Divided Dreams

by Walters, Janet Lane;

  Rob released a breath. “I’ll pick you and Hattie up for dinner Tuesday evening at Fern House. You can meet your granddaughter. On Wednesday I’ll take you to the airport.”

  “You’ll need someone to watch the baby,” she said.

  “On my to-do list.”

  After disconnecting Rob shoved the cell in his pocket and walked to Pediatrics. A nurse at the desk directed him to the nursery. Three cribs jutted from the side wall. A table held diapers and some plastic bottles and boxes. He noticed a rocking chair near the window. He walked to the only occupied crib. He stroked his niece’s light brown hair. She curled her fingers around his thumb. He felt a connection that surprised him.

  “You’re a sweet child.”

  A woman wearing a white lab coat entered. “Dr. Grantlan, I’m Mrs. Ryder, social worker. Sorry about your sister? Will you take the baby home tomorrow of should I arrange for foster care?”

  “Unless I can locate her father, I’ll be asking for guardianship.” Though he knew nothing about child care, the baby was family.

  “I’m glad.”

  Rob thought of how his life had changed. The edits for his first book were due to arrive any day. He wanted to finish the second. Now he had a baby under his care. “Do you know of anyone who could work as a nanny five days a week? She would have weekends off.”

  “I don’t, but if I hear of someone I’ll call you. You might consider calling one of the home care agencies. What is the little girl’s name?”

  Rob shrugged. “I haven’t spoken to my sister for almost a year. She had drinking problems and left an alcohol rehab facility and vanished.”

  “You should look for a birth certificate.”

  “Once I go home I’ll look through my sister’s luggage.” He left the room.

  As he rode the elevator to the first floor he listed the things he needed to buy. Though today was Sunday he hoped the children’s shop in town was one of the stores that remained open. Otherwise, he had to head to the mall twenty miles away. He started the car and drove to Main Street.

  Not only was the store open, but a sale was in progress. Businesses along the street had sidewalk displays. He skirted racks of children’s clothes and entered the shop. The mental list he’d composed vanished. What did he need?

  A clerk approached. “Can I help you?”

  Rob looked around. Cribs, high chairs, swings, and items he had no idea of their purpose filled one section of the massive room.

  “Rob, what are you doing here?”

  He turned and saw his cousin’s wife. “Shopping. I’ve become a parent who has no idea what is needed.” He explained the situation.

  Dana chuckled. “Do you have a budget?”

  “I’m good unless we hit a hundred grand.”

  “We won’t go that high. How old is your niece? What’s her name?”

  “Around two months and I have no idea what Patricia called her. Hopefully, there will be answers in the luggage I stowed in the trunk of my car.”

  “We’ll start with the things you can take home.”

  Before long the counter was piled with items Dana considered necessary. Rob felt like he’d morphed into Santa.

  Dana grinned. “People usually buy these a few at a time rather than in bulk.”

  Rob laughed. “The unexpected rules. What now?”

  “Furniture.”

  She led him to the section where cribs, dressers and changing tables stood. Rob fell in love with a swing and added that to the selection. He spotted a car seat that boasted he would never need to buy another. Dana added a stroller to the grouping.

  When the clerk rang up the sale he gasped at the total. He slid a credit card through the reader and signed. He turned to Dana. “I need some place for her to sleep until the furniture arrives.”

  “I’ve the perfect thing. Before Jenny was born your mother gave me a cradle. My daughter has outgrown it and the thing is gathering dust. I’ll have Simon drop it off tomorrow. We can make this a family heirloom.”

  “I’d like that.” He drew a deep breath. “If I twist his arm would he help with the furniture assembly?”

  “I’m sure he would. He likes tinkering.”

  “Next step is to find a nanny. Revisions are due soon.”

  “I know several women who might be interested, and I’ll ask among my friends. Simon and I will be at the funeral. I’ll have some numbers for you.”

  Rob grasped her hand. “You’re great.”

  She grabbed several bags. “Do you have a release date yet? Can’t wait to read the book.”

