by Sarah Morgan
‘I’ll get someone onto it now. You need to change—Maggie has found you a set of scrubs that should fit. You can use my office.’ Patrick took a pen out of his pocket and wrote in the notes. ‘Get walking, Sally. When it gets too much, try the pool. Hayley can examine you again in four hours.’
Sally grabbed his hand. ‘Tom is seriously worried.’
‘I know that,’ Patrick said gently. ‘But we’re watching you. The baby is happy at the moment. You’re the one who isn’t happy and we’re going to do something about that.’
He was so good with the patients, Hayley thought wistfully as she helped Sally put on her shoes.
‘Let’s go for that walk. I can change in a minute.’ Hayley slid her arm through Sally’s and walked with her to the door. ‘I don’t suppose jeans matter for walking up and down the corridor. I can’t imagine anyone in authority is going to be in today.’
‘Patrick’s the highest authority here anyway.’ Sally gritted her teeth and rubbed her abdomen while Hayley looked at her in surprise.
‘Really?’
‘He runs the unit, didn’t you know? He’s astonishing—so bright. And really nice with it. He’s the only person Tom is likely to listen to.’
Hayley wondered whether Sally knew the details of Patrick’s divorce.
She didn’t like to ask, but Sally’s mind was obviously moving in the same direction because she paused in the corridor and looked at Hayley curiously. ‘So how do you know Patrick?’
‘Oh.’ Hayley made a conscious effort not to spill everything out. ‘I applied for a job as his housekeeper over Christmas.’
‘He advertised for a housekeeper?’
‘Not exactly.’ Drawn to Sally’s warmth and unable to help herself, Hayley told Sally the story of the advert. She laughed.
‘That’s brilliant. Good for Alfie. Oops—another contraction coming.’ She leaned on Hayley, breathing steadily. After a few moments she straightened. ‘Actually, I quite like being upright. Hi, Maggie.’ She smiled at a midwife who approached them.
‘How are you doing, Sally? And you must be our Christmas miracle.’ Smiling warmly, she pushed a set of clean scrubs into Hayley’s hands. ‘Alfie has told me all about your amazing cooking skills. I’m sorry to interrupt your Christmas Day but I can’t tell you how relieved I am to have you helping us out today.’
‘I—I’m pleased to help,’ Hayley stammered, touched by how generous these strangers were. They didn’t even know her, for goodness’ sake. ‘I am a qualified midwife.’
Maggie gave a delighted laugh. ‘I’m hoping so—we’re trusting you with our consultant’s wife so you’re going to need more than the ability to baste a turkey.’
The consultant’s wife.
Hayley gave Sally a weak smile. ‘No pressure, then.’
‘You’ve met my husband,’ Sally said dryly. ‘There’ll be nothing but pressure. If Patrick doesn’t keep him busy he’ll be hanging over you, watching everything you’re doing.’
‘That doesn’t bother me.’ Hayley rubbed Sally’s back gently. ‘I’ve been working in America—everyone watches everything there. It’s the land of litigation.’
Maggie looked curious. ‘Ah, yes—Alfie mentioned that you’ve been working in America. What a coincidence—our Patrick was in America just a few weeks ago, interviewing for a job.’
‘Really?’ Hayley squeaked the word, searching for ways of extracting herself from what was fast developing into a conversation she didn’t want to have.
‘Oh—that hurts.’ With a gasp, Sally clutched her. ‘Could we go back to the room, Hayley?’
‘Of course.’ Concerned, Hayley slipped her arm round her new friend, sending Maggie a look of apology. ‘Thanks for the scrubs. I’ll change in a minute.’
‘No hurry. We owe you.’ Maggie watched them walk slowly down the corridor. ‘And the birthing pool will be ready whenever you are.’
Hayley pushed open the door to Sally’s room and helped her inside.
The other woman immediately straightened and gave her a look. ‘All right, I rescued you from the inquisition—my price is that you tell me the truth.’
Hayley stared at her. ‘You weren’t having a contraction?’
‘No, but I will be in another minute so could you get to the juicy part fairly quickly?’ Sally lumbered over to the bed. ‘And the more detail the better, please. Good sex is a thing of the past for me. Whoever said that women always feel sexy in pregnancy had never put on this much weight. I can’t imagine why Tom would want to touch me, looking like this.’
