Maitland Maternity: Triplets, Quads and Quints

It seemed to Bri that everyone in the cafeteria was staring at them as they went through the line. Hunter and Grace kept up a rambling conversation about their food selections. Grace added several vegetables to Bri’s tray. When Hunter added the chocolate pie, Bri finally protested, but he ignored her. He was too busy waving to the cashier to charge all three meals to his account.

Oh, good, that wouldn’t cause any talk!

“Hunter,” she whispered. “Let me pay for me and Grace. It will cause less talk.”

“Honey, you’ve got to quit worrying about gossip. It’s not important.” Then he raised his voice. “Pick wherever you want to sit, Grace. We’ll follow.”

Grace selected a table for four right in the middle of the room where everyone would see them.

Bri took a seat next to Grace, hoping Hunter would sit down on the older woman’s other side, which would give her a little breathing room. She should’ve known better. He, of course, sat down next to her.

“How did you know Grace was coming today?” Bri suddenly asked.

“She knows Helen and called to ask her to lunch. When Helen told me who she was, I included the two of us.”

Bri turned and looked at Grace. “I didn’t know you knew Helen that well. Weren’t you going to at least come see me?”

“Of course I was. But I knew how busy you’d been with the opening; I didn’t want to cause you any stress. But I’m glad I did see you. Without what we added to your tray, you wouldn’t have had much to eat. Aren’t you taking care of yourself and the girls?”

“Sure I am. But I already had a snack today. Lately it seems I’m eating constantly.” She slanted a glare toward Hunter. “And where is Helen?”

Hunter’s face grew serious. “Zach Beaumont got a new patient today. We’re anxious to get her in the hospital and Helen volunteered to stay at work to speed everything up.” He smiled at her before taking a bite of meat loaf. “But you’re coming along nicely. I looked at the latest ultrasound this morning. The girls are a nice size. But I do worry about you not getting enough rest.”

Grace immediately picked up that point. “Are you trying to do too much, darling?”

“Of course not!” Bri protested. “My place is even a little messy, because I’m really not doing too much. Really, Grace, I’m doing fine.”

“Well, I was thinking it might be a good idea for Alice to start working for you before the babies come. Then you’ll feel more comfortable, turning the children over to her while you get some rest. And it wouldn’t hurt for her to cook and clean a little now.”

Bri carefully put down her silverware and turned to Hunter. “You need to keep your nose out of my business!”

He tried to look innocent, but she had no doubt that he had put Grace up to this sudden idea. She started to rise and he clamped his hand on her arm, keeping her seated.

“Really, Bri, I’m sure I taught you better manners than that. The man is just trying to take care of you,” Grace insisted, frowning. “I’m thankful he contacted me. I had no idea you were ready for help. Why hadn’t you called me? I could at least come by every other day or so and do some laundry or something.”

“Grace, I wouldn’t ask that of you!”

“Well, thankfully, it’s not necessary. I talked to Alice this morning. We thought it would be good if she came in for half a day. She could do laundry, change the bed linens, things like that, in the afternoon and then have dinner ready for you when you got home.”

“That sounds lovely, but it’s totally unnecessary, Grace. I can take care of myself,” Bri assured her.

“Of course you can, but this would be for the girls. They need their rest so they can grow. Please do this for me, darling Bri, so I won’t have to worry about you so much.”

Hunter sat back and watched Grace at work. She’d outflanked Bri at every turn. He could use her on his staff. Most important of all, she was getting Bri to do the right thing.

“In fact,” Grace added, “it will be good for Alice, too. She’s a widow, you know, and she spends too much time alone. She’ll get to know your kitchen and how you like things done, instead of having to learn all that with the complication of three babies.”

Hunter grinned. Now she was telling Bri she was being selfish not giving Alice a job at once. When Bri turned to glare at him, as if she’d been able to read his thoughts, he wiped away the grin. “That’s good thinking, Grace.”

“Of course you would think so. Where did you get Grace’s number? I didn’t tell you her last name,” Bri said.

“I never reveal my sources,” he said with a smile.

“Darling Bri, you should’ve let me know you were struggling,” Grace said, patting her hand. “And I should’ve checked on you more often. I’m afraid I’m spoiling Douglas, centering my world around him. Tsk!”

“Grace, you’ve always spoiled all of us. That’s why we love you so much,” Bri said with a gentle smile. “Tell Alice I’d love for her to start part-time to get adjusted. I’d appreciate her help.”

