As she parked her car, she had to work hard to keep her emotions under control. Several years ago, she’d been exactly where Jillian was now. Had felt the horrific fear and panic she knew Jillian must feel. Oh, how she wished Jillian and her husband weren’t going through this terrifying turn of events.
Paige kept reminding herself that Tiffany was one of the best docs in town and would do everything possible to save this baby. “Please God, let Jillian and her baby be okay,” Paige prayed, as she fought back her own heartbreaking memories. She got out of her car and headed for the delivery waiting room, where she figured Justin and his entire family would be pacing the floor as they waited for word about Jillian and baby Jaxon.
* * *
Justin watched Dr. Warren hurry away after delivering the scary-as-hell news that Jillian had lost a lot of blood, but she thought she could save both the baby and Jillian. He scrubbed his face with his fingertips, trying to take it all in and not fall apart. He hadn’t realized Jillian’s own life might be in danger if she started bleeding because of placenta previa complications. He, of course, knew the baby would be in trouble, but his sister? Somehow that hadn’t occurred to him. Darn his sister for keeping that a secret.
Fighting for calm, he turned back to his dad and gave him a hug. “It’ll be okay, Dad.” His father clung to him for a brief moment and then stepped away, straightening his shoulders. Justin gave Dottie and his sister, Claire, each a hug before joining his brother, Logan, by the window. “Damn, this is hard,” he said by way of greeting.
Logan ran a hand through his hair. “Especially for Dad.”
“Jillian and the baby will pull through this,” Justin said, trying hard to believe his own words. The thought of losing his sister was almost more than he could bear.
Logan slung an arm over his shoulders. “You’re right. You talked to Stan anymore?”
“Not since he called to let me know what was happening. I’m glad they’re letting him stay in there with Jillian. She needs him.” Justin didn’t even want to think about how hard this had to be on his brother-in-law. If Justin had a wife and baby in emergency surgery, he’d be holding on by a thread. As it was, he felt pretty damn fragile. Thank God his family had all arrived within minutes of his call.
“I’ve got to get some coffee,” Logan said. “I’ll bring back some for everyone.”
“I need more than coffee,” Justin muttered, “but I’ll drink some if you bring it.” He stared out the window, hoping they heard something soon.
“Justin?” He turned and Paige wrapped her arms around his waist. “I came as soon as I could get away,” she murmured into his chest.
He buried his face in her sweet-smelling hair and hung on. “I was going to call you in a bit. It’s been pretty hectic. Stan called me, and I notified the rest of the family.” Tears burned his eyes, and he fought for composure. “You think she’ll make it?”
“She’s young and strong. She’ll pull through this. Plus, she has the best obstetrician in town doing her surgery.”
“Stan said there was blood everywhere.” Justin hugged her tighter. “Thanks for coming. It means a lot to me.”
“I wouldn’t be anywhere else right now.”
He leaned back and looked at her. “What about your patients?”
“Susan rescheduled my last two.”
He ran his hands down her back and rested his chin on the top of her head. “Want to meet the fam?”
“I don’t think now would be a good time.”
“They’ll have my hide if I don’t introduce you.” He took her hand and pulled her across the room. “Dad, this is Paige Dillingham. She was Jillian’s midwife.”
His dad stood and took Paige’s hand. “My daughter thinks you’re pretty special.”
“I think your daughter is pretty special, too.”
Justin wrapped an arm around Dottie. “And this feisty lady is Dottie Richardson, Dad’s main squeeze. And that’s my sister, Claire,” he added with a nod. “Our brother, Logan, has gone to get coffee.”
“It’s nice to meet you all even if it is during a tense time, but I can tell you this, Dr. Warren is a friend of mine, and she’s the best, so Jillian is in excellent hands.”
Justin thought his dad was going to break down, but he managed to pull it together and give Paige a hug. “Thank you for that.”
“So how do you know my little brother?” Claire asked.
“I met him at his pub one night, when I stopped by for dinner and ended up eating with Jillian.”
