The Army Doctor's Baby (Romance Novella)

by Scott Taylor, Helen

  Radley lay on his side watching her, his head propped up on his hand. When George had finished, she kissed her little boy good night and, just as he'd done many times before, Radley took him and settled him in his crib.

  He climbed in beside her again and they lay facing each other, his large, warm hand clasping hers on the pillow between them. "I'm sorry, Olivia, sorry I distanced myself from you before I left, and sorry I shipped out without coming home to say good-bye properly."

  He pressed his lips to the back of her hand and closed his eyes. "I've been waiting weeks to talk to you. I needed to discuss things face-to-face, e-mail and text just wasn't going to work."

  "I understand." She stroked her palm over his stubbly jaw, the roughness giving her a little zing of pleasure.

  "I'm guessing you don't want to marry Cameron."

  Olivia gave a startled laugh. "No!"

  "That's good." Radley grinned, then leaned closer and kissed her. "Now I can move on to the important part."

  He pulled a small red box out from under his pillow and set it on the sheet between them. Olivia's breath hitched. A light-headed sense of anticipation filled her.

  He opened the lid to reveal a beautiful marquise-cut diamond ring. "Will you marry me, Olivia?" Radley whispered.

  She pressed her hand to her heart, overwhelmed with surprise and pleasure. She loved him and knew he loved her, but had never dreamed he'd propose so soon. "Are you sure?"

  He laughed. "You were on my mind the whole time I was away. I'm sure."

  "Yes, Radley. Yes, I'd love to."

  He slipped the ring on her finger. She kissed him and snuggled in his arms, staring at her hand with a sense of wonder and unreality. She felt as though she were floating in a dream—she, George, and Radley would be a proper family.

  The grandfather clock on the landing chimed the hour. They listened together in the warm cocoon of their bed as midnight sounded. "Merry Christmas," Radley said, pressing a kiss to her lips. "Let's make our announcement at dinner tomorrow."

  "That should make your father happy."

  "It'll make me happy." Radley pulled her closer and slid a gentle hand down her back, trailing a row of kisses from beneath her ear to her collarbone. "Now, my darling fiancée, there's something else I've been dreaming about while I've been away."

  "It must be the same thing I've been dreaming about." Olivia giggled as his tiny ticklish kisses moved lower.

  "The perfect way to welcome in Christmas Day," Radley whispered.

  ***

  Radley woke and pushed up on an elbow. He smiled down at Olivia, still fast asleep, her dark hair spread across the pillow in a silky fan. He pressed a soft kiss to her temple and slid out of bed.

  Happy gurgling sounds came from George's crib. The baby had kicked off his covers and was trying to roll over. His chubby face beamed a grin when Radley leaned over the side of the crib. "You're a happy little guy, aren't you?"

  George had woken for a feed at six a.m. He could wait a while longer for his next one. Radley had kept Olivia up late, so he wanted to give her a chance to sleep in.

  He picked the baby up, changed his diaper, and slipped out of the bedroom, shutting the door quietly. When Radley entered his own room, Cameron was dead to the world, sprawled across the bed where Radley had left him last night.

  He laid George on the covers for a moment, where he wriggled, making happy sounds, while Radley pulled on jeans and a T-shirt. Then he gathered the little lad into his arms and took him downstairs.

  The familiar smell of roasting turkey carried Radley back through the years to many other happy family Christmases with his parents. He wanted to make this day perfect for Olivia and George. Olivia hadn't enjoyed the same close family he had. From now on he would make sure she did, and he wanted today to be perfect.

  He wandered through the house, showing George the sparkling Christmas decorations. The baby boy's eyes fixed on the flashing lights on the decorated tree in the sitting room. Radley went down on a knee to show George the heap of brightly wrapped presents, and noticed his mother had added the gifts he'd brought.

