From Duty to Daddy

by Sue MacKay

  ‘But working to a strict timetable saves a lot of wasted time and many mistakes.’ Marshall also stood and gathered up their mugs, placing them in the sink.

  ‘Sounds too stifling for me.’

  ‘It works for the armed forces. There’d be no end of problems if we weren’t so controlled. Imagine telling the men to draw arms and have them doing it as it suited them.’ He shook his head. ‘Impossible.’

  She smiled at his serious countenance. ‘Although there are times when it feels like it, the medical centre is not a war zone.’

  ‘I guess.’ Then he relaxed and his heart-wrenching smile returned. ‘You might even have a point. Yesterday at the airport it was amazing how everyone worked together without anyone issuing constant directions. People knew what had to be done and got on with it, helping each other, giving the patients the utmost in care.’

  The smile turned wry. ‘I had to bite my tongue a couple of times when I was about to yell an order only to find whatever I thought needed doing was already being done. It wasn’t my place to say anything, but it wouldn’t have stopped me.’

  No surprise there. ‘There’s more than one way of getting the best out of people.’ She headed for the door. ‘Sorry, but I haven’t got time to sit around talking all morning. I’m going for a run.’

  ‘Are you sure you’re up to this?’ Worry glinted out of Dad’s eyes. ‘Running’s hard on the body when you’re not used to it.’

  ‘I’ll only do about four or five k’s. If that.’

  ‘I don’t know.’

  ‘I’ll be fine. Promise.’ Dad had become overprotective. Who could blame him? He’d lost his beloved wife to cancer and lived in terror of losing her. But she couldn’t go on not trying to get back to being the fit person she’d once been.

  *

  The sun mightn’t be up to speed in its intensity but the morning was still hot. The sweat poured off Marshall as he pounded the footpath down to the lake. Glancing sideways, he got a shock to find Charlie hadn’t kept up with him. Slowing to jog on the spot, he waited for her to catch up. ‘You were serious about being out of practice.’

  Her chest rose and fell rapidly. ‘Yes,’ she gasped. ‘I’ll turn back now.’ Her disappointment was obvious.

  Stopping his jogging completely, Marshall took her hand and began walking along the path. ‘Deep breaths.’ When her fingers curled around his hand, warmth stole through him and settled around his heart. ‘You did fine for your first time out in a while.’ He doubted they’d come as far as she’d hoped but he wouldn’t put a dampener on her attempt. ‘Want to walk or run home?’

  ‘Definitely walk. I can’t believe how hard that was. To think I used to run for an hour and not feel too bad. You have no idea how angry that makes me feel.’

  ‘So why didn’t you get back into running once Aimee was born?’

  ‘Long story.’ Tugging her hand free, she added, ‘Talk to you later. I’ll be late if I don’t get a move on.’

  ‘I’ll come with you.’

  Her hand came up in a stop signal. ‘No way. Carry on. I’ll see you soon.’ And she turned for home.

  He wanted to go with her and demand an explanation because he got the impression there was a lot she hadn’t told him yet. A long story she’d said, with sadness creeping into her voice and eyes. Pushing her might get the answers he craved but could also make her tetchy with him. So he’d continue his run and try to talk to her later.

  Anyway, he needed the exercise. Nothing like a hard run to loosen his muscles and get him ready for the day. Not that he knew how he’d fill in the hours until Charlie came home from the medical centre.

  Unless he offered to take care of Aimee for a while. Get to know his little girl. She fascinated him, so cute and small. He could take photos. Mom and Dad might like to see them. Yeah, right. If they hadn’t had time for him it was very unlikely they’d be bothered about Aimee. Especially as she lived halfway round the world from their usual haunts.

  They’d be the losers. Not him. Even if he didn’t become a regular feature in his child’s life he’d make sure she knew he loved her. Like how? Emails, computer video calls, phone calls when she was older, birthday and Christmas presents. It didn’t sound like enough. Would he have been satisfied with that when he’d been growing up? Hell, he’d got the presents and phone calls and, no, he hadn’t been at all happy.

