One night stand with my daddy's best friend
18

Chapter 18

Liam

I frowned at the notes in my hand. I could have sworn I wrote them down in an earlier file. Did I mix up the patients' charts?

I picked up the stack I just finished working on and found the records.

The initial file belonged to a patient from this morning.

A flip-through proved that, in fact, I did mix up the details. "Fuck." I slapped the file down.

I covered my face with my hands and groaned. Could today get any worse?

Fixing that confusion would take less than five minutes, but it was a symptom of a much bigger problem. One that had plagued me for the past couple of days. And was only worsening by the minute. I pulled myself up and stood to look out the window. The sun was high in the afternoon sky and the garden was alive with a gentle breeze playing through it.

This view should give me pleasure. I cherished every moment I could look upon it and be happy about my move back here.

But not today.

My insides felt like I'd swallowed a bunch of needles. I messed up big time and there was no way around it.

The effect bled into my work. I could hardly keep my head straight. Even though no one else seemed to notice, I knew.

I found myself daydreaming, thinking about Ava. About our child. My pulse spiked just entertaining the subject.

But worst of all, I had betrayed her father's trust. My best friend. That felt like I had ten-fold the amount of those needles pricking me.

My appointments usually kept me from lingering over my inner turmoil. But now that my patients had left for the day and the office was quiet, there was no escaping it.

I had a baby on the way-and the mother was my best friend's daughter. I blew out a breath and dropped back into my chair.

Back to work, Liam.

But try as I might, I couldn't concentrate on more than two lines without my mind wandering. Recalling the hurt look in Ava's eyes. Seeing the trust on her father's face when he looked at me. I was a terrible friend.

A knock at the door saved me from my thoughts. The receptionist's face poked in.

"Mr. Thomas Morellis is here to see you."

I contemplated saying I wasn't available. Then I mentally kicked myself. I wasn't a coward.

Steeling myself, I nodded. "Send him in."

Seconds passed before Thomas entered. In addition to khakis and a sweater, he wore a big smile. "Dr. Cooper."

I forced a smile. "Mr. Morellis. Have a seat."

He chuckled and dropped into the visitor's chair. "What's all that?" "Patient files."

His brows went up, eyes brightening.

I pulled them back, keeping them safely out of his reach. "And you cannot look through them."

"Pfft." He waved a hand and settled back. "I don't need to. I know everything about everyone. No place is as good for gossip as the grocery store aisles."

He knew all but what was right under his nose.

I bit my tongue. That wasn't a topic I was willing to pursue. "Are you here about your back?"

A shadow fell across his face. Odd for a man like Thomas, who had a quick smile for everyone. "It's about Ava."

A quiver lanced through my stomach. Does he know? Did she tell him?

I doubted Thomas would begin by coming in to sit and talk. Still, I couldn't shake my anxiety.

To hide my shaking hands, I messed with a pen and the files. "What about her?"

It was a small victory my voice came out steady. Dealing with patients taught me to hide my emotions and display calm confidence.

And thankfully, it worked with Thomas. "She's " He flattened his hands on the table. I forced my gaze to meet his.

"Well, I have to thank you for Sunday night, first. She hasn't had an episode like that since."

I nodded, waiting for the inevitable "but." "She's just not herself, though."

I found myself sitting up. "In what way?"

His eyes wandered, brows pinched like he was trying to picture something I couldn't see.

"She's been a bit distant, you know? I asked if she was still feeling poorly and she says no. When I call her to check in, she always says she's tired and can't talk, or some other excuse." His shoulders made a helpless gesture. "I'm just concerned."

My chest squeezed tight and I fought to pull in a breath. I hadn't reached out to her since Sunday. Now I regretted my hesitation.

I just didn't know what to say or do. It still didn't feel real that we were having a baby. It felt like a dream I would wake up from any moment.

Yet, Ava was already living the reality. Had been for the past few weeks. If I could make a guess, her new mood had everything to do with me and

Sunday night.

But I couldn't go telling Thomas as much. He still looked at me expectantly, waiting for an answer.

I swallowed. "That's curious." Heaven bless the AC for cooling me down now as I perspired under the pressure. "Doesn't sound like a symptom of low blood pressure."

Thomas's frown deepened. "Then what?"

"What if she inhaled too much cleaning product and it's got her lightheaded?" I joked good-naturedly, trying to ease my friend's worry.

Laughter belted from his chest. "Seriously? Well, maybe." A small smile ticked up my lip, but then I paused.

