Her Very Own Family

by Gina Wilkins

  “Luisa isn’t partial to Tony,” Carla murmured.

  Joe snorted his disbelief. “She’s batty about him. And he’s the same way about her. Which is why he takes such warped pleasure in ticking her off.”

  “Actually, I rather like the name Leonardo,” Brynn mused, thinking of a certain gorgeous actor she and Kelly both admired.

  Joe grimaced. “A lot of young women seem to like that name these days.”

  Brynn laughed. “What can I say? We’re suckers for a sexy smile.”

  Joe was looking at her mouth as he set his empty coffee cup down. Rather than responding to her quip, he changed the subject yet again. “Whenever you’re finished with your meal, I’ll take you to see your friend.”

  Brynn turned her attention quickly back to her meal, wanting to finish every bite so she wouldn’t hurt Carla’s feelings.

  Brynn and Joe talked mostly about Kelly’s medical condition during the drive to the hospital. Brynn noticed that Joe was in “doctor mode” during the entire drive, as if he’d left his personal life behind at his parents’ house and became the ultimate professional on the way to his work venue. She even found herself calling him “Doctor” again, rather than “Joe.”

  She noticed he didn’t correct her. She told herself it was just as well. She’d been imagining undercurrents between her and Joe that were highly improbable, now that she stopped to think about it. Even if she were looking for a relationship, which she most definitely was not, she couldn’t imagine a more unlikely pairing than her and Dr. Joe D’Alessandro.

  “When will Kelly be able to leave the hospital?” she asked as Joe drove into the parking lot.

  “It will be a minimum of four weeks,” he answered, his tone gentle. “Possibly six.”

  Brynn digested his answer in stunned silence. Four to six weeks. The bills were going to be astronomical. Joe and the others had reassured her that the other driver’s insurance would cover the expenses, since there was no doubt that the intoxicated man had been at fault, having a history of driving under the influence behind him, but still...

  Brynn and Kelly had intended to stay in a motel for a few days until they found a relatively inexpensive, furnished apartment. Now Brynn was on her own for at least a month, probably more. What would she do?

  Brynn almost ran to Kelly’s hospital room, Joe following a bit more sedately behind her. Prepared now for what she would see inside, she pushed open the door.

  Kelly was awake this time. Her face was almost as white as the pillowcase when she turned her head to see who had entered the room

  “If it isn’t the hospital heartthrob,” she murmured, looking at Joe.

  The teasing comment reassured Brynn somewhat. It was so very characteristic of her friend.

  To Brynn’s amusement, Joe’s cheeks darkened. “I can tell you’re going to be a problem patient,” he muttered.

  She smiled. “Bet on it.”

  Kelly looked at Brynn then and held out her left hand, the one with the IV needle taped above it. “Brynn. Your face is bruised. Are you all right?”

  That was almost Brynn’s undoing. Poor Kelly was lying battered and broken in the hospital bed, and she was worried about the bruise on her friend’s temple. Blinking rapidly against a threatening wave of tears, Brynn forced a smile, and caught Kelly’s hand in her own. “I’m fine. How are you?”

  “Not so bad,” Kelly lied shamelessly, her voice slurred by medication. “Everyone’s been really nice to me here. I’ve already had visitors this morning, and made some new friends.”

  “Oh? Who visited you?”

  “Dr. Joe, of course.” Kelly smiled again at Joe. “And his brother Tony stepped in early this morning when he came to see his wife and the new baby. And later, Jared Walker and his wife, Cassie, came by to introduce themselves and tell me to let them know if we needed anything. Jared said he met you yesterday.”

  “Jared sat with me during your surgery. He’s a nice man.

  “They’re a very nice couple. So sweet and concerned. What did you do, Brynn, tell everyone I’m a poor, wounded orphan?”

  Knowing Kelly was teasing, Brynn tried to smile. “Well, aren’t you?”

  “Yeah, but did you have to hang a sign?”

  “Seemed like the most efficient way to get the word out.”

  Kelly shifted her weight on the bed, and her smile faded into a grimace. “Ouch.”

  Brynn tightened her hand around Kelly’s. “Are you okay? Joe?”