  The baby stretched out a hand. Radley smiled. "Not yet, Georgie Porgie. You get to unwrap your presents after lunch." He put his mouth to the baby's ear and whispered, "But I can let you in on a secret, the ones in blue paper are from me." He'd gone a little overboard and bought far too many toys. He and his father had made a special trip to the huge Hamleys toy store on Regent Street before they left London.

  Radley toured the room, pointing out the garland of glossy green holly with scarlet berries draped over the roaring log fire, the fat Santa on the windowsill, which they'd owned since Radley was a boy, and the glittering baubles on the Christmas tree.

  They wandered into the dining room. The festive red tablecloth already covered the table, and another log fire burned in this room.

  The sound of his parents' voices drew Radley to the kitchen. His father sat at the table reading the newspaper while his mother peeled potatoes. "Merry Christmas." Radley kissed his mother's cheek. "I'll give you a hand with that, if you like."

  "No, you won't. You take it easy." She turned a delighted grin on him. "From what your father says, you've had a busy few days in the halls of power at the MOD with your clever father. I can't wait to tell everyone he's now a major general." Her face glowed with pride.

  His father peered over his newspaper. "Don't tell anyone yet. It's not official until the New Year."

  Radley smiled to himself at his mother's excitement. He hoped his family would be as thrilled by the announcement he and Olivia planned to make over Christmas dinner.

  ***

  Olivia sat at the desk with a shaving mirror angled towards the light and applied her makeup. George squealed with laughter behind her. She glanced over her shoulder, her pulse picking up pace at the sight of Radley relaxed on the bed in his faded jeans and a blue shirt. He was leaning over, blowing on George's tummy, making him kick and wriggle with delight.

  They were both engrossed in the game. "You like that, Georgie Porgie, don't you?" Radley said.

  Happiness bubbled inside Olivia. Radley was so kind and thoughtful. He'd let her sleep in, and she'd certainly needed it after last night. His gaze rose to her as if sensing her appraisal. The corners of his lips kicked into a crooked smile. Pleasure zinged along her nerves at memories of being in his arms.

  "You look even more beautiful than usual this morning," he said. "That red dress is stunning, although I preferred what you were wearing before you put it on."

  She giggled and tossed one of George's soft toys at him. Grinning, he caught it.

  "I don't think your parents would approve if I went down for Christmas dinner in black lacy underwear."

  "I'd approve, though."

  For long moments, they stared into each other's eyes, a hot pulse of anticipation passing between them. She would enjoy Christmas Day with the Knights, but she was looking forward to later when she and Radley could be alone again.

  George squealed and the moment passed.

  Olivia returned to her makeup, keeping half an eye on Radley's reflection in the mirror. She loved him so much. Since he came home, her life had been like a dream; he'd declared his love and asked her to marry him. She wanted to exist in this fantasy bubble of happiness forever, but her practical worries nipped at her thoughts.

  "Will you be able to take the rest of your leave now?"

  "Most of it. I wanted to talk to you about that. I have four weeks off, then I'm going to Oxfordshire."

  "Oxfordshire?" Olivia swiveled around on the stool to see him better. "As in the other side of London?"

  Radley laughed. "That's where it was the last time I looked at a map."

  She knew Radley was committed to his job and if she wanted to marry him, she must accept that. Lying in his arms after they had made love last night, she had decided she would always support him, even if it meant she had to cope alone when he was on a tour of duty in some far-flung part of
the world. But she would much rather have him safely in the UK, even if they weren't always together.

  "How long before you're sent abroad again?"

  Although she tried to keep her voice casual, Radley must have picked up the concern in her tone. He climbed off the bed and came to her. "Don't worry, love. I won't be sent away for a while. Oxfordshire is my new posting, and it sounds like something long-term, although one can never be sure." He crouched beside her and took her hands, his thumb caressing her finger beside the engagement ring.

  "There's a new joint forces emergency treatment unit being set up near RAF Brize Norton. It's still under development. Currently they're using it as a clearing station for seriously wounded forces personnel who are flown back to the UK. In a few months it will be completed. I'm going to head up the unit that will deal with my specialty."

