The Billionaire Playboy’s Secret Family
Chapter 23

"The offices are...um...this way."

Marcus followed her. Going through a set of doors and entering a quiet hallway he found the neutral walls he was expecting. Looking at Bernice he finally said, "You really like kids, don't you?" "...Yes. I do."

"Why haven't you had any of your own?" Marcus asked suddenly curious. Bernice had plenty of nieces and nephews thanks to her brothers but it wasn't quite the same as having one of her own. Bernice came to a sudden halt. Her expression was pensive with a deep frown. Turning toward him she asked, "Can you keep a secret?"

"Sure. Of course."

"I can't. I mean, I can't have one."

It was Marcus's turn to frown. After a moment, he said, "Fertility issues?"

Bernice shook her head, "Ovarian cysts. Before med school I was in constant pain. It took a while for doctors to diagnose it. I tried a few treatments but...in the end they burst and I had no choice but to have them removed. No ovaries, no eggs. No eggs, no babies." "Does your family know?"

"No. I never told them. My parents would be devastated by the news."

"Is that why you never..."

"Never got married?" Bernice finished with a wry smile. "What man would want to be with someone who couldn't have children?"

"I don't think you're giving people enough credit," Marcus frowned. "And there are other ways..."

"Like a surrogate?" Bernice shook her head. She would never want to take a child from its rightful mother.

"Or adoption."

Bernice frowned. In truth she had considered that option. But what agency would take a single woman seriously?

"You're a successful doctor," Marcus said reading her thoughts, "with plenty of family for support. The worst they can tell you is no so why not take the chance if it's something you really want?"

Bernice nodded absorbing his advice. She had never considered confiding in her family about this though she had come close a time or two with Aubrey. Her sister-in-law had an easy-going personality that drew people in but she had resisted the temptation nonetheless. Yet Marcus was surprisingly easy to talk to and he did make a good point. Why not try?

Aubrey would probably agree. In fact, her sister-in-law was sensitive enough she might already have an inkling. Bernice had noticed Aubrey made it a point to send the kids over to spend extra time with their aunt lately.

Standing in the hallway facing him Bernice was struck with the oddness of the situation. Never in a million years did she think she would have this conversation with Marcus Avery of all people. Now she was finally beginning to see why Miles had been so confident in his grandson's progress. But thinking about the Avery patriarch reminded her of the other half of that conversation.

"So...what about you?" Bernice found herself asking. "Have you ever thought of kids?"

Marcus's face contorted somewhere between a grimace and a smirk before he answered, "Five years ago, no, not once. It wasn't in my plans... Not that I had plans." Bernice nodded.

"... But now," Marcus hesitated his thoughts going back to the DaLair kids. "I wouldn't mind it at all. I'm actually looking forward to it...if I meet the right person." "And who is Missus Right?" Bernice asked as they started walking again. "Have you ever considered?"

"...Someone...smart. Smarter than me. Confident and...caring," Marcus considered what he would like in a partner his mind naturally selecting traits he witnessed firsthand from Macey but as he continued the image in his mind slowly morphed into his mystery woman. "Firm, but fair...gentle...passionate and true to herself. Someone who isn't afraid to walk their own path even if it's against the flow...beautiful..."

Bernice listened rather surprised by the depth of his answer. It wasn't what she expected of an unapologetic playboy and further illustrated just how far Marcus had grown. Yet she was still pensive as her mind considered the family in her mind and the inkling of a notion she didn't dare voice. What if her assumption was wrong? What if she was right?

Bernice wasn't sure which option was better. The only one who could answer it was Miles Avery who didn't seem the least bit inclined. There had to be a reason but Bernice was at a loss to explain why. In either case it was probably a good idea to stay out of the middle of it.

She led Marcus to the administration's office, which would be his. He stepped in noting the layout of the room before automatically moving to the desk and looking at the stack of paperwork waiting for him. All-in-all it was not as bad as he feared and said so to his guide.

Bernice chuckled, "Now, no. You should have seen it a couple weeks ago. We finally managed to get caught up."

"I'm glad I missed it then," Marcus laughed along with her. "Though I'm sorry it fell on you to correct it."

"Your grandfather helped quite a bit but it will be nice to leave it to you from now on."

Marcus nodded, "Well let's get started. I have a lot to learn."

Bernice chuckled. It seemed Marcus had an upbeat attitude and was ready to put his skills to use. Most of the day was spent teaching him the operating system the hospital used and how to access various records. Though most workers had limited access to records, depending on their position as the administrator Marcus had open access to all levels.

He would also be directly connected to all subsidized hospitals under the Avery's umbrella. Not that he would need to access the network often, at least not as long as he remained at the Children's Hospital. Once he took over for his grandfather it would be far more useful so it was worth practicing as he gained experience.

To Bernice's surprise Marcus was an attentive student and a fast learner. By the time lunch rolled around they had already moved on to the basics of the job itself. By the end of the day she was gaining confidence in their, as of yet, untested administrator but only time would tell.

In the afternoon she had to make her rounds and see patients but Marcus remained at his desk continuing to work. It was encroaching seven when Marcus finally closed the files he was working on. With a sigh he sat back and stretched.

It had been awhile since he put in so many hours. Idly he took the hacky sack from his pocket and squeezed it. Julius would probably be disappointed he spent so many hours working without once leaving his office but there was a lot to learn and a lot to catch up on. Still he had a sense of accomplishment for what he managed to cover so far.

When he first accepted his grandfather's edict he had reservations about whether he was up for it but now it seemed doable. Time would tell and it certainly was better than lying around the mansion or swimming in booze.

A knock at the door interrupted his thoughts. Looking up he saw Bernice step in with a hesitant smile, "Everything okay in here?"

"Yeah, of course," Marcus sat up. "I think I'll come in earlier tomorrow, say seven?"

Bernice nodded. If tomorrow went as smoothly as today, he might be ready to work on his own and she could focus on the ward. If this arrangement continued it would work out well for everyone.