Assignment- Baby

by Lynne Marshall

  * * *

  Assignment: Baby

  Lynne Marshall

  * * *

  Toronto • New York • London • Amsterdam • Paris • Sydney • Hamburg • Stockholm • Athens • Tokyo • Milan • Madrid • Prague • Warsaw • Budapest • Auckland

  This book is dedicated to the "Jack Howling" of my life—Sweet William.

  Here's to twenty-five more years!

  "I'm taking care of Sophie out of obligation, nothing more. I owe it to my sister and her baby to do a good job. That's as far as it goes."

  "You could have fooled me," Amanda said.

  Looking agitated, Hunter took another quick drink. "How do you intend to be a mom and get your PhD at the same time?"

  Amanda looked aside and shook her head. "It's not something I need to work out just now, but I've always said 'where there's a will there's a way.' And kids feel the love no matter what when it's genuine."

  "I didn't feel that from my own parents."

  She knew exactly what he meant. "But that doesn't have to be the case with your own kids."

  "Not going to have any, remember?"

  She wanted to dig her fingers into her hair and scream. Why couldn't he see what a wonderful job he'd done taking care of Sophie?

  Dear Reader,

  Whenever I messed up at a game as a child I'd ask for a do-over, and sometimes I got lucky with my second chance. Assignment: Baby is a do-over romance—a second chance at love!

  In this reunion story, Hunter and Amanda have been divorced for three years. A last-minute change in plans has given them the opportunity to get things right, but will they make the effort? Their future may very well be in the pudgy hands of a ten-month-old baby named Sophie.

  I got the idea for the medical subplot of this book a year after my husband fell off his bike at mile seventy-five of a century ride. He broke his collarbone and had to be admitted to the hospital, where we eventually learned he had a blocked heart artery and needed surgery. He had looked the picture of health, which got me to thinking about a certain heroine who was also perfectly fit on the outside but who had a secret.

  In Assignment: Baby, Amanda teaches the Mending Hearts Club how to prevent heart disease and change lives. Little does she know the life about to be changed the most is hers!

  I love to hear from my readers, so if you'd like to drop me a line, visit my Web site, www.lynnemarshall.com. You can also enjoy the Medical Romance author's group blog Love is the best medicine at www.medicalromance.blogspot.com.

  Love,

  Lynne

  P.S. My husband is once again on top of his game, and when this book is released, he will be riding his bike across the northern portion of the U.S.A. Wish us luck!

  CONTENTS

  CHAPTER ONE

  CHAPTER TWO

  CHAPTER THREE

  CHAPTER FOUR

  CHAPTER FIVE

  CHAPTER SIX

  CHAPTER SEVEN

  CHAPTER EIGHT

  CHAPTER NINE

  CHAPTER TEN

  CHAPTER ELEVEN

  CHAPTER ONE

  AMANDA DUNLAP prayed this wasn't fate's idea of a practical joke. It was the first day of her six-week statistical study on preventive cardiac care, which would comprise her first medical journal article. And there they were, the twenty carefully selected patients, each with three or four of the risk factors contributing to future heart disease—ticking time bombs, as her mentor had put it.

  The participants sat quietly conversing amongst themselves, thumbing through the Mending Hearts Club syllabus and class outline, waiting for the evening to begin.

  She glanced at her watch and a flutter of panic winged through her chest. After three months preparing every aspect of the curriculum for the pilot project, her bank account and her career were both on the line. If she achieved her patient goals, Los Angeles Mercy Hospital would use her health modification model for all three California Mercy hospitals, and her goal of a PhD in nursing would be waiting over the horizon. If she failed, she'd be stuck doing employee physicals and walk-in visits at the Serena Vista Clinic—and proving her parents right that she was reaching beyond her capabilities.

  Yesterday, just her luck, all plans had come to a screeching halt when her mentor had dropped out for personal health reasons. Without a doctor to lend his name to the already promised medical journal article, her proverbial nurse practitioner butt was in a sling.

  Thank heavens the Mercy Hospital medical director had found a replacement for their satellite clinic. Only one problem remained.

