Emergency: Mother Wanted

by Sarah Morgan

  Zach dropped a kiss on his daughter's blonde head and looked at Keely. 'Will you do me a favour?'

  She swallowed. 'Of course...'

  Anything...

  'Once I've settled her on the ward, will you sit with her until I've sorted out the nanny?' His expression was grim but Keely felt no sympathy for the woman. She deserved everything that was coming to her.

  'Of course I will.' She felt suddenly awkward. Surely she wasn't the right person to be staying with his daughter. 'Do you want me to call your wife or something? I expect Phoebe will want to see her mother.'

  Frankly she was amazed that the little girl hadn't already asked for her mother.

  Zach stood up, his features stiff and cold. 'I don't have a wife, Keely. She died a year ago.'

  CHAPTER THREE

  The only light in the room was a gentle glow from a lamp placed on the locker beside the cot.

  Outside the wind howled and wrapped itself around the hospital, a sharp reminder of the cold winter weather which had suddenly descended on them.

  Phoebe lay in the cot, dressed in just a nappy and covered in a cotton sheet, her breathing steady and even.

  Keely sat next to her, head resting against the bars of the cot, waiting for Zach to return. At least the child was more peaceful now. Her temperature was down and she was sleeping deeply.

  In the quiet of the room, with nothing but a sleeping child for company, Keely had plenty of time to think. And all she could think about was Zach and what he'd told her down in Resus.

  His wife had died? Phoebe's mother had died?

  Dear God, why? How?

  Her heart twisted as she imagined just how hard it must be for Zach. Not only had he lost the woman he'd loved but his precious daughter had been left without a mother.

  Instinctively she reached a hand over the side of the cot and stroked the soft blonde hair. The little girl felt cooler, thank goodness, and Keely reached out a hand and switched the fan off.

  'How is she?'

  Keely jumped as Zach's voice came from behind her, catching her by surprise.

  'Oh—she's doing well, I think.' She fought the urge to fling her arms round him and hold him close. Crazy! As if a hug from a friend could even begin to make up for the loss of a loved one. 'She's cooler. More peaceful. Her breathing is better. Tony came a few minutes ago and checked her again. He doesn't think they need to do a lumbar puncture unless you disagree.'

  Zach shook his head. 'No. I've just spoken to the nanny and she says that Phoebe was up in the night with a temperature.' He touched his daughter gently, feeling her skin, his eyes alert for any change. 'She's claiming that she didn't tell me this morning because she didn't want to worry me.'

  'Well, that may be true,' Keely said softly, but Zach gave a cynical laugh.

  'You think so? I'm afraid I don't have your faith in human nature. I think the reason she didn't tell me that Phoebe was ill was because she knew I'd be checking up on her during the day and that I'd find out she'd been putting her in the crèche.'

  That had been puzzling her and she frowned slightly as she stared at him. 'I'm surprised the staff in the crèche were prepared to take her.'

  'They had a letter.' Zach leaned his forearms on the cot and watched the little girl, his tone menacing. 'It was written on hospital notepaper and signed by me, giving full permission for Phoebe to be left with them.'

  Keely gasped. 'She forged your signature?'

  Zach nodded. 'That's right. Charming, isn't it?'

  'What are you going to do?'

  'I've already done it,' he said grimly, stroking a strand of blonde hair out of Phoebe's eyes. 'She's clearing her things out of my house as we speak.'

  'Well, at least Phoebe looks as though she's going to be OK,' Keely said soothingly. 'That's the main thing.'

  He was silent for a moment and then some of the anger seemed to drain away and a wry smile played around his mouth. 'You always manage to see the important things in life, don't you? That's what I always loved about you as a child.. You were totally different from everyone else. While your family were clawing their way up the career ladder, you were skipping school to help out in the local children's home.'

  Keely's eyes widened. 'How did you know about that?'

  'Your horrified family told me.' He gave a short laugh. 'You were the first person in the family to see that there was more to life than studying, and it came as a big shock for them.'

  She grinned. 'I was in big trouble.'

  'I know.' His eyes glittered in the semi-darkness. 'You were for ever in trouble about something. But you always had your priorities right.'

