Catch 'n' Kiss (Are You Game?)

by Cahill, Rhian

  “Dan? What’s up?”

  “Someone needs to go to Jody’s and get the girls. I’d go but I don’t want to leave Jody.”

  “What do you mean leave her? Where the fuck are you?”

  “We’re at the hospital.” Dan sighed. He’d have to talk fast or Luc would put him six feet under before his next heartbeat. “She’s sick. I think it’s the baby but the doctor hasn’t come back yet and they’re still running tests.”

  “Baby! What baby?” Dan pulled the phone away from his ear but didn’t have any trouble hearing Luc yelling at him. “Did you get my sister pregnant? Jesus H. Christ, O’Conner, what the hell were you thinking?”

  “Let’s not do this now. Can you get the girls or not?”

  “Yes. Shit, of course I can. Which hospital are you at?”

  “North Shore.” Dan turned at the clatter of metal behind him to see two nurses pushing Jody back into the room. “Gotta go, I’ll call you back.”

  Dan hung up to Luc screaming at him not to. He stepped out of the way so they could wheel the bed into the correct position. “Is she okay?”

  The nurse who’d greeted him at reception smiled. “She will be. We’ve started an IV and the doctor is going over her results now. He should be in with you shortly.”

  He wanted to ask more—know more—but the nurses left before he could get another word out. Dan looked at Jody. She looked so small curled on her side, the IV tube running into the back of one hand. Her hair was matted and the black circles beneath her eyes were so dark—so deep—he wondered how her eyes remained in her head. Gently, he ran his fingertips down her cheek, along her jaw. His phone rang and he quickly hit reject and turned it to silent so it wouldn’t disturb her.

  She stirred, her eyes fluttering open and the ghost of a smile tipped the corner of her mouth. “Dan.”

  “Hey, baby.” He leaned down and dropped a kiss on her forehead. “You’ll feel better soon.”

  “Girls?”

  “Luc is going to pick them up. Do you want them to come here?”

  She licked her lips and he looked around for some water. “No. Scare them.”

  “All right, I’ll ring Luc back and tell him to take them home with him or to your mum and dad’s.”

  “Please.” Her eyelids lowered and he wanted to let her rest but he wanted answers too.

  “Why didn’t you ring me, Jody? You’re far too sick for this to be normal.”

  “Too tired.” Her mouth went lax as exhaustion took her under again.

  A throat cleared behind him and he turned to find an older stout man in a white coat in the doorway. “Daniel O’Conner?”

  “Yes?”

  The man held out his hand as he came into the room. “Doctor Moore, I’m in charge of Jody’s care. I’ve spoken with her GP, Doctor Simmons, and we believe the best thing is to admit her. She’s suffering from hyperemesis gravidarum, or in layman’s terms, severe morning sickness. She is very dehydrated so I’d like to administer fluids intravenously for at least twenty-four hours. I’ve also started her on some medication to counteract the nausea, though it won’t stop it altogether. But she should at least begin to eat and drink normally before we send her home tomorrow if she responds to the treatment well.”

  “Will that affect the baby?”

  “No, no, it’s fine, and she’s not the first woman to experience such extreme morning sickness. Doctor Simmons did mention that she wasn’t this ill with either of her other two pregnancies though, and as she’s a good deal older now I’d like to run some other tests. I’ll get a nurse to bring in some pamphlets about Jody’s condition and also some information on the tests I’d like her to have in the next few weeks.”

  “Okay.”

  “We’ll get her up and going again before we do anything more though. I can tell you the ultrasound showed everything is otherwise progressing normally for a three week foetus.”

  “Thank God,” Dan breathed the words out in a rush of air.

  “This extreme form of morning sickness can be very frightening, but I assure you she and the baby will be fine as long as we control the nausea and make sure she keeps up her fluids and nourishment.”

  Dan held out his hand. “Thank you.”

  Doctor Moore shook Dan’s hand. “I take it this is your first?”

  “Yes.” Dan smiled. “Does it show?”