‘You look gorgeous, Sally.’
‘No, it’s my shoes that look gorgeous.’ Sally eased herself onto the edge of the bed. ‘I just look fat. Oh…’ She screwed up her face and started to breath steadily, trying to work through the contraction.
Hayley put her hand on Sally’s abdomen, feeling the strength of the contraction and looking at the clock. ‘They seem to be coming more frequently, Sally. How do you feel about that pool?’
‘Let’s go for it. But not until you’ve told me about Patrick. You met him in America, had sex and it was completely amazing and that’s why you’re here.’
Hayley’s eyes widened. ‘Are you clairvoyant?’
‘No, I’m a woman.’ Sally reached for her bag. ‘Patrick is unreasonably sexy. If I’d met him when I was single, I would have slept with him too. But don’t tell Tom that. I need Patrick conscious until this baby is born. On the other hand, he might be the one to floor my Tom—he’s strong enough. Mmm…’ She gave Hayley a wicked look. ‘So—I haven’t actually seen him naked but it’s got to be a good sight. Am I right?’
Hayley was laughing, her face scarlet. ‘Sally, for goodness’ sake…’
‘Oh, please indulge me, Hayley. I feel like a whale and I’m in pain and scared. I need distraction.’
Hayley saw something flicker in Sally’s eyes and she leaned forward and hugged her impulsively. ‘Don’t be scared,’ she said huskily. ‘You’re going to be fine. We’re going to do it together.’ Wondering whether she’d overstepped the mark, she pulled away, but Sally yanked her back again.
‘Don’t stop. You have no idea how good it feels to be hugged. Tom is so stressed he’s forgotten to hug me. But don’t think that’s going to get you off the hook. I still want to know everything. We’ve all been longing for Patrick to find someone.’
Hayley straightened. ‘Don’t get the wrong idea.’ Hayley reached for the set of scrubs that Maggie had given her. ‘It really isn’t like that.’
Sally’s eyes narrowed. ‘But you’d like it to be, obviously. And he couldn’t stop looking at you when he was in here earlier.’
‘Really?’ Startled by that piece of information, Hayley felt her stomach curl and then she shook her head. ‘I don’t know what to think. He wasn’t that thrilled to see me.’
‘Hold that thought—contraction coming.’ While Sally breathed steadily, Hayley struggled to hold back the sudden surge of happiness that engulfed her like a cloak. Had he been looking at her? Really?
Now that the shock of her arrival had faded—now that he knew she wasn’t pregnant—was he pleased she was here?
‘Hey, no dreaming unless it’s out loud.’ Sally poked her in the arm and gave a faint smile. ‘You’re depriving me of a vicarious sex life, I can feel it. Tell me every little detail. You know you want to.’
And Hayley discovered that she did want to. So she told Sally everything.
‘And you just left his room? You didn’t even wake him up?’ Sally clutched her arm. ‘I think I might be ready for the water.’
‘Let’s get you over there now.’
‘Wait a minute.’ Sally winced. ‘Has he given you your knickers back?’
Hayley blushed. ‘He hasn’t mentioned them.’
‘Probably too much of a gentleman.’
Hayley thought about the way he kissed. ‘I don’t think he’s that much of a gentleman.’
‘Ooh, don’t tell me that—you�
��re making me all hot.’ Sally laughed, reaching for her bag.
‘I’ll carry that.’ Hayley took it from her and together they walked across the corridor to the room where the birthing pool had been prepared. ‘Don’t say anything to him, will you?’
‘And risk upsetting him? You’re kidding aren’t you?’ Sally eyed the pool. ‘That sexy man of yours is the only thing that’s standing between me and a Caesarean section. I don’t know what’s wrong with Tom. He doesn’t usually intervene so readily. With me he just wants to yank it out and get it over with. I suppose it’s the whole control thing.’
Hayley helped Sally change into a swimsuit and step into the bath. ‘How’s the water?’
‘Perfect, thanks. I wonder what Patrick has done with my husband?’
‘I think he knew you needed time to calm yourself down, without having to worry about him.’