  Olivia's eyes widened, and her heart thumped with relief. She had been steeling herself to cope with his absence and worrying he would be sent somewhere dangerous. The enthusiasm in his voice as he spoke of the new appointment made her realize this was something special, something very important to him. "It sounds like congratulations are in order."

  "I would say so. The senior officer who told me indicated I could expect a promotion in a few months. That means a pay raise as well."

  "That's wonderful. Well done." She wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him. "Will I be able to see you regularly?"

  "You'll be able to see me every day. We'll move into army married quarters to start with, then when we're settled in the area, we'll look for a place to buy." He laughed. "I was disappointed when you texted me about losing Brook View Cottage, but it's turned out to be a blessing in disguise."

  Married so quickly. After the uncertain weeks of waiting, things now seemed to be happening fast. Olivia clung to Radley, feeling a little light-headed. "Do you have a date in mind?"

  "As soon as possible. The army won't give us married quarters unless we're married. I want to be with you, love." He curved his palm around her cheek. "That's what you want, isn't it?"

  "Yes, oh yes." Olivia buried her face in Radley's neck. She'd felt so totally alone and frightened in the hospital waiting to give birth. She'd lost her apartment because she couldn't work to pay the rent, and had nobody to turn to for help. First Sandra, then Radley had been generous and kind. They'd given her hope that things would work out—and they had. "Thank you, Radley. Thank you so much for being there for me, for giving me this chance at happiness."

  Radley laughed wryly. "I'm the one who should be thanking you, sweetheart." He pulled back and stroked the hair off her face. "I was living a half life, focused completely on my job with zero personal life. I thought I'd handled what happened with my ex-wife, but meeting you and George made me realize I was still letting her mess with my head. You and George were a wake-up call. There is a whole lot more to life, and I was missing out."

  Radley leaned his forehead against hers. "You're everything I want. I'm so lucky I found you."

  "You're my knight in shining armor, Radley. I love you so much. To think that when I first found out I was pregnant, I thought my life was ruined. It's turned out to be the best thing that ever happened to me. If I hadn't had George, I wouldn't have met you."

  ***

  Christmas dinner was a cheerful affair with the men chatting about their work and George gurgling happily, chewing on a teething ring and covering his cute Santa bib with drool. When the turkey had been eaten, Radley pulled the diamond engagement ring out of his pocket, where he'd hidden it until their official announcement, and cast Olivia a glance full of suppressed excitement.

  "We have something to tell you," he said.

  Sandra paused as she gathered the dirty dishes, and Brigadier Knight pinned his eldest son with a curious look.

  Radley pushed the ring onto Olivia's finger and Sandra gasped. "I asked Olivia to marry me, and she said yes!" He kissed her and they both grinned.

  "Oh, this is wonderful." Sandra jumped up and rushed around the table, hugging first Radley, then Olivia. "I'm so pleased for you both, and little Georgie."

  Brigadier Knight's gaze traveled between Radley and Cameron. "This isn't how I expected things to work out, but it will do." He smiled and nodded. "Congratulations." He rose and shook Radley's hand, then slapped him on the back. "Second time lucky, hey."

  Sandra rolled her eyes. "Men," she said under her breath to Olivia. "They never quite say the right thing, do they?" But Olivia was too happy to worry and from the grin on Radley's face, his first marriage was far from his mind.

  Cameron was slower to congratulate them. He stood and moved to George, gazing thoughtfully at the baby before coming around the table and embracing Olivia. "Congratulations. I hope you'll be happy."

  Radley turned to him and there was a moment of awkwardness as they stared at each other before they hugged. "You're okay with this?" Radley asked.

  "Yeah, of course. Well done, mate."

  "Champagne," Sandra called over the hubbub, before disappearing out the door. She came back with a bottle and a corkscrew, struggled with it for a few seconds, and then handed it to her husband. In a few minutes they all had fizzing flutes of Dom Pérignon.