  He gathered the remaining bags and the box with the car seat. “You might find yourself in the pages, but carefully disguised.” She and Simon were among the few people who knew about the contract.

  They stuffed the items including the new car seat in his sports car.

  “Spending your money was fun.” Dana winked. “You’d better think about a new car.”

  “Once I arrive home, I’ll make a call to the owner of the dealership.” He turned the key in the ignition and waved. He drove to the cabin located five miles from town and turned into the tree-lined lane.

  The log building had been used by the family as a summer retreat and a winter refuge. Over the years his father had added a stone wing with six bedrooms and five baths.

  He grabbed the first of the bundles and carried them inside. A half-dozen trips unloaded the car, including the suitcases and the diaper bag. He dropped those on the long leather covered couch. He dialed the car dealership and spoke to the owner.

  “Yes. You heard me. I’ll need a luxury four door and I’m not giving up the Jag.” He gave the reason for the need. “Just pick the best one you have. I’ll be by tomorrow to sign the papers and leave the car seat to be installed.”

  His stomach growled. While a steak sizzled on the indoor grill he opened a beer and examined the diaper bag. He found a handful of papers. One was the birth certificate. Tamara was the baby’s name. Then he spotted the father’s name and laughed. Shame he had to wait until tomorrow morning to share the news.

  Chapter 3

  When the alarm clanged at six AM Andi rolled over and cut the annoying sound. She yawned until her jaw ached. After a series of stretches she slid out of bed. What a strange night. Her sleep had been interrupted by sensual moments, horrid nightmares, and those dreadful frustrating episodes of chasing an illusive goal and never reaching what she sought. Rob’s fault. Seeing him again had rattled her.

  Don’t go there.

  Giving him the power to hurt her again wouldn’t do. She’d mended her broken heart years ago. She had no desire to face another shattering.

  She turned on the shower and stepped beneath the warm spray. As she dried and dressed in navy slacks and a pale blue silk shirt the aroma of coffee lured her to the kitchen. Years ago she’d purchased a machine with a pre-set feature. Every morning she thanked heavens the coffeemaker still worked. A jolt of caffeine always made her able to face the day.

  After drinking two cups lightened with cream she grabbed a white lab coat and rode the elevator to the foyer. Minutes later she aimed the car for the hospital. She found a spot in the nearly empty visitor’s lot and strode to the main entrance. She rode the elevator to the basement cafeteria where she was meeting her partners.

  The aroma of bacon, coffee and other tantalizing scents she couldn’t identify made her stomach rumble. Andi pushed a tray along the rail and selected a glass of orange juice. She hurried past the cinnamon and pecan rolls and ordered a broccoli and cheese omelet. She could become accustomed to a cafeteria where food was cooked to order.

  Josh sat at a corner table. Where was Grace? After paying, Andi carried the tray to join her friend and partner. She turned and glanced toward the line.

  “Morning,” Josh said.

  Andi frowned. “Is Grace usually late?”

  “She’s not coming.”

  “Why not?”

  “No need for both of us to show you around.” He
attacked a stack of pancakes.

  Andi drank her juice. Was this another of Josh’s attempts to move beyond friendship? “Do we meet here every morning?” Since her kitchen skills were minimal she wouldn’t mind a hospital breakfast every day.

  He laughed. “Breakfast wherever, will be your choice. You’ll be making hospital rounds every morning except Wednesday. Today I’ll introduce you to the unit and the staff. I’ll tell you about the in-house patients. The Grantlan baby is due to be discharged. There are two other patients.”

  “Diagnoses?”

  “A ten year old with juvenile diabetes. His sugar is out of control. A four year old with fever of unknown origin. We’re doing tests.”

  “Anything more I should know?”

  “Wednesday is your off day. You’ll be on call one night a week.”

  She swallowed a bite of omelet. “Just one?”

  Josh brushed fair hair from his forehead. “Sunday is yours. We share call with the other pediatrician in town and three family doctors.” He swallowed the last bite on his plate. “How are you with adults?”

