Healed by Their Unexpected Family

by Karin Baine

  ‘Dr Garrett has just become a father himself,’ Ellie explained to her patient, though she was probably just coming to terms with the news herself. He kept his personal life to himself and, although he’d had to tell the partners about his impending fatherhood, the first most people had known was when he’d gone on paternity leave. The circumstances weren’t anybody’s business and, to be honest, he wouldn’t know where to begin explaining it. Although there was bound to be gossip, he hoped his colleagues would respect his privacy.

  ‘Oh, congratulations.’

  ‘Thanks.’ If he’d thought coming into work today would help take his mind off those left at home, he’d been very mistaken. Even if he hadn’t been cooing over babies this morning, he’d spent most of his time wondering what Kayla and Luke had been doing without him. He hated to miss a moment of his boy’s life now Luke was the most important person in his life, and no longer simply a gift he’d given to Tom and Liam. Then there was the note he’d left stuck to the fridge. How long had it taken Kayla to realise he was gone and how had she reacted?

  There was a chance she’d be glad to get the house to herself again, but he suspected she would be miffed at the way he’d run out on her. The adult thing would have been to talk over what had happened last night, but he wasn’t ready to do that when he hadn’t figured out how he felt about it himself yet. He’d enjoyed it, he’d wanted more, but the timing was appalling. If only they’d given in to temptation at the wedding they might have saved themselves all this confusion now wondering ‘what if?’.

  ‘I didn’t know you were married, Doctor.’ Mrs Hills’s casual comment was something he knew he’d hear a lot of over the next few days until people took the hint that subject was off limits.

  ‘I’m not.’ He handed back possession of her newborn with a fake smile plastered onto his face, ignoring Ellie’s look of horror that someone had dared challenge him outright. He didn’t want to make anyone uncomfortable, but neither was he going to lie about his circumstances to save anyone else’s blushes.

  ‘Sorry. It’s none of my business. There aren’t many people who do get married these days, I suppose—’

  She was frantically rocking her baby and trying to backtrack at the same time, but it was Ellie who stepped in and put an end to the awkward conversation.

  ‘Thanks for your help, Doctor. I’m sure you have other patients to get back to.’

  He didn’t but it was the excuse he needed to get away from further interrogation. ‘No problem. If you need me for anything else, give me a shout.’

  He didn’t have an office to retreat to today. It wouldn’t be very professional of him to barge in and wrest control back from his substitute. Instead, he made his way to the staff room. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d managed to drink a full, hot cup of coffee without interruption. Although, as he sat down in the quiet room, feet up, he couldn’t help thinking about Kayla and Luke. She wouldn’t have time out from parenthood and he didn’t want to get used to it himself. Despite his reservations about taking on that responsibility again, he’d slipped back into that role of protector without too much hassle. The nappy changes and the feeding gave him quality bonding time with his son and those blissful moments during Luke’s naptime were when he and Kayla got to chill out together.

  He’d never lived with anyone other than his brother. That implied a commitment he’d never been willing to give to a woman. Yet, he and Kayla had fallen into a comfortable existence, forming a relationship neither of them had seen coming. He liked being part of a family again, enjoyed her company and loved having someone to talk to at the end of the day.

  As Jamie sat alone with his cup of coffee the silence was overwhelming. Heaven help him, he was missing Kayla and his boy after only a few hours of being parted from them.

  Rachel, one of the receptionists, opened the door and reminded him he wasn’t so alone after all. ‘Dr Garrett, your, um, your son is here to see you.’

  Luke certainly hadn’t come down here on his own and since the flustered member of staff didn’t seem to know how to address his visitor it meant only one thing. Kayla was here too. His day was beginning to look up.

  * * *

  ‘I hear Dr Garrett is helping with the baby clinic today. That’s made my day, I tell you. Very easy on the eye.’

  The woman sitting beside Kayla leaned in to share her news, bouncing her curly-haired daughter on her knee. She was clearly looking forward to her appointment and as Kayla glanced around the waiting room all the other mums were chatting excitedly at the prospect too.

  ‘I’m not here for—’

  ‘Don’t get me wrong, he’s an excellent doctor, has time for everyone, but a little eye candy doesn’t hurt every now and then.’ Jamie’s number-one fan gave her a wink as she was called next for her appointment. Kayla gave a little smile. He’d love to know he was thought of as eye candy amongst the new mums and she couldn’t help but feel a swell of pride as well as being territorial. He was her baby’s father and she wasn’t sure how she felt about other women ogling him. Then again, as far as she knew, she was the only woman in the room he’d kissed.

  She was taking a risk by coming here unannounced. Especially when he’d skipped out on her this morning without as much as a goodbye. She’d been in something of a temper when she’d left the house. One that hadn’t been improved by trying to manoeuvre a pram onto a bus for the first time. Although it had to have been easier than taking the Tube. She didn’t know why she’d headed to the clinic other than a need to confront Jamie about his behaviour this morning.

