The Core Four Series

by Stacy Borel

  Her tone became even softer. “Oh yes, he’s right over here.” She led me to a far corner of the room. “He’s quite the little fighter.”

  As we approached, a baby small enough to fit in one of my hands was lying on his stomach, monitors attached to his frail body covered by almost transparent skin, a feeding tube in his nose that likely went directly to his stomach, and a breathing tube. It was almost painful to see. Such a small life fighting with everything he had, when he didn’t deserve to be brought into this already cruel world in such a harsh manner.

  “Has his mom come to see him?”

  She looked perplexed. “Unfortunately, Baby March was abandoned. The day she delivered and was put in a post-partum room, she walked out a few hours later and hasn’t been back. Nobody knows any contact information, and she never asked any questions about him before she left.”

  My hand automatically went up to my mouth. I felt like I wanted to be sick. How could a mother carry an infant, give birth, and just abandon it? Doesn’t matter that she didn’t carry him to term. He was her child. He would have loved her unconditionally and expected nothing in return other than what she could offer him. I just couldn’t understand it.

  The nurse, whom I’d learned was named Cassie, told me the baby’s stats and what the doctor was expecting from him over the next couple of days. When babies came down here to NICU, they were usually checked in on every hour. They were given short term goals because that’s what the staff had to rely on. Baby steps, if you will. Anything past that was just asking for too much too soon.

  Cassie left me standing by Baby March’s bed, and I turned to face him. He really was very fragile. I couldn’t help what I was doing though. I stood there, and counted all ten fingers and all ten toes. Someone needed to do it for him. He deserved that much. I closed my eyes as tears welled in them. I took a deep breath and exhaled. Life wasn’t fair. My parents were taken from me far too early, and I’ve been fighting to survive on my own for years. It was a struggle for me at sixteen. Why does an infant that weighed no more than three pounds have to suffer? Why was God picking him to have this battle? There were just some things I don’t think I’d ever understand.

  There was two covered holes in the incubator where nurses were able to reach gloved hands inside and make adjustments to his wires and tubes. Without asking, I went to the sink, washed my hands, and suited myself up to handle him. When I touched him for the first time, a small spark hit me. Not like electricity, but something indescribable. I wanted this baby to live. I cared that he was being cared for by the best. And I also realized, in that moment while my covered hand stroked his little back, that no matter how many nurses and doctors were checking in on him, I would be down here as often as possible ensuring that he knew he was loved. I stayed there with him for almost an hour, nurses moving around me, some even coming over to chat. They appreciated the extra support I was providing. But really, I was being selfish. I was doing this for me too. Something deep down inside of my very being needed the reassurance. He would be okay. I would accept nothing less.

  ***

  It had been a very long day. I was on a quick ten minute break and on the tail end of my twelve hour shift. Visiting the baby this morning took a lot out of me emotionally, and assisting four other deliveries today was about all I could handle. I just wanted to stuff my face, and clock out. No wine or book necessary tonight. I simply needed sleep.

  I was sitting in the locker/break room when the door opened and a little surprise walked in. Turner was carrying two Styrofoam boxes with something that smelled absolutely delicious. My poor stomach caught a whiff of the food too, and after that it was all over with. Was there an equally delicious man holding those boxes? No clue. Standing up I went straight to them with a one track mind. Turner held a box up, offering it to me. Snagging them from his hands, he chuckled.

  “Hungry?”

  I sat down and opened the lids. Scents from the deep fried chicken, mashed potatoes smothered in gravy, and coleslaw attacked my senses. I think I moaned. Turner shifted in his chair. I glanced up at him and he watched me with an equally ravenous look I had for the chicken. I gulped.

  “I’m sorry, did you ask me something?”

  He cleared his throat. “Uh, yeah. I take it you’re hungry?”

  I picked up a leg and stuffed it in my mouth. I had no patience for politeness right now. “Mhmm. I’ve not eaten since six o’clock this morning.”