  “A little.” The doctor smiled and stepped around Dan to check Jody’s IV. “All looks good. I’ll come by once they move her up to her room to make sure she’s settled in.”

  “Do I need to fill in any paperwork?”

  “Not now. I’ll get the nurse to bring it to her room later.”

  “Thanks.” Dan turned back to Jody. She’d slept through the whole exchange, and even though they hadn’t been here long, he swore some colour was returning to her face. It was the most welcome thing he’d ever seen.

  Chapter Nineteen

  Something tugged at the back of Jody’s hand when she tried to roll over.

  “Hey, hey, careful now.”

  Dan’s soothing voice filled her ears and she turned her head in his direction. Her eyelids felt heavy but she forced them open to see him standing beside her. “Where…?” She scanned the room around her.

  “The hospital. You don’t remember?”

  “No.” She licked her lips. “How did I get here?”

  “You don’t recall me finding you on the floor at your house?”

  Jody shook her head, but the action brought on a wave of dizziness that made her moan and her stomach roll. “N-no.”

  “Well, that might be for the best. What’s the last thing you do remember?”

  She thought about it for a moment. “Sending the girls to school?” Was that this morning? What day was it? Jody could see through the window that it was dark outside.

  “Today, yesterday or Wednesday?”

  “It’s Friday?” Jody tried to sit up only to be forced back by her spinning head and her pitching stomach.

  “Take it easy.” Dan stroked her hair back from her face with the fingertips of one hand while he held her hand—the one with the tube snaking out from under a bandage—with the other. “Yes, it’s Friday, and from what I can gather you’ve been sick since I left Tuesday night.”

  A horrible thought occurred. “The baby?”

  “Is fine. You have hyper-something or other. Severe morning sickness. It has a fancy name but I don’t remember it, and even if I did I probably couldn’t pronounce it correctly. The doctor said he was going to give us some leaflets that explain what’s going on and how to help make it more bearable.”

  “So I am pregnant?”

  “Yep. Three weeks according to the ultrasound they did when I brought you in earlier.”

  “I guess there’s no denying it now.”

  “Nope. We’re going to have a baby.”

  Dan grinned at her like it was the best thing in the world, and she supposed for some it would seem that way. But right now all she could think was she hadn’t planned for this—hadn’t wanted to find herself in the same situation a second time in her life. But she’d learned a valuable lesson the first time. Forcing two people together for the sake of a baby was the worst possible way to begin a relationship of any sort, especially marriage, and Dan had been adamant that they get married if she was pregnant.

  “I won’t marry you,” Jody blurted out.

  He jerked back, his eyes widening, his eyebrows shooting up into his hairline. “Wow. Okay. How about we leave that discussion for later, when you’re better and home.”

  Why was he being so accommodating? What happened to giving their child security and family? “I won’t change my mind. I’m not going through that again.”

  “Jody.” Dan sighed. “I understand you’re frightened by what’s happening, but I swear I’m not going to treat you the way your ex has.”

  “He was fine in the beginning too. Then when reality set in it all changed.” She folded her arms around her waist,
hugging herself tightly. “I can’t do it again. I won’t go through that again.”

  “Stop.” He stepped closer and leaned over the bed until their faces were inches apart. “I don’t want you to work yourself up. It’s not good for you or the baby. We’ll talk about this more later, when you’re back on your feet and not lying in that bed looking like you’re at death’s door, because I have to tell you I feel partly responsible for that look and it’s killing me to know that carrying my baby—our baby—has put you through this.”

  “But—”

  “No buts. Just rest. Get better so we can argue later when it won’t feel like I’m kicking a sick puppy.” He stroked her face with a fingertip, back and forth across her cheek. “I don’t like this Jody. I like the one who fights with me. The Jody who doesn’t look like she’ll fall over if I breathe on her.”

  Jody didn’t want to talk about the baby or the future or them any more than he did, so she changed the subject and felt a slam of guilt for not thinking to ask before now. “Where are Leigh and Amy?”

