Divided Dreams

by Walters, Janet Lane;

  “Dr. Reed said no. He also said she’d recently been beaten.”

  “By who?”

  “Don’t know.” Rob spilled papers from a manila envelope on the desk. “I found all this tucked in the diaper bag. She also left a two month old daughter.”

  Nate reached for the papers. He waved the birth certificate. “Dan Sherman is your niece’s father. Doesn’t sound good. What do you want me to do?”

  “Temporary guardianship for me until we find Sherman and he gives up his rights. Add Andi Sherman as a possible co.”

  “What? Why?”

  “Tammy is her niece. Andi’s back in town. A nurse practitioner in partnership with Fern Lake Pediatrics.”

  “Will she agree?”

  Rob shrugged. “I asked. She hasn’t agreed yet. You’ll need to locate her brother. I won’t have him raising my niece.”

  Nate templed his fingers against his chin. “Have you fallen for the baby?”

  “She’s family, and I intend to take care of her. I’m nothing like my father.”

  Nate tapped his fingers on the desk. “Are you sure you want to learn where Sherman lives?”

  “Yes.”

  “Then I have to perfect people to find him. Your cousin, Simon, is a partner in a security firm. They also do security checks.”

  “Perfect. “Rob leaned forward. “Maybe Simon can learn why my sister had this hefty bank balance and what those numbers mean.”

  Nate’s smile broadened. “I’ll get things started. Hope you enjoy being a dad as much as I do.”

  “How is Davy?”

  “Thriving. He’s at the Academy sleep-away camp. I visit every weekend and usually make them three day visits.”

  Rob glanced at his watch. “I’d better move. My sensible sedan should be ready.”

  Nate followed him to the door. “Good luck. Go easy on Andi.”

  Rob turned to leave. Why did everyone want to protect her from him?

  * * *

  A short time after the baby’s furniture arrived, Rob opened the door for Simon. His cousin carried the cradle in and quickly assembled the pieces.

  Rob placed Tammy in the cradle and set it rocking. “Let me finish the swing and we can do the furniture. Thank heavens the room across the hall from mine had no furniture.”

  Simon paused beside the cradle. “She’s a pretty one. How will you manage?”

  “I’m not sure.” Rob placed the last screw in the frame and hung the seat.

  With Simon’s help the crib was quickly assembled. Tammy cried. Rob hurried to pick her up. “She’s wet,” he said. “Time to see if I can manage.”

  “Let me show you.” Simon took the baby from Rob and carried her to the changing table. Step by step he showed Rob how to use wipes and how to fasten the new diaper. When he finished, Tammy cried.

  Rob stared at his cousin. “What’s her problem now?”

  “She’s hungry. Ready for another lesson?”

  Rob led the way to the kitchen area of the main room and pulled a bottle from the refrigerator. “Give her to me.”

  “You need to warm the bottle.”

  Rob pulled a pan, filled it with water and set it on the burner. “Nothing I learned in med school.”

  Simon laughed. “Nor in cop school. Dana taught me.” He arched a brow. “You need a woman around.”

  “I don’t need a wife.”

  “You may change your mind.” Simon lifted the bottle from the bubbling water. He tested the milk on his wrist. “Just right.” He went to the couch and sat. After feeding Tammy some of the milk he lifted her to his shoulder until she burped. He handed the baby to Rob. “Your turn.”

  Rob successfully imitated his cousin. After his niece finished most of the formula and burped Rob placed her in the cradle. He went to the kitchen, grabbed two beers and a bag of chips.

  “Any news on the book, or is it books?” Simon drank from the bottle.

  “Edits on the first are due any day. Still don’t have a release date.”

  “What kind of book? Never thought to ask.”

  “Medical suspense with a touch of sex.”

  Simon grabbed a handful of chips. “If you need info on security systems or investigations or the military, just call. I’ve done them all. Maybe you’d like some on hands martial training.”

  “I’ll let you know.”

  Simon leaned forward. “Do you really want me to find Dan Sherman?”

