THE GIFT OF A CHILD

by Sue MacKay

  ‘Fair enough.’ More than he’d expected. And yet why? Max was the consummate professional and an exceptionally good surgeon. Even when it came to his own flesh and blood. Especially when it came to his own family. ‘Thanks. A lot.’

  Very few words and yet he felt as though he’d taken a giant step towards his brother and maybe a slightly brighter future. Could be that Jamie was going to turn out to be the best thing that had ever happened to him in more ways than one. But he’d take things slowly, carefully. There was a long way to go if he and Max were even going to be on easy speaking terms.

  He watched as Max tapped the back of Jodi’s hand. ‘For a moment on Monday I thought you’d lost your toughness, but I was wrong. It’s there in loads. Jamie’s lucky to have you on his side.’

  ‘You didn’t think I’d let this turn me into something as soft as spaghetti, did you?’ Jodi gave him one of her megawatt smiles.

  ‘I guess not.’ Max smiled his Maitland smile then turned away to face Mitch.

  Mitch met his twin’s steady gaze and shock slammed into him. Compassion blazed back out of those eyes that mirrored his.

  Nah. Couldn’t be. Never once in all the years since he’d screamed for Uncle Fred not to take Max away, for Max to turn round and come back to him, had he known anything from Max that might indicate they were on the same side.

  Even at their eighteenth birthday dinner with supposedly loving family—the uncles who didn’t like each other, the aunts who tolerated one another—the underlying competitiveness between him and his twin had risen to the fore, each being encouraged by their respective adoptive uncle. The evening had quickly been ruined. That had been the last time they’d even pretended to want to get together and be buddies.

  And now Max goes and shows empathy for his situation. Mitch looked away, around the group of medical specialists gathered for Jamie, and saw their admiration for his brother. He had to agree with them. Max was very good at what he did for his patients.

  Mitch’s gaze dropped to his boy. Jamie. Seemed this kid was stirring up the Maitland family all by himself. Might as well get this next bit over before he changed his mind—which in the circumstances would be foolish and selfish. Breathing deeply, he opened his mouth and turned to his twin, told him, ‘You’re to do the operation when the time comes.’

  Jodi gasped. ‘Excuse me?’

  Guilt assailed him. So much for discussing something as important as who the surgeon would be. Jodi’s lips were tight, her eyes spitting at him. He hurriedly said in as placating a tone as he could manage without seeming to grovel, ‘We’ll talk later.’

  She knew Max was the best transplant surgeon available. And they wanted the best.

  Max’s eyes had widened and he gave Mitch the full benefit of that infuriating twist of his mouth he’d perfected. But his eyes were devoid of anything other than acknowledgement of the statement. He nodded slowly, as though digesting a lot more than the fact he was to do the lifesaving operation on his nephew. ‘I hope that won’t be too long away.’ Spinning away, he gathered his team around him and began an in-depth discussion about Jamie’s case before they all moved on to examine a teenager further down the ward.

  A chill slid under Mitch’s skin as he watched him go. Had his brother already reached the far point of this whole transplant equation? Come to the conclusion that Mitch was going to have to put his hand up and volunteer a kidney? Did Max understand him better than he realised? Why wouldn’t he? They were twins, after all. Despite living most of their lives apart in very different circumstances, they knew each other—very well.

  Which meant Max totally understood the arguments he was having with himself. Not that he was trying to get out of the situation. He’d already started down the track of finding out if he’d be a suitable donor by getting Lucas to arrange further tests now that he knew the blood types were compatible.

  But it was the wider picture that frightened him. The whole thing of committing to helping his son and the ramifications afterwards—the ties to his lad that were building day by day, hour by hour. The fear he’d fail Jamie. Nothing to do with giving the kid a kidney and all to do with giving him his heart. And Max, blast him, could see that as plain as day.

  *

  ‘Can Bingo sleep with me?’ Jamie’s big blue eyes, filled with trust, stared at Jodi.

  ‘Bingo? Is that teddy’s name?’ Where did he get these names?

  ‘I like Bingo.’

  ‘He’s very cute.’ A smile tugged at the corners of her mouth as she tucked the teddy bear in beside him. Two days after being rushed into hospital, Jamie was sounding more like himself. But he was still tired, which was why he’d snuggled down after his breakfast in preparation to having a nap. There’d be more dialysis treatment later in the day.