  “Luc has them with him. He and Cassie will keep them overnight, and if they let you go home tomorrow then you can all stay with me or I’ll stay with you.” He held up a hand. “And don’t even think about arguing with me on that one. It’s not negotiable. You’re going to need someone to take care of you until you get better.”

  She wasn’t stupid enough to open her mouth this time. She’d wait until he went then she’d ring her brother and organise for their mum and dad to have her and the girls at their place until she got her strength back. They’d happily taken them in when she’d separated from Colin and they’d been sad to see them move out into their own place, so Jody was sure her parents would be more than pleased for the three of them to move back in indefinitely.

  “What are you smiling about?” Dan asked.

  “Was I smiling?”

  “Yes. And I know that smile. It’s the one you get when you’re planning something.”

  “I have no idea what you mean.”

  “And why do I not believe that?”

  Jody really did smile then. “You’ve got a suspicious mind?”

  “Me? Ha. I’m not the one thinking the worst of the other every step of the way.” He stood back and crossed his arms over his chest.

  Her smile faded. He was right. She thought the worst of him a lot. And if they were having a baby together that had to change. It wasn’t fair to him or their baby if she continued to expect him to let her down or turn away. But the lessons of a lifetime were hard to unlearn, and Jody knew there was no way she’d be able to open herself to him. She’d locked a part of her heart away when Colin had sliced into it with his indifference, and she wasn’t about to let any other man have the same opportunity to hurt her.

  Dan met Luc on the street in front of the hospital. He’d asked him to bring some of Jody’s clothes over so she’d have something clean to change into after her shower. They’d seen the doctor this morning and he’d told them Jody could go home this afternoon as long as she kept her breakfast and lunch down. Doctor Moore was more than happy with her progress, which pleased Dan because even though he could see a marked physical difference, having the doctor’s reassurance made him breathe easier.

  “How is she?” Luc asked as he handed over a backpack.

  “Tired still. Grumpy about being here even if it is for just a few more hours and pissed at me for not fighting with her when she’s clearly spoiling for one.” Dan ran his fingers though his hair.

  “And what does she want to fight about other than the fact you got her pregnant?” Luc asked.

  “First, we got her pregnant. It takes two. And second, she’s feeling trapped.” Dan shrugged. “Nothing I can do about that. I want to get married, she doesn’t. We’re at a stalemate.”

  “You asked her to marry you?”

  “Ah, not in so many words…”

  “Oh my God. You didn’t?” Luc laughed. “You did.” His laughter got louder.

  Dan crossed his arms and waited him out.

  “Sorry.” Luc sucked in a breath. “Man, you really fucked that up, didn’t you?”

  Dan sighed. There was no avoiding it. “Yeah. I might have fudged the delivery of my proposal but my intentions are serious. She thinks it’s because of the baby, and she’s partially right, but the baby isn’t the only reason I want to marry your sister.”

  “Does she know the other reason?” Luc asked. “Do you?”

  “You know I do.” He wasn’t about to declare his love for Jody to her brother. No. The first person to hear those words from him would be the woman he’d fallen in love with. Only she wasn’t ready to hear them. “Look, I know I’ve got some ground work to do and not all of it is to repair the damage I’ve done. In fact, most of it is because some arsehole took her love and her trust and crushed them under his feet as he was walking out the door.

  “Is that fair? Fuck no. But it’s the way it is and it’s my reality and hers. Now I have to work out how to show her I’m serious and ready to stand beside her every step of the way, so what I need from you is support. As a friend and her brother. Can you do that?” Dan asked.

  “All I want is for Jody to be happy. If that’s being with you then I’m all for it, but I don’t see how I can help you prove you’re serious about her. I couldn’t convince her not to marry Colin all those years ago, so even if I want her to marry you—which I will admit I’m leaning towards—she isn’t going to listen to me sprouting off your virtues.”

  “Okay, maybe support is the wrong word.” Dan scratched his chin. What was he asking Luc for?