  'I don't know about that.' She blushed and stared down into the cot, a lump building in her throat. She didn't want to think about her priorities. She wasn't even sure what they were any more. 'She's beautiful, Zach. You're very lucky to have her.'

  'I know that.' He gave a short laugh. 'But being a male single parent is no picnic I can assure you. Take now, for instance. I've got myself a sick child, no child care and a demanding job. I'm not quite sure how they're going to fit together.'

  'It will work out,' Keely said softly, leaning her cheek against the cot. 'And, anyway, she's the thing that matters most—not your job. She's gorgeous.'

  Zach smiled, the first real smile for hours. 'Actually, she's a total minx,' he said dryly. 'The only time she's quiet is when she's ill. I suppose it was only a matter of time until the nanny left, if I'm honest.' He gave a long sigh and shook his head. 'Phoebe can be pretty difficult. You know what children of this age are like.'

  'I certainly do.' Keely looked up and returned his smile. 'Is there anyone who can help you with child care?'

  He gave a shrug. 'Sean's wife Ally helps me out in an emergency but she works part time as a GP so she can't offer more than the occasional day or two. I suppose my housekeeper Barbara could do the days.' He frowned, obviously thinking it through in his head. 'She's a real grandmother figure and Phoebe adores her, but the problem is the nights when I'm working. I suppose I'll just have to advertise again, but the thought of trusting anyone with her horrifies me.'

  Keely's brain was working overtime. 'I could do it,' she said impulsively, leaning forward in her chair and lowering her voice so that she didn't wake the sleeping child. 'You can put me on different night shifts to you so that one of us will be at home with her.'

  'You?' Zach looked startled by the suggestion. 'Why would you want to do it?'

  Because she could make his life easier. She couldn't make up for his terrible loss. Maybe no one would ever do that. But she could help him with the practical problems. All she had to do was convince him that it was a good idea.

  'Why would I want to help? Loads of reasons.' Keely's eyes drifted back to the cot longingly. 'Firstly because I love children at this age and I know she and I would have fun together—'

  His eyes were watchful. 'And secondly?'

  'Secondly...' She paused and took a deep breath. It must be such a sensitive subject. Would he hate her mentioning it? 'Secondly, because I'm so, so sorry that you lost your wife.' She faltered slightly as she spoke, nervous that she might upset him. 'You must be feeling so awful. The last thing you need is to battle with practical problems. I can't bring your wife back, Zach, but I can try to make life easier for you and Phoebe. If you'll let me.'

  She broke off and bit her lip, waiting anxiously for his response.

  'You always were a sucker for a sob story, Keely Thompson.' He gave a long sigh and rubbed long fingers over his forehead. 'And what would we offer you in return?'

  'Accommodation,' she said promptly. 'My landlord is giving me grief. I need somewhere to live.'

  It wasn't anything she couldn't handle but she hoped that it would be enough to make Zach accept her offer to help.

  He was silent, indecision showing on his handsome face. 'She isn't easy. She locked the nanny out of the house last week.'

  Keely grinned, sensing weakness. 'How enterprising. And how stupid o
f the nanny to put the front door between herself and a toddler.'

  Zach still wasn't convinced. 'She climbs everywhere— she's lethal—'

  'Zach, I know what a child is capable of,' Keely said gently, and he breathed out heavily and shook his head slowly.

  'I just think it's an imposition—'

  'It's not an imposition. I'd love to do it if you'd trust me.'

  'Trust you?' His brows locked together in a deep frown. 'Of course I trust you.'

  'Well, that's settled, then,' Keely said in a cheerful whisper. 'After work tomorrow I'll pick up some things and move into the nanny's room. I don't know where you live so you'll have to draw me a map.'

  'I live in the middle of nowhere,' he told her in a low voice. 'Are you scared of being on your own in the house?'

  She shot him an exasperated look.

  'Zach, you're doing it again! I am the babysitter,' she reminded him dryly. 'I'm not the one that needs the babysitter, remember?'

  He raised his hands in the air and gave her an apologetic smile. 'Sorry. In that case, thanks for the offer. I accept gratefully, although I don't know why you're doing it so any time you start to regret it, please, say. I'll draw you a map and leave a key for you in A and E, and you can come over any time you like tomorrow. I've cleared it with Sean that I'm taking a few days off.'

