Cara Colter - Miracle Christmas - Dr Romano's Christmas Baby

But there was still a reserve they’d probably never shake. She couldn’t speak for him but she knew she was still protecting her heart. The miscarriage and break up had been devastating and, as he had said, they’d be foolish to put their hearts on the line again.

She’d thought his reconciliation idea had been insane to start with, but as each day went by she could see the potential. Two parents whose sole focus would be their baby. No distractions involving each other and how crazy love could make you. Cohabiting, living as a family, devoting all their love, time and attention to their child without the complication of adult love and all the potential emotional upheaval it brought to the equation.

This lead-up to the baby’s birth was about rebuilding their relationship so when the baby finally arrived they’d both be on the same page. Actually, not so much rebuilding but restructuring. Redefining. Finding a groove that worked for them that involved mutual respect and a common purpose.

Rilla knew that would probably sound cold to some, but these days, with Luca’s absolute conviction it could work, she saw it as practical. At twenty-two, she’d been young and romantic and had wanted the whole fairy-tale. As quickly as possible. But at thirty, her priorities had shifted. She just wanted the best for their baby.

‘Tree now?’

Rilla blinked as Emily’s voice interrupted her train of thought. ‘Oh … yep,’ Rilla agreed. ‘The night staff assembled it for us, we just need to decorate it.’

She didn’t know how long she had before her stomach would revolt again so it would be good to get it done while she was still feeling the Christmas spirit. Her morning sickness had continued unabated and it didn’t seem to matter what she did or where she was, it dogged her every move. Stillness intensified it and motion aggravated it further. Smells in particular triggered crippling bouts of nausea.

They walked out to the main reception area where rows of plastic chairs sat empty, awaiting the morning rush. An eight-foot naked Christmas tree was set up near the triage desk, awaiting tinsel and baubles.

Rilla opened the box of decorations and grinned at Emily. ‘Gosh, I love Christmas.’

They attacked the job with enthusiasm, singing along to the piped carols as they went. Half an hour later there was just the angel for the top left. Rilla, five feet two, looked at Emily, four feet ten, and then back up to the top of the tree.

‘I don’t know about you, Ems, but I don’t think either of us have a chance in hell of reaching the top branch.’

Emily grinned. ‘I’ll get a chair.’

Emily took one of the waiting-room chairs and held it while Rilla climbed on. She rose on tiptoe and leaned forward to place the angel.

‘Rilla!’

Luca’s furious exclamation startled her and she toppled precariously.

‘Get down from there,’ he ordered, reaching her in a few angry strides and pulling her down off the seat. ‘What the hell do you think you’re doing?’

‘I’m just hanging the angel, Luca,’ she said, waving it under his nose. Her body had slid down his as he had lowered her and despite his riled expression she felt her body surge against his.

Luca saw a flare of heat in her tawny gaze and set her away from him. Inferno! Was she deliberately trying to provoke him? ‘What if you’d fallen off the chair?’ he demanded.

‘Well, I nearly did, thanks to you.’

Rilla was conscious of Emily watching their heated exchange. Otherwise she would have said, I’m pregnant, not made of glass.

Luca’s pulse rate settled now she was safely back on the floor, even if the heat in his loins hadn’t. ‘Give it to me,’ he sighed, and held out his hand.

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