To Have the Doctor's Baby by Teresa Southwick Read Free Book Online Page A

curiosity.
    â€œBecause I’m the regional coordinator for Children’s Medical Charities.”
    â€œUh-huh.”
    â€œIt’s a really good job.”
    â€œTotally,” Avery agreed.
    â€œAnd very important.”
    â€œYou’ll get no argument from me.”
    â€œDoesn’t feel that way,” Ryleigh pointed out. “I’m raising money for programs and equipment to help kids.”
    â€œI know what the charity does. You’ll do a fantastic job because you’re motivated. No one loves kids more than you.” Avery finished her pizza, then tapped her lip thoughtfully. “As I recall, you were determined to have a baby before the big 3-0. How’s that going?”
    This is where the best-friend bond got awkward. Confessing everything would result in Avery’s honest opinion. And most of the time Ryleigh valued that. Now? Well, no one wanted to be told they were an idiot. Or worse, crazy.
    Ryleigh rolled up her empty paper plate. “Oh, you know.”
    â€œIf I knew, I wouldn’t have asked. What’s going on? And don’t tell me nothing. This is me and I know better.”
    â€œPower down, O’Neill. You’re right.” She sighed. “I actively looked for a job in Las Vegas after coming to the realization that Nick is the best man I know and I want him to father my baby.”
    Avery blinked and stared, speechless for several moments. “The desert heat has cooked your brain cells.”
    â€œIt’s October and not hot. I think you just called me crazy.”
    â€œNo. I’d never say that. But, Ryleigh—” She shook her head. “What are you thinking?”
    â€œThat my biological clock is ticking. I don’t want to take my chances at a sperm bank, and men who are good father material don’t grow on trees. The ones I was meeting just didn’t measure up and I’m not getting any younger.”
    â€œBut Nick is your ex.”
    â€œSo? That doesn’t mean he isn’t good looking. Or smart. He’s a doctor and treats kids with breathing problems. Doesn’t get any better than that.”
    â€œHe is a tough act to follow, I’ll grant you that. But your ex?” Avery said again.
    â€œNot being able to love me isn’t a deal-breaking biological flaw.”
    Avery put her empty paper plate on the coffee table and grabbed her wineglass. “Does Nick know any of this?”
    â€œAll of it.”
    â€œAnd after he requested a psych evaluation?”
    â€œStop calling me crazy.” But Ryleigh understood this was coming from a place of sincerity and caring.
    â€œDid I say the ‘c’ word? It did not come out of my mouth. And don’t keep me in suspense. What was his reaction?”
    In for a penny, in for a pound. “He asked me to move in with him. To make the logistics more—logistical. During my fertile time.” When her friend was quiet, she begged, “Say something, Avery.”
    â€œHow did you talk him into it? Not the moving-in thing, the fathering thing.”
    â€œI think he feels guilty. For his part of what went wrong in our marriage. But there were also tears involved. I just couldn’t help it when I saw the babies in the nursery. And he happened to be there.”
    Ryleigh hadn’t faked the emotion and couldn’t be sorryit helped convince him. But she’d never forget how good his arms had felt around her. The comfort he’d offered without hesitation. She had no illusion that it came from anywhere besides friendship, but that didn’t diminish her appreciation.
    Avery nodded thoughtfully, processing everything. There was a gleam in her blue eyes when she asked, “You know that having a baby with Nick will require you to have sex with him?”
    â€œYes. That’s part of the logistics. So when I’m—you know—he’ll be…you know.”
    â€œHandy?”
    â€œYeah.”
    The