  Where was her hero?

  While destiny snickered, Amanda checked her watch again—seven-ten. Perhaps the replacement had gotten lost on the drive in or was wandering around trying to find the patient education classrooms? Whatever the reason for tardiness, she'd be forgiving, but she couldn't wait a second longer. Having every minute of her two-hour introductory class mapped out, she owed it to the participants to keep her promise of starting and ending the sessions on time.

  "Good evening, I'm Amanda Dunlap," she said, and waited for everyone to face forward and quiet down. "I'm so happy to see all of you here tonight." She went on to explain the purpose of the class.

  A scuffle at the back of the room drew her attention from the faces in the front row. She glanced up in time to see the door swing open. An empty infant car seat was wedged to hold it open. Next a diaper bag was tossed into the back of the room, soon followed by a masculine thigh and shoulder pushing through.

  A gurgling baby faced outward in a special carrier strapped across a man's chest, drawing Amanda's immediate attention. The child wore bright pink overalls and a patterned top, with super-white mock sports shoes made especially for feet that didn't yet walk.

  Amanda automatically grinned, and sweet warmth trickled throughout her body at the sight. Her substitute mentor was not only a hero but also a family man.

  During her brief marriage, after never having had a maternal thought in her life, she'd missed a period, thought she'd been pregnant, and discovered a secret even she'd never suspected. She wanted a baby. Her husband had been thrown into a tailspin when she'd brought up the possibility. When it had turned out she wasn't pregnant, her heart had already changed forever.

  Now she didn't know if she'd be able to have a baby of her own. She glanced at the bittersweet surprise popping through the door and gave a wan smile.

  Her eyes drifted upward to the bearer of the bright pink baby package, and her breath stuck in her throat. She froze, and grappled to maintain her composure as a chill ran up her spine.

  Hunter.

  She hadn't seen him in three years.

  Bracing herself at the lectern until her knuckles went white, she recognized the sculpted cheekbones and the long jaw. Had he broken his nose?

  Under thick, fox-brown hair and a strong brow were piercing though slightly apologetic brown eyes. They crinkled at the corners and his familiar mouth slipped into a tentative half smile. He followed it with a cautious nod.

  Anxiety burst free in her chest, sending her heart into a gallop. She evened out her breathing and waited for her pulse to calm while continuing her death grip on the stand.

  Hunter Phillips.

  Fast as fireworks, thoughts exploded through her mind. She wanted to cry and point at his baby. That's what I wanted and you wouldn't let me have it!

  When they'd married, they'd both agreed to pursue their careers at the expense of having children. Hunter's parents had done a grand job of ignoring him and his sister in favor of their professions, and he'd vowed never to repeat their mistakes. Amanda had accepted his conditions, since she had wanted to become a nurse practitioner and one day achieve her doctorate in nursing.

  After her misse
d period and the newfound desire to be a mother, she'd pressed him on the topic. He'd accused her of being so wrapped up in work and school that she'd be too busy to care for a houseplant, let alone a child. That had stung to her core, and it still hurt to recall his lack of confidence in her. Just like her parents…

  She stared at the gurgling baby. He'd moved on, found someone else and had the family he'd told her he'd never in a million years want. Pain seared her side as if he'd stabbed her. Could Hunter be so cruel? She thinned her lips and tried to hide the sadness coiling in her heart.

  Moisture prickled in her eyes. Feeling betrayed, she bit back emotion, swallowed hard and forced her face into a professional expression, praying that somehow she'd make it through the night. Then, first thing tomorrow morning, she'd call the medical director and demand a new mentor. She'd wing it by herself, work doubly hard—whatever it took until he found another replacement. No way would she work with Hunter.

  She shook her head. Unbelievable as it was, her savior had turned out to be her ex-husband, in a wrinkled business suit with a bright pink baby surprise strapped to his chest.

  Everyone in the classroom watched and waited. She couldn't stand there dumbfounded for one more second, so she took a deep breath to introduce him.

  Oh, God.

