Valentine Babies (Holiday Babies Series) Read Online Free PDF Page B

the phone. “Your sister.”
    Roxanne listened then replied. “It was a lovely reception...
A lot of fun... I just had cramps... Yes, like last night... I’m fine now.
Really I am.”
    Apparently Madelyn had been aware of her sister’s
indisposition. Judging by Roxanne’s tone of voice, an argument had started
between the young women.
    “No way... Forget it... I can’t dump everything and go to
Florida now... I know your condo is available... I’m not sick... Just a bit
tired... Okay, okay... I’ll think about it. Don’t worry about me. I’m fine. See
you tomorrow.”
    Roxanne cut the connection and scowled. “Madelyn is
concerned about my health. Can you imagine? She’s suggesting, actually
insisting, I should go to Fort Lauderdale and relax on the beach. Now of all
times.”
    “Excellent idea.” Bless you, Madelyn . A muscle
twitched in his jaw. “It would help you physically and mentally to take a
break. You’ll be away from the family and their questions. You’ll breathe some
fresh air. And you’ll have plenty of time to ponder the situation and decide
what to do.”
    “Are you serious?” She squinted at him as if he’d lost his
mind.
    “Very serious. I’m driving back tomorrow after brunch. Come
with me. We’ll talk more during the trip.” He smiled. “Not all women have an
obstetrician keeping an eye on their health while they travel.”
    She peered at him, then arched her eyebrows. “How come
you’re driving? It’s a sixteen hour trip.”
    Did she have to ask that question? Embarrassed, he
averted his gaze. “I can’t fly.”
    “Why?”
    Oh dang. “I just can’t. I never fly.”
    “Why?” Her eyes rounded. “Are you afraid?”
    He stiffened. “Not exactly afraid, but—”
    “A grownup man, a doctor afraid of flying. That is so sweet.
One day, I’ll take you on a plane and help you forget your fear.”
    Annoyed, he crossed his arms. “Well, will you come with me
to Florida tomorrow?”
    Her head tilted, she bit her lip and considered him for a
moment.
    “Yes. I’ll take a week off. Being on my own will do me a
world of good.” She rubbed her stomach.
    He wasn’t planning on leaving her on her own after
hospital hours, but he kept his mouth shut. The important thing was to take her
with him and make sure she wouldn’t jump on a plane and head to some
God-forsaken country, out of guilt. He knew that treacherous feeling well
enough. His mother handed it to him as generously as he distributed vitamins to
his patients.
    “Great. Tomorrow morning, you can pack before brunch. We’ll
leave right after.”
    “I hope I’ll be able to decide if it’s better to go see the
Diabs now, and tell them about the baby. Or stay here and wallow in regrets.”
    Neither one . Greg wasn’t going to let her bemoan the
past forever.

 
     
     
    Chapter Four
    “Celia, come back here, sweetie pie.” Roxanne ran after her
niece who already paddled in the soft waves and scooped her up in her arms.
Chubby arms folded around Roxanne’s neck. A fragrance of sunscreen and baby
lotion fluttered her heart with a new emotion. One day soon, she’d have a
similar darling to cuddle. She dropped noisy kisses on the little girl’s cheeks
and received moist smooches and giggles in response.
    Four weeks had already passed since the wedding. Roxanne
didn’t regret coming with Greg to Fort Lauderdale. She’d spent many hours
working on her laptop and emailing reports and articles to her boss.
    Madelyn and Nick had returned from their honeymoon two days
ago, picked up their daughters in Kentucky, and flown back to Fort Lauderdale
the night before. While watching the girls play on the sand, Roxanne had
related the whole situation to Madelyn.
    “Oh sweetie, I’m so sorry you had to go through all this
heartache at my wedding.” Madelyn hugged her. “I noticed something was going
wrong but I thought you had a stomach bug as you told us the night before.”
    “Coming here with Greg has helped me a lot,