The Surrogate (Clearwater) by Marissa Dobson Read Free Book Online Page B

the hospital.”
    “I’ll deal with him.” She got
out of bed ready to get dressed and tell her brother. Hopefully he would be as
happy for her as she was.
    * * *
    Later that afternoon, the
gifts were opened, the news of their forthcoming marriage had been delivered to
James, and now they gathered in the family room. Michael was content with
Jessi’s head resting against his chest, while James took the chair cattycorner
to them, each relaxing before the night’s excitement was upon them.
    “James, I know you have a
promising practice in the city but have you ever thought of settling for the
slower life?” Michael took a drink of his coffee.
    “Sure, from time to time. To
get out of the city, away from it all. It sounds like Heaven but that means
starting all over, and positions like yours don’t come up often. Most small
towns want family doctors not pediatricians.”
    “So if something came
available, would you be interested?”
    “Michael, what’s this all
about?” Jessi inquired before her brother could answer.
    “Let him answer and I’ll
explain. I promise.” He kissed the top of her forehead and looked back at
James.
    “Maybe if it was a good fit.”
    “I want to offer you a job.
Now with twins due any day to have another doctor in the office to share the
workload and hospital duties would be a blessing. It would give me more time to
spend with Jes and the girls. It would also keep you close for Jes. You’ll be
able to play a bigger part in your nieces’ lives.” When James started to speak
Michael added. “Just think about it, that’s all I’m asking.”
    James laughed. It was deep and
full of life. “I was going to say I’ll take it. I’ll need time to give notice
in Denver, but it would be perfect.” He rose from his seat and walked across
the room to stand by the window. “The other night when we were on our way back
from the airport and you stopped to pull that lady out of the snowbank. I
realized this was the type of place I wanted to be. No one would have done that
in Denver. More importantly, Jessi is here. We’ve always been close and to
think of her gone… Well, she’s all the family I have left.”
    “Oh, James.” She tried to
rise, but didn’t have the momentum to get up. “Damn stomach always in the way.”
Finally able to get up, she went and hugged him.
    “Last night, I looked to see if
there were any openings for a pediatrician in the area. I’d change my life, to
stick close to you and be a part of my nieces’ daily lives. I don’t want to be
the uncle they only see once or twice a year.”
    “I’m sorry. I never meant for
this to change your life. I thought you loved your job,” Jessi told him.
    “None of this is your fault. I
want you happy and Michael does that for you. He’s a good man. I couldn’t have
picked a better one for you.”
    “Thank you. Jes is an amazing
woman, I’ll do my best to make sure she’s always happy.” Michael came up behind
her, placing his arms around her until they slid overtop hers on her stomach,
before steering the conversation back on track. “So when can you start?”
    “If you’re serious I’ll call
tomorrow and give my notice. My contract says I need to give thirty days, so
I’ll need a month to close things up back in Denver before I could start.”
    Michael nodded, excited about
the possibility of working with his former medical school roommate and best
friend. Back before they went their separate ways that had been an unstoppable
team. His father always told him work to live not live to work and that was
exactly what he what he wanted to do.
    “You’re really going to move
here?” Jessi asked, her voice holding a touch of surprise.
    “Why little sister, the way
you ask that, someone might think you wouldn’t want me intruding on your
happiness,” James teased.
    “It’s not that. I mean I’d
love you close. I’m just surprised. You’ve worked so hard to establish your own
clients and now you’re