  He glanced down at his watch. “That was over thirteen hours ago. Don’t they give you breaks on this floor?”

  I swallowed a massive bite of piping hot, greasy chicken. “Yeah, but I have had too much other stuff to do. Charting, sending specimens down to the lab, giving the doctors updates. It’s been quite the day.”

  “Sounds like it.” His eyes roamed over my face. As the food was settling in my empty stomach, I was able to focus on something other than my hunger. I wasn’t sure how I felt about him looking at me like that. “Y’all always this busy?”

  I picked up a plastic fork and stuck it in the potatoes. “Not always. Typically during shift changes it gets hectic, and, of course, if there’s a full moon.”

  “I thought that was an old wives’ tale?”

  I shook my head. “Didn’t you learn this stuff during your OB rotation?” I couldn’t help the laugh that came out.

  “I don’t think I paid much attention, honestly.”

  I explained, “It’s not really an old wives’ tale. There’s some truth to it. When there’s a full moon, there’s something to do with the gravity and Earth’s pull and tilt that causes something to happen in a woman’s body if she’s close to her due date. It can help move along labor or get it started. I’ve checked out the calendar a couple times when there’s one going on. The rooms tend to be a little fuller.”

  He thought it over. “Huh, I guess you learn something new every day.”

  I nodded. “Yes, I suppose you do.”

  I continued to eat my food in silence while Turner watched. The other box of food remained untouched.

  I pointed my fork in its direction. “Aren’t you going to eat?”

  “Yeah, I was just distracted by the view.” He reached forward and pulled the white container toward him. He had the same thing I was eating. Picking up a thigh, he brought it to his mouth and took a bite. I watched his jaw and lips moving with rapt attention. I had no idea eating could be so sexy. “You okay over there?”

  The smugness in his tone told me he knew exactly what he was doing to me. Damn it, Annabelle, get your shit together. This wasn’t the time or the place.

  “I’m fine. So anyway, what made you come to my little neck of the woods? And how did you know I was even here?”

  “I called your charge nurse.”

  “That’s a little stalkerish don’t you think?”

  “Not when I had intentions of bringing you dinner and we could talk about our next date.”

  “Still don’t know how I feel about that.”

  He raised one perfect brow. “The date, or that I made the call.”

  “Both.”

  “Well . . . too bad.”

  Cocky bastard. “So what about this date? Weren’t you supposed to call me or something?”

  Turner shrugged his wide shoulders. “I could have, but I decided this was much more fun.”

  I think I ate to fast. I was already full and I’d barely finished a leg and a couple bites of potato. I sighed. “If watching me stuff my face like stoned college kid with the munchies is fun for you, you should see me when I’m home alone and have a box of chocolates. Definitely disgusting.”

  He was amused. “Noted.”

  I waved my fork in the air. “No, sir. I was making a statement. It’s not something you’ll actually ever see.”

  “If you say so. Now, about this date.”

  “I’m listening.”

  Two nurses from my floor walked in. One of which was little Miss Red Silk herself. She paused in the doorway when
she saw Turner sitting with me and her mouth dropped open. He barely flashed a glance in their direction. Did he not recognize her or was she that forgettable? By the look on her face, I’d say she was definitely offended by his lack of attention. I wanted to roll my eyes, but what prevented me from doing it was Turner refusing to care that someone else was around and could hear us. The slutty nurse, Robin, whom I rarely worked with anymore because she started doing on-call hours, grabbed whatever it was she was after out of her locker and slammed it shut. I can’t say I wouldn’t behave the same way she did if I was shunned so easily. When she stormed out of the room, I had to bite the inside of my cheek. No, I didn’t feel egotistical that I was currently the girl Turner was paying attention to. But he did have a way of making you feel special.

  “Annabelle, eyes right here, please.” His voice was deep and demanding. That pull I’d felt toward him since the first time we’d met was very evident and reeling me right in.

  It was not fair that someone could have that color eyes and be so mesmerizing. I’d love to take him to the tropics just to see if they really were the same color as the ocean.