“Wonderful, dear. I’ll give her my key to your place and I’m sure she’ll come in about one today. She promised she’d cook a healthy meal for you.”

“I don’t know if I have anything there to cook.” Bri frantically tried to go through her pantry in her head.

“I knew it. You’ve been neglecting yourself.”

‘It’s just so hard to carry in groceries right now, Grace,” Bri protested.

“Alice will do whatever grocery shopping is necessary. She’ll save the receipt and you can reimburse her.” Grace turned to Hunter. “I’m so glad you called me, Hunter. Bri will be feeling much better with the proper care.”

Though Bri glared at him again, Hunter felt like celebrating. He’d succeeded, thanks to Grace. “Eat your pie, Bri,” was his only comment, however.

“Aren’t you worried about the calories I’m consuming? I’m surprised you don’t have a calculator out counting each one!” she exclaimed.

“If anything, you’re too thin. I want a little baby fat on the girls when they’re born,” he assured her.

“You should see my Bri when she’s not pregnant,” Grace said. “She’s a beautiful woman!”

Hunter smiled at Bri. “Yes, I’m sure she is.” He could remember her in that storeroom, wrapped around his body, her scent filling his nostrils, her warmth heating up his own.

“Are you married?” Grace asked, looking from him to Bri and back again.

“Grace!” Bri protested.

“No, I’m not. Want to do some matchmaking? I’m not against it,” he said, his smile widening, knowing it would infuriate Bri.

“Well, it’s a thought. But I suppose we should wait until after the girls are born. You’re not one of those men who only like boy babies, are you?”

“Not at all. Three identical little girls, looking like their mama, couldn’t make a more beautiful picture.”

“Exactly!” Grace replied, almost clapping her hands in approval. “I’ll bring some baby pictures of Bri and her brothers the next time I come.”

“I’ll look forward to it,” he assured her, seeing the babies in his mind’s eye. Maybe they’d have blue eyes like his. But Bri’s hazel eyes were so beautiful.

Grace interrupted his thoughts. “The main thing is to get them here safely.”

“You’re so right,” he agreed. “That’s my number-one concern, too.”

“I’m still here,” Bri reminded them. “You’ve rearranged my life. The least you can do is talk to me as though I’m a real person.”

“Being pregnant makes her a little testy. She normally has a wonderful personality,” Grace assured him.

“I feel like an old maid someone is trying to auction off. Please, Grace, I’m fine. I don’t need a husband.”

April Sullivan stopped by their table, holding her full tray. “You looking for a husband, Bri?” she asked, obviously having overheard Bri’s last words.

“No! But some of my family seem to think I can’t manage alone,” Bri told her friend, disgust in her voice. “Have you met Grace? She and her husband took care of my brothers and I when we were babies. She’s going to be volunteering in the nursery as soon as we get babies,” she added.

“Then I hope you’re ready soon. We’ve got twins that I think will arrive within the week.”

“Excellent!” Grace said, beaming. “I love babies.”

“Well, you must be good if you took care of Bri and her brothers,” April said with a smile.

“We’d ask you to join us,” Hunter said, “but I think we’re finished. I know I have to get back so I can review the files. What’s the name of the patient soon to deliver?”

April gave him the woman’s name. He pulled out a piece of paper from his pocket and scribbled down the last name. “Ready, ladies?”

“You go ahead. Grace and I want to visit with April for a while, if you don’t mind.”

“Not at all,” he agreed. He stood and held out the chair for April to sit down. “I enjoyed the company, ladies. And, Grace, thanks for your help.” He bent over and kissed the older woman’s cheek. Then he did the same to Bri. “Didn’t want to leave you out, honey. See you later.”

“NOT IF I see you first,” Bri muttered, horrified that he’d kissed her cheek in front of half the hospital. When she dared look at April, she found her friend staring. “That meant nothing,” she hurriedly said.

“He is such a sweet boy, isn’t he, Bri?” Grace said, still smiling.

Bri couldn’t think of what to say.

“Everyone likes him,” April offered. “I’ve only heard praise since he got here.” But she still kept her gaze on Bri, as if she expected Bri to make a major announcement at any moment.

“April, don’t pay any attention to anything he does. He’s intent on teasing me.”

“But he just met you,” April pointed out, a puzzled look on her face.