  * * *

  "Good evening, everyone. Sorry I'm late," Hunter said, realizing they were all staring at him and Mandy hadn't yet been able to make her mouth work.

  With everyone watching, he bent to pick up the baby carrier and almost bumped heads with Sophie. Could things get any more awkward? Even though he'd rehearsed and prepared for this moment the entire drive over, the depth of pain at seeing her again almost took his breath away.

  After three years of hell and soul-searching since their divorce, the last thing he'd wanted to do was face her again under these unusual circumstances. But it seemed there was no way out. If he didn't help Mandy, the class would be history. And though he wasn't sure what her stake in it was, he was certain of his motivation.

  Joel Hersh, the man who'd made sure Hunter had gotten a staff position at Mercy Hospital after his residency, had contacted him just that morning.

  "You've heard about Charles Beiderman?" Joel had said.

  "Yeah. Poor guy. And so unexpected." He'd been diagnosed with lymphoma.

  "Charles was set to mentor one of our nurse practitioners on a community outreach program at our Serena Vista Clinic," Dr. Hersh had gone on to explain in detail.

  "Sounds interesting."

  "Yes, her approach to reaching patients long before they require surgical cardiac intervention is the way of the future. Wouldn't you agree?"

  "Absolutely. Preventive care is the best offense." If only his father had thought the same, maybe his stroke could have been averted.

  "I'm in a bind. The patients have already been lined up and everything is set to go. It would be cost-effective if you stepped in."

  It was the first favor Joel had ever asked of Hunter. "Hey, I'd be glad to help," he said, straightening his tie. Since his father's recent death, he'd made it a personal goal to enlighten his patients about blood pressure and heart health. This would be an opportunity to reach more people.

  "Good, then. I'll let Amanda know she can proceed with the study."

  His shoulders had stiffened at the name. "Amanda?"

  "Yes. Amanda Dunlap."

  Hunter's heart had stumbled. His fingers had clutched the knot in his tie just above the similar knot that had formed in his throat. Mandy? As in his ex-wife, Mandy? Obviously the medical director didn't know. This couldn't have come at a worse time for him, but he couldn't very well weasel out now. And he did owe the man a major favor…

  Now, placing the carrier on a nearby table, Hunter looked around the room filled with middle-aged faces, ignoring the painful reminder at the head. "Don't mind me." He waved his hand, pretending to have everything under control, while still reeling from the earthquake in his gut at seeing Mandy again. If he felt this shaken up, he could only imagine what must be going through her mind. "Go right ahead."

  "Class, this is my ex-hu…er…Dr. Phillips," Mandy said, with a corrected businesslike tone. She blushed crimson at her near mistake, which turned her blue eyes almost neon and softened the effect of her curt introduction. Obviously she was no happier to see him than he was to be here.

  He'd missed those fiery eyes, even though they looked boggled right about now, as though she'd just been caught out on reality TV. He could only imagine how he must look.

  "We were getting ready to have a quick anatomy class on the heart," she said, obviously trying to hide her true reaction to his showing up in her classroom. "Why don't you do the honors?"

  He fought the urge to glance over his shoulder, point to his own chest and mouth, Me? Instead, he forced an affable smile and said, "Sure." She'd put him on the spot and given him no choice.

  He could handle this. No problem. He glanced around wondering where to put the baby carrier, planning to buckle Sophie inside. That was if he could remember how to set it up outside of the car.

  Sophie gurgled and cooed. One of the women students sprang up. "I'll hold her. I've got seven grandchildren."

  "Oh," he said, relieved. "Thanks."

  She lifted the child from the harness around his chest. As naturally as a penguin sheltering its young, she took the baby into her arms and grinned at her. Sophie didn't seem to mind, so he nodded in gratitude.

  As he approached the front of the class, Mandy rolled a cart to the center of the room for his use. Perched on top sat a larger-than-life plastic heart complete with arteries. She'd wasted no time getting him involved. Was this the price he had to pay for being late?

