Sweet and Sassy Baby Love

by Alicia Street

  “Yes, special pictures of me growing up, family portraits at various Christmases.” His arms crossed over his chest, he contemplated his tree with pride and sadness. “All the decorations belonged to my mother. I brought them here with some of her furniture. The rest is still in the big house. Christmas was the only time I had a family. I wanted to recapture the feeling.”

  “The famous Christmas tree of Anne Lee Meyer. I remember seeing a picture of it in a magazine.” Madelyn examined every picture, glad to have a glimpse of Nick as a little boy. As cute as she imagined. “Your graduation?”

  “From high school. The last picture we had together.”

  To distract him from his difficult memories she turned around and surveyed the living room. “I’m glad you rented this condo. The furniture enhances the setting.”

  A mix of elegant modern sofas, loveseats and tables, highlighted by the Queen Ann dining room table and antique crystal chandelier. She was no expert, but could swear every piece must have cost a fortune—a testament to the famous actress’s good taste.

  “I’ll show you the other rooms.”

  In the bedroom, the large bay windows had view on the high rises of downtown Fort Lauderdale, all lit at night, like a decorated map. “Fabulous.” An artistically crafted, cherry wood king-sized bed, matching night tables and dresser occupied the large room.

  Without lingering, she proceeded to the other two rooms, a guest room with two beds and an office where Nick admitted he’d spend most of his time working on his computer.

  Everywhere oriental rugs enhanced the elegant mood and mirrors reflected the sight of the ocean. “Gorgeous. I don’t think you need help organizing things around.”

  “But I do. I have a few frames I’m not sure where to hang.”

  He showed her the signed paintings and they discussed the best place to showcase them. When he was done nailing them on various walls, she settled on the sofa and he went to the kitchen. “I ordered the pizza. Here is lemonade for both of us. I made it from fresh lemons.”

  He placed a tray loaded with a pitcher and two glasses on the cocktail table and poured the refreshing drink.

  “Delicious.” She sipped more and licked her lips. He hadn’t tried to bring beer or any alcoholic drink for himself. Mom would say, he’s a keeper. Good thing her mother was not here and would never meet Nick.

  “If you want, I can help you decorate your tree,” he suggested as he sat beside her.

  She chuckled. “My tree is no big deal. Only two-foot high with a string of small lamps I never remove. I just take it out of its box and set it on a table.” Embarrassed by her lack of Christmas spirit, she explained, “I’m usually not here for the holiday. We all spend Christmas Eve at Heather’s on the farm and give the boys their gifts. On Christmas Day we gather at my mom’s big house and I spend a week with her and my sisters.”

  He frowned. “When are you leaving?”

  “I’m not going this year. Not exactly in the mood.” Darn, she couldn’t cope with the laughter and the fun. A shrug summarized her feelings.

  “Understandable. You’d have to deal with too many questions if they notice your lack of enthusiasm.”

  “Also seeing Heather’s family is going to...” She lowered her head. “I love my little nephews, but this year...” She sighed and shook her head. “I signed up to be on call. Someone else may need the time off more than I do.”

  “Great.” Nick beamed. “We’ll both be on call and we’ll celebrate at the hospital. I never go anywhere at Christmas since I started college.”

  Amazing how he understood her.

  And how she wanted to kiss him and feel safe in his arms.

  Careful, Dr. Ramsay. Don’t push your luck. She was in his apartment and would better not play with fire. Thank God, the doorbell chimed announcing the pizza guy.

  Nick put the large box in the middle of the table and brought two plates and silver.

  “Dinner is served, Dr. Ramsay.”

  She joined him and sat facing the ocean. “You’re all settled. As if you moved a month ago.”

  “I brought over some of the boxes myself last week and the movers carried the heavy stuff in yesterday.” He opened the pizza box and served them. “Will you say grace please?”

  Surprised, she recited the blessing, and added, “Lord, bless Nick’s new apartment and make it a place of happiness.”

  “Amen. Thank you for good neighbors.”

  After the pizza, he served grapes and watermelon. Later he checked his watch. “Nine already. Tomorrow, we have a scheduled C-section. I count on you,” he added with a knowing look.

