His Best Friend's Baby

by Susan Carlisle

  She sounded so wistful that he didn’t have the heart to say no.

  “Tell me which way to go.”

  “Surely you have something to do tonight. A date?”

  “Why, Phoebe, are you fishing to find out about my love life?”

  She rewarded him with a blush. “No.”

  “I have no plans. I’d like to see these tuxedo-wearing birds.”

  “Then you need to turn around and head the other direction.”

  “Yes, ma’am.”

  CHAPTER FIVE

  PHOEBE HADN’T BEEN to Phillip Island in years. She still had the picture her father had taken of her standing next to the penguin mascot. The area had changed. The building had been expanded and more parking added.

  Ryan found a space and pulled into it. “I’m glad we ate when we did. I haven’t seen any place to do so in miles.”

  “I was hungry, too.”

  Inside the welcome center they were directed outside. In another hour it would be dark. They followed the paved path that zigged and zagged down toward the beach. Other people mingled along the way.

  “What’s that noise?” Ryan asked.

  “That’s the baby chicks.”

  He looked around. “Where are they?”

  Phoebe placed a hand on his arm. She pointed with the other at a hole in the grass embankment. “They’re in there. Watch for a second and you’ll catch a glimpse of them.”

  A grin came to Ryan’s lips. “I see one.”

  “The penguin’s mother and father leave the nest in the morning and spend all day hunting food. They return each night to feed the young and do it all over again the next day. Fifty kilometers or farther.”

  “Every day?” Ryan asked in an incredulous tone.

  “Yes. The ocean is overfished so they have to go farther and farther. It’s pretty amazing what parents will do for their children.”

  Ryan looked at her. “Are you scared?”

  “Some. At first I was shocked, frightened, mad, then protective. It has been better here lately.” She left off because of you.

  “So it takes both parents to find enough food?”

  “They are partners for life.”

  Ryan looked off toward the ocean and didn’t say anything.

  Had she made him nervous? Made it sound like she expected something from him? “I think I’m most scared that I won’t be enough for the baby. That I can’t be both mother and father.”

  “I think you’ll do just fine. Your baby will grow up happy and loved. Let’s head on down.”

  Phoebe didn’t immediately move. Did he think she expected him to offer to help? That she thought he’d be around when the baby came? Would take Joshua’s place? She wouldn’t force commitment on any man. She was looking for someone who wanted to spend time with her. Who would put her first, over everything. Someone that would willingly be there for her and her baby.

  She started walking but at a slower pace.

  They walked in silence around a couple of turns before Ryan said, “Whew, the smell is something.”

  “There are thousands of small chicks living in this bank.”

  “Really?” Ryan leaned over the rail and peered down. “I don’t see them.”

  “Most are asleep right now. When they wake up you can see their heads stick out. There is one small nest after another.”

  “Everywhere.”

  Phoebe chuckled. It was fun to be around when Ryan experienced something new. He seemed to get such enjoyment and wonderment from it. It made her see it the same way. “Yes, they are everywhere.”

  “If you had told me about this I wouldn’t have believed it.”

  “You haven’t seen the best yet. Come on, let’s get a good seat.”

  “Seat for what?”

  “To watch mum and dad come home.” She took his hand and pulled him along the walk.

  When she tried to let his hand go he hung on tighter. She relaxed and reveled in the feeling of having someone close. Ryan seemed to like having contact with her.

  “What do you mean?”

  “We have to go down to the beach. There are grandstands.”

  “Like bleachers?”

  “Come on, I’ll show you.”

  As they continued on Ryan pulled her to a halt every once in a while to peer into the bank. “I can’t believe all these little birds here.”

  She just smiled. They finally made it down to the sand. She was glad to have Ryan’s help as she crossed it and they found a seat on an aluminum bench.

  Ryan looked around. “This many people will be here?”

  “Yes, the three sets of bleachers will be full and there will be people standing along the rails.”

  “I wonder why I’ve never heard about this.”

  “I don’t know but I do think it’s the best-kept secret about Australia.”

  The bleachers filled as the sun began to set. Minutes later the crowd around them quieted.

  “Look,” Phoebe whispered and pointed out toward the water. “Here they come.”

  Emerging from the surf was a small penguin, and behind it another until there was a group of ten to twelve. They hurried up the beach and into the grassy areas.

  A loud chirping rose as their chicks realized dinner had arrived. Soon after the first group, another one came out of the water. Then another. Occasionally the group would be as many as twenty.

  Ryan leaned close. There was a smell to him that was all Ryan with a hint of the sea. Phoebe liked the combination.

  “Why do they come out in groups?”

  “For protection from predators. If they all come at once, then they all could be killed. They come out in groups and in waves. That way there will be someone left to take care of the chicks if something happens to them.”

  Who would take care of her child if something happened to her? She wasn’t going to think about that. Glancing at Ryan, she saw that he was looking out at the water. Was he thinking about what she’d said?

  As they watched the penguins, the sun went down and floodlights came on. Phoebe shivered as a breeze came off the water. Ryan put an arm around her and pulled her in close. She didn’t resist his warmth. Instead, she snuggled into his side.