  Radley curled his arm around Olivia's shoulders and happiness zinged through her. She hadn't just found a wonderful man to spend her life with, she had found a family, a wonderful family who had welcomed her and her son.

  "To Radley and Olivia," Brigadier Knight said. "May they have many happy years together."

  "And to baby George," Sandra added. "May Radley and Olivia give him lots of brothers and sisters."

  "Hear, hear," Brigadier Knight said.

  Radley waggled his eyebrows, making Olivia giggle as she raised her glass to tap it against his.

  "To happy families," she said, knowing how lucky she was to have found her happy family and for them all to be together at Christmas.

  If you enjoyed The Army Doctor's Baby, you might also enjoy these other books by Helen Scott Taylor

  *

  A Family for Christmas

  A heartwarming tale for Christmas.

  A lonely career woman stranded in a blizzard, a disillusioned man who has cut himself off from women. When he rescues her from the snow and takes her into his home, the spirit of Christmas and his little girl's love work their magic.

  Praise for A Family for Christmas

  "What a delightful novella with appealing characters, lovely descriptions, and a sprinkle of suspense." Reader Forever

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  "A Family For Christmas is a top-notch holiday read." Heather Hiestand

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  Read a sample or buy A Family for Christmas HERE.

  Oceans Between Us

  "I highly recommend Oceans Between Us for anyone who loves Harlequin romances and tender romance novels." Dorothy Johnson

  He's a wealthy Italian celebrity used to dating beautiful women. She's a guesthouse cook without a penny to her name. When tragedy brings them together for a few weeks, an unlikely romance blossoms. But he has commitments that take him back to his jet-setting life, while her future lies in a remote English village. Is it possible for two people from such different walks of life to find a way to be together?

  Praise for Oceans Between Us

  "This is the type of book to snuggle up on the couch with on a slow Saturday afternoon to lose yourself in heartbreak, romance, and happily ever after." Sandy M, The Good, The Bad & The Unread.

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  "It was incredibly romantic and sweet, and I couldn't wait to find out how it turned out." Abbey, Wendy's Minding Spot

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  "You'll adore this romance with a charming hero who has such generosity of spirit and so much love to give the right woman. You'll cheer Maria on and hope she realizes that sometimes you just have to take a risk and follow your heart." Joan Reeves, Slingwords

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  Read a sample or buy Oceans Between Us on Amazon HERE

  Unbreak My Heart

/>   Praise for Unbreak My Heart

  "Any lover of traditional Harlequin/Mills and Boon novels will especially adore this novel." Heather Hiestand

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  "So many tender, touching moments that will make you laugh, cry and sigh." Charlotte

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  "Unrequited love, characters from opposite sides of the tracks, family, and poignant scenes make this romance a charming combination of love and tenderness." Rita Herron

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  Andre first set eyes on Kate when he was two and she was a babe in her mother's arms. He's twenty-five now, and he still remembers the moment perfectly, the moment she slipped into his heart. But they came from different sides of the track and family conflict tore them apart.

  Nine years later, Kate turns up at Andre's prestigious hotel with the paparazzi at her heels and the six-week-old daughter of her celebrity ex in her arms. She has nowhere left to run except back to the place where she left her heart.

  Can they forgive the pain of the past, accept each other as they are now, and rediscover the childhood love that was snatched away from them?

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  Read a sample or buy Unbreak My Heart on Amazon.com HERE

  Finally Home

  As manager of the charming Greyfriar House Hotel, Melanie Marshall loves her job and spending time with her young son. But she can never forget what she ran away from: her late husband's crimes and her own terrible guilt. Though lonely, Melanie can't afford to let another man into her life.

  But when her boss, gorgeous hotel owner Jack Summers, returns from his supposed wedding without a ring or a wife, Melanie discovers there's more to him than she ever thought. For one, the ex-soccer star is her son's idol. But the closer she gets to Jack, the more she pulls away. She can't share her past. Ever.