by Leanne Banks
“And your twin boys,” she added, laughing. “I’m glad they like me. It’s amazing how they get under your skin.”
“Yeah,” he said, looking down at Tyler. “I just hope I can figure out how to keep them safe, happy and feeling like they can conquer the world.”
“I think you will,” she said. “If anyone can, you can.”
“The great thing about the swimming class is that it totally wears out the boys and they sleep like babies should,” Ryder said, sitting on the couch beside Bridget with his hand wrapped around hers. “The bad thing is that it wears me out, too.”
She gave a low, throaty chuckle that grabbed at his gut. “Times ten,” she said.
“If you’re as tired as I am, then you better stay the night,” he said.
She slid him a sideways glance. “My driver could take me home. It would be no problem.”
“Maybe not for him, but it would be for me,” he said, drawing her head toward his and taking her mouth in a long kiss.
When he pulled away, Bridget sighed. The sound was magic to him. He couldn’t get enough of her and he hated himself for it, yet he couldn’t avoid it.
“Does that mean you’ll stay the night?” he asked. “I can promise I’ll wake you up in the middle of the night.”
She lifted her hand to the back of his head and drew his lips to hers. “Just do your best,” she said and he vowed he would.
The next morning, Bridget awakened to the sound of babies crying and the sight of an empty bed. She’d stayed the night with Ryder, and he had apparently left early this morning. Pulling one of his shirts around her and buttoning it, she walked toward the nursery.
Walking inside, she nearly bumped into Suzanne.
“Oh, please excuse me,” Bridget said, covering a yawn.
Suzanne yawned in response. “No problem,” she said. “I arrived a little late and Dr. McCall left right out the door.”
“He has a lot on his mind,” Bridget said.
Suzanne nodded. “I can tell. You can go back to bed. I can handle the boys.”
“No, I’ll carry him downstairs,” Bridget said, changing Travis, then picking him up and holding him against her. “No need to cry. You’re probably still tired from all that swimming.”
“They can steal your heart pretty quickly, can’t they?” Suzanne asked, smiling at Bridget as she cuddled the baby.
“Yes, I never dreamed I could feel this much affection for two little semi-humans who spit peas at you, scream bloody murder and can get downright stinky. Whenever anyone asked me how I felt about babies, I always thought they were fine if they belonged to someone else.”
“I was just the opposite,” Suzanne said. “I wanted to have children, but I couldn’t. My husband felt the same way. That’s a big part of the reason he left.”
Saddened by Suzanne’s confession, Bridget frowned as she followed the nanny downstairs. “But there are other ways, adoption, surrogacy….”
“He wanted children the natural way,” Suzanne said.
“I’m sorry. It was clearly his loss. I have to believe there’s a better man in your future,” Bridget said.
Suzanne’s cheeks turned pink. “Maybe, but I’ll never marry again. The ending was just too painful. What about you? Is marriage in your future?” she asked as if she wanted the attention diverted away from her.
Bridget blinked, uncomfortable with the question, so she gave her automatic response as she put Travis into a high chair. “No time soon. Italy is calling me first, and then we’ll see.”
“What about Dr. McCall?”
“Oh, he’s not interested in marriage. He has his hands full with the boys and his practice and the residents at the hospital. I’m certain it’s not in his plans to marry anytime soon.”
“Plans can change in an instant,” Suzanne said. “I bet he didn’t plan to be a daddy to twins either.”
“So true,” Bridget agreed, growing more uncomfortable with the conversation with each passing second. “It’s definitely been a shock. That’s enough of an adjustment without adding a wife into the mix.”
“Hmm,” Suzanne said as if she didn’t quite agree but wouldn’t say more.
Bridget felt a rush of relief. “Can you handle the feeding? I’d like to take a shower.”
“No problem. Take your time,” Suzanne said.