  Marshall shivered. Balancing this parenting lark with his army life wasn’t going to be easy. It didn’t help that he lived in a different country from Charlie and Aimee. Would Charlie consider moving to the States? Not fair to ask her. She’d be lonely and miss her support network of Brendon and friends. Besides, she had her career here, was set up for life really.

  He increased his pace, trying to outrun his thoughts, and for a while he succeeded. Finally he turned for home. Damn. Turned for Charlie’s home. They were sucking him in with their kindness, openness and honesty. No pressure about what he wanted to do now he knew he was a dad. Nothing like that at all. Just make himself at home and go with the flow. So alien for him. Yet he kind of liked it. Could even get used to it.

  At the gate into the large section where Charlie’s home stood he flicked the childproof lock and walked through as though he’d always done this. As if coming home to a wonderful woman and his child was normal.

  Hell, turn around and run away, fast. But no. His feet kept moving in the direction of the front door. He’d shower and have breakfast before taking over looking after Aimee for a while. How hard could that be?

  *

  Charlie laughed fit to bust. ‘I think you’ll have to try a more hands-on approach.’

  Marshall looked from Aimee to her and back again, confusion gleaming in his eyes. ‘Hands on?’

  Slipping the strap of her laptop case over her shoulder, she reached for the car keys hanging on the hook just inside the kitchen door. Still laughing, she told him, ‘You can’t insist that Aimee goes pee pee. Learning to use the potty is still a bit of a mystery to her.’

  ‘Truly?’ He looked stunned.

  She couldn’t help adding, ‘She’s not an army recruit. You have to take her to the bathroom, remove her pants and sit her down on the pot.’

  ‘You don’t think I can do this, do you?’ The smile returned but didn’t quite reach his eyes. He was seeing this as a challenge. Not good for either him or Aimee.

  Stepping over to him, she placed a hand on his arm, squeezed gently. ‘I would never leave my daughter with someone I didn’t believe capable of caring for her. Not even her father.’

  He glowered at her. ‘You’re trying to con me, babe.’

  ‘Yep. Totally.’ Up on tiptoe she planted a kiss on his now clean-shaven chin. ‘See you both later at the centre.’ As she strode away she added quietly, ‘All clean and tidy with big smiles on your faces.’

  ‘I heard that.’ Marshall stood at the kitchen door, Aimee on his hip. ‘You are so in for a surprise, Charlotte Lang.’

  She hoped so. Waving her hand over her shoulder in his direction, she headed outside. Another glorious day and Marshall was here. Still here. He’d shocked her when he’d returned last night. Not to mention warming her from the bottom of her stomach right through to her heart. He certainly didn’t shy away from responsibilities, even those he’d had dumped on him only the day before.

  It felt weird going into work without Aimee accompanying her. But within minutes of parking at the back of the building she’d explained to the girl running the crèche that Aimee would be in later and quickly became absorbed in laboratory results and radiology findings. Aimee and Marshall were firmly at the back of her mind by the time she read an abnormal mammogram result for a patient of hers. Keisha Harris was in her mid-thirties and had two gorgeous boys she adored. She’d gone to school with Charlie, been in the same netball team, gone out clubbing with the same friends.

  And now she might have the same bloody disease. If further tests came back positive then, despite a different part of Keisha’s body be
ing affected, it would still disrupt Keisha’s life as badly as it had hers.

  With a heavy heart Charlie picked up the phone and dialled Keisha’s home number. When the answering-machine picked up she went to ask Molly, ‘Do you know if Keisha’s working during the school holidays? I need to speak to her.’ As soon as possible.

  ‘She and Toby have taken the boys to Phuket for two weeks. I think they’re due home at the end of the week.’

  ‘I’ll leave a message on her phone that hopefully won’t cause alarm.’ What were the chances of that? She had to make Keisha aware she needed to get in touch fairly quickly. The radiology centre had probably left a message recalling Keisha for further X-rays. There wasn’t any point in disrupting the family’s holiday, though. One week wouldn’t make any difference and they might as well make the most of their fun time because the next few weeks were going to be tough while Keisha underwent tests and waited for results.

  Molly told her, ‘Your first patient’s here.’