‘Possibly.’ Sally slid into the bath. ‘Oh, my goodness, that feels fantastic. I should have overruled Tom ages ago when he said he didn’t want me in water.’
‘Why doesn’t he want you in water?’ Hayley checked Sally’s temperature and recorded it in the notes. ‘Has he had a bad experience or something?’
‘He’s fine with other pregnant women using the pool.’ Sally closed her eyes and leaned back against the side of the pool. ‘Just not me. As I said, he just wants to get this baby out as fast as possible. Poor man. I don’t think this is going to be fast. Which brings me to another issue—you’re not even supposed to be working, and neither is Patrick.’
‘I don’t mind.’ Hayley poured Sally a drink. ‘Here. You have to drink plenty while you’re in there—I don’t want you getting dehydrated.’
‘It’s Christmas Day. You could at least have provided champagne.’
‘That comes after you’ve delivered the baby.’ Hayley saw Sally’s expression change. ‘You’re having another contraction?’ She waited for the contraction to end and then listened to the foetal heart with the aqua Doppler.
‘That sounds loud and strong.’ Patrick strolled into the room, with Tom hovering behind him. ‘Do you mind me in here, Sally? I have seen you in a swimming costume before.’
‘Please don’t tell me husband that.’
Tom dropped into a crouch by the pool, his expression contrite. ‘I’m sorry I’ve been an idiot.’
‘It’s all right.’ Sally leaned forward and kissed him, her eyes soft with love. ‘I’ll find a way to make you pay, you handsome thing.’
Tom looked up at Patrick. ‘You won’t give her systemic opioids while she’s in the pool, will you?’
Patrick rolled his eyes. ‘Do I look stupid?’
Tom ran his hand over the back of his neck. ‘Sorry.’
‘I thought I’d calmed you down,’ Patrick said wearily, and his colleague gave a sheepish smile.
‘I’m not going to be calm until this child is at university. Probably not even then.’
‘In that case, I want a divorce,’ Sally said, and Hayley tensed, wondering whether Patrick would be sensitive about that comment, but he was busy checking the notes she’d made.
‘This looks good.’ He flicked through the pages and glanced at her. ‘You’re thorough, aren’t you?’
‘She’s amazing,’ Sally murmured, holding onto Tom’s shoulders as another contraction ripped through her. ‘I’m so glad you brought her in, Patrick. She’s the best Christmas present you could have given me.’
Tom scowled, but his hand was gentle as he smoothed Sally’s damp hair away from her face. ‘Since when has my colleague bought you Christmas presents?’
‘Since he was my colleague, too.’ Sally groaned and leaned her head against his shoulder. ‘I worked with him until six months ago, don’t forget. That was when you were still sane, by the way.’
‘You worked here?’ Startled, Hayley put down the aqua Doppler that she’d been using to check the baby’s heart rate. ‘Are you a doctor?’ Please don’t say she’d been giving advice to a doctor for the past few hours.
‘Sally is a midwife.’ Tom looked at her and Hayley gave a whimper of embarrassment.
‘You’re a midwife? Why didn’t anyone tell me? I had no idea.’
‘I’m not a midwife at the moment,’ Sally murmured. ‘I’m a pregnant woman and, believe me, it’s entirely different. You can see that just by looking at my husband. Normally he’s a cool, calm professional but today he’s turned into a psycho freak father-to-be.’
‘Thanks,’ Tom said dryly, offering his wife another sip of water. ‘It’s just because I care about you.’
‘Please don’t get sentimental.’ Patrick gave a mock shudder. ‘I prefer it when the pair of you row.’
‘No. No rowing.’ Sally gritted her teeth again and dug her nails into Tom’s arm. ‘It was a row that put me in this position.’
‘Actually, it wasn’t so much the row as the making up,’ Tom drawled, and Patrick backed towards the door, shaking his head.
‘Enough! Hayley and I will leave you to be romantic for a few minutes.’
Agreeing that the couple needed some private time, Hayley checked the foetal heart once more before following Patrick. But before she left the room she cast a final glance towards Sally. ‘Everything is fine. I’ll be back in ten minutes but if you’re worried, press the buzzer.’