  As they watched, a cluster came out of the water and quickly returned.

  “See, that group was frightened by something. Watch for a minute and they will try it again.”

  Out of the water they came. Ryan gave her a little squeeze.

  “You know, I expected the penguins to have black coats but they are really a dark navy.”

  “That was my biggest surprise the first time I saw them. Aren’t they cute?”

  “I have to admit they are.”

  They watched for the next hour. As they did so the penguins continued to come out in waves and the noise from the nests rose to almost a point to where Ryan and Phoebe couldn’t hear each other.

  Finally they sat there for another ten minutes and no more birds arrived. The crowd started moving toward the walkway.

  “Is that it?” Ryan sounded disappointed.

  “That’s it for tonight.”

  “Amazing.”

  When they passed a park ranger, Ryan asked, “How many penguins are there?”

  “Two thousand two hundred and fifty-one tonight.”

  “How do you know that?”

  “We count them. There are rangers stationed in sections along the beach.”

  Ryan’s arm supported her as they climbed the hill on the way back to the welcome center. He didn’t remove it as they walked to the truck.

  As they left the car park he said, “Thanks for bringing me. I’ll be doing this again.”

  “I’m glad you had a good time.”

  “I did. I bet you are beat.” He grinned. “You didn’t even fall asleep on me today.”

  “I’m sorry. I can’t help it.”

  “I’m just teasing you.”

  They talked about their day for a few minutes. It was the best one she’d had in a
long time. Even before Joshua had died. Ryan had proved he could be fun and willing to try new things. She had more than enjoyed his company. Unfortunately, she feared she might crave it. Her eyelids became heavy and a strong arm pulled her against a firm cushion.

  Ryan hated to wake Phoebe but they were in front of her house. He had given thought to just sitting in the truck and holding her all night.

  Visiting the penguins had been wonderful. He’d especially enjoyed the look on Phoebe’s face when the first bird had waddled out of the water. It was pure pleasure. He’d like the chance to put a look on her face like that.

  That was a place he shouldn’t go. He’d been more than uncomfortable when the discussion had turned to how parents protected their young. He couldn’t be that person in Phoebe’s life and the baby’s. That devotion those tiny birds had to their young wasn’t in him. He couldn’t let Phoebe start believing that it was. He wouldn’t be around for the long haul. That required a level of emotion that he wasn’t willing to give.

  Still, she felt right in his arms. Too right.

  He pushed those thoughts away and settled for practicality and what was best for Phoebe. She would be sore from sleeping in the truck and he would ache for other reasons. He smirked. Plus he was liable to end up in jail when her neighbor called the police.

  “Phoebe.” He shook her gently. “Phoebe. We’re home.”

  Her eyes fluttered open. “Mmm …?”

  “We’re at your house.”

  “Oh.” She tried to sit up but it wasn’t happening quickly.

  “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to fall asleep on you, literally and figuratively.”

  “Not a problem.” And it hadn’t been.

  Ryan opened his door and got out before helping her out. He walked her to the door.

  “What about my chest of drawers?”

  “I need to fix the leg and build a drawer before you can do much with it anyway. I’ll just take it home with me. You could come to my house and work on it. I’ll do the paint stripping anyway. You don’t need to be around those fumes.”

  “You’ve already done so much.”

  Ryan put a hand under her chin and lifted it. “Hey, today was no hardship for me.”

  She smiled. “I enjoyed it, too.”

  With reluctance he stepped back. “You need to get to bed.”

  “And you still have a drive ahead.”

  “I do. I’ll see you in clinic Wednesday afternoon. Plan to come to my place afterward. I should have the leg on and the drawer done by then.”

  “Okay.”

  He liked the fact that she readily agreed.

  “See you then.”

  Phoebe made her way into the hospital and up to the clinic waiting room. She hadn’t been this nervous since her first visit. Her name was called and she was directed to an examination room. She was told to remove her trousers, sit on the exam table and place the sheet over her. Soon Sophia entered. “Well, have you made a decision on who you want to replace me?”

  “Not yet. I hate to lose you. Are you sure you can’t put off the wedding until after this baby is born?”

  “I don’t think Aiden will agree to that. You’re going to have to make a decision soon.”

  “I know.”

  “I’m sorry that I can’t be there to deliver.” Sophia’s smile grew. “But love doesn’t wait.”

  “I understand. I wish you the best.”

  “So how’s it going between you and Ryan? I know your first meeting was a little rocky.”

  Phoebe smiled. “That would be an understatement. It turns out he’s a great guy. He’s been helping me get the baby’s room together. I asked him to put the baby bed together and he volunteered to paint the room.”

  “I’m not surprised. He’s the kind of person who keeps to himself and quietly goes about helping people.”

  A few minutes later Sophia had left and Phoebe had just finished dressing when there was a knock on the door. “Come in.”

  Ryan entered. “Hey.”

  “Hi.” She sounded shy even to herself. She’d never been timid in her life.

  “So how’re you feeling?”

  “Fine.”

  “Great. No aches or pains after our adventure on Saturday?”