  Doing a quick mental review of heart physiology, he stepped forward. He remembered the absurd harness and fought clumsily to remove it. After running his hand through his hair and straightening his shirt and jacket, he jumped right in on the mini anatomy lesson. He used his penlight as a pointer and made sound effects to explain the role of circulation and heart valves. Lub-dub. Thump-swish.

  Sophie appeared fascinated.

  Ten minutes later, Mandy cleared her throat…several times. He glanced up, stopped his long-winded lecture and noticed her squinting and nodding toward the students. Following the roll of her eyes, he saw the dazed look on everyone's faces. Had he moved beyond layman's terms? Possibly. At least it had kept his mind off his ex-wife for a while.

  "Yes, well…that will be enough anatomy for today. Mandy? I mean, Ms. Dunlap, what's next?"

  With a subtle sigh of relief, she snatched up her notes and stepped to the podium, cutting in front of him. She still wore the same fragrance—some aromatherapy herbal body lotion. Inhaling, he didn't feel inclined to step away, but he backed up just enough to give her room. She turned and glanced at him briefly before addressing the class. He averted his gaze rather than chance her seeing the surprising and pathetic hope he still harbored. Was he really such a glutton for punishment? He studied her dark brunette hair. She'd pulled the thick and shiny waves into her signature low ponytail, complete with long escaped strands around the ears.

  Some things hadn't changed about Mandy. Except now she looked borderline too thin, as if she'd been working hard and long and not caring for herself enough. So what else was new? When they'd been married they'd watched over each other, balancing out their tendencies toward personal neglect in favor of work.

  Mandy tossed another warning stare over her shoulder. Okay. He got it. Trying hard to seem aloof and casual, he strode toward Sophie and, when the grandmotherly student offered, took the baby back. It was all a paltry show to prove he wasn't the least bit shaken up about seeing Mandy. Now, if he could only convince himself…

  The nine-month-old baby kicked her legs several times and squealed with glee. He quieted her down with a pacifier he dug out of his pocket, and found a seat at the back of the class with an excellent view of his ex-wife.

  He'd known it would be difficult,
but still he hadn't expected to be this jarred by seeing her again. He'd spent a full year trying to put the pieces of his life back together after their breakup. How could she have walked away over a disagreement on kids? Why had he let her? He'd moped, drunk too much, even womanized briefly. Nothing had helped until he'd toughened up and gone back to the way of his parents: becoming a devoted workaholic. It hadn't changed anything, but at least it had kept him from thinking about her. His gaze drifted upward to the woman he'd once loved and trusted—until she'd changed their game plan.

  The topic turned to the importance of daily exercise. Mandy had everyone up and stretching. Hunter had a sudden memory of being in running gear with her. She'd worn a sports bra and silky short-shorts with slits up the sides. A lazy smile crossed his lips. Damn, he was a masochist.

  "We'll be doing this routine every morning. Isn't that right, Dr. Phillips?"

  What? He straightened in his chair and tried to appear halfway alert. "I'm sorry. I was distracted with the baby."

  "Class, you can all sit down." Clearly giving him the benefit of the doubt, she gave a tolerant nod, but he detected something else in her eyes. "I was saying that after thorough physical examinations, we'll be evaluating everyone here and dividing them into groups of walkers and joggers. I'll handle the walkers and…" She glanced at Hunter and frowned. "Well, we'll figure that out later."

  Hmm. He would play along for now, but once class was over, and he had Mandy to himself, he'd grill her on what exactly was expected of him and for how many hours a day. Since Joel Hersh had handily omitted those details. And if his suspicions were right that she planned to replace him, he'd put his foot down. As difficult as it would be, he owed his father and Joel at least that much.

  He would have spent more time thinking about his Mending Hearts Club duties, but Sophie had a hold of his nose. She twisted it in an unnatural direction. When he looked up, for the first time that night a smile hinted at the corners of Mandy's mouth. Until now she'd been ignoring them both. Settling for any possible headway, and feeling like the class clown, he shrugged, gingerly removed Sophie's sticky fingers, and apologized with a smile. Looking flustered, Mandy reached for a loose lock of hair and nodded, before quickly looking away.