  Charlie dealt with prescription renewals, a sprained ankle and a mildly depressed teen before Mrs Withers slipped into her room, complaining of chest pains. With Gemma’s help Charlie ran tests and promptly called an ambulance to take their patient to hospital.

  Next six-year-old Josh Donaldson bounced in, every bit of exposed skin covered with what looked like hives. Scratching like mad at his arms, he grizzled, ‘I don’t like these bumps. They sting and make me stay awake at night.’

  ‘I don’t blame you for not liking them.’ Charlie studied his red, puffy skin. ‘What did he have to eat before these started appearing?’ she asked his mother, Vicki.

  His mum looked distressed at the thought she’d fed her son something he might be allergic to. ‘Nothing out of the ordinary. Chicken sandwiches, ice cream and peaches. He’s never shown a reaction to any food before.’

  Charlie smiled across at Vicki. ‘Being a mother doesn’t get any easier, does it? Every time I think I’m making headway with Aimee she tosses up something different for me to deal with.’ So far health issues hadn’t been a problem, but she crossed her fingers anyway. ‘She’s started climbing everything in sight.’ Which wasn’t good when there was a road outside the front gate.

  ‘I know exactly what you mean. It’s like a minefield. I thought that once Josh was old enough to go to school he wouldn’t be having any problems. Shows how much I know.’ Vicki ran her hand lovingly over her son’s head.

  Charlie turned to the boy. ‘Josh, where were you playing yesterday?’

  ‘Dad took us to the river for a swim.’ Scratch, scratch. ‘I saw an eel and my sister cried when she slipped on the rocks.’ He grinned, with no sympathy for little Karla whatsoever.

  ‘No sand flies? Bees? Wasps?’ When the boy shook his head she continued, ‘I’ll arrange for an allergy test to be done by one of our nurses. It will take about an hour. And I’ll give you some cream to take the itch and heat out of those bumps.’

  Josh asked, ‘Can Gemma do it? I like her best.’

  ‘I’m sure she can.’

  Vicki and Josh disappeared back to Reception to make an appointment with Gemma.

  Charlie went in search of her next patient and bumped into her father in the hall. ‘Why are you here so early?’

  His eyes lit up. ‘I’ve been replaced at home. My breakfast was waiting when I came out of my room. Aimee was in her highchair, firing pieces of toast around the kitchen and quite happy to be waited on by Marshall, who looked as though being out on a recce with his troop would be a whole lot easier than dealing with an eighteen-month-old.’

  She chuckled. ‘Wish I’d been a fly on the wall.’

  ‘Can’t you at least pretend to feel sorry for him?’

  Pressing her lips together, she shook her head. ‘Nope. It’s good for him.’

  ‘You’re a hard woman, Charlotte Lang.’

  ‘Wonder where I learned that?’ She walked into the waiting room and looked around the patients. ‘Kathy, come on through.’

  By eleven Charlie was more than ready for a coffee and biscuit. As her previous patient disappeared Gemma stepped through the door, her eyes wide and bulging.

  ‘I thought the Greeks had it sussed when it came to male gods. But I’m telling you, there’s a hunk out in Reception, holding Aimee, who puts all those statues to shame.’

  And that’s with his clothes on. Charlie’s stomach tightened as she smiled. ‘Am I right in thinking he might be about six-three, broad shoulders tapering down to slim hips, buzz-cut hairstyle and a face to get lost in?’

  ‘That’s the one. Aimee’s plastered all over him as though she’s never going to let him go.’

  Charlie’s smile slipped. That could be a problem. ‘I’d better go and rescue her. Or should that be him?’

  Gemma laughed. ‘Charlie, you’ve been hiding out on me. I know you said Aimee’s dad was one of a kind, but I never got an inkling just how wow he really is.’

  ‘Dribbling doesn’t suit you.’ Running a hand over her hair, she slipped around her desk, excitement fizzing along her veins. It hadn’t been three hours since she’d last seen Marshall but it was impossible to deny the need crawling through her. To see him, kiss him, touch him. Oops. Hold on. She was at work.

  ‘Hey, did Marshall come right out and say he was Aimee’s father? To everyone?’