  ‘Where’s Mitch, Mummy? He hasn’t seen me for ages.’

  Mitch had been the favourite person in Jamie’s life since he’d been handed the big bag and told to take a look at his new friend. Just to see Jamie’s eyes popping out of his head had brought warmth curling through her where she’d been cold for the past night and day. Also making Mitch the most favourite person in her life at that moment.

  Despite not talking to her about Max doing the surgery. That annoyed her, but it was so Mitch. Taking charge was as natural to him as charming everyone he wanted something from.

  ‘Mitch is busy at work but he’ll be up to see you soon.’ Now she was defending the guy for being at work. Funny how things went round in circles. To think that a few days ago she’d intended to drag Mitch away from that department of his to be with her and their son until this was over, until he saw how ill Jamie was and how desperately his son needed his kidney.

  Stretching her legs out to ease a light cramp in her calf muscles, she couldn’t help smiling. Now she was happy that Mitch had his work to keep him balanced while he adjusted to being a father and all that involved.

  Nothing that Max and his transplant team had discussed with them had made her feel any better. Except, maybe, that they were all agreed that the sooner Jamie had a new kidney the better. It couldn’t come soon enough in Jodi’s mind, while at the same time she battled the fear of knowing her little boy had to go under the knife.

  Mitch had been acting a bit strangely since he’d told Max he had to do the transplant, going vacant on her at inopportune times. Was he finding it hard that he had to rely on his brother to help them? Maybe this could lead these two stubborn people towards some sort of reconciliation. Or was that like wishing every day to be sunny and warm?

  While Mitch hadn’t intimated so, she felt he was seriously considering the whole kidney donation thing. And while that’s what she hoped for and thought she’d be able to ask him to do, being with Mitch these past few days she’d found she just couldn’t do it. That it was Mitch’s decision alone, and that she had no right to ask such a huge thing of him. Mitch being Mitch, he’d get there in his own way and time.

  Max had talked to them about the odds of a kidney becoming available in the near future. Not good. No one had mentioned that it was in the lap of the gods unless Mitch put his hand up to find out if there was any reason why he couldn’t donate a kidney. No sign of Mitch doing that, either. Not a dicky bird.

  ‘Mitch,’ shrieked Jamie. ‘You came.’

  ‘Why wouldn’t I, little man? Hmm?’ Mitch gave Jamie’s hand a squeeze. Then did the same to Bingo. ‘Hey, bear, how’re you doing?’

  Jamie giggled. ‘Grandma, look what Mitch gave me.’

  Jodi’s head spun. Mitch and Mum coming in together? Seemed Mitch was knocking down a few fences at the moment.

  Mitch slid a hand onto her shoulder, his fingers gently squeezing warmth into her. ‘Hey, there. We’ve come to sit with Jamie while you go and have a shower, refresh yourself.’

  When she looked up at him she noted Mitch was focused on Jamie, his eyes making a rapid medical scan, as all doctors were prone to do. What about fathers? Yep, they tended to do that too even if they weren’t me
dically trained. It was an instinctive thing.

  ‘I’ve brought you clean clothes, and your shampoo and conditioner.’ Mum handed her a small bag before dropping a light kiss on Jamie’s cheek. ‘Hi, sweetheart. How’s my boy? And who’s that in bed with you?’

  ‘Bingo.’ Jamie tried to lift his new mate but he was too tired. That short burst of excitement had already drained what little energy he had.

  ‘Here.’ Jodi reached for the teddy and sat him on top of the bed for everyone to admire.

  ‘Granny, can I have a story?’

  ‘Sure can. I’ve brought all your books with me. We’ll read while Mummy goes and spruces herself up, shall we?’ Mum was really laying it on about her looking a mess. If she thought a quick shower and clean baggy jeans and top would impress Mitch, think again. He liked his women looking sensational. Not to mention stylish. For a fleeting moment she thought longingly of all those outfits hanging in the wardrobe of her spare bedroom back in Dunedin.

  But, no, her bedraggled appearance was the real her, the newer her. It came with the job of being mother to a sick child. Anyway, she didn’t have the energy to care.

