Second Chances: A PAVAD Duet

by Calle J. Brookes

  That would take some getting used to. “So how are we going to do this? You tell yours and I tell mine?”

  He shook his head, laced his fingers through hers. “No. We did this together, and we do it together from now on.”

  “They’ll have questions that we’ll need to be ready for.” Ally tried to think of those questions, but the overwhelmed feeling was returning. “When do you want to do this?”

  “After you go to a doctor. We need to make sure you and the kid are healthy. Then we need to decide on the details.”

  “Like? I can’t put my thoughts together, Dan. Every possible scenario is running through my head right now.”

  “Like when you, the kids, and the baby will be moving in here. Your house is too small, don’t you think?”

  Ally wasn’t too sure about him just making that decision for himself. And she definitely wasn’t sure she wanted to uproot her children and move them again. “I think that’s something we are both going to have to think about. I have to do what’s best for all of the children. Not just this one.”

  Anger flashed in his eyes and had her breath catching. “I won’t miss out on a single day, doc. I don’t think I can.”

  Ally felt her heart melt at the pain in his words. Of course he couldn’t. Not after the last fifteen years of hell for him. And she would never do that to him. “I don’t want you to. This is your baby, too. But we barely know each other and we can’t just expect to meld two families together overnight.”

  “Who says it has to be overnight? We have nine months give or take a week or so, to do this. I’ll admit, my first instinct is to drive over to your house and bring everything you own over here, and put you and the kids in my house where I think you belong. I understand that’s not reasonable. At least not tonight. But doc, I’m not a patient man. I want my family with me, all of my family. And from the moment we created this baby, you and your children became mine, too.”

  Chapter 38

  And he meant it, too, though it was clear on the doc’s face that his claim scared her. She would just have to get over that. He’d thought of her so many times over the past month, had dreamed of her beside him nearly every night. Now he had a means to make that a reality.

  And he was getting a second chance at being a father, as well. How could he possibly regret that, or let the opportunity pass him by? He would be insane to let that happen.

  No, he would do what he had to do to get her in his home, in his life, and then…eventually back into his bed. This was his second chance, and he would not lose it.

  His baby was growing in the doc, would have her for a mother. Would have a mother who would love and cherish him or her every single day. His heart heated as he pictured the doc holding his son or daughter in her arms, looking at him with soft eyes and a sweet smile. He would kiss that smile, then kiss the baby. He’d play ball with Ryan and have tea time with Aislin. Like he had when they’d stayed with him weeks ago. He’d glower at Gracie’s dates and would watch Emma graduate from law school. He’d watch Kelly find someone of her own to love. Then someday he would walk his girls down the aisle and give them away like he had his Carrie months ago.

  Then as each of their children grew up and moved on in their lives, he would hold the doc close. She would keep him young and he would cherish her for the rest of his days.

  No, Dan would not lose out on this second chance at a family, a full family—complete with a woman of his own.

  He didn’t delude himself; he didn’t love the doc. Not yet, but he suspected that would come with time. He already held deep feelings for her, had since the first time he’d danced with her. The first time he’d kissed her. The basis for a strong relationship was evident.

  It would just take time on both their parts for more to develop. And if he had her in his home, close, the chances of those feelings developing were higher. Yes, the first thing he needed to do was get the doc into his home on a more permanent basis.

  “We’ll take this slow.” The doc’s words were both a statement and a question, her uncertainty so clear for him to see.

  Dan pushed blonde hair off her cheek, then wove his fingers through the strands. He guided her closer. “We have no rush. We’ll give the kids as much time as they need before the baby is born. But doc, I want your promise…”

  “Yes?”

  “You and your kids will be living here by the time the baby joins us. I want us to be a family. All of us before that kid comes home from the hospital.”

  “I’m not sure I can promise that.”