Bri felt she had to come up with something, some reason for his familiarity, or everyone was going to be convinced she and Dr. Callaghan had something going. Which was utterly ridiculous. “Uh, I met him once at a conference.”

“Really? Did you keep in touch?”

“Not exactly. We have mutual acquaintances. It’s nothing.” Definitely nothing. She hoped if she downplayed it, no one would try to figure out which conference. She’d gone to three different ones before the wing opened.

“Oh, I guess that explains it. But you might keep him in mind for, you know, later on, after the girls are born.”

“Exactly what I say,” Grace agreed enthusiastically.

“I can’t believe the two of you. Look at me! Do I look like I’d be thinking anything about romance? I’m like a beached whale at this point. And I don’t feel friendly toward the sex that got me this way!”

April grinned. “That will pass. I know you love your girls already.”

“Yes, and I’m concentrating on them and no one else right now.”

A FEW HOURS later, when Briana opened her condo’s front door and smelled lemon-fresh polish combined with the fragrant odor of a homemade dinner, her thoughts weren’t on her baby girls. She was thinking about Hunter and his trickery.

She was still angry with him, but the thought of a great meal and a clean place was nice.

“Alice?” she called.

The lady Grace had introduced her to several months ago came out of the kitchen. “Ms. McCallum. You’re home. I hope you’re hungry.”

“I’m starved, and something smells delicious. I hope coming so soon didn’t cause you any problems?”

“No, ma’am. Frankly, I was ready for some company.” The woman beamed at her.

“Why don’t you join me for dinner and we’ll talk? You might’ve had some trouble familiarizing yourself with my place.”

“Oh, I only fixed enough for one. You need to eat it all.”

Bri stepped into the kitchen and watched as Alice filled the table with food. She gulped, then said, “Al-ice, when I said I was starving, I didn’t mean I’d have this big an appetite. There will be plenty for both of us. In fact, I think you should eat dinner with me every evening before you go home. Unless you wouldn’t like it. But some conversation would be nice, and there’s no reason for you to cook twice.”

“I’d love it, if you don’t mind. I’ll pay for half the food,” Alice assured her, her eyes big.

Bri laughed. “As long as I don’t have to fix it, I’ll gladly pay for it.” She pulled out a chair and sat down.

Alice joined her. After a few questions about how Briana liked her laundry done, Alice began asking her questions about her job and life at the hospital.

Before Bri knew it, they’d finished the meal, and she was completely relaxed. “Alice, that was wonderful. I’m feeling more relaxed than I have in weeks. Thank you.”

“I’m glad you liked it. I enjoyed myself, too. Hearing about your job is like listening to a real live soap opera. Now, you go take your bath and get dressed for bed while I do the dishes. Then I can go home knowing that you’re all settled in for the night.”

Obviously, Alice had been taking lessons from Grace, but Bri didn’t complain. She only resisted when the orders came from Hunter. She had to resist the strong pull she felt from him. Being in his arms overpowered all her common sense.

“I could help with the dishes.”

“You’ve already worked all day. I’ll take care of these.”

Bri left the kitchen and went to soak in the tub. Afterward, she dressed in a long flannel gown. It was December, not cold, in Austin, but not warm, either. She pulled socks onto her feet and wandered back into the living room. One of her favorite shows was coming on. She settled among the cushions just as Alice brought her a cup of hot tea.

“Thank you, Alice. I love hot tea.”

“That’s what Grace said. This tea doesn’t have any caffeine, so you can sleep well tonight. I’m going on home now unless there’s anything else you want me to do.”

“Oh, no, you’ve been wonderful. If you only want to come every other day, I’ll be fine.”

“I’d like to come back tomorrow, if you don’t mind. I thought I’d bake some chicken for tomorrow’s dinner. It’s so nice to have someone to cook for.”

“Fine with me,” she agreed with a smile and bid the woman good-night. When Bri slid between clean sheets at ten o’clock, she sighed with pleasure. And Alice was coming every day. She sighed again.

She guessed she owed Hunter a thank-you for Alice, too, but she was getting tired of having to thank him all the time. Though she hadn’t really gotten around to thanking him today.

Oh, well, she’d thank him tomorrow. If he didn’t irritate her first.