  Mitch was pulling back her chair and taking her elbow, hauling her up. He handed her a key. ‘Go on. This is for the on-call room. It’s all yours for as long as you need it. You’ll feel better after a relaxing time under those jets of hot water to ease out the cricks and tight spots in your muscles.’

  ‘Sounds delicious.’ And too darned exhausting to even walk the distance to wherever this on-call room was. She didn’t have the strength to move, let alone argue with these bossy people. Every muscle in her body groaned and her backside aimed for the chair. The drums in her head were playing a heavy beat.

  ‘No, you don’t,’ Mitch muttered.

  She’d have to give it her best effort. ‘See you soon, sweetheart.’ As she leaned over Jamie to plaster his cute face with kisses the mug of disgusting instant coffee sloshed in her stomach. It was always like this whenever Jamie was in hospital.

  ‘Come on, I’ll show you where the on-call room is.’ Mitch swung the bag off the floor and waved to Jamie. ‘See you in a few minutes, sport.’

  ‘Okay.’ Jamie’s mouth widened into a huge yawn.

  Jodi yawned in sympathy. ‘I hope this room isn’t too far away.’

  ‘I could find a wheelchair.’ Mitch grinned.

  The grin disappeared when she muttered, ‘I could almost take you up on that.’

  An arm came round her waist, holding her upright and close to Mitch’s warm, strong body. ‘I’ve put some chicken in the little oven to keep hot for you. Claire’s been cooking all morning.’ As she opened her mouth to protest he shook her gently. ‘Don’t even think of saying you don’t need food. You do. You’re shattered and you haven’t eaten since I brought in that panini for breakfast.’

  ‘The thought of food makes me feel ill.’

  ‘You need to keep your strength up for Jamie.’

  ‘Since when did you become such a nag?’

  ‘Just looking out for you.’ That grin had returned.

  ‘I know.’ She did, truly, but it was too hard.

  ‘In here.’ Mitch took the key from her fingers and opened the door for her. Then he followed her in.

  ‘Hey, thanks, but I’ll manage from here.’ Jodi leaned against the wall. Liar. The moment Mitch walked out that door she’d slide into a heap on the floor. Probably fall asleep right there.

  ‘It’s all right. I’m not about to offer to wash your back for you.’ Couldn’t he look at least a teeny-weeny bit disappointed? ‘But I’ll pour you a glass of juice and dish up the chicken.’

  She dredged up a smile. ‘You’re going to force-feed me now?’ Having those fingers slipping food across her lips would be nearly as good as him washing her back.

  ‘If you don’t move soon I’ll toss you over my shoulder, march you into that bathroom and put you under the shower.’ His eyes widened and that grin slipped a little. ‘Except there’s less room in there than a mouse needs.’

  Her head rolled from side to side as images of Mitch carrying her over his shoulder, his hands on her thighs, filtered through the murk that was her brain at the moment. If only she had the energy. Forcing herself upright, she took a step in the direction of the only other door in the room. ‘On my way.’

  Mitch looked down into her eyes. ‘Just taking care of you. For Jamie.’ His head lowered. ‘And this is for me.’ His lips brushed her forehead, strong and firm yet as light as a butterfly landing on her skin.

  Then he stepped back and turned her to face the bathroom door. With a gentle shove he said, ‘Go on. You’ll feel a lot better afterwards.’

  She stumbled into the bathroom and banged the door shut behind her. Leaning back against it, she brushed her forehead with her fingertips. He’d kissed her. Not a proper, lips-on-lips, tongue-circling-tongue kiss but something so sweet and caring that her heart felt as though it might burst with some strange emotion she couldn’t identify.

  Didn’t want to identify.

  Knock, knock. ‘Jodi, you all right in there?’

  No, I’m totally confused by you. About you. ‘Couldn’t be better,’ she lied as she flicked the shower mixer on as hot as it would go.

  Letting the water pour over her, through her hair, down her back, over her face, she tried to blank everything out of her mind. But images of a naked Mitch crammed in there with her, his hands massaging her back, took over, dominating her brain. They’d be so squashed into the shower that every movement they made would involve wet skin sliding over other wet skin. Desire unfurled deep inside her, sending heat coursing along her veins to all her extremities and every place in between.