As Bridget stepped under the warm spray of water in Ryder’s shower, she smelled the scent of his soap and felt surrounded by him again. She wondered if she and Ryder were making a mistake by becoming involved. She preferred the notion that her attraction to him was strong but temporary; however, between her surprising, growing feelings for the babies and her assignment to set up a program for doctors to Chantaine, their relationship was complicated at best.
Bridget dressed and allowed her hair to air-dry with the plan to perform her daily makeover at her hotel suite. She lingered at Ryder’s house, playing with the twins until her phone rang and it was Stefan.
Her stomach sank with dread at the prospect of talking to her brother. So far, she’d successfully avoided speaking to him directly by keeping him apprised via email. Stefan was a wonderful, good-intentioned but interfering brother, and because he was crown prince, he could get more than a bit bossy. His new wife, Eve, had helped to rein him in, but the man had been born to rule. Some traits could never be eradicated.
“Hello, Stefan. My, you’re up late. How are you?” she asked, moving away from the twins so he wouldn’t hear them in the background.
“I’m fine. I need to discuss the progress with the doctor program—”
Tyler let out a loud scream as Bridget left his sight. Bridget winced, walking quickly toward one of the downstairs bathrooms and closing the door.
“What was that? It sounded like a wild animal,” he said.
Close enough, she thought ruefully. “It was a baby. I guess it’s naptime. Now, regarding the doctor program, I’ve hit a snag with—”
“Baby,” he echoed. “What are you doing with a baby? You don’t like children.”
“I don’t dislike children,” she said. “I’ve just never spent much time with them. That was a twin infant I met by chance. I’ve gotten to know the family because they’ve had a bit of a crisis. Everything is headed in the right direction now, though. About the doctors for Chantaine—”
“This wouldn’t be one of Dr. Ryder McCall’s twin nephews, would it? Valentina told me you’ve been spending quite a bit of time with Dr. McCall and his children.”
Valentina had snitched on her. She would have to be more careful what she said to her sister. “It turns out Dr. McCall is the resident adviser for the Texas Medical Center. I’ve been trying to persuade him to participate in our program, but he says that working on Chantaine isn’t prestigious enough because we don’t already have any specialized programs or research in place.”
“Chantaine, not prestigious enough,” he said, his tone dripping with fury.
Bridget had indicated that she’d not made as much progress as she wanted because the head adviser was ill and the hospital was undergoing transition, which was partly true. She’d hoped she wouldn’t have to tell Stefan the full truth because she’d known he would be offended. “I reacted the same way. Told him he was the most insulting man I’d ever met. Now to accomplish my task, I’m stuck trying to get him to compromise,” she said with sigh.
Silence followed. “Bridget, you’re not trying to use seduction as a way of convincing the man, are you?”
Bridget laughed, partly from hilarity, partly from hysteria. If Stefan only knew. Heaven help her if he did. Then again, Raoul would talk if pressed. “If only it were that easy,” she said. “The man is almost as stubborn as you are,” she said.
Another silence passed, and Bridget could feel her brother’s tension through the phone line. “That doesn’t bode well for our plan. You’ve begun to approach other hospitals.”
“Yes, I have, but I’m getting similar, though more politely worded, respon
ses. Because of that, I’ve begun to invite various high-level doctors to Chantaine to conduct training and seminars. So far, three doctors have committed.”
“Excellent,” he said. “We may need to expand our search.”
“I know. I’m hopeful that if I can recruit some additional specialists that we’ll be able to overcome the objections of our top choices for hospitals,” she said.
“Bridget,” he said. “I know that part of the reason you feel strongly about this is because of what happened to Eve,” he said.
“Of course I do. Thank goodness she received the care she needed in time.”
“I feel the same way. Just keep your meetings businesslike,” he said.
Bridget frowned. “What do you mean?”
“I mean, you can be charming and you’re young and attractive. These men could become enamored with the idea of seducing a princess. I wouldn’t want your reputation to suffer as a result of any misplaced determination.”
