The Doctor's Second Chance

“Today, though, I could console her briefly. She didn’t all-out cry, just whimpered and whined.”

“Hmm. That does sound more like a baby feeling ill. There’s a chance she has a tummy ache or some gas. Are you remembering to burp her after her bottles?”

“Yes. But she has been drawing up her legs as if her stomach hurts. One of my subcontractors mentioned a change of formula curing his grandchild’s colic.”

Violet would make a note of the stomach pain in Abigail’s file. “Every now and then, I’ve found changing to lactose-free formula does help. How about I bring some samples to you at lunchtime?”

“It would be easier if I just dropped by to pick them up. Besides, I’d feel better if you weighed the little gal. To make sure she’s growing okay.”

His concern made her stomach swoop. “I’ll be happy to weigh her for you. Come by at noon.”

“Great, thanks.”

Jake carefully wrapped the blanket tighter around Abigail, every tuck of the fabric jarring loose more of the protective barrier from around Violet’s heart, releasing the longing she’d held at bay for so long.

Longing for a husband of her own and a baby to love.

She worked with babies every day. Why was Abigail different?

Could the difference be Jake? What was it about him that gave her crazy notions of love and family?

He rubbed his big, strong hand over Abigail’s tiny head. It hit her then why Jake affected her so. It was because he was a single guy suddenly stuck with a baby.

A guy who needed Violet’s help.

Cold rushed through her veins. She absolutely could not allow herself to fall into the being-needed trap. That’s how she’d gotten sucked into an inappropriately intense—and intimate—relationship with Hank in high school. And ended up pregnant.

She would never, ever again get sucked in by a needy man.

Jake’s not really needy, a little niggling voice said. He’s not manipulating you, demanding your total devotion. He’s just a strong man in a temporary, unfamiliar situation.

He kissed the baby’s forehead and then looked into Violet’s eyes. The moment went on longer than normal—too long—and suddenly something flared between them.

Violet could barely breathe. “We’re usually closed at lunch, so if no one is at the front desk, come on back to the first exam room.”

“Okay. We’ll see you at noon.” His grateful smile did crazy things to her insides.

“I, uh, need to get to the office.” She shot toward the row of hedges between their houses, escaping the handsome babysitter who made her want things she feared wanting.

* * *

A grinning puppy with human-like teeth mocked Jake.

The pup was pictured on a giant, kid-friendly poster hanging on the wall in the pediatric exam room. This whole scenario—him in the former office of the family who raised him, being questioned about a baby who shouldn’t be in his care by the woman who had “bought” the practice from them—was laughable. Sad, but laughable.

Violet, who’d been so helpful that morning, had turned back into serious doctor mode at the office. “Here are the samples.” She pointed to a bag. “Abigail’s weight is good. She’s gained a couple of ounces, which is right on target. Before we try changing her formula, I’d like to first consult with her mother or her regular pediatrician.”

“I have written permission from Remy to make decisions for Abigail.”