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Toby shrugged like a man who knew it wasn’thisbachelorhood on the line.
Garret stepped closer. “What is this about?” The doors started to close and he shoved the briefcase out to hold them open. He told himself to let it go, to drop the discussion and get out of there while he could. But something wouldn’t let him. “What is it you’re trying so hard not to say?”
Toby’s ears turned red, a sure sign his friend was fast losing patience himself. “I already said it. You bought the ring before Christmas—as aChristmas present—but the day came and went and you didn’t give it to her. I’ve kept my mouth shut and waited, thinking you’ll tell me what the delay’s about. You haven’t said a word.What’s going on?”
Garret wasn’t sure. Buying Joss the bracelet had been pure impulse and he’d told himself he was going to give it to her in addition to the ring. But when they exchanged gifts…“Nothing’s going on, we’re fine. The timing was off. And I’m going to do it. I just haven’t gotten around to it.”
There was that smirk again. Toby had been his friend for too many years. First as schoolmates, then as playmates when Toby’s mom had come to work for the Tulanes. Toby knew what buttons to push, and that smirk made Garret want to plant his fist in Toby’s mouth.
“Be still my little ol’ heart. That’s got to be what every woman wants to hear.”
Garret fought for patience. He loved Joss, was going to marry her, no doubt about it. Why was Toby hinting otherwise? “Tobe, I don’t—” Garret broke off and swore as understanding dawned. “People know? Is that it? Someone else knows besides you and me?” He and Toby had gone to one of the most discreet jewelry stores in Nashville. A high-end business with nondescript signage and an armed guard who met potential customers at the elevator, walked them through a metal detector before escorting them beyond a bullet-proof-glass-partitioned wall to view the merchandise. How had people found out?
“I haven’t said anything, but you know how gossip works and that—” he lowered his voice when a woman in scrubs walked by the far end of the hallway “—was a big-ticket item even if it was one of their less expensive rings. How long did you think it would be before people began to speculate?”
“It’s none of their business.”
“I agree, but I can’t blame them when I’m curious, too. She hasn’tmentionedit?”
“Joss isn’t like that.”
“Maybe not, but wouldn’t she find a way to let you know she’s ready even if she didn’t come right out and say it? You know, leave bridal magazines lying around? Something?”
The comment gave him pause. Garret forced himself to unlock his jaw so the pain streaking to his head would ease. “Joss is building a career, just like I am. Timing is everything. You’ve experienced that enough in court, figuring out when to say just the right thing to sway the juries. Joss and I have plenty of time. Marriage isn’t something to rush into.”
Toby tugged at his ear. “If you say so.”
“I do.”
“Fine, whatever. If you see Maria or my mother walking the halls, do me a favor and tell them I went to get something to drink. I’ll be up in a few minutes.”
Subject apparently dropped for now, Garret nodded. “Sure.” He pulled the briefcase from the door, but as they slid shut, he was very aware of the fact Toby didn’t look any happier than he had when he’d started the strange conversation. His friend meant well, and Garret tried to remember that despite his irritation Toby’s questions had hit home. Joss hadn’t mentioned getting married since—When? A long time ago, and she’d made the comment so casually he knew she wasn’t hinting.
Toby was feeling the pressure every thirty-something guy out there felt to settle down and do something with his life. Reacting to it. That had to be the reason behind the inquisition. Tobe was freaking out because his sister was on kid number three while he hadn’t made it to first base with a woman in months. Parental pressures to reach certain achievements changed as a kid grew older, but they certainly didn’t disappear.
Garret walked toward the nurses’ station to check on Darcy, each step longer than the last. He eyed the empty area and set his briefcase at his feet, leaning against the desk while he waited for someone to return. Seconds passed, minutes, his thoughts running rampant but finally becoming centered on the one question he couldn’t answer.
Whenwasthe last time he and Joss had had sex?
“WHAT DO YOU MEAN she isn’t here?” Five minutes later Garret bit back the curse that sprang to his lips and wiped a hand over his tired eyes. It was one o’clock in the morning and Darcy had been having labor pains. Where else could she be?
The nurse gave him a chilly stare at his tone. “It’s hospital policy to treat and release patients provided their condition is under control, Mr. Tulane.”
“She didn’t drive herself here. Where did she go?”
The older nurse raised her eyebrows and straightened the multitude of charts in front of her by banging the stack against the counter. “I don’t know what to tell you, Mr. Tulane, but she’s not here. Try the cafeteria or the waiting area by the main entrance. Now I have to go. We’re short-staffed tonight.” Her tone suggested the situation was his fault.
That was partially true. The nurses’ contract was up for renewal and Harold was balking at the pay raise. Not only were the current wages causing them to lose some of their experienced staff, but also the low rates meant new graduates weren’t eager to work here when other hospitals paid more. He couldn’t blame them.
Scowling, he grabbed his briefcase and turned to leave, only to stop in his tracks and stare out the nearby window. The hospital appeared to be in the middle of a snow globe. Giant flakes blew in blinding sheets, buffeted by gusts of wind that shook the window in its frame.
Was Darcy out there? Concern overrode every ounce of remaining frustration.
Downstairs, the reception desk was unstaffed, the main lobby empty. The television inside the waiting area was tuned to a local station broadcasting details about the storm he didn’t want to consider. Surely she wouldn’t have tried to walk? The closest motel was a quarter mile away.
Shaking his head, he hurried to the cafeteria and visually scanned the colorful scrubs and white coats, unease growing when he didn’t see her. Where was she?
He’d turned to leave when he spotted her. Darcy sat in the far corner booth with her head propped against her arm. And even though he had no reason to feel the extent of the relief swamping him, he did. Knowing she was all alone and could have easily lost her baby tonight got to him.
