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His wife had died? Phoebe's mother had died?
Dear God, why? How?
Her heart twisted as she imagined just how hard it must be for Zach. Not only had he lost the woman he'd loved but his precious daughter had been left without a mother.
Instinctively she reached a hand over the side of the cot and stroked the soft blonde hair. The little girl felt cooler, thank goodness, and Keely reached out a hand and switched the fan off.
'How is she?'
Keely jumped as Zach's voice came from behind her, catching her by surprise.
'Oh—she's doing well, I think.' She fought the urge to fling her arms round him and hold him close. Crazy! As if a hug from a friend could even begin to make up for the loss of a loved one. 'She's cooler. More peaceful. Her breathing is better. Tony came a few minutes ago and checked her again. He doesn't think they need to do a lumbar puncture unless you disagree.'
Zach shook his head. 'No. I've just spoken to the nanny and she says that Phoebe was up in the night with a temperature.' He touched his daughter gently, feeling her skin, his eyes alert for any change. 'She's claiming that she didn't tell me this morning because she didn't want to worry me.'
'Well, that may be true,' Keely said softly, but Zach gave a cynical laugh.
'You think so? I'm afraid I don't have your faith in human nature. I think the reason she didn't tell me that Phoebe was ill was because she knew I'd be checking up on her during the day and that I'd find out she'd been putting her in the crèche.'
That had been puzzling her and she frowned slightly as she stared at him. 'I'm surprised the staff in the crèche were prepared to take her.'
'They had a letter.' Zach leaned his forearms on the cot and watched the little girl, his tone menacing. 'It was written on hospital notepaper and signed by me, giving full permission for Phoebe to be left with them.'
Keely gasped. 'She forged your signature?'
Zach nodded. 'That's right. Charming, isn't it?'
'What are you going to do?'
'I've already done it,' he said grimly, stroking a strand of blonde hair out of Phoebe's eyes. 'She's clearing her things out of my house as we speak.'
'Well, at least Phoebe looks as though she's going to be OK,' Keely said soothingly. 'That's the main thing.'
He was silent for a moment and then some of the anger seemed to drain away and a wry smile played around his mouth. 'You always manage to see the important things in life, don't you? That's what I always loved about you as a child.. You were totally different from everyone else. While your family were clawing their way up the career ladder, you were skipping school to help out in the local children's home.'
Keely's eyes widened. 'How did you know about that?'
'Your horrified family told me.' He gave a short laugh. 'You were the first person in the family to see that there was more to life than studying, and it came as a big shock for them.'
She grinned. 'I was in big trouble.'
'I know.' His eyes glittered in the semi-darkness. 'You were for ever in trouble about something. But you always had your priorities right.'
'I don't know about that.' She blushed and stared down into the cot, a lump building in her throat. She didn't want to think about her priorities. She wasn't even sure what they were any more. 'She's beautiful, Zach. You're very lucky to have her.'
'I know that.' He gave a short laugh. 'But being a male single parent is no picnic I can assure you. Take now, for instance. I've got myself a sick child, no child care and a demanding job. I'm not quite sure how they're going to fit together.'
'It will work out,' Keely said softly, leaning her cheek against the cot. 'And, anyway, she's the thing that matters most—not your job. She's gorgeous.'
Zach smiled, the first real smile for hours. 'Actually, she's a total minx,' he said dryly. 'The only time she's quiet is when she's ill. I suppose it was only a matter of time until the nanny left, if I'm honest.' He gave a long sigh and shook his head. 'Phoebe can be pretty difficult. You know what children of this age are like.'
'I certainly do.' Keely looked up and returned his smile. 'Is there anyone who can help you with child care?'
He gave a shrug. 'Sean's wife Ally helps me out in an emergency but she works part time as a GP so she can't offer more than the occasional day or two. I suppose my housekeeper Barbara could do the days.' He frowned, obviously thinking it through in his head. 'She's a real grandmother figure and Phoebe adores her, but the problem is the nights when I'm working. I suppose I'll just have to advertise again, but the thought of trusting anyone with her horrifies me.'
Keely's brain was working overtime. 'I could do it,' she said impulsively, leaning forward in her chair and lowering her voice so that she didn't wake the sleeping child. 'You can put me on different night shifts to you so that one of us will be at home with her.'
'You?' Zach looked startled by the suggestion. 'Why would you want to do it?'