  Even as Joe stepped quickly forward, Kelly made a face and carefully shook her head against the pillow. “It’s no big deal, Brynn. I’ve got a stitched-up arm and two broken legs and a few other assorted bumps and bruises. It’s only natural that there’s going to be some discomfort, so don’t worry so much.”

  “She’s right, Brynn,” Joe said reassuringly, though he was looking at Kelly closely. “Kelly’s going to have some pain, but she’s doing quite well.”

  “I’m fine,” Kelly repeated firmly. “Just...a little tired,” she admitted.

  “You need plenty of rest,” Joe said. “I’m going to go check on a couple other patients. You and Brynn can visit for a little while, and then you can get some sleep, Kelly.”

  Kelly nodded. “Thanks, Dr. Joe.”

  He glanced back over his shoulder as he left the room. “See you later.”

  The words were directed to both of them, but he was looking at Brynn when he spoke.

  “He’s great, isn’t he?” Kelly said as soon as the door had closed behind Joe.

  Realizing she’d been staring at that closed door, Brynn turned quickly back to the bed. “Dr. D’Alessandro? Yes, he’s very nice.”

  “I can’t get over how kind everyone has been,” Kelly murmured, her eyes half-closed. “I think we’re going to like Dallas.”

  “I think you’re right.” Brynn spoke gently, keeping her voice low. “Though I don’t expect everyone here to be as nice as the D’Alessandro and Walker families. We were just lucky to meet them yesterday.”

  “I’d hate to think of you sitting alone in that waiting room yesterday, then trying to find a motel to stay in by yourself.”

  “So would I.”

  “What happened to our things?”

  “Mr. and Mrs. D’Alessandro—Dr. D’Alessandro’s parents—are storing everything in their garage for now. Vinnie—Mr. D’Alessandro—has promised to help me get a rental car tomorrow and find a place to stay. I’m afraid you’re going to be here for a while yet, but I hope to at least have an apartment by the time you get out.”

  “Mr. D’Alessandro sounds very helpful.”

  “Yes. He’s retired, and Joe—er. Dr. D’Alessandro—implied that his father is always looking for things to do to keep him busy. You and I seem to be his new project.”

  “We’re lucky,” Kelly repeated, her eyelids growing heavier.

  Brynn looked at the bandages and bruises, the IV needle and splints, and knew she should find it strange that Kelly kept repeating how lucky they were. But, remembering the accident and knowing how it could have ended, Brynn tended to agree. She and Kelly had been lucky.

  They still had each other. And now they seemed to have some new friends. All in all, it could have been much, much worse.

  Kelly fell asleep less than ten minutes later. Brynn sat beside her, watching her sleep and worrying about the future, until Joe returned shortly afterward.

  “She’s sleeping,” Brynn said unnecessarily, nodding toward her friend.

  “Best thing for her right now. The pain medications she’s on will keep her very groggy for a few days. I’ve also got her on a strong antibiotic. We want to avoid any infection setting up in her wounds.”

  Brynn twisted her hands in her lap, keeping her eyes on Kelly’s still form. “I don’t know what to do.”

  “For Kelly, you mean? She’s being well cared for, Brynn,.”

  Brynn shook her head. “I know she has good care here. But...”

  “You’re worried about wha
t you should do next?” he supplied perceptively.

  Brynn nodded. “I don’t have a car or a place to live or a job. I don’t know what to do next... I don’t even know what I should be doing right now.”

  “Resting,” Joe answered firmly. “You were in the same serious accident Kelly was in yesterday. You can’t expect to rebound from that overnight, even if your injuries were minor. As for the rest, don’t worry about it today. There isn’t a whole lot you can do on a Sunday afternoon, anyway. And as for having a place to live, you’re welcome to stay with my parents until you find something more permanent. They’re expecting you to do so.”

  “I can’t keep imposing on your family,” Brynn protested. “I’m sure they have things to do other than entertain an uninvited guest.”

  “You are not an uninvited guest. I was standing right beside you when Dad invited you, remember? I told you, my folks love having someone to fuss over. They like you, I can tell.”

  Brynn managed a smile, telling herself she should stop complaining and show her gratitude for the help she’d been given. “I like them, too.”

  “Then stop worrying, okay?”

  She wasn’t making promises she knew she couldn’t keep. “I’ll try.”