  “I’ll be there. With Sandra.”

  “We’ll have two residents for you to train as you do your procedures,” he announced with his calm professional tone.

  “Perfect. I don’t know how to thank you.”

  “Take a guess.” She chuckled and he sighed. “Why don’t I walk you home?”

  “You’re really taking good care of me. A healthy dinner with soft drinks and fruits. Now you’re sending me to bed early.”

  “Don’t tempt me, Madelyn. You know I’d love to keep you here much later, even all night to inaugurate my new apartment. But we decided to behave. So off we go.”

  A blush warmed her face. “Thank you, Nick, for a lovely dinner and for pampering me.” Yes, he was a keeper, paying so much attention to her health and indulging her demands. She picked up her plates and took them to the kitchen. He followed her with the rest.

  “Hey, if you want to thank me, do it with a kiss.” He didn’t wait for her to comply, and drew her in his arms for a passionate kiss that singed her to the bones and left them breathless.

  “Out of here. Right away,” he said with a husky voice and pushed her to the door.

  Silence hovered in the elevator during the four-story ride to her condo. Well-aware of his heavy breathing, she stared at her shoes, her pulse racing. How long could their strange friendship last? Yet, she longed for him to kiss her again.

  They exited the elevator and strolled to her apartment. Behind them a door opened. “Hello Madelyn.” They both spun at the male voice.

  “Bert.” She’d forgotten he was coming to see his aunt. Mrs. Fontana stood behind him. With tremendous effort, Madelyn collected her thoughts. “Glad to see you. Welcome to Florida.” She’d never lied so blatantly.

  “I came last night. I want to talk to you, Madelyn.”

  “Uh. Now?” Bad timing, Bert. The worst, when she wanted to be alone with Nick for another sweet moment.

  “Hi, Dr. Preston, this is my nephew, Bert Bollin,” the old lady said, pride oozing from her voice.

  Reminded that she’d forgotten to introduce the two men, Madelyn huffed. “Bert, Dr. Nick Preston is the director of the Women’s Clinic where I practice.”

  “Nice meeting you, doctor,” Bert said with his kind voice.

  Nick shook his outstretched hand but didn’t relax his scowl. Drat, what should she do now? Invite Bert and his aunt to her place?

  “Madelyn, I have big news to share. I’m getting married next June.”

  “Really?” She almost exhaled in relief. “Congratulations. Why don’t you both come in to celebrate with a drink?”

  “It’s a bit late for me,” Mrs. Fontana said. “But what the heck. It’s not every day that our Bert announces his engagement. You waited long enough, dear boy. A man can’t stay without a wife and children forever.”

  Madelyn’s hand froze on her key. Bert had given up waiting for her. Would Nick reach the same point soon and turn his back?

  “My fiancée is a friend of your sister. I met her at Heather and Jeff’s house during a party.”

  “What’s her name?” Madelyn managed to open her door.

  “Carol Smith. I don’t think you know her. A very nice girl. She wants to start a family right away.”

  “Wonderful. So glad for you.” She was sincerely pleased that Bert had a young woman to love and marry, but she wished they’d
stop babbling about children, a subject too sensitive for her rattled nerves. “Nick, please, can you open a bottle of champagne? There’s one in the fridge. And the flutes are on the top shelf of this cabinet.”

  Too late, she noticed Maria Fontana’s scowl and pinched lips as she peered at Nick. Madelyn had given the old lady the wrong impression by asking Nick to handle the drinks.

  Close to her ear, Nick whispered, “Relax. Who cares about her opinion?” He took the chilled bottle, poured the bubbling liquid in the crystal flutes, and handed them around. Taking control of the situation, he raised his glass. “To your happiness, Bert.” The way he said it, one could swear the two men had been long-time friends.

  Madelyn almost shrugged but added her best wishes. “May you and Carol have many happy years together.”

  “And many children,” Maria added. “What’s a man worth without children?”

  Damn it. Madelyn had had it with her neighbors and their annoying conversation.

  “I think we should let Madelyn rest now,” Nick intervened with his most bossy tone. “Dr. Ramsay, may I remind you we have surgery at 7 am tomorrow.”

