shirt stick to her skin. I give her a towel, unable to take my eyes off her.
I go upstairs, get one of my shirts, and bring it to her. "Here, it would be better if you removed yours. Otherwise, you’ll feel cold."
"Don't worry. I'm going home to change."
The rain becomes more violent, and she changes her mind.
Thank you, Lord.
She goes to the bathroom, then comes back out, wearing my shirt.
I feel so happy. I walk over and push a lock of wet hair from her face. She licks her lips, and her breathing quickens. I’m so close to her lips when Emily starts crying. We both start laughing.
Baby, you and I need to talk about timing!
* * *
The afternoon goes by quickly. We talk about everything. Maddie explains to me some tricks to calm down the baby. All three of us play, and Maddie helps me bathe Emily.
After putting the baby to bed, Maddie returns home. She has to work tomorrow. I wish I could have spent more time with her. While going to bed, I sent her a text.
Chapter 13
Maddison
I’m in bed when the phone lights up with a message from Jace:
'Thank you for being there for us, and thank you for cleaning my house. You didn't have to. Good night, Maddie. Have sweet dreams. '
I smile and answer him:
'I'll always be there, Jace, and it's been a pleasure. Good night and sweet dreams to you, too.'
I think back on the day we spent together, and I realize that Lorie’s right. I like Jace. I really like him.
* * *
The night is very rough. I wake up and go to the bathroom, hoping that the shower will wake me up.
I text Jace, hoping he’s awake:
'Hi, Jace. I'm about to go to work. I was wondering if I could come over and say hello to Emily?'
I’m dressing when I get back his answer:
'She has to eat soon, and we missed you last night. Of course, you can come over!'
I smile as I finish getting ready. Then I knock on his door.
He opens it, smiling, and I see that a woman is with him.
"Sorry, I don’t want to bother you."
"No problem. This is Ashley, my lawyer. Ashley, this is Maddison, my saving angel.”
"Hi, Maddison. I've heard a lot about you. Chris was right. She's charming."
"Thanks...” I feel embarrassed, but Emily saves me by starting to cry. I go to her, and I fall in love with her even more.
"Hello, princess! Good morning. Did you sleep well last night? Did the fluffy tummy still bother you?"
Jace approaches me, carrying the bottle. "No more colic. I think we've found the right milk for her. Isn't that right, princess?" He tickles her. Watching them together is a show.
I change her and put her to sleep in the crib.
"Thanks, Jace. It was nice meeting you, Ashley. I have to go to work."
"The pleasure was mine, Maddison."
Jace walks me out, smiling. "Thanks for stopping by."
"I couldn't go to work without saying good morning."
I see him smile, and then he hugs me. I return the hug, and he kisses my forehead. "Are you having dinner with us tonight?"
"I don't know what time I'll finish, but if I'm late, I'll text you."
"Okay. Have a good day."
I thank him and wave goodbye.
* * *
After parking the car, I’m heading toward the hospital entrance when two cars collide violently. I run to them. The driver of one car gets out by himself while the other is slumped on the steering wheel.
I try to wake him up but in vain. I take him out of the car and lay him on the ground, feeling for his pulse. I'm starting to shake because I can't find it.
"Please stay with me. Someone call the EMT. I need a defibrillator now!"
I give him CPR, then paramedics arrive and take care of him. I’m in tears, but when the older man opens his eyes, I feel relieved.
I go up to my and have a coffee before I start my shift.
The day has been long, and I really need to go back home.
With the onset of autumn, the seasonal viruses begin. It’s easy to get sick when it’s hot with a chilly wind.
* * *
At 7 pm, I change, then go to the ER, asking for news of the man involved in the accident. Hearing that he is well makes me happy. I go to his room, and when his wife sees me, I recognize her immediately.
"Mrs. Lewis, good evening."
"Good evening, Maddison."
"How is your husband?"
"He's fine now. They said he got sick while driving."
"I'm sorry. My colleagues will take good care of him."
"Dr. Wyatt, did you come to che
ck on Mr. Lewis?"
"Dr. Dawson, good evening. I was just worried about him."
"They told me you gave Mr. Lewis first aid. Do you want to steal my job?"
"No, I love mine too much to change it. I was there at the time of the accident. I just did my duty."
"If it weren't for you, Mr. Lewis wouldn’t be with us anymore. Your action saved his life." His pager rings, and he apologizes as he walks away.
"So, I have you to thank for saving Frank?"
"Mrs. Lewis, I didn't do anything. It was the paramedics who saved him."
"You’re too humble. You’re an angel, Maddison, and I mean it." She hugs me, smiling, then goes back to her husband.
* * *
I walk out of the hospital and see several messages from Jace. I skim them, but I don't answer. In ten minutes, I'll be home.
Chapter 14
Jace
I haven't heard from her since this morning, and I miss her. The hug this morning made my heart beat wildly. In my arms, she fit perfectly.
I hear a soft knock and run to open the door.
"Hi."
"Hi, Jace. How are you? How was your day with Emily?"
I smile because I can see that she’s tired, and despite everything, she has stopped by to ask about Emily.
"She's good today. She cried a little, but I did as you told me, and she calmed down. She missed you."
And so do I, a lot. "Shall we have dinner? We still have almost an hour before the next feed." I reach out my hand to her, and I hope she takes it. When her hand touches mine, I feel a jolt. I lead her to the kitchen, and while I'm cutting the roast, she starts setting the table. She stands beside me, and her rose scent tickles my nostrils. She dresses the salad and brings it to the table.
"How was your day?"
"It has been a really long one. The first viruses for the kids are starting to show up, and it reminds me that we need to get something else for Emily." I smile as she explains what purchases we need to make, and I lose myself looking at her lips. How much I’d like to taste them.
In a Heartbeat Page 3