  Joe glanced at Kelly again. She was still sleeping soundly. “How would you like to meet my new nephew?” he asked Brynn. “He’s a great-looking kid. Takes after his uncle, I think,” he added, obviously trying to make her smile.

  “I would love to see your new nephew,” she agreed, because she could tell he genuinely wanted to show the baby off.

  She loved looking through nursery windows at newborns. They were so tiny and sweet when they were only hours old. They made such amusing faces. She couldn’t imagine a better distraction from her worries about her uncertain future.

  Joe opened the door. “Let’s go, then.”

  With one last glance at Kelly, Brynn preceded Joe out of the room.

  Brynn hesitated outside the door to Michelle’s hospital room, looking disconcerted.

  Joe glanced at her in question. “What’s wrong?”

  “I, er, thought you were taking me to the nursery to see your nephew through the glass.”

  “No, Michelle has him in her room with her.”

  “Maybe I should...”

  He reached out and caught her hand, squeezing reassuringly. He found Brynn’s occasional flashes of shyness rather endearing. “You’ve already met Tony. And Michelle has said she would like to meet you. Let me introduce you.”

  Brynn drew a deep breath and nodded. “All right.”

  Tony stood from the chair beside his wife’s bed as soon as Joe led Brynn in. He stepped forward with a smile of welcome. “Ms. Larlan-Brynn. It’s good to see you again. How is Kelly?”

  “She’s resting now.”

  “I’d like you to meet my family. Michelle, this is Brynn Larkin.”

  Her usual grace and charm in evidence even from her hospital bed, Michelle spoke warmly. “Tony told me all about you. I’m so sorry about your accident. Are you all right?”

  “Yes, I’m fine, thank you. Just a little stiff.”

  Tony motioned toward one of the two chairs in the room. “Please, have a seat. You, too, Joe. I’ll sit here, on the edge of the bed.”

  He waited until Joe and Brynn had taken their seats before introducing his curious children to Brynn. “This is our eldest, Jason,” he said, nodding toward the nine-year-old boy who’d already moved close to Joe’s side. “And our daughters, Carly and Katie. And the runt of the litter, here, is Justin.”

  It was obvious from the way she smiled at them that Brynn had a fondness for children. “Hello. You must all be very proud of your new baby brother.”

  Jason spoke up first. “I’m going to teach him to play baseball. Of course, it’s going to be a while.”

  Brynn nodded gravely. “Sooner than you think. What position do you play?”

  “First base. But I want to pitch. I’ve been practicing real hard.”

  “Anything worth doing requires a lot of hard work.”

  Jason glanced at Tony. “That’s what my daddy says.”

  Six-year-old Carly sidled closer to Brynn. “I got a loose tooth,” she said, enthusiastically wiggling it with the tip of one finger. Joe knew Carly was eager to reclaim the attention her new little brother had temporarily grabbed.

  Brynn focused obligingly on Carly. “My goodness, it is loose, isn’t it? I have a feeling you’ll be getting a visit from the tooth fairy soon.”

  “He brought Jason a whole dollar for his last tooth.”

  “Wow. Maybe I should pull a couple of mine.”

  Carly giggled. “The tooth fairy doesn’t come see big people. Only kids.”

  Brynn sighed deeply. “Then I suppose I’d better keep my teeth.”

  The shyest of the D’Alessandro clan, four-year-old Katie inched tentatively closer to Brynn’s chair. She aimed a plastic rectangle at Brynn’s face, directing a narrow beam of light straight into Brynn’s eyes. “I got a flashlight.”

  Brynn shifted subtly in her chair. “That’s a nice, bright light.”

  “Not in her eyes, Katie,” Tony murmured.

  Katie pointed the beam at the floor. “Uncle Joe gave it to me,” she informed Brynn.

  Brynn smiled at Joe. “That was very nice of him.”

  Katie frowned and shook her head. “Not Dr. Joe. Uncle Joe.”

  Tony chuckled in response to Brynn’s obvious incomprehension. “Michelle and I both have brothers named Joe,” he explained. “To distinguish them, the kids call mine ‘Dr. Joe’ and Michelle’s brother ‘Uncle Joe.’ ”

  “We’ve gotten used to it,” Dr. Joe added with a shrug of resignation.