  “Not to worry, Dr. Preston,” she replied and suppressed a chuckle. “I’ll be at the hospital at 6:30.” For a change she didn’t resent interference in her life.

  “Good night, Madelyn.” Nick gently pushed Maria to the door, and Bert followed.

  Madelyn squeezed his hand. “Nick, I’ll thank you tomorrow. The right way,” she murmured with a wink.

  “I count on it.”

  If only she could stop worrying about him getting fed up with their easy going friendship.

  Chapter Seven

  “I think you’re taking the right dose,” Sandra remarked as she joined Madelyn in the NICU. “No trouble at all during the last five days.”

  “None. Things went great in the OR. I trained the residents and hardly reduced my work so far. See my hands are steady.” She raised both palms and exhaled. “I owe it to Nick. His understanding has smothered my anxiety. But I plan to cut my hours as soon as my trainees improve their skills.”

  “Madelyn, it’s none of my business, but I couldn’t help noticing that Nick—”

  “Stop, Sandra, please. Nick and I are just friends.”

  “Why do you insist on keeping your eyes close?”

  “Because relationships are not for me. And apparently he prefers to avoid them too.”

  Sandra threw her fists on her hips. “What do you call this friendship? Isn’t it a relationship?”

  “Who cares?” Madelyn shrugged. “Why mess up what Nick and I have by trying to label it?” She’d just finished her rounds in the nursery and the NICU, and bent over Liana’s bassinet. “How are you, sweetie pie?” Better to ignore Sandra and her exasperating questions.

  The baby raised her arms and feet toward her. Madelyn picked her up. Celia wailed. “One at a time, sweetheart. I’m not taking unnecessary risks. You’re getting heavy, Liana. Me think you’re due for a transfer to the nursery.”

  “They’ve both outstayed their welcome in the NICU. Both are above the weight limit,” Sandra said.

  “No problem. I’ll officially transfer them to the nursery.”

  “And I’ll have to notify Child Protective Services. A Louisa Mantay said she wanted to come and see you as soon as they are moved to the nursery.”

  “Oh God. And then?”

  “She refused to talk to me. Only to the doctor in charge.” Sandra reinforced her voice, probably imitating the CPS woman. “That’s how she talks. I’m not important enough for her.”

  Madelyn put back Liana in her bassinet and signed the transfer forms for both babies. The twins protested with loud screams. “Off we go. You’re upgraded to the big kids’ place.”

  She and Sandra, each took a baby and strolled to the next door area where they assigned cribs to the twins. “Here are bottles to feed them while I call.”

  Madelyn sat in the rocking chair with Celia cradled in her arms. The baby suckled voraciously and then fell asleep. Madelyn placed her in her crib and picked up Liana.

  Sandra came back. “I have news for you. Louisa is coming tomorrow to see you at 10 am. She wants you to sign the discharge papers.”

  “What? Has she found a family to adopt the twins?”

  “Don’t know. She refused to say anything to me.”

  ***

  The next morning Madelyn showed up at the hospital at 9 am and headed to the nursery. Although it was a day off for her, she examined the twins and entered her report in the computer. Later she settled in a rocking chair and fed Liana a bottle. Satiated and happy, the baby slept like an angel. Madelyn would have loved to keep her cuddled in her arms, but her twin loudly protested. “Coming, Celia,” she called as she placed a twin in her crib and picked up the other.

  “Hi Madelyn, the woman from CPS is here to see you,” Sandra said as she walked toward her. “Where do you want to meet?”

  “Bring her here, then I’ll take her to the nursery office.”

  Eyes wide-open, Celia still sucked on her bottle. “Keep going, sweetie pie. I won’t deprive you of nourishment.”

  “Here is Dr. Ramsay,” Sandra said to the tall African-American woman strolling at her side. “She’s off today but came to the hospital, especially to meet you.”

  The woman’s face brightened with a proud smile. “Dr. Ramsay, I’m Louisa Mantay, from the Child Protective Services.”

  “Good morning, Ms. Mantay. I’ll be with you in a minute.” Madelyn set Celia in her crib.

  “Can I see the Willis twins first?”