  She appreciated his friendly manner. “I was tired but no more than I’m sure you were.”

  “I have to admit it was a long day. You mind waiting on me in the waiting room? I have one more patient to see.”

  “Sure.”

  She hadn’t been waiting long when he came out of the office area.

  “You ready?”

  She stood. “Ryan, I have to work tomorrow. I can’t be out late. Maybe I should just come by this weekend.”

  “Don’t you want to see what I’ve done with the chest?”

  Ryan sounded like a kid wanting to show off his new toy. He opened the door leading to the main hall. She went out and he followed.

  “Sure I do, but I also have to get to bed at a decent hour.”

  “I’ll drive you home.”

  “I don’t want you to have to do that.”

  He looked at her. Worry darkened his eyes to a granite color. “Is something wrong? Did I do something wrong?”

  “No, of course not.”

  “Then stop arguing and come on. I’ll get you home for your regular bedtime. We’ll go to my place and then walk down to a café for dinner. Then I’ll take you home.”

  “Okay. If you insist.”

  “I do.”

  Twenty minutes later Ryan unlocked the front door to his home. She followed him in. The place looked no different than it had the last time she had been there yet everything had changed. She felt welcomed where she hadn’t before.

  Ryan dropped his clothes in a pile next to the door just as he had done before. “Are you thirsty?” he called from the kitchen area.

  “No, but I would like to use the bathroom.”

  “That’s right. Pregnant women and their bladders. You’ll find it off my bedroom. Sorry it isn’t cleaner.”

  “I’ll try not to look.”

  Phoebe walked to the only doorway she’d never been through. She stopped in shock. The most perfect bedroom suite she’d ever seen filled the room. The furnishing here was nothing like what was in the rest of the house. There was such a contrast it was like being in two different worlds. She went to the sleigh-style bed and ran her hand along the footboard, then turned to study the large dresser. The workmanship was old world with a twist of the modern. She’d never seen any like it. She’d give anything to have furniture like this.

  “Hey, Phoebe—” Ryan walked into the room.

  “These are beautiful pieces. Where did you get them?” She walked around the end of the bed to the bedside table. She couldn’t stop herself from touching it.

  “I made it.”

  She pivoted. “You did? It’s amazing. If you ever give up being a midwife, you could become a millionaire, making furniture. It’s just beautiful.”

  A hint of redness crept up his throat.

  “Thank you. I don’t think it’s that good. But I’m glad you like it. You ready to go downstairs?”

  “Downstairs?”

  “That’s where my workshop is.”

  “I haven’t made it to the bathroom yet.”

  “You go. The door to the basement is in the kitchen. I’ll leave it open.”

  A few minutes later Phoebe gingerly descended the stairs. She was half way down when Ryan rushed over.

  “Give me your hand and I’ll help you. I forget how steep the steps are.”

  “I think I’ve got it.” She took the last three steps, then looked around. The area was immaculate. There was equipment spaced around the room that she couldn’t put a name to but there wasn’t a speck of sawdust on the floor. It was in marked contrast to his living area upstairs. He obviously loved and spent a lot of time down here.

  Her cabinet stood near a wooden workbench. Ryan walked over to it. There was a look of
anticipation on his face. As if it really mattered to him what she thought. He moved from one foot to the other. The man was worried about her reaction.

  “So what do you think?”

  “About what?”

  “The chest.”

  “I know what you’re talking about, silly. I’m just teasing you. It looks wonderful.”

  As if he’d been awarded a prize, his chest puffed out. She would have never thought that this self-assured man would be that concerned about her opinion.

  “I couldn’t find a leg that matched the others so I bought four new ones that were as close to the original as I could find.”

  “They look great. The drawer looks like it was made with it. I’m not surprised after I saw your bedroom furniture. Thank you, Ryan. It’s perfect.”

  “I managed to strip some of the paint but it still needs more work. I was going to do some of it tonight but I promised to get you home.”

  “You know I’d rather have that finished so I can work on it than go out for a meal. Why don’t I go down to the café and get takeout—?”

  “While I work?” Ryan finished with a grin. “I think you could be a slave driver for a little bit.”

  “You’re the one that said I shouldn’t be stripping it. I would have put it out in the backyard where there was plenty of ventilation.”

  He propped his hands on his hips. “And just how were you planning to move it out of the weather?”

  “I would have found a way. Ms. Rosenheim could help me.”

  “That would have been a sight worth watching.”

  She glared at him. “You don’t think we could do it?”

  He threw up his hands. “I don’t think I would put anything past you two.”

  “Good. You need to remember that. Now, I’m going to get us something to eat and you’d better get busy.”

  “Yes, ma’am.”

  His chuckle followed her up the stairs.

  Ryan was aware of Phoebe returning. Her soft footfalls crossed overhead. As she moved around in the kitchen, something about the sound made him feel good inside. When her eyes lit up at the sight of the chest of drawers he felt like he could carry the world on his shoulders. For so long he’d only seen the look in eyes of those in pain or life slipping away. He could do nothing to change it but this time he’d been able to help someone and see pure joy. It was the same feeling he had when he delivered a baby.