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“Okay, reason enough to worry,” Parker said, now in doctor mode. “Where? Who is the doctor When was the surgery? Can you get me all of that? I will check in on her.”
“She is not in the States, Parker. She is back home in Sydney,” I said.
“Yes, I assumed so. Who is the doctor?” Parker asked.
“Dr. James Westerly, pediatric cardiologist,” I said. “You don’t need to bother yourself.”
Parker stood, walked behind the chaise, and put both hands on my shoulders in a tight squeeze. “Relax and trust me please. I will call him in the morning and see what we can do. Okay?
“Thank you. I will call my sister in the morning and get his number,” I said.
“No need. I know Dr. Westerly,” Parker said. “He’s a good doctor, and your niece is in good hands.”
“How do you know him if he’s all the way in Sydney?” I asked in surprise.
“Could have something to do with the fact that I’m a cardiologist and the inventor of many parts being used in heart surgeries around the world,” Parker said, picking up his coat. “I trained Dr. Westerly.”
Jaw to the floor. I just stared in silence. I couldn’t form a sentence, much less a word.
“Mia, I didn’t mean to sound so arrogant,” Parker said, standing in front of the fire pit next to the chaise. “It’s just what I do, and I’m positive I can help. So. Let me.”
Before I could stop myself, I was off the chaise and in his arms. “Oh my God. Thank You, thank you, thank you. You’re once again my hero.”
Realization of what I had done and that I still had my arms around his neck and my robed body pressed firmly to his chest dawned. I quickly took a step back, pulled the lapels of my robe tighter, and tightened the belt.
“Ahh, I can’t believe I did that,” I said. “I’m just overcome with joy that you can help. I’m so scared for her, and I miss her so much.”
“You don’t have to apologize. I’m not a beast,” Parker said, shoving his hands in his pants pockets. “I am happy to help, and that includes giving out needed hugs. You must miss her.”
“I do. Chloe emails and Facetimes as much as possible, but it isn’t the same as being there with them.” I sighed. “I know I’m doing the right thing being here, but it is difficult. I’ve never been away from them this long.”
“I’m sure you’ll see them again soon.”
“Can I get you a drink or anything?’ I asked shyly, trying to change the subject. I had said too much already. Next he might ask me about why I was here and Victoria said it was a surprise.
“No, I’ve had enough, he said. “However, let’s talk about that tiny little fur ball in the middle of that huge bed.”
“She was quite demanding at the store today,” I said.
Eyebrows arched, he squatted down to rub said fur ball behind the ears. “She does have a lot of spunk. She gets into your heart too.” He stood and leaned on the back of the couch. For a long moment, he watched her watching him. “I need to get to sleep and so do you.”
Impulsively, I touched his shoulder. The heat and power of him through his cotton shirt startled me. “Thank you,” was all I could say.
“My pleasure, Mia,” he said, never moving or taking his eyes off me.
“Good night, Parker,” I whispered, hugging my arms around myself. “While you sleep, dream of a name for her.”
“Ha-ha, will do.”
Chapter 15
MIA
Iawoke to the tiniest whimper.
“Sophie, what’s wrong, sweetheart?” I asked in a haze of sleep.
Again, the tiny whimper.