  'Good.' Keely nodded and stood up. 'And now I'll go and find you a cup of coffee and a sandwich. You look exhausted.'

  'I am.' He sank into the chair she'd just vacated and stared at his daughter. 'Oh, and, Keely...'

  She stopped on her way to the door and turned. 'What?'

  'Thanks. For everything.'

  For a long moment their eyes locked and suddenly she found it hard to breathe. Was it her imagination or was he looking at her differently—almost as if he was seeing her properly for the first time?

  With a supreme effort she dragged her gaze away. She was imagining things. Deluding herself as usual. Only this time she had her emotions well in hand. Zach needed her help and Keely wanted to do everything she could to make his life easier. After all, that was what friends were for.

  * * *

  Zach's house was a gorgeous stone cottage nestling at the bottom of the mountains with nothing but sheep for neighbours.

  Keely looked at the keys in her hand but decided to use the bell instead. Instantly there was a thunder of feet and then a crash and noisy crying. Keely winced. Obviously a poorly, fractious toddler. Zach had sent a message down to her earlier, telling her that they were discharging Phoebe and that he'd be at home, so it wasn't a surprise to find them there.

  The door opened and she grinned at Zach. 'The cavalry has arrived.'

  'Well, am I glad to hear that,' he muttered, his eyes showing how tired he was. 'She's lost her favourite bear and I can't find the damn thing anywhere.'

  Keely frowned. The man hadn't been to bed for almost three days if her calculations were correct. Which just showed how tough Zach was—a lesser mortal would have collapsed by now and all he had to show for it was some fine lines around those gorgeous eyes.

  'Go upstairs and run yourself a hot bath,' she suggested, plopping herself down on the hall floor next to Phoebe, who was still screaming and drumming her heels. 'And then go to bed. If I need help I'll yell.'

  Zach hesitated. Keely knew that he wasn't going to leave his daughter without some evidence that she could cope with the situation, so she reached into her pocket and pulled out one of the toys she'd had the foresight to buy in the hospital shop.

  She didn't say anything to the toddler, just started playing with the car herself, exaggerating the engine noises and giggling just to show what fun it was. Sure enough, the screaming ceased almost instantly and a tear-stained face lifted itself from the carpet to stare at her.

  'Brrmmm...' Keely pushed the car towards the wall and was gratified when Phoebe knelt up and held out a hand.

  'Phoebe's turn.'

  'Great idea.' Keely passed her the car, and when the little girl started to play she glanced up at Zach. 'You see? We're fine. Now, go and have that bath. Then go to bed and get some sleep. If I need you, I'll call.'

  He hesitated, obviously still unsure about leaving her in charge. 'She's a pretty difficult child to handle...'

  Keely gave him a gentle smile. 'Sick toddlers are always difficult. Go to bed.'

  'All right, if you're sure.' He paused, still reluctant to leave her. 'If you need me—'

  'I'll call,' she finished quickly, rescuing the car which had become entangled in the hall curtain. 'Goodnight, Zach.'

  She pushed the car back to Phoebe and Zach gave her a tired smile.

  'I haven't got the energy to argue. She needs more paracetamol in two hours. Thanks, Keely.'

  Keely watched him go and then got stuck into the task of occupying a very fractious toddler. Zach hadn't been joking, she thought wryly as she coaxed and cajoled the little girl into playing with her.

  Two hours later she was exhausted and running out of ideas.

  'Want Daddy,' Phoebe said flatly, plopping down on the floor of the playroom which Keely had discovered at the back of the house.

  'Oh, Phoebe, look, is this the bear you lost?' Looking round frantically for a distraction, she scooped up a large brown bear and handed it over with a flourish, relieved to see a smile light up the little girl's face. Thank goodness. Another crisis averted.

  She quickly assembled a few other toys which she thought might be useful and then found the kitchen and made some tea for the child.

  'No!!' Phoebe flung the toast onto the kitchen floor and Keely picked it up calmly and put it in the bin.

  'Aren't you hungry? Don't you want anything at all?' She could see another tantrum brewing and searched quickly for another diversion. Fortunately, at that moment a cat jumped onto the window-sill and Keely silently blessed it.

