Just What I Need (The Bradfords) by Erin Nicholas Read Free Book Online Page A

Well, being here for our friends was more important.”
    Kevin smiled, watching Mac give Dooley a hard time. In the midst of such a stressful time, it was nice to know that some things stayed the same. He could depend on these men to be who they were, who he needed them to be, no matter what was going on around them. Sam was down, understandably, but even he had perked up at the chance to rib Dooley.
    “That’s really nice of you, man,” Sam said. “Knowing that you’re here for me, putting us first, forgetting about the fact that you’ve got a marriage to consummate… That’s all really…something.”
    Dooley shifted again. “Sure. Of course.”
    Mac was nodding. “It really is…something. I mean, consummating your marriage is a big deal. And with a woman like Morgan…” he whistled, “…that’s gotta be tough. I mean, it’s not like you could forget about it. That’s more like major resistance.”
    “Very admirable,” Kevin agreed, “to not even touch her in the car over here. That shows true friendship to Sam.”
    “Consummating was, and continues to be, my favorite part of… ow ,” Mac grunted as Sam kicked him. “Hey.” He frowned at his friend and rubbed his shin.
    “No sex and Sara talk,” Sam said. “That also shows true friendship to Sam.”
    Mac chuckled.
    “And it shows definite dedication to Sam and Dani to not take Morgan to the fifth floor doctor’s lounge,” Kevin inserted as a diversion. “You know that couch is one of the best.”
    “And I know you know that the family conference room on third floor has a lock on it,” Mac added
    “Oh, and there’s Dr. Rifkin’s office that has a lock and a couch. And it’s Saturday, so no chance of being interrupted,” Sam said.
    Dooley seemed very interested in his burger. Too interested.
    And Kevin knew his friend well.
    “Hey, Mac,” Kevin said. “Why do you suppose Morgan needed a shower? I mean, we were the ones getting messy holding babies and stuff. You suppose she stepped in some mud outside or spilled some coffee on her dress or something?”
    “Well, she cried a little. I did see her mascara run.” Mac grinned even as he said it.
    “Sure, mascara. That’s a big deal,” Kevin agreed. “But not really shower worthy, you know?”
    “True.” Mac tossed a French fry into his mouth. He chewed and regarded Dooley thoughtfully. “What do you suppose Morgan could have gotten into?”
    “Exam room six in the ER.”
    They turned to look at the man who’d joined them.
    It was Ben.
    The men surged to their feet as one.
    “Jess and I like exam six too. It’s private and has blinds on the windows.”
    Kevin looked at Dooley. “There’s no lock on exam six.”
    “Our first time was in a public elevator,” Dooley said, clapping Kevin on the shoulder. “The risk of being caught seemed nostalgic.”
    “Nostalgic.” Kevin snorted. “That’s one word.”
    “Desperate is another,” Mac chuckled.
    Sam pushed through them to face Ben. “The babies?”
    They all sobered instantly.
    “Natalie is doing well. Everything looks good on the monitors.”
    “What about Ellie?” Sam asked.
    “They’ve got her hooked up to everything. She’s stable. Dr. Carson is happy with how she’s doing.”
    Sam’s shoulder slumped with relief and Kevin reached out and put a hand on one shoulder while Dooley and Mac did the same on the other side.
    “Can I go in?” Sam asked.
    Ben nodded. “They’re waiting for you.”
    “You want company?” Kevin asked.
    Sam looked at the door to Dani’s room. “I, um…” He sighed. “Fuck, I don’t know.”
    “Jess is up there,” Ben said.
    Kevin watched the lines around Sam’s mouth relax as he breathed deep at the sound of his sister’s name. “Okay.”
    “And I’ll get Sara for you,” Mac told him, starting for Dani’s room.
    If Dani couldn’t be there to hold his hand, Sam’s sisters were the next best choice.
    “We’ll, um…” Kevin looked around, “…wait