  “You’ve seen one in my arms, and the other is in the crib next to her sister.”

  “Are they healthy?”

  “Perfectly healthy. I just checked them half an hour ago.”

  “You have a report?”

  “Of course.” Madelyn held on to her temper.

  “In that case, I’ll take the discharge papers and we’ll be out of your hair right away.”

  Panic squeezed Madelyn’s stomach. My babies are not going anywhere with you. She slowly swallowed her brewing anger and the bile rising in her throat. “This way, please.” She waved the woman to the small office adjoining the nursery and showed her to a chair while she sat behind the desk.

  “The papers?” Louisa held out an open palm.

  “I need a moment to fill the discharge forms.”

  “They’re not ready yet?”

  “Ms. Mantay, where will you be taking the Willis twins?” Madelyn hated that name, but it was the babies’ name until further notice.

  The woman huffed impatiently. “To a nursery that’s part of the CPS orphanage until we find a home for them.”

  “You mean an adoptive family?”

  “Dr. Ramsay, things don’t move that fast with adoption. We have a list of prospective parents that we have to match with the baby.”

  Madelyn didn’t miss the singular. “The baby. Not babies?” She raised a disapproving eyebrow. “These are twins. I hope CPS doesn’t plan to separate the twin sisters?”

  Louisa opened her hands. “Well, it’s not easy to place two babies with the same family.”

  Madelyn crossed her arms over her chest. “I’m sure you know as well as I do that it’s not healthy to separate twins.” Her crisp tone made Louisa fidget in her chair.

  “Of course, Dr. Ramsay. Believe me, I’m doing my best to find a family that would accept both together.”

  “And until then?” The scowl she fixed on the social worker had often intimidated residents and trainees.

  “We’ll put them in a foster home.” Louisa threw her an apologetic glance. “Together if we can or separately if necessary.”

  Madelyn almost jumped out of her chair. “A foster home?”

  “Yes. It’s an easy temporary solution until we arrange something permanent. And it’s much quicker to sort out.”

  “Oh, I see.” A foster home. Her pulse raced faster. A foster home would be ideal for Lia
na and Celia. Especially if the foster mother... An idea sprouted in her mind. A beautiful, crazy idea. “What are the specific requirements for foster parents?” Attentive, she leaned toward the CPS social worker.

  “The foster parents need to have experience with the age group they are fostering. Before certifying them, we check the family, financial status, background. No crimes, drugs, or contagious diseases in the immediate foster family. An adequate home.”

  “Hmm, so far, so good. I like your idea of a foster home until you can find the right adoptive family.” Madelyn smiled amiably.

  Louisa seemed to breathe better. “Believe me, we have the babies’ best interest at heart. But...” The woman frowned and peered at her. “You seemed quite interested in the Willis twins, Dr. Ramsay.”

  “I am.” God, was she losing her sanity? “One more question, Ms. Mantay. Can you consider foster mothers alone? No foster dad in the picture.”

  At the door, Sandra cleared her throat. Madelyn ignored her.

  Louisa straightened and raised her eyebrows. “Like a gay family?”

  “What? No, no. I was thinking about a single woman. One living with her mother,” she improvised. Mom, I hope you’ll help me. To think she’d ignored her mother’s concern so many times, often repeating she didn’t need anyone’s help.

  “Dr. Ramsay, I need to talk to you,” Sandra called. “Now,” she insisted with a glare that spoke volumes.

  Madelyn glanced at her friend’s wide eyes, and bit her lips. “Sandra, I’m very busy with Ms. Mantay. Come back later.”

  “I hope it won’t be too late,” Sandra muttered as she shook her head.

  “So, Ms. Mantay?”

  “A foster mother and grandmother would be acceptable. Do you have someone in mind, Dr. Ramsay?” The social worker said with a knowing smile.

  “How about a doctor, pediatrician, neonatologist, a baby expert who can not only take care of babies, but also immediately diagnose any problem and treat it? Plus a grandmother to help change, feed and cuddle a baby.”

  Surprise swept over the social worker’s face. “Are you proposing yourself, Dr. Ramsay? I heard you’re extremely busy at the Women’s Clinic. How do you plan to take care of twins?”