  However, as she’d pushed Luke’s pram through St James’s park and seen tourists and families making the most of the summer sunshine together, she couldn’t help but think he was missing out. He mightn’t want to spend time with her but that didn’t mean he had to lose that quality time with his son. If he wanted to take Luke for an afternoon in the park she’d happily settle for some respite at home. It wasn’t as though he was scheduled to work today anyway; he was simply avoiding her. She’d had no idea he’d be taking the baby clinic, but it meant she blended in with the rest of the crowd waiting to see him. Although the receptionist had looked taken aback when she’d said his son was here.

  She was waiting for someone to either call her through or throw her out when the man himself appeared in the waiting room. All the women in the room sat up a little straighter, including her.

  ‘Kayla? Come on through.’ He was smiling, looked pleased to see her. Then again, he probably wore that expression for all his patients.

  Her last thought as she followed him down the corridor was how disappointed that other woman was going to be when she realised he wasn’t going to be there for her appointment.

  ‘I’m sorry to impose on you like this at work.’ As she pushed Luke’s pram through the clinic, seeing the other mums coming and going who actually had good reason to be here, Kayla realised how selfish she’d been turning up like this. He was a busy man, a doctor in demand, a lot of things to a lot of people, not just her.

  ‘Don’t be daft. It’s good to see you.’ He stopped at one of the doors lining the hall and kissed her on the cheek. Okay, it wasn’t a full-on snog but at least he wasn’t recoiling from her in disgust. Whatever his reason for coming in here today he did appear genuinely pleased to see them. Although, that might have more to do with the cute passenger in the pram.

  ‘I didn’t know you were going back to work. I thought you still had some holidays booked off?’ If she’d had any idea it mightn’t have been such a shock this morning or seemed like an excuse to put some distance between them. An idea that couldn’t be totally dismissed when he ushered her into the room and closed the door as though embarrassed to be seen with her.

  ‘It was a spur-of-the-moment decision. Now, can I get you a drink?’ It was then Kayla realised he’d brought her into a communal room rather than his office.

 
‘No, thanks. Luke and I were just out for a stroll and thought we’d pop in and say hello. I can see you’re busy, though. We’ll see you at home later.’ She was reversing back out of the door, convinced he’d brought her in here because he thought there’d be safety in numbers once those extra chairs in the room were filled with other members of staff.

  ‘Don’t go. Honestly, I think I’m just in the way here today. Why don’t I come with you? Where were you headed?’ This turnaround was making her head spin, wondering what could have happened in the few hours since he’d left the house that he actually wanted to spend time with them now.

  ‘We were going to go to the park, maybe go and see the ducks. It’s nice outside. I thought we’d make the most of the good weather.’ She hadn’t planned much beyond calling in to see what had driven him out first thing this morning. Whatever the cause, it seemed to have passed now otherwise he wouldn’t be so keen to join them outside in the real world.

  ‘Sounds good. Let me tell them I’m leaving for the day and I’ll join you. Have you eaten?’

  ‘We had some breakfast when we woke up, but I guess it’ll be lunch time soon. I’m sure Luke will let me know when he’s hungry.’

  ‘Why don’t we stop and get some food to take with us to the park, then we can really make the most of the afternoon?’

  ‘Sure.’ It was an unexpected turn of events but certainly one Kayla wasn’t going to turn down. Spending the day kicking back with Jamie and Luke in the park sounded like the tonic she needed.

  * * *

  There was none of that macho nonsense preventing Jamie from being seen pushing a pram. If anything, Kayla thought she might have to wrest it from him to get her turn. He wheeled Luke through the clinic, pride exuding from every pore as he introduced his son to every person who stopped him to take a peek.

  She didn’t miss the curious looks directed at her from waiting patients and in a fit of pique made sure her hand rested possessively on the handle too. This was her family. Regardless of what did or didn’t happen between her and Jamie, they were Luke’s parents. Jamie was always going to be his dad and part of her life.

  ‘He’s quite the crowd-puller,’ Jamie boasted, striding out onto the street, smiling at every passerby. Kayla wasn’t going to fuel his ego by pointing out a handsome, eligible doctor with a baby was the main attraction.

  ‘We should get you a puppy, then you’d have the attention of every female, and quite a few males, within a hundred-mile radius.’ His failure to introduce her as anyone significant to his admirers prompted an uncharacteristic pang of sadness. It hadn’t done anything to quell her fear she was still playing the role of surrogate. The oven for Jamie’s bun, which he wanted to share with everyone but her.

  He frowned at her, the barb not hitting home. ‘I’d never get any work done. Listen, there’s a place on the corner that does a nice lunch selection. Why don’t you take over here and I’ll grab us some takeout?’

  ‘I’d be honoured.’ So far, the most she’d been permitted to do was adjust the parasol attached to the pram to prevent the sun from shining in on Luke.

  It wasn’t that she was jealous of the attention Jamie was giving Luke, or that she was being edged out so Daddy could take over. No, her sudden bout of petulant behaviour had come about because it was clear they were no longer acting as a cohesive couple out in public. Despite everything telling her it wasn’t possible, she wanted them to be a team, to be together. When he’d agreed to leave work and come with them he’d given her that fizz of hope in her belly that there was a chance last night’s passionate embrace hadn’t been a one-off after all.

