Kasey Michaels - Maitland Maternity - Triplets, Quads and Quints

“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.”