  'Look, Phoebe. Cat. What does the cat say?'

  Phoebe looked doubtfully at the cat and her face started to crumple. 'Daddy. Want Daddy.'

  'That isn't what the cat says!' Keely scooped her out of the high chair and gave her a hug. 'Cat says meow.'

  Phoebe rubbed her eyes. 'Want Daddy.'

  'I know you do, sausage,' Keely murmured, 'so here's what we'll do. We'll put you to bed, and later on Daddy will come in and see you.'

  The poor mite was obviously still feeling poorly and upset by her trip to hospital.

  Keely whisked her upstairs, bathed her and settled her in a fresh cotton T-shirt. She didn't want to put too much clothing on her in case she spiked a temperature again, and with that in mind she made herself a little bed on the sofa in Phoebe's room. Zach was too tired to listen out for the little girl tonight and at least she'd had some sleep the night before.

  After two stories Phoebe snuggled into her bed, stuck her thumb in her mouth and promptly fell asleep.

  Keely breathed a sigh of relief and tiptoed out of the room. Thank goodness for that! She cleared the debris from the bathroom and quietly pushed open Zach's bed room door. Was he OK? Had he managed to get to sleep?

  He was sprawled on his back on the bed, one arm across his forehead, his breathing even. Keely's heart twisted. The man hadn't even had the energy to get under the sheets. His dressing gown had fallen open, exposing a broad muscular chest covered in curling dark hairs.

  He was going to catch cold.

  Keely's mouth dried as she reached out a hand to pull his dressing gown over him. Her fingers lightly brushed his warm skin and she pulled away as if she'd been scorched. The urge to touch him was so powerful it shocked her, and she curled her fingers into fists, curbing the temptation. She wasn't going to fall for Zach again, she reminded herself firmly. She was here to help him, not to make a fool of herself all over again. That sort of behaviour was in the past.

  Gingerly she lifted the edge of the duvet and tried to fold it over him, but it was trapped under his powerful body and wouldn't budge.

  Maybe she could find a blanket in one of the other
rooms.

  Averting her eyes from his hard jaw, dark with stubble, she backed out of the room, searched the bedrooms and eventually found a spare duvet which she placed over him.

  Then she checked Phoebe again, cleared the kitchen and went to bed herself. Ridiculously early, of course, but she was sure that the little girl would need her in the night so she wanted to sleep while she could.

  She was in his child's room.

  Zach stood in the doorway, his eyes resting on the slim figure of the woman asleep on the sofa.

  When he'd woken up he'd gone straight to Phoebe's room to check on her and then searched the house for Keely. He hadn't even noticed her asleep on the sofa in his daughter's room. He just hadn't expected her to be there. Why would she do a thing like that?

  Why hadn't she just made herself comfortable in the guest room and left him to listen out for his daughter? And why had she bothered to cover him with a duvet when he was asleep?

  Because that was the sort of person she was. Warm and giving. A real nurturer.

  Zach gave a sigh and allowed himself the luxury of looking at Keely. She was gorgeous. That blonde hair, cut in a jagged, modern style that suited her so well, and those long, slim legs curled up on the sofa cushions. And she was even smiling in her sleep. She looked very young and very vulnerable and she was right when she accused him of treating her as a child. He was treating her like a child. He had to. Because if he didn't treat her as a child, he'd treat her as a woman—and if he treated her as a woman...

  Damn.

  He shouldn't be thinking that way about Keely.

  As he stood in the doorway she stirred and then gave a gasp of fright as she saw him.

  'Oh, Zach, you made me jump!' Her soft whisper made him smile and he walked over and crouched down by the sofa.

  'Keely, you don't have to sleep in here. That sofa will give you backache. Go and sleep in the guest room.'

  She rubbed her eyes like a sleepy child and stifled a yawn. 'What time is it?'

  'One o'clock, and thanks to you I've had eight hours' uninterrupted sleep so it's your turn to get some rest.'

  She shook her head. 'I'm fine. Honestly. And so's Phoebe. She had paracetamol before she went to sleep, she drank some milk and seemed fine. She hasn't woken up once. I took her duvet off and gave her blankets instead because I didn't want her to overheat.'