  He met her back out on the pavement holding up a paper bag in triumph. The sort that said the deli catered for exclusive diets and tastes rather than some nondescript takeaway that served up cold pasties and sandwiches to the masses.

  ‘That’s lunch sorted. Now to find somewhere to eat it.’ He was so utterly charming and thoughtful it was hard to remain mad at him for long.

  He wasn’t organising a picnic in the park for Luke’s benefit, or to keep his adoring fan club happy. This was entirely for her and him. An afternoon relaxing in the sun like any other couple. Those clouds that had been steadily moving in to spoil her day began to dissipate until her smile was as bright as the sun shining overhead.

  They walked on through the park, past families playing ball games, couples stretched out together on the green and dog walkers trying to get their enthusiastic charges under control.

  ‘How about here?’ Jamie found a shady spot beneath a huge tree, far enough from the sun worshippers to provide privacy whilst she fed Luke.

  ‘Perfect.’ She put the brakes on the pram, and Jamie stripped off his jacket to spread it out on the grass.

  ‘There’s really no need to ruin your suit on my account.’ Although she appreciated the gesture, she could only imagine the cost of getting grass stains out of the expensive light grey fabric.

  ‘I can’t have the mother of my child sitting on wet grass, can I? I’m a gentleman. Now, take a seat and I’ll serve lunch.’ From anyone else Kayla would’ve judged the gesture over the top, but she’d seen sufficient similar behaviour to know he was the genuine article.

  She lifted Luke out and sat down to feed him with the thick tree trunk providing excellent support for her back. The tangle of branches above their heads also shielded them from the glare of the afternoon sun.

  Jamie lay down beside her, putting the other half of his suit at risk by lying on the grass. He kicked off his shoes and socks, removed his tie and loosened his collar. ‘That’s better.’

  Kayla watched him with amusement at how quickly he’d been able to switch off from work and relax. ‘Why don’t you make yourself comfortable?’

  ‘If I was going to do that, the shirt and trousers would be off too, and I’d be lying here in just my boxers.’ His flirty wink coupled with an image she’d got to know well around the house conspired to raise her temperature so much she might as well have been sitting in direct sunlight.

  ‘Well, we don’t want to have to bail Daddy out of jail so I’d advise keeping your clothes on for now.’ Kayla adjusted her blouse once Luke had taken his fill, then winded him over her shoulder.

  ‘In that case we should concentrate on filling our bellies. Especially since you have to keep your energy levels up for greedy guts here. I’ll take him, and you help yourself.’ They did the baby handover so Jamie was in charge of the back rubbing, leaving Kayla the pick of the deli cartons spread out on his jacket.

  With the plastic cutlery provided she helped herself to some of the giant couscous jewelled with pomegranate seeds and edamame beans. The tomato and basil pasta salad filled her up quickly so she passed when Jamie offered her a share of his samosa veggie wheat wrap. Bless him, she knew he’d much rather have been tucking into a dirty big burger, but he’d gone out of his way to make this special for her. She washed her lunch down with a mouthful of pure orange juice and flopped back down on the ground.

  ‘I’m stuffed.’ That satisfying full feeling in her belly made her want to close her eyes and sleep for a while. She was content lying here with Jamie and Luke in a way she hadn’t been for years, if ever.

  ‘I wish I could say the same.’ Jamie tossed the empty wrapper from his lunch back into the bag, not looking quite so gratified with his food choice.

  ‘I’m sure there’s something else left in the bag.’ She dug in again and retrieved a package of apple wedges and toffee dipping sauce for him. ‘Someone’s got a sweet tooth.’

  ‘I thought we needed something decadent.’ He tried to pull off the cellophane, but it wasn’t easy when he was cradling Luke in one arm.

  ‘I’ll do it,’ she said, opening the package and dipping an apple into the sweet, sticky sauce to hold out for him.

  He dipped his head, his lips brushing against her fingers as he took the fruit from he
r. She watched him with fascination as he crunched on the apple. There shouldn’t have been anything erotic in the act, especially given their location. Yet, she found it incredibly so, imagining that mouth accepting her as easily as the piece of apple. His tongue licking her sweetness as thoroughly as he cleaned the toffee left on her fingers, sucking each one slowly and deliberately. The whole time he was seducing her with his mouth, his eyes didn’t leave hers and she knew he was imagining the same scene playing out in the bedroom. Minus the food and the audience.

  ‘Jamie—’ Her throat was as dry as other parts of her were wet.

  She was unable to explore what either meant or if he was experiencing the same inner turmoil as the moment was brought to an abrupt halt by a football landing with a direct hit onto their picnic. Leftover couscous and pasta spilled out and sounded the death knell for Jamie’s jacket. Luke, who had been in the land of nod, was startled awake by the noise and let out a yell. Jamie was no longer teasing her but on his feet, swearing under his breath. Her peace and contentment had come to an end.

  ‘Sorry.’ A red-faced teenage boy appeared, took one look at the mess, grabbed his ball back and ran off towards his mates.