  Brynn looked at Michelle. “I met your brother Jared yesterday. He was kind enough to sit with me during my friend’s surgery.”

  Michelle’s face softened. “Jared has a way of making you believe everything’s going to be all right, doesn’t he?”

  “Yes,” Brynn admitted. “He does.”

  “Shane lets me ride his horse,” Carly piped up.

  Brynn turned back to the children. “Does he?”

  “Me, too,” Katie said, not to be outdone.

  Joe watched as the children surrounded Brynn, all talking at once, pushing closer and closer to her chair, obviously responding to her smile and her genuine interest in what they had to say. So he wasn’t the only one who felt drawn toward her. Interesting.

  He glanced at Tony and Michelle, noting that they were watching with interest as their children bonded with Brynn. He suspected it wouldn’t be long before Tony and Michelle offered Brynn the position their nanny had recently vacated. And considering Brynn’s need for immediate employment, she would probably accept... which meant that Joe would be seeing her whenever he visited his brother and sister-in-law.

  He knew he was headed for trouble when he found himself thinking that he really hadn’t spent enough time at Tony and Michelle’s house lately.

  Chapter Four

  Brynn was amused when Katie suddenly turned to her uncle with big, adoring eyes. “Ice cream, Dr. Joe?”

  Joe’s mouth quirked. “Is this a sudden craving you’ve developed?”

  Obviously having little idea what he meant, Katie nodded anyway. “Ice cream.”

  “Katie,” Michelle murmured repressively.

  Joe chuckled and shook his head. “I’ll take these three for a quick ice cream down in the canteen. Brynn, you want ice cream or would you rather stay and visit a while with Michelle and Tony?”

  “Oh, I...”

  “Please stay, Brynn,” Michelle said quickly. “Tony and I would love to get to know you better.”

  Remembering that Vinnie had said Tony and Michelle were looking for a new nanny, and wondering if he’d already mentioned to them that Brynn had experience in that line of work, she nodded a bit hesitantly. “All right.”

  Joe held out his hands to the girls, then motioned for Jason to follow. “W
e won’t be long,” he promised.

  “Doesn’t Justin want ice cream?” Katie asked innocently.

  Jason rolled his eyes, the exasperated older brother. “Babies can’t eat ice cream, Katie.”

  Katie sighed and looked sympathetically at the infant in her mother’s arms. “Poor baby.”

  Brynn felt a need to say something as the door closed behind Joe and the children. “They’re obviously quite fond of their uncle. And it’s obviously mutual.”

  Michelle nodded. “Yes. Joe loves all the children. The girls, especially, have him wrapped around their fingers. All Carly or Katie have to do is smile at him and bat their lashes, and he’s putty in their hands.”

  Brynn clasped her fingers in front of her, thinking with a slight pang that Joe would probably make a wonderful father. She wondered why he’d not yet married and started a family. Had he been too busy establishing his medical career? Or had he simply not met anyone he wanted to be the mother of his children?

  She imagined there were any number of eligible women who wouldn’t mind discussing the possibility with him.

  She pushed thoughts of Joe’s romantic life out of her mind, since it had absolutely nothing to do with her. “You mentioned you have a brother named Joe, Michelle,” she said, still trying to make conversation. “Do you have other brothers or sisters besides Jared?”

  “There are six of us. Jared, Layla, Joe, Ryan and Lindsay.”

  “Six.” Brynn shook her head. “It must have been wonderful growing up with so many brothers and sisters to play with,” she murmured, a bit wistfully.

  Michelle suddenly wore an odd expression. “I... um...” She moistened her lips. “That’s a rather long story. Actually, Tony and I wanted to talk to you about something else.”

  She glanced from her baby to her husband and then back at Brynn. “We understand that you’re a child-care worker. Vinnie mentioned that we’re looking for a nanny?”

  “Yes, he did.”

  “Maybe we’d better tell you exactly what we need,” Tony said. “Michelle works as charity administrator for Trent Enterprises, a corporation based here in Dallas. She works out of our home primarily, but her work keeps her very busy. She needs someone to help her entertain the kids during the days while she works. It isn’t a live-in position—we take care of the children in the evenings and at night But we’re willing to pay very well for someone we can trust with our children, someone who’s qualified to entertain and stimulate them while they’re home from school.”