LITMIR.BIZ

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ought to develop a more complete story, such as how you planned it and why.”

      “I’ll say I did it on the spur of the moment,” Leah replied. “I mean, it could happen that way, right?”

      “Clinics usually do a lot of screening,” the doctor replied. “However, this unidentified facility might have lax rules. Perhaps you used a private physician that you heard about from your friend?”

      “Sure.” Leah had never realized lying could be so complicated. And she hated involving Jenni in the deception. But how fair was it that she faced all sorts of repercussions, while Will faced none at all?

      The doctor went on to explain about proper health care during pregnancy, and provided several brochures, along with a prescription for neonatal vitamins. “Our new obstetrician is arriving day after tomorrow. It isn’t necessary to return for a few weeks unless you’re having problems, but when you do, perhaps you should visit him instead of me.”

      Leah didn’t care to share her most delicate feelings with a stranger, especially a man. “I’m staying with you.”

      Jenni looked pleased. “I have to admit, I like treating mothers-to-be. Of course, if complications develop, we’d need Dr. Rankin’s help, but there’s no reason to expect any problems. He should probably handle the delivery, though. He’ll have staff privileges at Mill Valley Medical Center.” The clinic had an arrangement with the hospital twelve miles away.

      “We’ll deal with that in due time,” Leah said. “Right now, I’m trying to figure out how to settle my stomach. Any suggestions?”

      Jenni had several, including eating frequent, small meals. “I seem to recall hearing that you provide snacks for your class, so that should help. Which reminds me—I’ve been meaning to talk to you about Nick.”

      Nick Forrest, soon to be Jenni’s stepson, would be in Leah’s class this year. “That’s right. He’s diabetic, isn’t he? Tell me about his special needs.”

      Jenni explained that, thanks to the boy’s insulin pump, he didn’t require shots, but had to eat regular meals and avoid excessive sweets, as well as monitor his blood sugar levels by pricking his finger and testing the blood droplet. She and Ethan would drop by to make sure all went well, she promised.

      “Good,” Leah said. “I’d love to have you educate the kids about his condition. That should allay any teasing.”

      “Great idea!” They set a date. When they were done, Jenni said, “Go ahead and get dressed. By the way, congratulations.”

      “Thanks.” Accepting best wishes under the circumstance felt odd. Yet having a baby was cause for joy, Leah thought.

      “Don’t forget to stop by the front desk,” Jenni added from the doorway. “You’ll need another appointment. Also, Yvonne will give you vitamin samples to get you started.”

      “Thanks.” As soon as the door closed, Leah took several deep breaths. Pregnant. How exhilarating and how terrifying.

      She’d often watched students’ mothers as their waistlines expanded. She’d been both curious and envious that a child grew inside. And despite their discomforts, the moms had mostly beamed with contentment.

      Still, they had almost always had husbands or at least boyfriends to help out. Helen Rios, the manicurist at Aunt Rosie’s salon, was moving to Knoxville soon with her fiancé, the artist who’d painted Pepe’s murals, to start a new life. It would shortly include their baby.

      Leah, on the other hand, faced going through the entire experience alone.

      Her aunt and Mark would help, she felt certain. So would Karen and Jenni, of course. But it wasn’t the same.

      Lots of women managed, and so would she, Leah decided firmly.

      When she pulled on her slacks, they strained over her midsection. Karen hadn’t noticed the problem this morning, so no doubt her heavy lunch had contributed, but already her body was changing.

      It reminded her that she would need a new wardrobe. Other things, as well: clothes, baby furniture and a car seat.

      So many changes. So much to consider.

      After she finished dressing, she went to the reception desk, where Yvonne discreetly slipped her the vitamins. The nurse frowned at Patsy, who was sorting through a cardboard box.

      “That girl is out of her mind,” the nurse confided. “The new ob-gyn sent some books and stuff ahead for his office, and she’s mooning over his picture.”

      “I heard that!” The receptionist skewered her with a mock glare. “He’s cute, that’s all. And he’s divorced.”

      “Terrific! An obstetrician she can flirt with,” Yvonne grumbled. “This is a medical office, not a dating service. I don’t know where they’re to find a nurse for him—they’ve been advertising for weeks—but I hope they do, because I’ve got my hands full as it is. Plus, I prefer a female doctor any day.”

      “Me, too,” Leah agreed.

      “You should see Dr. Rankin. With him around, work is going to be way more interesting.” Patsy retrieved a framed photo from the box and thrust it toward her. “Look!”

      Leah took the picture. Stunned, she stared, barely managing to keep her disbelief from showing.

      It was Will, kneeling on a lawn, a breeze ruffling his hair as he favored the camera with a heart-stopping smile. He had his arms looped around two little blond girls, one on each side.

      Dr. William Rankin, she thought numbly. In a crazy way, it made sense. Karen must have asked him to recommend a country-music bar in Austin, and he’d cited the Wayward Drummer.

      Now he was moving to Downhome. Her situation had just become a whole lot more awkward.

      The obstetrician who might be expected to deliver her baby was its father. Yet he’d made it clear he wanted nothing to do with her. Presumably, with her child, as well.

      Still, unless she fled, they couldn’t avoid meeting again. Besides, seeing the joy he showed for his two daughters gave Leah pause.

      “Well?” Patsy said. “What do you think?”

      “Cute girls,” Leah responded, and handed the picture back. She went out the door, too flummoxed to make any further attempt at chitchat.

      Two shocks in one day. Knowing she couldn’t carry on a coherent conversation with anyone, she hurried to her car and drove home.

      One fact stood out in her mind. She wasn’t going to let that man chase her from this town or her friends.

      Beyond that, Leah had no idea how she was going to handle this.

      IN THE BACK OF THE CAR, Diane squirmed. “Daddy, can I stay with you today?”

      “You don’t want to go to school?” The girls had been atwitter all weekend, partly about settling into a new home but mostly about preparing for class. They’d even set up a pretend classroom for their dolls. Now, however, it sounded like Diane had a case of cold feet.

      Will had to admit that he shared a touch of her nerves. Their first day of school didn’t seem nearly as casual as escorting his kids to kindergarten had been. He was much more aware of starting them on a path that would eventually lead to—heaven help them all—adolescence.

      “I want to be a nurse,” Diane replied. “Let me work with you.”

      “Me, too,” India said.

      “They don’t let kids work at medical offices,” Will informed them as he drove.

      He wished he had a clearer view of the girls than his small mirror provided. Safety required strapping them into the rear seat, something his ex-wife hadn’t always bothered to do, despite his warnings.

      He refused to think about Allison or how she ought to be here. In many ways, the

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