  Rob raised his beer. “I want to know Tammy is safe and he can’t use her as leverage in some scheme.”

  “Are there are suspicions about his involvement in Patricia’s death?”

  “Haven’t heard anything more than she’d been beaten.”

  “Alcohol?”

  “Reed said none in her blood when the accident happened but she had broken ribs and a battered face. Could have contributed to the accident.”

  Simon finished the beer. “I’d better head out. Think about installing a security system.”

  “Give me some ideas. Then we can discuss what I need.”

  “Will do. Dana and I will see you at the funeral. She’ll have a list of potential nannies.”

  * * *

  Rob held a frilly pink dress he thought would fit Tammy. He looked at the tiny buttons. Could he? He laid the dress on the changing table and attempted to slide the holes over the buttons. Five minutes later what he had was a wrinkled mass of cloth.

  He shook his head and pulled out a pink short set. This would have to do. He lifted Tammy, checked her diaper and dressed her. He carried her to the car where the diaper bag and the infant seat waited.

  “We’re going to see your aunt but first we need to stop at the grocery store for formula.” He had no idea how much he would need for the rest of the week. He had no desire to shop every day.

  He popped Tammy into her seat and fastened the buckles. Giant eagles flapped monstrous wings in his gut. If he could convince Andi to come to the cabin to watch her niece…If he could gain her forgiveness for being an ass…If he could…

  Whoa. Dinner and plans for Wednesday were the only items on this evening’s agenda.

  Five minutes later Rob parked outside the supermarket and removed the carrier part of the car seat and fastened it to a shopping cart. Inside the store he searched the signs above the aisles to find the baby one. He found the cartons of the proper formula and cleared the shelf. How long would a dozen cartons last?

  The rows of food for infants astonished and tempted. Why not? Surely she would need food soon. He tossed boxes of cereal into the cart. Jars of fruit, vegetables, meat and desserts followed. He added biscuits, juices and cookies. At the cash register the total stunned him.

  He tapped Tammy’s cheek. “You’re an expensive date, kid.” He glanced at his watch. “We’ve ten minutes to reach the restaurant. Wouldn’t want to keep your aunt waiting.”

  After he parked in front of Louie’s he removed Tammy’s carrier from the car. With the diaper bag over his shoulder he entered and discovered he’d arrived first. Louie led him to a table and removed the reserved sign.

  The obese man’s eyebrow arched. “A cocktail?”

  Though he would have enjoyed one of Louie’s specialties Rob shook his head. “Iced tea.”

  The rotund man grinned and winked. “This is a new addition. Yours?”

  Rob shook his head “Patricia’s.”

  “I heard about the accident on the local news. I’m sorry she died.”

  “Thank you.” Rob wished he felt the same about his sister. She’d spent her life sowing trouble and reveling in the results.

  Louie beckoned to a waiter. “Iced tea for Dr. Grantlan.” He turned to greet several new arrivals.

  The waiter brought the tea, a basket of garlic knots and a dish of herb seasoned olive oil. Rob reached for one, dipped and ate. His niece slept.

  Time crawled at a snail’s pace. Was she coming? After devouring half the garlic knots and drinking the tea he stared at his watch. Nearly six thirty.
Had he been stood up?

  Other diners arrived. A few stopped to offer condolences and admire Tammy.

  Rob frowned. Should he order? Just then the door opened. He half-rose. She looked tempting and he was tempted. Was there a way to persuade her to try again?

  Chapter 4

  Tension gripped Andi’s shoulders like a vise holding glued pieces together. At quarter to five the secretary signaled a new patient had arrived. Just when she’d hoped to be out on time but she was up next.

  She stood in the doorway of one of the treatment rooms while the mother undressed the infant. Andi nearly gasped when she saw the inflamed diaper rash. The white paper covering the brown leather examining table made the rash seem virulent.

  Andi stepped to the table and gently washed the screaming small boy’s buttocks. She applied a soothing ointment to the area.

  “You’re fortunate there’s no infection. I see you’re using cloth diapers.”

  The young woman glared. “I can’t use those plastic covered things. Only natural fibers for my son.”