  “I’m listening.”

  “Hmmm, if you say so. This weekend my parents asked if we all wanted to come over for dinner. Something about my mom missing her boys, blah blah blah. Anyway, I know both of my parents enjoyed your company, and frankly, so do I. So would you like to join me?”

  My head jerked back. “Why does this feel like a ‘meet the family’ sort of date?”

  His brow furrowed. “Definitely not. And could you even count it as that when you’ve already met them?”

  He made a point. “Touché.”

  “Oh, and if you come, you’ll have to bring tennis shoes this time.”

  “Why’s that?”

  “Baseball, Annabelle. We play baseball every time we get together.”

  Oh, yes, I wasn’t even thinking about their family traditions. “Well, I work on Saturday ‘til six. Sometimes it’s a little later depending on the number of laboring mothers and deliveries.”

  “That’s not a problem. They will be barbequing so I’m sure dinner will be later than normal. Dad’s a bit meticulous on the grill.”

  I had no reason to refuse. It wasn’t like he was taking me on some wild ride again. Plus, my friends would be there to act as my comfort. How intimate could Turner and I get with his family around?

  “All right, you have yourself a date.” Seemed low key enough.

  Standing up from the table, he pushed his chair back. “You done with your food?”

  I nodded.

  He tossed them in the trash as he made his way to the door. “See you in a couple days, Beautiful.”

  My stomach flip flopped. He didn’t even stick around after making me all mushy, he just walked out. I smiled to myself. Well, looks like I’d be seeing if I could keep myself safe and uninjured. Ironic that he’s taken me on two dates now that I could have easily hurt myself, and yet the one place I was heading this weekend is where I managed to end up on my ass. Guess it’s challenge accepted, Annabelle.

  Chapter Eight

  Annabelle

  I WANTED TO FIND TIME to check on Baby March before I had to leave for the Brooks’ house, but unfortunately it was already past six, and I still had another thirty minute drive ahead of me. Turner was going to wait for me, but I insisted that he go ahead of me. I didn’t want his family to hold off on dinner just because I was running late. I even suggested taking a rain check but he assured me it was fine.

  “Hey, I’m heading out. All my patients have been passed off. Have a good weekend,” I called over my shoulder to my charge nurse.

  “You too, hon,” she replied.

  Once out in the parking garage, I climbed into my car, tossed my bag onto the passenger seat and got on the road. I was actually looking forward to this evening. I may have been more nervous if this was my first time meeting the Brooks family, but it wasn’t. Being around this family was comforting. I wasn’t sure if that was odd, but I accepted the emotion. Paul and Donna had a way of making you feel like you were one of their kids. I’d be willing to bet they never met a stranger. Rolling the windows down, and turning the radio up, I sat back and enjoyed my short drive to their house.

  Turner came outside to greet me when I pulled into the half circle driveway. He opened my door and bent down to greet me with a kiss on the cheek, I was motionless. Normally, I didn’t get this from him until the end of the date. Apparently, he was trying to keep me on my toes by switching things up. I sighed deeply, unable to stop the girliness from escaping my throat.

  He smiled a dazzling, warm smile at me. “Glad you made it.”

  After I got out of the car, he shut the door behind me and we started walking toward the house. The driveway contained several other parked vehicles, two of which I recognized as Keegan and Macie’s. I didn’t think Macie would be here, but knowing Keegan she probably talked her into it.

  “Me too.”

  “How was your shift?”

  “Long and tedious. But when it comes to labor, sometimes tedious is good.” I laughed. “Excitement on my floor means a momma is struggling or baby is. Not necessarily something we want.” It was weird how comfortable this simple conversation was to have with him. Almost like we’d done it for years.

  “Hmmm, I see what you’re saying. Well, I hope you worked up an appetite. Pretty sure my dad bought every meat the market down the street had in the display case. Plus, my mom made her famous dill potato salad and caprese salad, and knowing her, there will be no less than three different desserts to choose from later. I think Keegan brought some food, too.”