“Now, I believe I’m insulted. Do you really believe I’m so easily swayed? And do you think this is the first time I haven’t had to put up with unwanted advances?”
“There’s no reason for you to be insulted. I’m just looking out for you. What do you mean, unwanted advances?” he demanded. “Raoul is supposed to stay on top of that.”
“Unless you have something further to say that could be construed as helpful, I believe we’ve spoken long enough. I have things to do as I’m sure you do, too.”
“Bridget, do not hang up on me. I’m not finished,” her brother commanded.
She was tempted to push the button to disconnect. So tempted that her finger itched. “I’m waiting,” she finally said.
“Phillipa is coming to Texas for a visit,” he announced. “She’s been acting depressed for the last few weeks and she’s had a terrible time working on her dissertation. Eve thinks getting away from Chantaine and taking a break from her studies will help her.”
Her stomach twisted in concern. “You don’t think she’s ill, do you?”
“No, she’s been checked out by the royal doctors, but after Ericka’s drug problems, I can’t take any chances.”
Alarm shot through Bridget. Her sister Ericka had become dependent on drugs and spent more than one stint in rehab. Thank goodness, she’d left her problems behind and she was now happily married to her French film-director husband. “I can’t believe our Pippa would get involved with drugs. Not after how much all of us suffered when Ericka was having her problems.”
“I don’t think she is, but she’s lost weight and seems miserable and distracted. A change of pace will refresh her.”
“Between Valentina and me, we’ll do our best,” she promised.
“The initial plan is for her to spend most of her time at the ranch, but I’m sure she’ll come into Dallas for a visit,” he said.
“Yes,” she said. “Thank you for letting me know. And how are Eve and Stephenia?”
“Eve is wonderful. Stephenia is a terror, but I swear I think she’s already learning to read. Still quite demanding that I read to her every night if at all possible,” he said, his tone a mixture of exasperation and tenderness.
“You’re a lucky man, Stefan, to have a wife and daughter who love you,” she said, then couldn’t resist adding, “along with your loyal, subservient siblings.”
He gave a short laugh. “Yes to both, although my siblings will never be subservient.”
“It’s not in our genes,” she said. “Give my love to Eve and Stephenia.”
“I will. And Bridget,” he said, “if you can’t work things out with this Dr. McCall soon, we’ll move past him and onto someone more cooperative.”
Bridget’s stomach twisted at the thought. “I hear what you’re saying.”
“Good,” he said. “All for now. We’ll talk soon.”
Bridget took a deep breath as the call was disconnected. Her mind raced with thoughts about Phillipa, Ryder and the twins, and her assignment to recruit new doctors to Chantaine. She grew dizzy under the opposing priorities and returned to the den with the idea of heading outside to clear her head.
On her way, however, Travis screeched at her.
“His version of hello?” she said to Suzanne.
“I think so,” Suzanne said. “It’s time for their morning nap and Tyler is almost there. Travis is next.”
“I’ll take him,” Bridget said and went to the blanket on the floor to pick up the baby. “How are you doing, mister?”
He made an unintelligible sound and plastered his open mouth against her in a wet baby kiss.
Her heart turned over. “You’re such a flirt,” she accused in a voice she knew was far too affectionate.
He put an open-mouth kiss against her cheek again.
“Too much,” she said and cuddled him.
Travis snuggled against her and sank his head against her throat. He sighed and seconds later, his breathing became more regular. Another half minute and she felt drool sliding down her neck.
It was the sweetest moment of her week. Or month. Or longer.
“You have a calming effect on him,” Suzanne whispered. “He looks like he could sleep right there against you forever.”
Travis sighed against her skin and she felt the terrible urge to tear up. Heaven help her, she needed to get her emotions under control.
Travis wiggled again and clung to her as if she were the most important person in the world. Her heart dipped at the way the baby made her feel. He was so vulnerable. She wanted to take care of him, make him feel safe…. Yet, he wasn’t her baby.