THE HOSPITAL was abuzz the next morning. The first multiple births had occurred at 3:00 a.m. that morning. Twin boys were sleeping in the nursery, and most of the staff had taken time for a visit to look at the two small babies. They’d weighed in at 5 lbs. 9 oz. and 5 lbs. 4 oz.

As soon as Lisa told Bri about their arrival, Bri hurried to the first floor, where the nursery was located, to see them.

“Aren’t they darling?” she asked without even looking to see who had come up beside her.

“Yes, they are,” Maggie McCallum agreed, sadness in her voice.

“Maggie! I didn’t even realize that was you. How are you doing?” Bri knew her sister-in-law wanted a baby badly.

“The same as ever,” she said, offering a smile that wasn’t very sincere.

Bri hugged her. “Dr. Sheppard is very good at her job. I’m sure if you give it time, you’ll be all right.”

“She says we will…if Adam cooperates.”

Bri gave Maggie all her attention. “Is that brother of mine being difficult?” She knew Adam could be stubborn.

“He has to be tested and…you know how men are about that macho stuff.” Maggie’s cheeks turned pink. “I’ve tried to tell him it’s probably all my fault but—”

“Maggie McCallum, don’t you let him push you around. It’s not either of your faults. Neither of you would keep from having a baby on purpose. Let Dr. Sheppard help you and soon you’ll have one—or more—of your own.”

Maggie’s eyes filled with tears. “I hope so,” she whispered.

“Admiring our new residents?” Hunter asked as he stepped to Bri’s side.

“Yes, of course,” she said, hoping he wouldn’t notice Maggie’s distress.

He stuck his hand out and introduced himself.

Maggie took his hand and explained that she was Adam McCallum’s wife.

“I haven’t met Adam, yet, though I’ve had a couple of conversations with Caleb,” Hunter explained.

Bri turned to stare at him. “Oh, really? A couple? When were they?”

She knew she’d just discovered his source for Grace’s telephone number, but she didn’t know what his other conversation with Caleb had been about. And she wanted to know.

“Um, just, er, casual conversations. He’s a security consultant for the hospital, you know.” Hunter tried a smile, then he turned to Maggie. “Do you work here, too?”

“No. I have an appointment with Dr. Sheppard.”

“Great. She’s a good doctor.”

“You’re not changing the subject, Dr. Callaghan,” Bri said. “What else did you talk to Caleb about besides Grace’s telephone number?”

Hunter replied, “Just this and that. How long have you been married, Maggie?”

A man stepped forward, one with hazel eyes and brown hair. “Long enough to know better than to flirt with strangers.” His tone of voice told everyone he wasn’t happy.

“Adam,” Maggie said hurriedly. “This is Dr. Callaghan, the new head of obstetrics. Dr. Callaghan, this is my husband, Adam McCallum. He and Bri were just talking about his conversations with Caleb.”

Though he still frowned, Adam seemed a little friendlier. “You had lunch with Dad and Bri the day before yesterday, too.”

“Yes, I did. A nice lunch.”

“So what have you been talking to my brother about?”

“Just what I want to know, too,” Bri said, her arms crossed.

Chapter Eleven

Hunter took his time giving an answer. “I like to talk to adult members of a multiple birth. I think it helps give me perspective. After meeting Bri and Caleb, I’m really glad I finally get to meet you.”

“You think there’s something wrong with people of multiple births?” Adam demanded.

“Not at all. In fact, sometimes I envy the bonding that children do in the womb. It seems to last a lifetime.” He kept his gaze on Adam, but he could feel Bri bristling beside him. “Bri, for instance, is fiercely independent, but very close to both her brothers.”

“That’s true,” Adam agreed. “How you doing, sis? Are the babies all right?”

“They’re fine.”

“Is Dr. Callaghan going to handle the delivery?” Maggie asked.

“Yes,” Hunter said calmly.

“No!” Bri screamed at the same time. Adam and Maggie stared, and she hurriedly added, “Abby is my doctor. She’ll handle the delivery.”

Hunter smiled at her. “But I’ll be there, too. I intend to attend all the multiple births until I become very familiar with my staff.”

“You don’t have to worry about Abby. She’s the best.”

“I’m sure she is,” Hunter replied.

“I might have them at an inconvenient time,” she added, realizing she hadn’t convinced him.

“More inconvenient than three in the morning?” he asked, grinning. “That’s when these guys put in an appearance.”

“Who delivered them?” Bri asked.

“Dr. Beaumont. And he did a great job.”

