Kasey Michaels - Maitland Maternity - Triplets, Quads and Quints

“Hmm, I like your taste, Jackson. A steak sounds perfect. For Bri, too. She needs protein.”

“We think alike, Hunter. I’m going to feel a lot better about Bri continuing to work knowing you’re keeping an eye on her.” Jackson beamed at the other man, and Bri ground her teeth.

“Dad! You know I can take care of myself!”

“I know, sweetheart. Come along now.”

Jackson had a driver and a limo waiting downstairs to drive them the block and half to Lone Star. The hostess seated them in a circular booth, roomy for three, but Bri, seated between the two men, thought it was too small.

Once they’d ordered, Hunter began a flattering conversation about the wing Jackson had paid for, and the good it would do.

Jackson liked hearing all the praise. And it left Bri completely out of the conversation. She was glad about that. She was afraid her father might notice her antagonism if she was forced to converse with Hunter.

“And how do you feel about having triplet granddaughters?” Hunter asked, suddenly claiming Bri’s attention.

“Wonderful!” Jackson said, beaming at Hunter. “I didn’t spend much time with my children when they were babies.” He frowned. “I was too busy mourning their mother’s death.”

Hunter murmured a sympathetic phrase.

“But I’m going to take more time for these babies. Bri is going to name the firstborn after her mother. I’m pleased about that. And it’s perfect timing. Adam is doing well with the company. We made all our money in oil well supplies. But times are changing. Adam is prepared. I’m not. So I’m retiring and playing with the girls.”

“And she’s naming one of the others after my mother,” Hunter added.

Jackson stiffened. “Why?”

“It’s purely accidental, Dad. When I chose the names, I didn’t even know Hunter’s mother’s name.”

Jackson stared at his daughter. “You didn’t even know Hunter, I assume. Or is there something you’re not telling me?”

Bri wanted to bury her face in her hands and curse Hunter Callaghan. But that would make her father even more suspicious. “Don’t be silly, Dad. He just got here yesterday.”

“He seems to have covered a lot of territory in two days,” Jackson pointed out.

Hunter still seemed relaxed, unconcerned. “Of course I have. I asked for all the files on our multiple-birth patients at once so I could get up to speed. But I’ll admit, I’ve given a little more attention to Bri than the others. That’s because she’s the favorite of the entire staff.”

Jackson relaxed a little. “Yes, I’ve noticed that. They all check on her all the time.”

“That’s because she works too hard. They all know she pushes herself.”

“I am still sitting here,” she said sharply. “I’d appreciate it if you wouldn’t talk about me as if I weren’t.”

“Sorry, sweetheart. Do you have children, Hunter?” Jackson asked.

Bri froze again. She wasn’t sure Hunter had believed her lie. What would he answer?

With a laugh, as if he were telling a joke, Hunter said, “Not that I know of.”

She slowly let out her breath. Hunter went on to explain that he hadn’t found the woman he wanted to spend the rest of his life with.

Bri picked up her glass of water and sipped. After he’d made love to her, she’d thought for sure she had finally found the man of her dreams. Too bad he hadn’t felt the same way.

“I guess Bri hasn’t, either,” Jackson said with a sigh. “We’ve tried to get her to tell us who the father is, but you’ve probably discovered she’s pretty stubborn.”

“Dad!” she protested.

Jackson ignored her. “I have three children, and only one has married.” He frowned. “And I hope that marriage holds together.”

Bri reached over to take his hand as it rested on the table. “It will, Dad. Adam and Maggie will get past the problems.”

“Sure. Of course, you’re right. But it’s ironic. My daughter-in-law wants a baby more than anything, and here Bri is, unmarried, but having three.”

The waitress brought their steaks. Bri had such a nervous stomach, she didn’t think she could take a single bite.

Jackson cut his steak and put a piece in his mouth. After chewing, he added, “Caleb, my third child, I don’t think will ever marry. He keeps to himself.”

“Dad, I’m sure Dr. Callaghan isn’t interested in our family.”

“Nonsense, Bri. I find it fascinating,” Hunter assured her, a grin on his face.

“Then you should reciprocate. What kind of family do you have?” Bri hoped to irritate him, but he seemed pleased by her question.

“My mother passed away about three years ago. My dad is a retired doctor, my brother a corporate attorney. We all lived in Chicago until I moved.”

“Did the move upset your father?” Jackson asked.

“Somewhat, but my brother is married with a couple of kids. Dad wants to stay close to his grandchildren. But he’ll be coming to visit soon.”

“Let me know when he comes, Hunter, and we’ll have a family dinner. Two old bachelors can compare notes.” Jackson grinned, obviously looking forward to entertaining Hunter’s father.

“Great. I’ll do that. Dad would enjoy meeting—” he paused and looked at Bri.

She froze again. He wouldn’t! Surely he wouldn’t!

“—some of the people I work with, and another bachelor with grandchildren.”

Bri slumped back against the booth.

“Sweetheart, you haven’t eaten your steak. Don’t forget the good doctor said you need the protein.”

Without looking at either man, she took a bite of potato. Then she cut a small piece of steak and valiantly chewed it. She only hoped the lunch would end soon, before she lost everything she managed to get down.

WHEN BRI GOT BACK to the office, she made a few quick decisions. Then she loaded up her briefcase with other problems to solve and moved to Lisa’s desk. “Lisa, I’m a little stressed today, so I’m taking half a day of vacation and I’m going home. If anything comes up that can’t wait, call me at home. Otherwise I’ll see you in the morning.”

“Can you drive yourself home?” Lisa asked, standing, an anxious expression on her face.

“Lisa, I’m going home to put my feet up. Don’t worry about me.”

“Should I call Dr. Abby or Dr. Callaghan?”

“No!” Bri took a deep breath. “Just let me take the afternoon off without any complications, Lisa. That’s all I want.”

She hurried out of the office to get away from any more questions or suggestions. She appreciated everyone’s concern for her and her babies, but sometimes she wished she’d moved to a town where no one knew her.

Half an hour later, she was feeling much better. As soon as she got home, she’d stripped and filled the tub with warm water and bubble bath. She stretched out in the oversized tub and breathed deeply, trying to forget about the stressful lunch. It had lasted forever because neither man would leave until she’d finished every bite of her steak and potato.

She wanted to murder Hunter Callaghan. He’d known what he was doing with each teasing response. He’d even known she was upset. What a jerk!

“You should’ve known better. That was what you thought he was seven months ago. People don’t change.”

She shook her head. “And now I’m talking to myself. What am I going to do?”

She slid a little lower into the water, trying to clear her mind. She didn’t want to think about a future with Hunter Callaghan around.

The phone rang. She considered getting out of the tub, but with her bulky shape right now, she’d never get to the phone in time to answer it. Besides, she had her answering machine on.

She could vaguely hear a man’s voice, but not loud enough to recognize it. She’d check the message when she got out.