The Nurse's Newborn Gift by Wendy S. Marcus Read Free Book Online Page B

bored, as she looked out the window.
    Much better than fine, her one-bedroom apartment in his building—because the rent on the one-bedroom was less than the rent on the two-bedroom—was beautiful. Spacious, with freshly painted walls, refurbished hardwood floors and an updated kitchen. He knew the details for certain, because he’d helped Derrick and Kira move her in on Thursday night, not that she’d required much help since all she’d brought with her were two duffle bags, five or six boxes, and a small, twin-size bed.
    Now, every time he rode the elevator past the fourth floor, to or from his apartment on the sixth floor, he thought about her, wondered if she was okay, if she needed anything.
    Yes, as she’d pointed out during their chat in the staff lunchroom at Derrick’s office, Jarrod had entrusted her with a part of himself. Well, Jarrod had also entrusted Spencer to look after and help the woman he’d loved completely and the child he’d entrusted her with. Spencer took his responsibilities very seriously, always had. Jarrod knew that, had seen Spencer step up after his father had died, keeping a close eye on his younger sisters, protecting and guiding them, like his father would have. Better than his father would have.
    As much as Spencer had been looking forward to his newfound freedom from his mother and sisters, the truth was he’d been feeling a little lost for the past few months. No way he wanted to take on the responsibility of another woman in his life, one mother and two sisters were enough, thank you very much. But the more he thought about it, the more the idea of helping and looking after Krissy and her baby, at least for now, until they were both settled, started to grow on him. It gave him a purpose, made him feel needed again. And just like researching future occupations, scholarships and colleges with his sisters, and helping his mom figure out college loans and investment strategies for retirement planning, Spencer had put in the hours to research pregnancy, labor and delivery, and caring for a newborn.
    The timing worked.
    During soccer season he could be around for Krissy, help her out. After she had the baby he could stop in here and there, make sure little J.J. was well cared for. Then, at the end of soccer season, he’d take off for a few weeks of rest and relaxation.
    Playing the role of godfather to Krissy and Jarrod’s baby didn’t have to ruin his plans.
    â€œI really appreciate you coming with me today,” Krissy said, again, for the... Spencer had lost track of how many times she’d said it. “I have lots of friends down in New York City. But Kira moved herself and my mom up to White Plains while I was out in Hawaii. I don’t know many people here yet.”
    She repositioned herself in her seat, again, either uncomfortable or antsy. He couldn’t tell which.
    â€œNo problem,” he answered, again, like he’d answered each time she’d stated her appreciation. The crash course version of Lamaze—three hours on Saturday morning and three hours on Sunday afternoon—worked out perfectly with his work schedule. Luckily he hadn’t been scheduled to travel to Canada with the team. Only a few injured players had stayed behind for rehab so he could easily flex his schedule.
    â€œKira had to work today. I’m sure if I’d asked, she would have come tomorrow.”
    â€œBut I insisted on going both days because—”
    â€œAttending only half of the class won’t make either one of you a proficient coach,” she finished. “That makes sense. If you’re even around when I go into labor.”
    â€œI’ll be around.”
    â€œWhat if you’re traveling with the team?”
    He wouldn’t be. Come Monday he’d be talking to management about his need to stay local for the next few weeks. “Even when the team is out of town, one assistant athletic trainer