What if the cleaning products were, indeed, a problem? They might have harsh chemicals that could be harmful to both Ava's and the baby's health.

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I needed to check on that as soon as possible. She shouldn't be inhaling anything too strong.

"I'm just worried." Thomas's voice pulled me back to the moment.

"It's possible it has nothing to do with the low blood pressure. She could just be feeling down. She'll come around."

He nodded. "Thank you. Talking with you has helped. I considered camping out on her couch, in case anything else happened."

"I can't imagine that'd go over well with Ava."

"Nah, she'd likely chase me out of the house with a broom." My laughter caught me off guard.

Thomas grinned. "I'll let her be, since you say not to worry." My friend leaned forward. "I know you refuse payment, but I'd like to do something for you. You've been a great help to us." "Don't mention-"

"No, really, Liam. Come over for dinner on Sunday."

I had turned down all his invitations since that first night. Finding out Ava was pregnant made me even less inclined to join them.

"I'm busy on Sunday."

"Yeah? I have a second pair of eyes, Liam, I see everything." He held up his glasses.

I shook my head. "That's not how it works."

"I know you must be lonely. You were reading a murder mystery and drinking wine in front of a fireplace all alone the other night."

I pressed my fingers to my forehead. "You weren't supposed to go through my stuff."

"It was out in the open. I merely saw." He tapped his glasses. "Well, quit looking."

"Can't help it." The smile in his eyes faded to concern. "You don't have to be lonely anymore. Come over on Sundays, okay? You won't be imposing."

He wouldn't say the same once he found out how not lonely I'd been with his daughter.

A rebuttal died on my tongue as the phone rang. I snatched up my cell.

An unfamiliar number with no caller ID. Having to choose between answering it and Thomas's badgering, it was an easy choice.

I raised a finger and crossed to the other end of the room. "This is Dr. Liam Cooper."

"Good afternoon, Dr. Cooper. This is Dr. Morris. There's a patient in my clinic-Miss Ava Morellis."

My heart lurched. I glanced back at Ava's dad, who was looking out the window at my garden.

I swallowed. "Go on."

"She came in for her routine prenatal appointment. But she suddenly broke down." The doctor paused as if turning to look at Ava. "She's panicked

and alone. When I asked who I could call for her, she gave me this number. I'm guessing you're someone who can help her."

My chest crowded. Panicked and alone echoed in my brain.

As you reach the final pages, remember that 000005s.com is your destination for the complete story. Share the joy of reading with others and spread the word. The next chapter is just a visit away! Thomas was right. Ava was not alright. And I'd been lost in myself and failed to realize she must be torn up, too.

"I can." I choked out. "I'll be there as soon as possible." The doctor gave me the address.

It was miles away. Shit.

I hurried back to my desk.

Thomas promptly turned from the window. "Something wrong?"

I glanced into his worried eyes, my stomach twisting. He was her dad and deserved to know. But now was not the time.

Even though he couldn't be there, I would go to her side.

"A patient needs me." I grabbed two sets of keys and tossed him one. "Lock up the place, okay? Thanks."

Before Thomas could respond, I raced out of the clinic. My hands shook as I opened the car door, got in, and tore down the road.

Despite everything, Ava had reached out to me. I couldn't keep wallowing. I needed to man up.

I probably broke a few traffic laws, but the sense of urgency increased with every mile that passed. I couldn't delay.

Patients requested my attention all the time. The staff always had questions and updates for me. I had the medical board to report to.

Yet, none of my other responsibilities ever gutted me this way. As though I would crack if I failed to meet and surpass Ava's expectations of me.

It was unbelievable.

I never imagined having a child in my future. I'd dedicated all my time and effort to building a career. It was a foregone conclusion that having a family had passed me by.

Yet, here I was, driving like a maniac to be with the mother of my child. A feeling sparked in my chest. Warmth and tenderness mixed with worry.

For Ava.

For our child.

Who would have thought? Certainly not me. A hollow laughter tore from my throat.

But it was real now. I was going to be a dad. I'd have a baby that'd grow

up into a teenager and then an adult.

I gulped. My own son or daughter.

I never pictured myself as a parent, but I wanted to start now.

I'd do right by them. Give them an honest, good, and simple life. Support their dreams. Take care of them.

I blinked rapidly and my eyes refocused on the road. For a moment there, I'd been picturing our baby's first steps and graduation hats flying in the air.

It wasn't planned. But it certainly was welcome. I wanted to be a dad. A damn good one.

And it started now.

I hit the gas pedal, tearing down the road.

Ava needs me. Our child needs me.