Patrick pushed coins into the vending machine and bought two cups of hot chocolate. ‘I’m not asking you what you want.’ He handed one to Hayley. ‘You’ll just have to trust me when I say that the tea tastes like dishwater and the coffee tastes like battery acid. Hot chocolate is the only option.’
‘Hot chocolate is good.’
‘You must be exhausted—let’s go and sit in my office for five minutes.’
She followed him into the room and looked around. ‘Where are the children?’
‘They’ve gone down to the play area outside the children’s ward. Posy likes the rocking horse.’ Patrick gestured towards the armchairs. ‘Collapse for a minute, I’m sure you need it. I can’t thank you enough for everything you’re doing for Sally.’
‘Oh…’ She blushed and sipped her chocolate. ‘It’s my job.’
Her job.
Patrick lounged in his chair, realising that he’d never given any thought to Hayley in her professional capacity. In fact, he was embarrassed to admit that most of his thoughts about her had been of a much shallower nature. ‘You’re a fantastic midwife. Tom isn’t easy to deal with but you stood your ground with him and you calmed Sally down. And she isn’t easy. She’s very exacting.’
‘There’s nothing wrong with being exacting.’
‘That’s why she’s so relaxed with you—your attention to detail is incredible.’ He looked at her curiously. ‘You don’t know this department but in no time at all and with no apparent fuss you’ve located every piece of equipment you need, every request form and observation chart—it’s all done. Perfect. I could stand up in a court of law and produce evidence of perfect care.’
Hayley looked alarmed. ‘I hope you won’t have to stand up in a court of law because of anything I’ve done. In my experience that sort of thing only happens when there’s a breakdown in communication.’
Patrick grinned. ‘And that’s another thing you excel at—communication. The aromatherapy was a good idea. Who taught you to do that?’
‘I went on a course. I think relaxation is important for a pregnant woman. I used to run relaxation classes in Chicago and I often used aromatherapy on the unit.’ She blew gently on her drink to cool it. ‘I don’t believe childbirth is all about following the textbook. It’s about doing what works for the individual, isn’t it? That might not be aromatherapy or massage. A few weeks ago I had a woman who couldn’t bear to be touched so massage was out of the question.’
‘So what did you do with her?’
‘I found out what she usually did to relax.’ Hayley took another sip of her chocolate. ‘Turned out she liked listening to story tapes. So that’s what we did. Instead of p
laying music, we listened to an actor reading Charles Dickens. I quite enjoyed it, actually. Made a nice change.’
Patrick lifted his eyebrow. ‘You got to the end of the book?’
‘It was a long labour,’ Hayley said cheerfully, and Patrick looked at her with new respect, realising how little he knew about her.
Away from the work environment she was funny and selfdeprecating, but here she was pure professional. ‘Did you always want to be a midwife?’
‘It was that or paediatric nursing but I found that too upsetting,’ she admitted. ‘Midwifery is a happy job.’
Patrick laughed. ‘A happy job?’
‘Yes.’ She gave a self-conscious shrug. ‘You get to spend time with people in their happiest moment and I think that’s very special. There is no feeling as good as handing someone their child, is there? Of course, sometimes it goes wrong and that’s dreadful.’ She paused for a moment and he sensed there had been plenty of moments in her career that hadn’t been ‘happy’.
‘And then there’s the long hours.’ Patrick thought about the moans of the midwives he worked with. ‘Missing weekends.’
‘But that’s because, generally speaking, you’re staying with a woman right the way through her labour, and that’s wonderful.’ Hayley put her cup on the floor. ‘The alternative would be handing over care to someone else halfway through labour. I think that’s unfair on the woman and stressful. You have a short time in which to build a relationship of trust—you can’t go home halfway through and expect that woman to just bond with someone else.’
‘So you’re not tired of midwifery?’
‘Tired of it? Gosh, no. Never. I love it. Perhaps I haven’t done it for long enough to become disenchanted.’
Patrick watched her curiously. It was so unusual to hear someone saying how much they loved their job. But Hayley was so enthusiastic he could imagine she’d lift the spirits of any colleagues she worked with. And he couldn’t imagine her becoming disenchanted with anything. ‘You must love it,’ he drawled softly, ‘or you wouldn’t be here on Christmas Day.’
‘You gave me no choice.’ But her smile said otherwise. ‘What about you? Don’t you love it?’