“Didn’t he resent being watched?”

“I don’t think so. We had breakfast together afterward.”

“Bri,” Adam added, his voice calm and reasonable, which only aggravated Bri more, “I’m sure Dr. Beaumont understood. After all, Dr. Callaghan has a job to do.”

“You’re just siding with him because you’re a man! You and Caleb always did that!”

“Watch your blood pressure, honey,” Hunter said softly.

But not softly enough.

“Honey?” Adam asked, frowning again.

“I have to go,” Bri announced abruptly and left them all standing there, staring at her as she walked away.

When she reached her office, Lisa greeted her. “Hi, Bri. I didn’t know you’d met Dr. Callaghan before he arrived. Why didn’t you say so?”

Bri’s hands flew to her temples to massage the headache beginning to make itself felt. “We didn’t become good friends. We just met, that’s all. No big deal.”

“But I guess that’s why he’s so friendly with you. After all, you’re the only one he knew before he got here,” Lisa said, beaming at Bri. “So, I guess you’ve got the inside track.”

Bri stared at her. “The inside track for what?”

“Dr. Callaghan. Half the staff wants to marry him. But when they hear you knew him before, they may all give up.”

Bri took a deep breath. “Tell them not to give up, because I’m abandoning the track right now. I’m not exactly the shape for long-distance running.”

Bri started to walk past her, but Lisa raised her eyebrows and said, “The question isn’t your behavior but Dr. Callaghan’s. He already acts like he’s hooked.”

Bri rubbed her temples again. “Lisa, I don’t want to discuss this subject ever again. And do what you can to discourage anyone else from doing so. There is nothing between me and Dr. Callaghan. Okay?” Then she stomped into her office.

“Okay,” she heard Lisa say. She hoped Lisa meant that answer as a promise to help curtail the speculation about a romance. But Bri was afraid her agitated reaction might cause even more speculation.

And darn it! She still hadn’t thanked the man!

E-mail! She was going to deal with him through e-mail. She could be calm and reasonable when she didn’t have to talk to him.

She immediately wrote a gracious—well, not too gracious—note thanking him for keeping an eye on her. She reminded him that she was a professional and hoped he would treat her as one.

Then she lay back in her chair, taking deep breaths and closing her eyes. Her checkup with Abby was in half an hour. She didn’t want her blood pressure to alarm Abby.

“ABBY? This is Hunter. I’m planning on sitting in on Bri’s checkup. Helen told you, didn’t she?”

“Yes, of course, Hunter.”

“Look, don’t be alarmed about Bri’s blood pressure. And take it before you tell her I’m coming. I’m going to wait outside until she’s on the table, prepped for the ultrasound.”

“Is something wrong?” Abby asked cautiously.

“She got upset this morning. She felt her brother sided with me on something and it upset her.”

“She seems particularly sensitive to—well, to you.”

Hunter couldn’t think of what to say.

“I heard she met you at a conference.”

It was Hunter’s turn to be silent. He hadn’t realized she’d told anyone that. “Uh, yes, briefly. We didn’t really get to know each other.”

“Which conference did you meet at?”

“I don’t know. I’d have to check my calendar. Does it matter?” He didn’t give her a chance to answer. “Look, she’s embarrassed to have me observe the checkup because we’re acquaintances. It’d be like having your brother-in-law watch you undress. We just need to keep her calm. When you’re ready to start the sonogram, knock on the door. I’ll be waiting just outside.”

“All right, fine.”

He waited until five minutes after Bri’s appointment time before he slipped into Abby’s outer office in the main hospital. Bri wasn’t in the waiting room.

The receptionist assured him Bri was already in an exam room, so he asked to talk to Abby’s nurse. As he’d hoped, Abby had left instructions.

“She said you were going to wait outside the door. Peggy, the other nurse, is with the two of them.”

“Just show me which room they’re in,” he said softly.

He felt sure Abby had planned the ultrasound for the last part of the checkup. He was eager to see his daughters.

He stood at the door for several minutes, hearing the murmur of feminine voices. Then a soft knock informed him he could enter.

Stepping into the room, he nodded to Abby and walked to the head of the table. Bri was staring at the monitor, probably assuming he was another nurse. But something must have alerted her to his presence, and she shrieked and dove for the sheet, trying to cover her stomach.

“What are you doing here?” she demanded in a hoarse whisper.