  My stomach rumbled. “Oh, I definitely have an appetite right now. Maybe too much of one.”

  He squeezed my hand and winked at me. That rumble turned to flutters. He was getting to me.

  “Well, eat your fill. Regardless, I know Mom will send you home with a container full of leftovers. That’s half the reason I come over.”

  I slapped at his arm and smiled. “You’re such a guy. Does your mother know you use her for her cooking?”

  “Absolutely. My brothers and I have been eating them out of house and home since we were kids. She lives for this.”

  I’m pretty sure she probably did. In the short time I’d known Donna, I got the impression she was your typical southern woman and mom. Small wasn’t in her vocabulary unless it referred to herself. Her home was immaculate, her cooking was perfection, she raised her boys to be southern gentlemen, and she did it all without a hair out of place on her head.

  Stepping into the front door, I was greeted by so many smells, the scent of comfort food permeating throughout the home. It has been a while since I’d walked into something like this. In fact the last time was when I was here.

  “Hi, Annabelle! How are you, honey?” Donna came around the corner dressed in a cute summer maxi dress and an apron. Sweetness poured out of her voice.

  My automatic reaction was to go to her. She opened her arms to me and greeted me with a hug. I was not an affectionate person, but for whatever reason with her, it felt natural and okay. Donna even smelled good. Like a mom, if that made any sense.

  “I’m good.” I released from her embrace. “Thank you so much for having me. I’m sorry I’m late.”

  She waved her hand in front of me. “Oh please. You’re not late, you’re right on time. Paul is just finishing up on the grill and Keegan is getting everyone’s drinks. Come on in and make yourself at home. What would you like to drink with dinner? We have lemonade, sweet tea, or I think there’s some beer in the fridge downstairs, Turner could go get you one.”

  I looked up at him. He was beaming down at his mom. Huh, I never noticed it before, but he was definitely a momma’s boy. It was written all over his face. The adoration in his eyes couldn’t be missed.

  “Actually, a lemonade would be fine, thank you,” I replied politely.

  “You got it.” She winked at me. Her smile and Turner’s
were exactly the same. My eyes fixated on her straight teeth and dazzling expression. “Son, fix her a glass please, and go check on your daddy. I’m worried he’s going to burn the chicken breasts attempting to get those darn char lines perfect.”

  Turner sighed. “Yes, ma’am.”

  “Without the sass, young man,” she admonished.

  I had to bite the inside of my cheek to keep from laughing at their exchange.

  “Yes, ma’am.”

  “I’ll be right back.” He squeezed my hand again, and released it. When he walked out of the foyer, I gave Donna my attention again. She was standing with her hands on her hips, shaking her head.

  “He was never my stubborn one, but, boy, he liked to push my buttons.”

  “Turner, not stubborn?” Now I did laugh.

  “Has he been giving you a hard time?”

  I thought back to previous conversations, and places he’d taken me. “Oh, you could say that.”

  “Sounds like my boy could use a talkin’ to.”

  I reached forward and touched her arm. “No, it’s fine. I’m teasing. I’ve just learned he doesn’t like to take no for an answer.” I realized what I said after the words already left my mouth, but thankfully Donna didn’t reply to my comment the way it could have been taken.

  “No, he doesn’t,” she agreed.

  “It’s not always a bad thing though. He’s been . . . sweet.”

  She exhaled. “That’s good. Well, I’m going to go check on the pies. Keegan and Macie are in the dining room if you want to go say hello.”

  “Do you need any help in the kitchen?” Not that I’d be much help. I’d never been much of a baker or chef.

  “No, but thank you.”

  I nodded and headed to the dining room. The house was big, but I remembered where some of the rooms were from the wedding and my last visit. I heard Macie’s loud voice echoing across the way, which told me I was heading in the right direction. Once around the corner, I saw Keegan placing napkins and silverware next to each plate, and Macie sitting with her arms crossed. She looked like she was pouting.