  “I just want you to promise to try.” He brushed his lips over hers once, twice, before deepening the kiss. She didn’t pull away. After a moment her hands fisted in the material of his shirt and she clung to him. He kept the embrace gentle, soft, and unthreatening. It wasn’t the time for heat, just comfort and togetherness.

  It was several long moments before he pulled back. “Doc, Kelly and the girls will be home soon. As much as I want you to stay here, I think we need some time to prepare what we’re going to tell them, don’t you?”

  She nodded. “I want to go to a doctor first. I’ll call one first thing in the morning, and let you know when the appointment is.” She bit her lip and looked at him for a moment. “Do you want to go with me?”

  Had he went with Beth to any of her appointments? He didn’t think so. She hadn’t wanted him to.

  But this time would be different. This woman was different. And he was a different man than he’d been before. “I would like that very much. And Doc? Try to worry too much. Things will work out for us. How can they not? We aren’t kids; we know exactly what we’re getting into.”

  Chapter 39

  They snuck away on her lunch break the next day. He’d taken the day off and met her in the parking lot of the doctor’s office. Ally had trouble wrapping her head around what they were doing—both the fact that the situation existed and that they were being furtive about it.

  This obstetrician was reputed to be one of the best in the city; Dan had gotten the name from one of his pregnant teammates. Ally shivered in her coat, the light rain and breeze going straight through her. Dan must have noticed and he wrapped an arm around her shoulders as they walked toward the office doors.

  “You ok, Doc?”

  “Scared. I’m really scared, Dan. I don’t know if I can do this.” Ally had been awake all night, visiting various scenarios in her head. In most of them, all of the children—including the new baby—end up hating her and Dan. She had a sneaking feeling that was going to be the outcome of this scenario.

  “Of course we can.”

  While she appreciated his support, his total confidence was slightly annoying. “Don’t you have any doubts? This is going to seriously disrupt some lives, here. Including ours.”

  He stopped just outside the doors. “What are you saying, Doc? That we should consider ending the pregnancy? Because as much as I don’t like the idea, apparently the law says you have the ultimate power to make that decision.”

  Ally felt her eyes widen at his harsh words. She’d never even considered it. Did he think she had? “No! I’m not saying that…I wouldn’t…hadn’t even thought…let’s just get inside and make sure there is a baby.”

  He spoke very little while they waited for the nurse to call her name. Ally darted a glance at him—was he angry with her? Did he think she wanted to abort the baby? She didn’t. She’d already pictured the baby in her head, and it was hers. She wanted the best for him or her, just as she did for Aislin and Ryan. She couldn’t harm the baby. No matter what. It was her child, and she loved being a mother. Knew she would love another baby just as much as she did her older two.

  Ally wrapped her fingers around his, then waited until he looked at her. “Dan, I would never do that. Especially without your agreement. You know that, right? I’m just worried about everyone else.”

  His expression softened. He turned his hand over and theirs touched palm to palm. “I know. And I think we need to
forget everyone else for the next few hours and concentrate on the new baby for a while.”

  Ally nodded. He was right. It should be about the new baby today; they could work out a plan for everyone else tomorrow.

  Five minutes later she was stepping up on a scale after handing Dan her coat and purse. Then she followed the nurse into the exam room.

  The exam went as she had expected, complete with the doctor voicing her concerns regarding Ally’s age, previous pregnancies, and physical conditions. Ally was in good shape, overall, and she knew that lessened any risk factors; she didn’t smoke, or drink, and took good care of herself.

  Then it was time for the vaginal ultrasound. Dan stepped out of the room for the initial setup of the exam, then when Ally felt as comfortable as she could under the paper sheet, the doctor called him back in. “Let’s see what we’ve got here, shall we?”

  Ally was no stranger to ultrasound machines, and her eyes immediately flew to all the vital signs visible. It was still quite early in the pregnancy and she knew not to expect great detail. The doctor moved the wand around, then Ally saw it. The sac.

