Taking a Chance Read Online Free PDF Page B

let’s see what we can do about that.”
    Maddie glanced at her mom eagerly. Nina took a step back and excused herself to use the restroom, leaving Maddie alone with Dr. Anderson.
    As Maddie turned to walk with Dr. Anderson, he lightly placed his hand on her lower back to lead her forward. Again, Maddie felt a flutter in her stomach.
Geez, what is up with me?
    “Dr. Anderson, is everything going to be okay with Ashley?”
    “First,” he stopped and placed his hand on her arm, “please call me Todd. Doctor sounds too formal coming from you,” he said, as a smile spread across his face.
    His smile was warm and his blue eyes turned even brighter when he smiled.
God, why am I noticing these details? He’s Lola’s doctor, not my boyfriend
.
    “Doctor—I mean, Todd—Are you sure it’s okay if I call you by your first name?”
    “Yes, if you don’t mind, but if you prefer, you may call me Dr. Anderson.”
    Mind? Why would I mind?
Maddie was going to continue, but a nurse approached them. Todd stepped away from Maddie with the nurse and had a brief conversation. When he came back, Maddie saw the same concerned look she had seen yesterday.
    “Please don’t say something is wrong with Lola or Ashley,” exclaimed Maddie.
    “No, but I have another patient who needs my immediate attention. I feel terrible I have to leave after I promised to take you to Ashley. I asked Anne to speak to the head nurse in the nursery. I will stop by as soon as I can.” He gave her a smile, but it was quick and did not light up his eyes.
    Maddie could tell he was preoccupied. She was not sure if she was more disappointed he was leaving or that she was not going to be able to hold Ashley. As Todd walked away, her mom came down the hallway.
    “What happened?”
    “He had an emergency with another patient. He did speak to one of the nurses before he left to see if I would still be able to hold Ashley.”
    They sat down on the nearest bench to wait.
    “So, what did you two talk about?” Nina’s mouth widened into a slow smile.
    “Mom, I’m not sure what that smile is for, but we just talked about Ashley and Lola.”
    “Oh, Maddie, it’s very obvious he’s attracted to you. Even Scott noticed it while he was in the middle of a crisis yesterday!”
    “It feels so weird to me. Remember how I told you I met Austin Hunter. The same thing happened when I met him, only the connection was even more intense. I just don’t want to fall too fast for someone.”
    “You’ll be fine. You’re a smart girl,” her mom said as she patted Maddie’s leg.
    A little while later, a nurse came over to get Maddie and her mom so they could hold Ashley for a few minutes. Maddie held out her arms first and tears welled up in her eyes as the nurse handed her the tiny bundle. Feeling like an over-protective aunt the second she touched her, Maddie wanted to cradle Ashley in her arms to protect her from everything bad in the world. Ashley blinked her eyes open and Maddie saw the most beautiful blue eyes staring back at her.
    “Oh, Mom, she’s gorgeous! She’s so tiny but just so perfect.” Maddie knew she only had a few minutes before the nurse returned to get her. “Do you want to hold her? I don’t want to be selfish.”
    “No, sweetheart, I’ll hold her later when she can be up longer. You just enjoy this moment.”
    When Maddie saw the nurse coming back, she tilted her head down to give Ashley a kiss. “You’ll always be safe in my arms, little one. I look forward to watching you grow up.”
    Scott and Todd came around opposite corners and caught Maddie in the moment. “Maddie, what did I tell you, it’s a feeling like you’ve never experienced before!” exclaimed her brother.
    “She’s amazing. I could hold her in my arms forever.” She turned to Todd. “And Todd, I can’t thank you enough for making it happen!”
    Scott and Nina exchanged a look.
    “It was my pleasure,” said Todd. He turned to Scott, “Is Lola