  “I’ve had a few classes covering them and I’ve worked as a nurse on Med/Surg units.”

  “That’s good to hear. Calls aren’t that many. The ED doctors handle most. We’re called in when a patient demands.”

  Andi finished her omelet. “So far everything you’ve said sounds good. What about the office?”

  He smiled. “If one of us isn’t requested, the patients are rotated. We feel it works if we all see the patients. New eyes can pick up things that might have been missed.” He gathered the trays and dishes and carried them to the conveyer belt leading to the kitchen. “Are you really okay?”

  Why the question? She met his gaze. “Once I settle into a routine all will be great. Thanks for the shopping and pulling the apartment together.”

  “We were glad to help.” He chuckled. "I was sweat labor. Grace arranged the furniture.” He reached for her hand and missed. “Think you’ll like it here? Sorry Grantlan has remained in town.”

  Andi halted. “I’m fine with his presence. I will admit I was nervous about seeing him again. It happened and I remained calm. I can handle future encounters.” Andi pushed thoughts of Rob’s well-toned body and his smile away.

  “Really?” He stepped closer and reached for her hand. “That’s good news for me.”

  “Josh, don’t start. We’re friends, just friends.” She followed him to the elevator where they rode to the fourth floor. She welcomed the presence of other riders. When the door opened they strode to the nurses’ station.

  People stared. Andi felt edgy. Would she be accepted as a partner in the practice by the staff?

  Josh leaned on the counter. “Gang, this is Andi Sherman, a nurse practitioner and a new partner at Fern Lake Peds.” He rattled off half a dozen names.

  Andi rolled her eyes. “I promise I’ll remember your names. Give me a week.”

  A young blonde nurse grinned. “We all wear name tags. That should help.”

  Josh rounded the counter and went to a desk in the rear of the open area where a computer stood. Andi noticed a number of carts holding computers fastened to the tops.

  Josh tapped some keys and pulled up a record. “Our first problem child.”

  Andi read the latest data. When she had time she would read the entire chart. She saw the morning blood sugar result. “He must have a source of food.”

  Josh nodded. “I know, but we haven’t learned how. His parents have a good grasp of his condition. If you have any suggestions let us know.”

  She turned to a hovering nurse. “Does Timmy have visitors other than his parents?”

  The young woman shrugged. “Not sure but I’ll keep a check and pass the word along.”

  Josh pulled a second record. Andi stared at the vital sign sheet. The jagged line of the temperature with spikes and normal readings puzzled her. She studied the results of the many tests. All were negative. She shook her head. “This is odd.”

  “And we may never know the cause.”

  “So what will we do now?”

  “Keep her until the temp’s normal for twenty-four hours.” He rose. “Let’s go see them.”

  “What about the Grantlan baby?” she asked. “I wonder if he found her birth record.”

  “You can ask if he comes in while you’re here. Can you handle that?”

  “Yes.”

  They went to see the first two children. Both were in double rooms. Andi liked the pictures of animals painted on the walls. She performed the exams on both children.

  “Timmy grinned. “Am I ever getting out of here?”

  Josh nodded. “As soon as your sugar is under control.”

  The boy sighed. “I hope so. Tired of being here when it’s summer. I only eat healthy food.”

  Andi tapped his nose with her finger tip. “We’ll figure this out.”

  Josh returned to the station with her and watched her write the notes. He pulled up the Grantlan baby’s chart and printed out discharge orders. “See you at the office. Make sure you stop in Security and at the IT desk before you leave.” He waved and stepped into the elevator.

  Andi started toward the nursery just as the elevator doors opened. Rob strode to the desk. She drew a deep breath and reached for the discharge instructions. She watched the reaction of the nurses. Even the middle-aged pair straightened. Andi had to admit he looked good. Khaki slacks and a bright blue knit shirt showed his fine body.

  He paused at the desk. “Andi…Ms. Sherman, we need to talk about my sister’s baby.”