  There was a baby. Ally’s breath caught and she reached instinctively for Dan’s hand. He wrapped his fingers around hers and she held him just as tight. She looked at the doctor. “There’s the baby.”

  “Yes. Looks to be exactly as expected, and I think we may be able to see the heartbeat for this little one. Yes…right there. Congratulations, we have a viable pregnancy.”

  Ally stared at the screen for several long moments, remembering how it had felt the first time she’d seen her other two babies on the screens. It was just like this, despite the awkward circumstances of this pregnancy. Her baby.

  The doctor moved the wand again, deliberately slipping it to the other side. Ally focused on the movements. The doctor let out a hmmm that had Ally’s attention focusing back on the other woman’s face. “What is it?”

  “It appears we have a second sac right here. Hiding a bit. And give me a second…it appears we have a second heartbeat, as well. Congratulations, Dr. Brewster, Agent Reynolds. I believe you’re having twins.”

  Chapter 40

  Dan nearly choked when the doctor pronounced that there were two babies growing. He’d not counted on that. Between the two of them, they’d have seven children. Of course, his oldest were adults, but seven children? Wow.

  Could he handle having two more babies in the house? He was fifty-two years old. He would be seventy when they graduated. Yes, he considered himself to be in pretty decent shape for a man his age—and his doctor agreed. Except for the still healing bullet holes, he was as healthy as a man ten years younger. But still, two babies, on top of three other children in the house, was a lot.

  He couldn’t miss the worry on his little doc’s face. She stared at the screen and both little blips. “This ups the chance of it being a high risk pregnancy.”

  That hadn’t even occurred to Dan. Was she healthy? Could she handle carrying twins? How old was she, anyway? Weren’t there risks for older mothers?

  The obstetrician nodded. “You know the percentages. We’ll set up frequent appointments. I am also a high-risk OB, and have had many twins through my practice. We can get you through this.”

  The doc nodded, then looked at Dan. “When we do things, apparently we do it big, huh?”

  He laughed, surprised. “Of course. Is there any other way? Dr. Straub, what’s the first thing we need to do?”

  “Prenatal vitamins are a definite must. As is a healthy diet. Morning sickness may start to set in soon, but you know how to handle that, right, Dr. Brewster? Light to moderate exercise. And when you are feeling tired, take it easy. Don’t overdo anything. Do not push yourself. You do have someone at home to help, correct?”

  Dan nodded before the little doc could answer. “She does. Several people. We will take excellent care of her. You can count on that.”

  “Somehow I believe that.” Dr. Straub hit a button on the machine and Dan listened to it whirl to life. A few minutes later and he held the most precious pieces of paper. Their twins’ first photographs.

  He waited for the doc to get redressed, then they exited to the waiting room. She set up the next appointment time. Five minutes later they were back in the parking lot.

  “Two.”

  He barely heard the doc over the sound of the rain hitting the metal roof of the parking garage. “Yeah. Surprise.”

  “The kids are going to freak.”

  “Probably. How are you doing?” What difference would one more baby make? They would love him or her just the same. And Dan held every confidence that once some time had passed, the rest of their kids would feel the same way.

  “Still overwhelmed. And scared.” The doc’s hand was in his, and he wondered if she’d realized she’d been the one to grab his hand. She needed him, for emotional support, if nothing else. How long had it been since a beautiful woman had needed him, and only him? Dan couldn’t quite remember. But it felt good, and he’d do whatever he had to in order to make sure she knew she had him.

  “I think we should get the kids together tonight and tell them. Show them the ultrasound pictures, let them know what is happening.”

  “So soon?”

  “Yes. Like the doctor said, you’re going to need help. You need to rest, and what if the morning sickness is bad? I can’t always be there, but Kelly or Emma can, at least a good deal of the time. I don’t know what the doctor meant about high-risk, but I don’t want you taking any chances, not with your health or the babies’.” If he had his way, she’d be living under his roof by the end of the night. “And I think they will be a bit more upset with us if we wait too long to tell them. Like we were trying to hide it.”