“Don’t grill the woman,” Logan said, stepping up. He handed out coffee, then turned his attention to Paige. “I’m his big brother. Looks like Justin has upped his game,” he added with a grin.
Paige blushed until her face was almost as red as her hair. Justin put an arm around her and pulled her close. “Logan likes to keep people off balance. Ignore him.”
Logan winked at her and Paige couldn’t help but appreciate his charm.
“If you ever want pointers on how to handle this crew, Paige, give me a shout,” Dottie said with a grin.
Paige smiled at Dottie. “I met your daughter at the pub one evening. She’s quite beautiful and she looks like you.”
Dottie beamed. “This lady’s a keeper, Justin.”
Someone clapped Justin hard on the back and he turned at the sound of Stan’s voice. “Jillian’s in recovery. She’s fine and so is Jaxon. Our son is almost five pounds and has a good set of lungs on him. Thank goodness this didn’t happen earlier. I’m heading to the nursery now. Let’s go.”
The family followed Stan, and Justin walked over to Paige, who sagged against him. He rubbed her back. “I take it you weren’t as confident about today’s outcome as you seemed.”
She glanced up at him and a myriad of emotions passed over her face—relief, sadness, longing. “Complications can go either way, Justin, but I have the utmost confidence in Dr. Warren, and I’m relieved and thrilled that Jillian and her baby are fine.”
Justin took her hand. “I’m glad you were here. It helped.” Giving her a quick kiss, he pulled her with him as he followed his family. “I can’t even imagine how relieved and excited Stan must be. Thank God everyone is okay. In case you haven’t figured it out, we’re a close-knit family. Maybe even more so since Mom passed.”
“It’s nice to see. Dottie seems to fit right in.”
He nodded, sadness filling him. “Yeah, she does, but I sure wish Mom was here. I imagine Dad does too. She would have loved being a grandmother. Jillian and I have talked about that several times. Jillian’s been heartbroken that Mom wouldn’t be here to meet her grandson. I’m sure I’ll feel the same way when I have kids.”
“I have a feeling your mother is here with her family,” Paige said softly.
He closed his eyes, wondering if that could be true. “I hope you’re right.” He opened his eyes and sucked in a deep breath. “Time to welcome my nephew into the clan.”
* * *
Paige watched Stan stroke his tiny baby’s head as the infant lay in an incubator to help him breathe easier, and joy filled her for Jillian and Stan’s happiness. The baby was perfect and his dad looked thrilled. And proud. “I think I’ll use my clout and go see your sister,” she whispered to Justin.
He looked pleased. “Tell her I love her and will see her in a few minutes.”
Paige let go of Justin’s hand and walked toward recovery, eager to congratulate Jillian and ready for some breathing room. Being around Justin’s family and their new addition sharpened the realization of how alone she felt much of the time. Justin had certainly included her, and the rest of the family had been friendly, but knowing she would never have what they did rested heavy on her heart. At times like this, she realized with stark clarity how different her life would have been if she’d had siblings and a mom and dad who loved one another and were still together. Justin’s family had lost their mom, which had been very difficult, but at least they had one another.
“Qui
t feeling sorry for yourself,” she murmured right before stepping into recovery. Straightening her shoulders, she shoved open the door. “Hey, Jillian. Your whole family is out there cooing and taking pictures of that precious baby of yours. Justin said to tell you he loves you and will see you soon.”
Jillian smiled, her face pale but filled with happiness. “How’s Stan holding up?”
“Like a proud first-time papa.” She reached for Jillian’s hand. “Jaxon is beautiful. They wheel you down to see him as soon you’re out of recovery. They’ve put him in an incubator because one lung isn’t staying inflated, but he will be fine. He’ll probably only be in there a day or two, and you’ll be able to go to the nursery and love on him. Probably even hold him by tomorrow. I think it’s safe to say you’ll have a room full of people tonight. Don’t let them wear you out. You lost a lot of blood, so you’ll be even more tired than most new mothers.”
