Harlequin Medical Romance December 2015, Box Set 1 of 2 by Tina Beckett Read Free Book Online Page B

does.”
    â€œAnd you’re not?”
    She shrugged. “I don’t expect everyone around me to live up to a certain set of expectations.”
    â€œYou expect yourself to live up to them, instead.”
    She paused. “Maybe.” She glanced up at him. “Can I hold her?”
    Dean nodded. “Of course. Only for a minute or two, though.”
    * * *
    It took a little doing to manage all the tubes and wires, but the second the baby was placed in her arms, Jess was in love. From her little pink cap to the teeny-tiny nappy, Marissa Fay Stewart was as perfect as could be. She didn’t stir other than to twitch a shoulder as she settled into place.
    Jess cuddled her with one arm while she stroked a gloved thumb down the newborn’s leg. She didn’t understand why Abbie didn’t want to stay by her cot. Why she didn’t seem to even want to hold her baby. Was she just afraid?
    Her sister was a good mother to her other three children. At least from what she’d heard from her parents—the kids were all happy and well-adjusted. Maybe that was it. It had to be a huge adjustment to add another child to their family. Her sister would come around.
    She touched the little mark on her calf, just barely visible from where she sat. “She’s gorgeous.”
    â€œShe is.” Dean agreed with her without hesitation. When she glanced up at him, though, his eyes weren’t on the baby. They were on her.
    Her face heated and she ducked her head again, hoping he didn’t notice the way he affected her. This was why almost every female in the hospital swooned over him, including some of the babies’ mums.
    Well, Jess wasn’t about to be one of those women. Not even a pretend one. If what he’d said was true, that her sister believed his little charade, then they were going to leave it at that. No need to take it any further.
    The sound of something tapping on the viewing glass across the room caught her attention and things went from bad to worse. Martin stood there waving at her. Why wasn’t he with his wife?
    She clenched her teeth at her own stupidity. Maybe he’d already been to Abbie’s room. He must have ended his business trip early when he heard the news.
    Dean gave her a questioning look.
    â€œIt’s the baby’s father. Martin.”
    â€œThe same Martin who left you for your sister.”
    She cringed, but it was true. Hearing it said out loud though brought back a whole host of awful memories. But Dean was no longer beside her, he was striding toward the door, letting in her ex...her sister’s husband.
    â€œI was in Tokyo, and had a dickens of a time finding a flight out. How is she, Abbie?”
    Jess froze at the mistake. Before she could say anything, though, Dean moved beside her. “Look again.”
    Her ex glanced at her. “Oh, hell, sorry, Jess. You were holding the baby, and I just assumed...”
    â€œIt’s okay. Abbie’s tired. She’s in her room. I take it you haven’t been to see her yet?”
    â€œI thought I’d find her here, actually.” He squatted down beside her chair. “Is the baby okay?”
    The tears that hadn’t come earlier now stung her eyes. “She’s tiny. But perfect.”
    â€œAnd Abbie? Is she all right?”
    â€œYes. She’s upset, naturally, but she’s doing well physically.” She decided to leave out the details of what had transpired, pretty sure someone would soon enlighten him as to her part in the ordeal.
    He touched the baby’s head. “She looks like you two.”
    A hand came to rest on her shoulder, and Jess stiffened when she realized it was Dean. A trill of apprehension went through her, and, as much as the rational part of her brain was yelling at her to shake off his touch, she just sat there without a word.
    Martin noticed as well and slowly climbed to his feet. He held out a hand. “Sorry. I’m Martin