  She wanted Mitch. Now. And he was only a couple of steps away, on the other side of that door. She swallowed, trying to dampen down the flames roaring through her passion-starved body. ‘Mitch?’ she croaked.

  She felt the memories of previous showers with him; her body knew exactly how those firm hands would touch her skin, pummel her muscles to replace the aches with hot desire, with a raw need for him.

  ‘Mitch?’ His name came out louder than she’d intended. Full of need and love and plain old horniness.

  ‘Did you call me?’ The door cracked open two inches.

  Yes, no, I don’t know. Her knees trembled. Confusion reigned. The gripping exhaustion had to be why she’d uttered his name. Not the best circumstances to be considering this. Better to wait until she’d slept a straight twenty-four hours. Which wasn’t about to happen in the foreseeable future. ‘Yes, Mitch, I did.’

  The door opened slowly and then closed again, this time with Mitch on her side. Even as he twisted the lock shut he was unbuttoning his shirt enough to haul it over his head. ‘Is this wise?’

  ‘Probably not but I need you. Really need you.’ Was she being selfish?

  Not if Mitch’s reaction was anything to go by. Gulp. God, he was stunning in his naked glory, his manhood erect. He needed this as much as she did.

  Her eyes widened at the majestic sight filling her vision. Dreams had nothing on the real thing. Memories didn’t do the man justice. Her stomach tightened to stop the ball of need from exploding through her. How could her throat be dry when she was immersed in all this water?

  He squeezed in beside her, pulling the glass door closed behind him. The blue of his eyes smouldered with desire. Whether this was right or not, she’d make the most of the moment. ‘I need you so much,’ she whispered. ‘I’ve missed you.’ Too much information. But she didn’t care. Whatever the result was of this, she would not regret it.

  Mitch moved and his skin slid over hers just as she’d known it would, teasing, tantalising, unbelievable. The heat that spiralled over her, through her from that first naked touch tipped her into him. And as his hands spread across her backside to pull her even closer she closed her eyes and gave herself up to him. To Mitch, the man she’d never really stopped loving.

  His mouth was hungry, devouring h
er lips, her throat, tracking down between her breasts. When his lips closed over her nipple she shuddered with excitement. Then his teeth grazed her and she gasped.

  She was so ready for him. Slipping her hand between them, her fingers found his erection, stroked the length of him, revelling in the silky feel, in his heat.

  Rising onto her toes, she pressed hard against him.

  ‘Jodi,’ was all he said as his hands on her backside lifted her enough for him to gain access to her centre.

  There was so much passion in the way he spoke her name she almost came. His passion twisted around her, branded her. She was his. Always had been.

  And then he was slipping into her and her brain couldn’t think at all. All she knew were the exquisite sensations dominating her body, overriding everything else, taking her higher and higher until she was floating. ‘Mitch, come with me.’

  He did, instantly. And she hung on for dear life, crying out his name over and over as her world shattered into lightness around her.

  *

  When he could breathe again, Mitch reached around Jodi and flicked the shower off. Keeping hold of her, he edged the door open and helped her out onto the bathmat. Her body was limp and she swayed on her feet. ‘Hey, steady.’ Knocked her socks off, did he?

  ‘What happened? That was out of this world.’ Her mouth curved into that smile he craved.

  He had to kiss her. Taste her. Have more of her. And as soon as his mouth touched hers he could feel his body getting excited again. Whoa. Pull back. As much as Jodi had instigated this, he doubted she had the energy for a rerun. He was surprised she’d managed the first round, given that she’d barely been able to stand up when she’d first gone into the bathroom.

  The lips under his moved. ‘Don’t stop.’ She shivered.

  Mitch reached for a towel. ‘You’re getting cold, Jodi. Let me dry you off.’

  ‘Cold? I’m burning up.’ Her smile widened as another shiver shook her.

  ‘You’re good for my ego, woman, but catching a chill isn’t such a brilliant idea.’ He rubbed the towel gently over her breasts, biting down on the flare of need slamming through him. Finish the job and get her dressed, hide all that flesh before you really lose your head and take her again. ‘Turn around,’ he growled softly. But the sight of those round buttocks stalled the air in his lungs.