“I’m glad you came by. You probably had to calm Justin down. I imagine he was pretty upset. He really likes you by the way.”
“He told you that?”
Jillian gave a tired smile. “He didn’t have to. I can tell.”
“He’s a good man. Your parents did a great job with their children.”
“We were lucky,” Jillian said, her eyes closing to half-mast. “Mama was here. I saw her when they were taking Jaxon.”
Tears filled Paige’s eyes. “I told Justin I wouldn’t be surprised if his mom was here for this.”
Jillian smiled. “She calmed me.”
“I’m sure she did,” Paige responded through a tight throat. The Coleman family was so very lucky. They had a close family and today they got a miracle. She laid a hand on Jillian’s arm. “Sleep. You need it. I’ll stop by again before you leave the hospital.”
“Okay.” Jillian’s eyes closed as she fell asleep.
Smiling, Paige left recovery, suddenly feeling wiped out. It had been an emotional evening. Her stomach growled, reminding her she hadn’t eaten. She started back to the nursery to tell Justin she was heading home, but stopped when she turned the corner and saw him surrounded by family members who were laughing and cutting up like a bunch of kids.
Oh, what she would give to have that kind of love and support system. Jillian was a very lucky woman, and Paige hoped she knew and appreciated it. Life could sure be cruel sometimes. She knew that only too well, and today’s miracle reminded her how important it was to grab all life had to offer.
Justin saw her and motioned her over. “How’s Jillian?”
“Tired but happy. She lost a lot of blood. They’re giving her some now.”
Justin grimaced. “I don’t handle needles very well. Or blood.”
“Wuss. Now I know the real reason you were opposed to a home delivery.”
He grabbed her hand and pulled her around the corner, laid a big kiss on her. When they came up for air he winked. “Horses and blood and needles are my only weaknesses. Just so you know.”
“I’ll help you work through them,” she teased.
“I’m beyond help, but everyone’s entitled to a few flaws, right?”
She figured that depended on what those flaws were. “Only a few,” she finally said, forcing herself not to dwell on her own imperfections. “I’m going to head home. Get to bed early. I have a big date in a couple of days so I need my beauty sleep.”
He bent down until they were nose to nose. “You don’t need anything, Paige. You’re about as perfect as they come.”
She shook her head. She was so far from perfect that her stomach knotted from his words. If she and Justin ever got serious, which she doubted, she’d need to tell him why she was skittish when it came to relationships. In the meantime, she intended to fully enjoy this man no matter what did, or did not, develop between them. She stood on her tiptoes and kissed him, knowing when Saturday evening came, she intended to allow herself the joy of an intimate relationship again.
She rested her hand on Justin’s arm, soaking up the contact. “Enjoy your family and that new baby. “I’ll see you soon.”
Chapter Five
Justin glanced at the clock. He had just enough time to take a quick shower before Paige got here. Too bad he didn’t have time for a nap. It had been a crazy few days hanging out at the hospital. Jillian and Jaxon should go home in a few more days, and hopefully things would settle down.
Dang that baby was cute, and Jillian and Stan were totally in love with him. Justin could see why. He’d never been much of a baby person, but Jaxon made him excited to be an uncle. Grinning, he stripped out of his clothes and stepped into the hot shower. Fifteen minutes later, he was clean and freshly shaven and waiting on Paige to get here. He’d wanted to pick her up this evening, but she’d insisted on driving over since his life was so hectic lately, and now he was glad. He’d barely gotten home from the hospital in time to get the place cleaned up and dinner made.
He pulled the chicken alfredo out of the oven, stuck the cheese bread in to warm for a few minutes and then turned the oven off in case he forgot about the bread. An Irish apple cake sat on the counter thanks to the pub’s chef. Now all he needed was Paige, and she should be here any minute.
