Jennifer Taylor - The Midwife's Christmas Miracle

Lucy frowned. It wasn’t the first time she had found Richard lacking, yet in the beginning he had appeared so perfect. He’d been handsome, charming, witty, attentive—everything she could have wished for. It was only after they had started living together that she’d discovered he could be incredibly selfish at times too, but she’d been so sure that he was the man she’d wanted to spend her life with that she had made excuses for him.

Was she doing the same thing again? she wondered suddenly. All week long she had struggled to reconcile the impression she had formed of Max as a caring, dedicated doctor with the playboy bachelor Joanna had described. The only explanation she had come up with was that something must have happened in his past to make him behave so differently in his private life. It would be even easier to see that as the explanation after what had happened just now, too. Max had sounded genuinely concerned in case he had upset her, but Lucy realised it would be foolish to take it at face value. It was probably all part of his act, a way to project the right image!

Pain lanced her heart as she made her way to Sophie’s bed. Even though she knew how silly it was, she couldn’t help feeling disappointed. It was an effort to smile at the girl but the last thing Lucy wanted was anyone guessing how she felt. ‘I’ve just popped in to say goodbye. I bet you’re looking forward to going home, aren’t you?’

‘I suppose so,’ Sophie muttered.

Lucy frowned when she heard the despondent note in Sophie’s voice. ‘What’s the matter?’

‘I’m just worried in case I can’t cope,’ Sophie admitted. ‘I don’t know anything about babies and there’s so much to learn.’

‘You’ll be fine,’ Lucy said encouragingly. ‘All the staff have said how brilliant you are with Alfie. And they don’t say that about all our mums, believe me!’

‘I hope they’re right,’ Sophie said miserably, lifting her son out of the crib.

‘They are,’ Lucy said firmly, hating to hear the girl sounding so downhearted. ‘I’m sure you’ll be absolutely fine, but if you do have any concerns then ask your health visitor. She’ll be visiting you every day for the next two weeks so you can discuss any problems with her. She’ll also be able to tell you when the baby clinic is open. Don’t forget that there are people there who can give you advice if you need it.’

‘I suppose so.’ Sophie still sounded very unsure. She cuddled Alfie for a moment and Lucy could see real fear in her eyes when she looked up. ‘It’s just a bit…well, scary knowing that I’m responsible for looking after him. I’m worried in case I do something wrong.’

‘Most new mums feel like that,’ Lucy assured her. ‘Is there anyone at home who can help you?’

‘No, there’s nobody.’

‘What about your family?’ she persisted gently.

‘My mum left home when I was a child and I haven’t seen her since. My dad brought me up but he died last year.’ Sophie’s eyes filled with tears. ‘I named Alfie after him.’

‘I’m sure he would have been thrilled,’ Lucy said kindly, passing her a tissue. ‘What about Alfie’s father? Will he help out?’

‘I doubt it. He’s left Dalverston and I’ve no idea where he’s living now.’ Sophie blew her nose. ‘He never wanted me to have Alfie in the first place. He was furious when I refused to have a termination. I’m glad he’s gone because I don’t want him anywhere near Alfie.’

‘I understand,’ Lucy said, feeling very sorry for the girl. She only wished there was something she could do to help her, but once Sophie left the maternity unit she was no longer their concern.

It wasn’t an ideal situation by any means and Lucy couldn’t help feeling concerned. ‘I’ll have to get back to work but don’t forget that there’s help available if you need it, Sophie. You only have to ask.’

‘Thank you.’

Sophie dredged up a smile but Lucy could tell that she was still worried. She sighed as she made her way to the desk to see what Amanda wanted her to do. Even with daily visits from the health visitor, Sophie was going to find it hard work looking after Alfie by herself. New babies needed an awful lot of attention and with no family to call on, the girl would be very much on her own.

‘Problems?’

She glanced up, feeling a wash of colour run up her cheeks when she realised that she had walked straight past Max without seeing him. Bearing in mind their earlier conversation, she felt obliged to stop. She didn’t want him apologising again, not when it might start off all that soul-searching once more. Max might project the image of a caring, committed professional but she had to remember that it was all part of his act.

‘I’m worried about Sophie Jones,’ she said quickly, not wanting to dwell on that thought.

‘Come into the office and tell me about it,’ he said immediately. He opened the office door, his brows rising when she hesitated. ‘If you’re worried about a patient, Lucy, we need to do something about it.’

‘Of course.’ She followed him into the room, pausing by the door as he walked over to the desk because it seemed wiser to maintain a little distance between them. When she was close to Max, it seemed to confuse things even more.

‘OK, shoot.’

‘It’s nothing major,’ she said quickly, refusing to allow the idea to take root. Max didn’t present any danger to her when she knew exactly what he was like. ‘I’m just a bit concerned because Sophie doesn’t have anyone to help her when she gets home. I know there are lots of young mums living on their own who do a great job of bringing up their children, but most of them have someone they can call on for back-up. Sophie hasn’t got anyone and she’s admitted that she’s worried in case she can’t cope.’

‘Hmm. It’s a difficult situation and I understand why you’re concerned,’ Max said, frowning. He went over to the filing cabinet and pulled out Sophie’s notes, shaking his head as he read through them. ‘I wish I’d noticed this before. Look.’

Lucy went to join him, bending down so she could see what he was pointing to. ‘There’s no contact details, not even a name in the space for next of kin!’

‘I know. Worrying, isn’t it?’

He straightened up at the same moment as she did and she felt heat flash along her veins when their arms brushed. He’d rolled up his shirtsleeves and the feel of his skin against hers sent a surge of electricity shooting through her. Her eyes rose to his and her breath caught when she saw the awareness they held. Max had felt it too, felt that flash of heat, the tingling jolt of electricity that had sparked between them, and it was hard to hide her dismay as she hurriedly moved away.

What had happened with Richard had hit her hard. Her confidence in herself as an attractive, desirable woman had been rocked and it would be only too easy to use this as a much-needed boost, but at what cost? From what she had heard, Max cut a swathe through women, discarding them once they had outlived their usefulness. Could she accept that, or would she end up wanting more than he was prepared to offer?

Lucy bit her lip. She couldn’t answer that question. It all depended on what she wanted from Max and she hadn’t worked that out yet.

Max could feel his whole body throbbing. It wasn’t a painful feeling but it was definitely worrying. He couldn’t remember the last time he had reacted this strongly when he had touched a woman or if, indeed, it had ever happened. Surely it couldn’t be a first?

He racked his brain but no matter how hard he tried he couldn’t come up with another occasion when the feel of a woman’s skin had instantly set him on fire. It hadn’t even happened when he’d met his ex-wife, and the thought made him groan under his breath. What was it about Lucy that made him react this way?