Page 16 of Surgeon's Surprise Baby
When he didn’t answer she said, “That’s what I thought.”
Which irritated the hell out of him.“I can tell you I plan to stay but I don’t think you can lock either of us into something that far in the future.”
She didn’t look convinced.“We wouldn’t be locked in.But I’d like to know how long you plan to stay currently.Months?Years?No idea?”
“I want to be with Sophie.”And you, he thought.“I want to help raise her, be around to see her grow up.As for how long that will be, whatever I say doesn’t really matter.Because you don’t—won’t—trust me.And it’s looking like you never will.”
Chapter Seven
For the nextcouple of days, Aria didn’t see Ryan.She might have been too hard on him.What he’d said held at least a kernel of truth.She wasn’t sure how he’d prove to her she could count on him.Then she got sick.
Aria felt absolutely awful.She’d called the construction boss and asked them not to come.The noise and people traipsing in and out was the last thing she needed.What she needed was help and she knew it, so she called the only person she really knew in Marietta.Ryan.She’d thought about asking Sierra to come over but quickly discarded that idea.No way did she want to give a pregnant woman the flu.Or whatever nasty disease she had.
She wasn’t sure if Ryan was working or not, but she called him anyway.Even if he was working, he might have an idea of someone she could call.Thank God, he answered on the first ring.“Aria, hi.What’s going on?”
He didn’t sound angry, so he wasn’t holding a grudge.“Are you working?”
“No.In fact I have the next few days off and was about to ask you if I could see Sophie.Maybe bring her to my place for a little while?It doesn’t have to be for long but I’d—”
She cut him off before he finished.“I need help.”She hated to admit that, but she had no choice if she wanted Sophie to be taken care of.
“What’s wrong?”
“I think I have the flu.Could you come over and take care of Sophie for a while?”
“I can do better than that.I can take care of her as long as you need me.How about I bring her to my place?For a few hours, anyway.”
“Can we talk about it when you get here?”
“Okay.Have you taken a test?Are you sure it’s the flu?”
“Not positive but whatever it is I feel horrible.”
“Do you have any medicine?”
“Nothing but aspirin and acetaminophen for the baby.”
“I’ll bring a flu test for both of you and some Tamiflu in case it’s positive.I’ll bring some Tamiflu for Sophie too.”
“Is it safe for babies?”
“I think so, but I’ll double-check with Jack Gallagher.He’s one of the family practice docs around here.Unless you’ve already found a pediatrician or a GP?”
“I did and it’s Jack Gallagher.Should I call and tell him you’re coming?”
“Wouldn’t hurt.”
Forty-five minutes later, her doorbell rang.
“No offense, but you look terrible,” Ryan said when he saw her.
“Gee, thanks.I’m sure I do.That’s what happens when you have the flu.”
“Have you taken your temperature?”
“Yes.”
“And?”