  Gemma stood blocking the doorway, a wide smile on her face. ‘Yes, he did. Looked quite pleased with himself, too. He’s gone through to the kitchen with Brendon to meet everyone. Your man seems to be getting on well with your dad.’

  Her man? If only. ‘They do get on, but I think Dad’s working on buttering him up for a long-term plan that will work for both Aimee and me.’

  ‘Sounds like Brendon, always thinking ahead.’

  ‘That reminds me. Dad thinks you’re pretty good, too. I just wanted to say if you’re interested in getting close to him, go for it. I heartily approve.’ Good-natured, sweethearted, happy-go-lucky Gemma would be perfect for Dad.

  Gemma. Someone she owed so much to. She’d spent hours sitting with her as she’d puked her stomach dry after rounds of chemo. It was Gemma who’d gone shopping for wigs with her, and had laughed until she’d cried when a wig had got whipped off her head as she’d ducked under a low-hanging branch one day. Gemma had held her hand and listened to all her fears for Aimee and Dad. Gemma, fifteen years older than her and yet the best friend she’d ever had.

  Gemma’s hug enveloped her. ‘Didn’t think you’d mind. Now, go and claim that hunk out in the kitchen before one of the other females in this building hustles him away.’

  CHAPTER EIGHT

  EARLY TUESDAY MORNING Charlie got dressed in her running gear. ‘I can’t believe how much my muscles ache,’ she grumbled as she jogged beside Marshall. ‘It’s going to take weeks to get fit.’

  ‘Toughen up.’ He nudged her gently and when she flipped her head up he was grinning at her.

  ‘Easy for you to say.’ She glanced at his long legs, which were eating up the metres no problem at all. One stride of his equalled almost two of hers. ‘I’ve got an idea. Tomorrow I’ll ride my bike while you run. Then we’ll see who’s fastest.’

  His laughter made her happy and caused him to lose his breathing pattern. She laughed in return when he had to stop to sort his lungs out and she got a little way ahead. Not for long, though.

  ‘Going my way?’ He waved as he raced past.

  Her lungs were hurting and her legs protesting. Wishing she could take up the challenge, she wheezed out, ‘I’m heading home. See you later.’

  He turned and ran backwards for a moment. ‘I’ll bring lunch in to work.’

  ‘We’ll go down to the lake.’

  *

  A little after midday Charlie swallowed a mouthful of panini filled with salad and chicken and asked Marshall, ‘What did you find to talk about to the other doctors all afternoon yesterday?’

  ‘Medical stuff. You’d be surprised what other doctors want to know about the
trauma cases I deal with out in the field.’ Marshall chewed a blade of grass and gazed out over the sparkling wavelets the light breeze was churning up on the lake. ‘I don’t give a lot of detail but I guess it seems exciting compared to the routine of a clinic. What they don’t get is that there are days I’d happily swap places. At least most of your patients won’t have lost a limb or have holes blasted in their torsos by random gunfire.’

  Charlie put her food aside, suddenly not hungry. ‘How do you deal with that all the time?’ Marshall rarely talked about his medical duties.

  ‘I try to think about the guys I’m helping and put the rest aside.’

  ‘Like that works.’ Disappointment at being fobbed off grabbed at her. He’d finally said something personal and then backed away the moment she’d picked up on it.

  He turned a grim face to her. ‘Not a bit.’

  She gasped at the raw pain in his eyes. ‘Marshall?’ she whispered, as she wrapped her hand around his much larger one. Small tremors shook him. His skin felt clammy and cold. His chest rose and fell on short breaths.

  ‘It doesn’t matter,’ he croaked.

  ‘Yeah, it does.’ She looked around at Aimee, playing happily with the stones at the edge of the bank. ‘Tell me,’ she said.

  His hand turned to cover hers, his grip intense. ‘You remember Rod? My best buddy?’ When she nodded he continued in a low voice, ‘Two months after we left Hawaii we were in Afghanistan.’ His Adam’s apple bobbed. ‘A plane carrying half my troop crashed at the end of the runway. Rod didn’t make it. I tried everything I could to save him. Finally put him on the casualty flight out to Germany. I never saw him again.’