  Why the emphasis on his sister? She knew who the child belonged to. “We do, and I have some questions for you.” She rounded the desk. “Are you taking her home?”

  “I am, but not for a couple of hours. I hoped to see you, and this morning I have some business to handle.”

  “Will you be using Fern Lake Pediatrics for her care?”

  “Yes.” He crooked his finger. “There’s something you need to know. Hopefully you can answer my questions.”

  Andi grasped the discharge instructions. The glint in his eyes made her wonder what he planned. She walked ahead of him to the nursery.

  Rob paused beside his niece’s crib. “Do you know where your brother can be found?”

  That was the last question she’d expected. “Why would you want to know about him?”

  He waved a paper. “Because of this.”

  Andi took it from him and walked past the crib to the window. She read the birth certificate. Father – Dan Sherman. The baby was her niece. What do you want me to do?” She couldn’t take Tamara home. With the new partnership she couldn’t stay at home with the child.

  “Share guardianship.”

  Her hands trembled. That meant being around him for more time than she wished. “I…My apartment is small. One bedroom. There’s no room for a baby.” She handed him the certificate and glanced at the sleeping child. Still…

  His smile held a hint of mischief. So did his blue eyes. “There are other ways to share. You could spend time with her, maybe weekends. Maybe this Wednesday, while I’m at Patricia’s funeral. That’s no place for an infant.”

  Andi frowned. Taking care of a baby for a few hours didn’t mean interacting with him. “You’re in luck. I’m off Wednesdays. Bring here around eight AM. I’ll be making rounds.”

  “I could do that but there are other options.” He lifted his niece. “We can discuss the particulars later. Twelve years ago I was afraid to defy my father."

  She turned away. Sharp shards of memories slashed her thoughts. “That was years ago. We can’t change the past.”

  “But we can the future.”

  An urge to scream arose. “There is none.” She wheeled toward the door.

  “Dinner tonight at Louie’s. Six PM. We’ll discuss Wednesday and arranging joint guardianship.”

  Andi froze. How could she spend an evening in his company without anger spilling like water plunging over Niagar
a Falls? “We can discuss that now.”

  He looked at his watch. “Can’t. I have appointments to make.” He placed his niece in the crib. “Be back for you soon, Tammy.” He reached the door. “Louie’s, or are you afraid to be with me?”

  “No.” Her hands fisted. “I’ll be there. I’ve changed. Have you?”

  “In some ways. See you.”

  Andi released a held breath. Complications had entered her life like a virus attack. Rob’s attractiveness. Josh’s determination. A niece who popped into her life. What else could occur? She lifted the little girl and held her close. “Tamara. Tammy. So, you are my niece.” She pressed a kiss on the baby’s head. “Maybe we could run away together.”

  Tammy yawned. Andi smiled. She returned the baby to the crib. Time to head to Fern Lake Pediatrics.

  After a stop in the IT office to register a password and another in Security for a badge and parking tag, she hurried to her car. She needed to call Rob and tell him to cancel his plans. Having dinner with him was a bad idea.

  * * *

  Rob entered his attorney’s waiting room feeling as though he’d just left another universe and returned, all in a few hours. After confronting Andi he’d left the hospital and drove to the local car dealership and filled out the paperwork for the car he’d chosen by phone yesterday. He paid by check, spoke to the insurance agent, and left the car seat to be installed. From there he’d gone to the funeral home to make sure the arrangements were in place.

  The receptionist looked up and smiled. “He’s expecting you. Sorry about your sister.”

  “Thanks.” He passed her desk and tapped on Nate Quinn’s door.

  “Come in,” Nate called. “What’s on our mind? I’m issuing the checks this afternoon.”

  Rob slouched in a chair facing his friend. “If you haven’t heard, Patricia died yesterday in a car accident.”

  For an instant Nate’s eyes held sadness. Two years ago his wife died in one leaving him with a young son to raise. “Sorry to hear that. Was she drinking?”