  “Something’s causing this reaction.” Andi printed out some instructions and faxed a prescription for an ointment to the pharmacy listed on the chart. She handed the papers to the mother. “Here’s a list of detergents that are less harsh.”

  “How can I be sure there are no pollutants in these brands?”

  “Other than reading the labels or doing an internet search there’s no way. You could use a service.”

  “I won’t do that. How would I know if I received my own diapers back?”

  Andi wanted to shake the young woman. “If something doesn’t change the rash will worsen and infections can happen. I’d like to see your son next week.”

  The young mother leaned forward. “Maybe there’s something in the food he eats causing the rash?”

  Andi drew a deep breath. “Rashes from food allergies are usually more general. Whatever you’re using to wash the diapers is most likely the culprit.”

  When the woman and baby left Andi completed her notes. She looked at her watch. She was due to meet Rob in twenty minutes. She studied her wrinkled slacks and stained blouse. No way was she going to a restaurant looking like this.

  She sped to the apartment. As she dashed down the hall to the bathroom she stripped and ducked into the shower for a quick scrub. In the bedroom she selected a long flowered skirt and a green silk shell matching the leaves of the print. After blow drying her hair she dressed and applied make up. Fortunately Louie’s was close enough to walk.

  As soon as she stepped from the air-conditioned lobby the heat of the day leached her energy. Late. I’m late. Though an urge to run rose, she didn’t want to arrive drenched with sweat and out of breath. She needed to remain cool. Giving Rob a way into her emotions wouldn’t do.

  Had he waited? How would she feel if he’d driven away? Relief warred with worry. She should have found a way to call him but she had no idea where he lived. The only phone number she’d discovered for him had been disconnected.

  She paused inside the restaurant door. She’d never been here before. White clothes covered the tables. Soft candlelight danced over pictures on the walls. A rotund man approached.

  “A table for one?”

  She shook her head. “I’m meeting someone.” She spotted Rob at a rear table. “There he is.” A baby carrier sat on a chair. Rob’s expression brought a chuckle. When she reached him she saw a basket of garlic knots. Had he eaten most of them?

  “Sorry I’m late. You wouldn’t believe my day.” She explained the delay. “I had to change. Wasn’t fit to be in public.”

  He rose and held a chair for her. “I’m glad you came.” He lightly caressed her shoulders.

  Torn between purring and snapping a command for him to leave her alone she forced herself to relax. She leaned forward and studied the baby. “She’s beautiful.”

  He returned to his chair. “Hopefully she won’t be as spoiled as her mother.”

  Andi looked up. “Or wild like my brother.”

  A waitress delivered a tray of appetizers and took their orders for the meal. “Wine with dinner?”

  She shook her head. “None for me.”

  “For me either.” As the waiter departed Rob met her gaze. “I’m driving. Unlike other members of my family I’m moderate in my tastes.”

  Andi recalled how his brother had died while intoxicated, and his sister when she was drunk had hit her father’s car causing him to fall and break his hip. She understood Rob’s reasons. They were similar to hers about drugs.

  She selected a stuffed mushroom and chewed. Her gaze focused on Rob’s broad shoulders and muscular chest. She fought a desire to…do what? Did she really consider resurrecting their sexual encounters of the past?

  You made love. Yet all had been destroyed in a moment. She would be a fool to start over again.

  The salads arrived. Conversation remained casual through the main course. The changes in Fern Lake, the news, anything but Tammy and the new bonds to form.

  Rob twirled spaghetti on a fork and neatly carried the bite to his mouth. Tammy whimpered. He swallowed and reached for the diaper bag, removed a bottle and lifted his niece.

  “It’s okay, Tammy, I’m here.” The tears stopped. The baby smiled.

  Andi’s breath caught. He handled his niece like a pro. Her fingers curled. She couldn’t hide her wishes from herself. How would his hands feel touching her skin? She bent her head and cut a piece of the veal.

  Rob started to rise. Andi’s fork clattered on the plate. “What’s wrong?”

  “Nothing. She needs a change.”

