The Doctors' Baby Read Online Free PDF Page A

long way to go.’
    He was totally brisk—businesslike in what seemed, to him, to be a very sensible arrangement. ‘Which reminds me,’ he said, ignoring her raised eyebrows. ‘If I’m working here as a doctor, are there doctors’ quarters where I can stay?’
    â€˜Nowhere big enough for you,’ she said without thinking, and his ready laughter sprang back.
    â€˜Hey, I’m not that big.’
    Maybe not in size, but in presence, Em thought a little desperately, and she tried hard to get her scattered wits in order. OK. He needed accommodation. He’d help out for a month or so, but he needed somewhere to stay.
    The thought of his help was tantalising. Even if he just did a couple of nights’ call a week he’d be a blessing, she thought wistfully. Two nights’ guaranteed sleep a week…
    â€˜I can willingly share your load,’ he said softly, and she blinked. Heck, was she so transparent?
    â€˜I can manage on my own.’
    â€˜Just like Anna.’
    â€˜We don’t have a choice,’ she snapped, and with that the laughter died completely.
    â€˜Yes,’ he told her, and a trace of sternness sounded inhis tone. ‘You do have a choice. I’m here for both of you—if you let me.’
    Jonas meant it.
    He was absolutely positive, he’d brook no argument, and an hour later Em watched him drive away in his exotic little Alfa Romeo while she blinked back her disbelief.
    She had a partner—for a month.
    â€˜Maybe for more if I need to be here for longer,’ he’d growled, and then had added, ‘And, please, God, I don’t need it.’
    She could only agree with him. Please, let Anna not have cancer. But if she did then Em would welcome Jonas with open arms while they waited for Anna to heal, she decided. To share her workload would be bliss. Her surgery was big enough for both of them.
    But…her home?
    That was the only part of the arrangement which left her less than satisfied. The doctors’ house at the back of the hospital had been optimistically built to accommodate up to four doctors. It therefore had four bedrooms and four bathrooms. Em, and her ancient dog, Bernard, rattled around in it.
    But it still only had one living room and one kitchen!
    So Jonas was heading back to his hotel tonight, but as of tomorrow she’d have him permanently under her feet.
    A partner and a housemate—for a month!
    But not until tomorrow, she told herself desperately. By then she should have time to get her wayward emotions under control!
    Â 
    Em met Jonas again sooner than the next day. She met him that night.
    Two hours later, Em parked outside Home Two, oneof the homes making up Bay Beach Orphanage, and recognised the car parked out front straight away.
    How many people in town drove silver Alfa Romeos? None that she knew of, she thought. Except Jonas.
    What on earth was he doing here?
    Drat her stupid emotions, she thought. Why did the sight of his car make her heart jolt?
    As her friend opened the front door, Em had to school her expression to hide her surprise, and she had to force her voice to sound normal. It was no mean feat, but somehow she did it.
    â€˜Hi, Lori.’ She smiled at her friend but gave a sideways, cautious glance at the Alfa. ‘Am I intruding?’
    â€˜Of course you’re not.’ Lori pulled the door wide, allowing her to see Jonas sitting at the kitchen table. He looked up at her and smiled, and Em’s heart did that lurching thing she was becoming familiar with and didn’t understand in the least. ‘Jonas and I are having a cup of tea. Do you have time to join us?’
    â€˜I might have,’ Em said, wary. ‘Thanks to Jonas.’
    â€˜He told me about taking over your surgery.’ Lori pressed her friend’s hand. ‘And about Charlie. Em, I’m so sorry.’
    â€˜It’s OK.’
    But it wasn’t. She’d hardly had time to think