Bridget savored his baby scent and the sensation of his healthy, chubby baby body in her arms. What an addictive combination. She wanted to hold him until nighttime…or later… Is this what happened to parents? Perhaps this is why babies survived. They made you want to take care of them. Forever.
It took another few moments in the rocking chair, but Bridget finally decided Travis could hit the sack. She carried him upstairs to the nursery and gently placed him in his crib. Tyler was already asleep. Travis was the fussier baby. That should have made him less desirable, but Bridget considered it a challenge to comfort him and help him fall asleep.
“Very good for a princess,” Suzanne said from the doorway. “Are you sure you don’t have some magic you’re hiding in your back pocket?”
Flattered, Bridget quietly stepped from the room and pulled the door shut behind her. “You should know better. The only magic with babies is if they feel safe.”
“They both feel safe with you,” Suzanne said.
Bridget’s heart twisted. What did all of this mean? “I should go. I have appointments and phone conferences.”
“Princess things to do,” Suzanne said with a gentle smile.
Bridget nodded. “But if you have a problem with the twins, call me.”
Suzanne sighed. “You hired me to take care of the twins. Yet you feel you need to help. Why is that?”
Bridget’s stomach clenched again. “I’m not any kind of expert. It’s like you said earlier. They sneak up on you and grab your heart.”
Chapter Nine
After Bridget finally tore herself away from the babies, she threw herself into her task of soliciting visiting medical experts for Chantaine. It irritated her when the experts laughed off her proposal, but she persevered and won two maybes and one new definite yes for her efforts.
Between her schedule and Ryder’s, they only managed text messages and a few phone calls. Although she was tired by bedtime, she was surprised at how much she missed Ryder and the boys. Just as she fell asleep, her cell phone rang. Her heart skipped at the caller ID.
“Hello,” she said.
Before she could say another word, he said. “Dinner. Tomorrow night. 7:00 p.m. No excuses. It’s been too long.”
She laughed, crazy thrilled to hear his voice. “Oh my. Is it a doctor thing that you give orders like a royal?”
“Maybe,” he said. “I can’t talk. I’ve
got to check on a patient,” he said.
“This late?” she asked and heard the sound of voices in the background.
“He’s diabetic and he’s experiencing some complications from surgery. I’ll stay another hour to make sure he’s stable. Tomorrow night, I’m taking you out.”
The next morning, soon after Bridget awakened, she received a call from her sister Tina. “We’re coming to town for dinner tonight. You must join us.”
“Oh no. I’m sorry, but I already have a commitment,” Bridget said, immediately feeling edgy because she knew Tina had talked to Stefan.
“Is it business or pleasure? Because if it’s pleasure, we can all go out together,” Tina offered.
Bridget paused. Her dinner with Ryder promised pure pleasure, but if she discussed Chantaine’s medical program, it could be construed as business.
“I can tell by your hesitation that it’s pleasure,” Tina said before Bridget could pull an excuse together. “We’ll pick you up for a six-thirty dinner at the Longhorn Club.”
“It’ll have to be a 7:00 p.m. dinner,” she automatically corrected. “Ryder has already set the time and I’m sure he’ll be busy going from the hospital, home and back out again. In fact, this may not be such a good idea after all. He’s extremely busy lately. I haven’t seen him myself in three days.”
“Three days,” Tina repeated. “If that’s such a long gap of time between your dates, then I would say the two of you are getting quite cozy. All the more reason for me to meet him.”
Resenting her sister’s interference, Bridget frowned. “And which member of the royal family gave your husband Zachary the stamp of approval while the two of you were seeing each other?”
“None, but my pregnancy put a different spin on the situation—” Tina gasped. “You’re not pregnant, are you?”
“Of course not,” Bridget said.
“But the two of you must be serious for you to get all snippy with me,” Tina continued. “The only way you can disprove it is if you and your doctor meet Zach and me for dinner tonight. Ciao, darling,” she said and hung up.