  Andi laughed. “You’ve a problem then.”

  “Why? I’ve become adept with the chore.”

  “The changing table is in the ladies’ room. You would create an interesting scene.” She stood. “I’ll take her.” As he passed the baby to her their hands brushed. Arrows of desire flowed from the contact. “Diaper bag.” Did he notice the tension in her voice?

  Rob’s hand slid over hers. Her skin burned from the touch. She stiffened her spine.

  “Thanks,” he said.

  Andi walked away. Was he trying to seduce her? The rush of blood from her heart to her core told her she stood on a precarious edge. She couldn’t fall. How could she remain cool? His approach was smoother than the years ago meeting. Then she’d acted on desire. She couldn’t now.”

  In the rest room Andi changed her niece. “Tammy,” she whispered. A surge of love for this mite made her heart speed. This child was her family. She wanted the tiny girl to have more love than her parents had given her. How, when the connection to Rob remained hostile on her part?

  Andi lifted Tammy into her arms. “He wants us to share custody. Can I?” Doing so would mean more time spent with the baby and Rob. She wasn’t sure she could be in his company without desire ruling her actions.

  Tammy gurgled. Andi laughed. How could she resist falling for her niece and not for Rob? She had no answer. She gripped the diaper bag and returned to the table.

  Rob looked up. “Coffee and dessert.”

  Andi fastened the baby into the infant seat. “Coffee. No dessert.”

  He leaned forward. “Have you thought about joint guardianship?”

  “I can’t make that decision so soon.”

  “Why not?”

  “My brother has to know about Patricia’s death and that his daughter survived.”

  Rob nodded. “A search for him has begun.”

  Andi asked. “Why? You’re asking for trouble. He wasn’t a nice person as a teenager and I doubt he’s changed.”

  “Do you really think he will care about Tammy? For custody to be made permanent he has to sign away his rights.”

  Andi doubted her brother wanted to raise a child. She inhaled and caught a whisper of sandalwood. “I can’t decide today, but I will let you know.”

  “Good, but I’m still seeking to make her legally mine.”

  She stared at the table. �
��Do what you want. You always do.”

  His shoulders straightened. “Not always. I regret I didn’t do what I wanted years ago.”

  Was he talking about her or his dream of becoming a published author? She reached for the strap of her bag. “I need to go.”

  “Not yet. Will you be able to watch Tammy on Wednesday so I don’t have to take her to the funeral?”

  “You’re lucky. That’s my off day. Bring her to the hospital. If there are any in-patients I’ll have to make rounds.”

  He shook his head. “Come to the cabin. I’ll need to take my mother and her cousin to the airport. The round trip is too long for me to handle the baby. If you stay at my place I’ll feed you dinner.”

  Andi fidgeted with the coffee cup. Meeting his gaze might reveal the wishes threading through her thoughts. She wanted something disastrous to her mental health. “What if I have plans for the afternoon?”

  “Do you?”

  She wished she could lie. “No.”

  “Would you come, please?”

  Thoughts of Tammy being in a car for hours, not to mention a trip through a noisy airport, made her nod. “I will.” Did the tone of her voice reveal the emotions she wanted to hide? Why had she believed all those years ago he was her perfect mate? That traitorous thought lingered.

  He clasped her hand. “Thanks.”

  Heat rode up her arm and traveled to her toes. She was in trouble.

  The check arrived. Rob paid. Andi tried to leave the tip. He shook his head. “My treat.” He slid the diaper bag over his shoulder, lifted the carrier and followed her outside.

  “See you.” She had to escape before he recognized her desire. She felt sure pheromones filled the air.

  “Could you open the rear door for me?” he asked. “I haven’t mastered how to make two hands do the work of three.”

  Andi opened the rear door and inhaled the aroma of new car with leather the most prominent scent. “Nice car. Never thought I’d see you driving a sedan even though it’s a luxury one.”

  “Neither did I. My real car is at the cabin but there was no rear seat for Tammy.” He handed her the diaper bag. “Hold this while I fasten her in. Don’t want to set it on the ground.”