  She nodded slowly. “Kelly, especially. Ok. Tonight. I’ll get my kids and meet you at your place around seven. I want to take them out to eat first. Spend some time with them before I spring this on them. Ryan…Ryan still thinks his father and I will get back together soon. Jack hasn’t spoken with him since weeks before the move. This will crush Ryan. I can’t take that lightly.”

  “I’ll call Kelly and Emma and have them meet us by seven then.” Dan pulled the little doc closer, then wrapped his hands around her waist. It took so little effort to lift her up. He kissed her, pouring every bit of the conflicting emotions running through him into the embrace. They were both a bit short of breath when he pulled back. “Doc, we can do this. And we have the rest of our lives to get it right.”

  Chapter 41

  Ally avoided Kelly as much as possible for the rest of the afternoon, but near the end of the shift, she couldn’t put off speaking with the younger woman any longer. Kelly’s attention, thankfully, wasn’t fully on what Ally was saying, so the daily report went smoothly.

  “My dad wants us at his house tonight for dinner.” Kelly told Ally as Ally handed Kelly her coat. “I don’t know what time I’ll be home.”

  “I’m taking the kids out to dinner. I’m not sure when I’ll be home either.”

  “Are you ok? You act like something is on your mind.” Kelly’s green eyes were worried as they looked at Ally. All of Dan’s children had those green eyes. Her two had her blue ones. What would the babies have? Which would be dominant? Ally shook that thought away and focused on her best friend.

  “I’m a bit tired, that’s all.” Ally wanted to cry. Kelly had so much trouble trusting people in her life, and tonight Ally was going to crush their relationship in a very permanent way. “I got to go, get the kids. I’ll see you later.”

  ***

  They sensed something was wrong, Ally had no difficulty seeing that. Ryan was uncharacteristically surly and Aislin clingy. It was a difficult dinner and she knew the remainder of the evening was about to get even more difficult. For all of them. She turned the SUV onto Dan’s street. “Kids, I have something important to tell you.”

  “Are we moving again?” Ryan tapped his feet on the back of the driver’s seat. This time Ally ignored it
.

  “Well, I don’t know. Maybe. To a bigger house. Eventually.”

  “I don’t want to move! I’m starting to have friends here!”

  “Honey, you would still go to the same school. I don’t even know if we will be moving.”

  “Then what do you have to tell us, then?”

  “I’ll tell you in just a minute. We need to get with Aunt Kelly and her sisters first. And their dad.”

  “Why do they have to be there? Is he your new boyfriend?” Ally didn’t know how to address that so she just kept quiet as she turned off the ignition. When had Ryan developed this animosity toward her? Toward Dan? Was it because of Jack? Or something else? Had he sensed something during those weeks they were staying with Dan?

  This wouldn’t make what was about to happen any easier.

  “Whatever happens inside, young man, you will remain civil to Dan and everyone else. Do you understand?” Ally’s words were resigned, and she knew it. All her fears were starting to be realized and they hadn’t even told their children yet.

  “Yes, ma’am. There’s Aunt Kelly!”

  Ally looked at the porch, seeing the younger woman standing with her sisters. Kelly was obviously puzzled. Dan hadn’t told them she was coming, then.

  There he was, standing just behind his three daughters. Dan had only fathered daughters, what were the chances the twins would both be girls?

  Ally shook those thoughts away as she pulled her daughter out of her carseat. She sat Aislin on her feet and the little girl skipped to Kelly’s side. Aislin loved Kelly so much. Ally’s hand covered her stomach where the twins rested, and where the nausea was beginning to roll.

  Dan stepped off the porch and approached her. She heard him tell the girls to go inside, that they would be inside in a minute. She watched him as he came closer, barely aware of his children and hers doing as he said. “Doc?”

  “Ryan’s already upset with me. He doesn’t want to move again, and I haven’t even told him we may. I don’t know if I can do this.”