  “How about I agree to stay out of it?” Luc asked. “I won’t offer advice to either of you or interfere.”

  “Thanks.” Dan held out his hand. “I appreciate your understanding. We need to work this out between the two of us.”

  Luc shook his hand. “I’ll be honest and tell you I think you’re good for both her and the girls. And you’re a thousand times a better man than Colin is or was. As stubborn as my sister is, my money’s on you.”

  Dan smiled. “Let’s see if you still think that way in a few weeks.” He turned to go but then remembered something he wanted to ask. “Hey, you didn’t tell the girls about the baby did you?”

  “And risk my sister removing any future chance of me having babies of my own? Not on your life.” Luc shuddered.

  Dan had to laugh. The idea of this six-foot-five-inch solid wall of muscle being frightened of his much smaller sister was ludicrous. “Good. Although I’m not happy with her decision to keep quiet about the baby, I see her point in not telling anyone until she’s further along.”

  “Me too. But they’re asking questions—lots of them—so expect to be subjected to their brand of the Spanish Inquisition the second I bring them home.”

  “We’ll let Jody handle it. I’ll let you know when we’re back at her place. I’m expecting around five, so if you guys want to stick around we can order pizza for dinner.”

  “Sounds like a plan. I’ll see you then.” Luc waved before he headed across the street to where he’d parked.

  Dan waited until Luc was out of sight before heading back inside. He’d left Jody’s room about thirty minutes ago. She’d been napping on and off all morning, and he wasn’t sure how she thought she was going back to work on Monday, but he’d let her think whatever made her happy for now. Cassie had already decided she wasn’t going in. Of course, Dan had to be the bearer of that news flash. He figured he’d wait until Sunday night to let that piece of info out.

  When he made it back to the room, Jody was out of bed, the IV had been removed and a nurse was helping her get ready to shower.

  “Looks like I made it back just in time,” he said as he walked over with the bag of clothes. “Here, I got Luc to bring you some clean clothes.”

  “Really?” Jody’s face lit up and the smile that stretched her lips made him smile in return.

  “Yep. I didn’t check what he brought, but anythi
ng would be better than what you came in here wearing yesterday.”

  “Oh my God, yes. I was contemplating going home in a hospital gown. The idea of re-wearing the clothes I’m sure I wore for three days straight is too repulsive to think about, never mind do.”

  He leaned over and planted a kiss on her forehead. “Good thing you’ve got me around to think of these things then, isn’t it?”

  “I wish my man was so thoughtful,” the nurse said. “Come on. Let’s get you in the shower so you can go home with that gorgeous man of yours.”

  Jody frowned but Dan smiled. He couldn’t have paid the woman to sing his praises better. Now all he needed was for Jody to see those good points and realise they weren’t booby trapped.

  Jody wasn’t ready to go home with that gorgeous man of hers. For a start, he wasn’t hers. And he was the reason she’d ended up in here. Okay, that wasn’t fair. If anyone was to blame for this accidental pregnancy, it was her. He’d accepted in good faith that she was safe and look where that had gotten him. A father-to-be. She was the one who’d proven untrustworthy, and yet not once had he uttered a word of blame in her direction.

  The nurse made sure she was all right before leaving her in the bathroom to shower. It felt good washing away four days of sweat and sickness. She remembered showering Tuesday night after Dan left, but everything else was a blur except sending the girls off to school on Wednesday morning. Lord knows what they’d been doing while she’d been so sick. Or what they’d been eating. Another wave of guilt swamped her. She’d left the girls to fend for themselves. Anything could have happened to them while she’d been out of it.

  She ducked her head under the water to wet her hair then grabbed the little bottle of shampoo the nurse had left her. It didn’t smell the best, but anything would be better than the foul odour emanating from her hair right now. Lathering up, she scrubbed at her scalp with her nails before rinsing and repeating. A palm-full of conditioner left her hair silky smooth and she made quick work of washing the rest of her body. She’d been in here a while and the last thing she wanted was for Dan to come in to check on her.