He popped the top to some chardonnay and pulled down two wine glasses just as the doorbell rang. Smiling, he headed for the door, eager but also a tad nervous, to see Paige. He pulled open the door and gave a whistle. Paige always looked great, but tonight she looked fabulous in a yellow sundress and white, strappy sandals. Taking her hand, he pulled her into his arms and nuzzled her neck. “You smell as delicious as you look.”
“So do you,” she said, melting into him as she held the bowl of salad out to one side. “And dinner smells even better,” she added with a grin.
“Let’s hope it tastes as good as it smells. Here, let me take that. Spinach salad is my favorite. Did I tell you that or is reading minds one of your many talents?”
“Jillian told me. I stopped by for a quick visit this morning. She looks good, and that baby is a total doll.”
“I finally got to hold him today. Almost had to arm wrestle Stan for him. I figure another month or so, and they’ll gladly hand him off when I’m around.” He set the salad on the kitchen counter and took her in his arms. “I’ve never seen you in a dress.” He traced the deliciously low-scooped neckline of her sundress with a finger. “Sexy.” She blushed, surprising him. The woman seemed to have no idea how hot she was. He couldn’t help but wonder why. Most of the women he’d dated not only knew they were sexy but knew how to use it to their advantage.
If Paige knew she was hot, she sure didn’t use it to reel him in. In fact, she’d never tried to reel him in. He’d been the one doing all the work, which was a first. And he liked it. In fact, he liked it a lot.
“Wine?” he asked, leaning around her and grabbing the opened bottle.
“Please.”
He poured them each a glass and then handed her one. “Here’s to an evening of discovery and fun.”
“Discovery?” she asked, arching her brows.
“Not what I was referring to. At least not exclusively,” he admitted. “I’m looking forward to getting to know you better, Paige. You intrigue me.”
Looking surprised, she took a sip of wine. “You might be the first person I’ve ever intrigued.”
“I doubt that. I’m just the only person who’s ever said it.” He took her hand and led her to his comfy brown leather sectional. “So tell me. What’s it like being an only child? I can’t even imagine. I could never find a minute of solitude growing up.”
“Must be why you’re so outgoing.”
He sank onto the couch, pulling her with him, and propped his bare feet on the coffee table.
“I like that coffee table by the way. It’s very unique.”
“Pottery barn. The bluestone top adds a touch, don’t you think?” She nodded. “I especially like that the drawers open from both sides, but we digress. Jillian and I are the two who are outgoing extroverts. Claire and
Logan, not so much. It was probably harder on them to never get any privacy growing up, than it was for Jillian and me.”
“Do you like your privacy now?”
He shrugged. “Sometimes. I’m surrounded by people at my pub, so it’s nice to come home to quiet. How about you? Did you miss having siblings?”
“Yes. I always wanted a brother or sister. I might be an introvert, but I was still lonely a lot of the time.”
“Does that mean you want a big family?” he asked.
She glanced down, seeming to be a tad uncomfortable. “I’ve always thought a big family would be wonderful,” she finally said.
He wrapped an arm around her shoulders. “Trust me, three is plenty big.”
She nudged him in his side. “If your parents had stopped at three, you wouldn’t be here.”
“And you would have never met me. And that would be a total disaster, because I have an Irish apple cake in there waiting on your approval.”
“You made it?”
“Don’t sound so astonished.” He drew circles on her bare shoulder with his fingers, enjoying the silkiness of her skin. “Actually, I had my chef make it, but I had him do it to help me impress you.”
“It’s working.” Paige set her wine glass on the coffee table. “It smells delicious in here. What else do I have to look forward to? I’m talking about food,” she added when he arched a brow.
“Chicken alfredo and Irish soda bread, and no I didn’t make the bread either.”
“I’m still impressed.”
Justin turned her in his arms and kissed her. “Not as impressed as I am with you, Paige. It meant a lot to me when you came to the hospital. My family thinks you’re terrific.”
“Your family is wonderful. Being around them was like having a group hug.”
Since I Found You (Crystal Springs Romances: The Wedding Chapel Book 2) Page 6