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Darcy’s blond curls were messy and her expression was one of pure exhaustion. But the moment she saw him approach, her brown eyes warmed with welcome. Something twisted inside him at the sight.
She straightened and pushed the small, old-fashioned-looking porcelain doll she’d been staring at into the center of the table. “I was hoping I’d see you again. I didn’t get a chance to thank you for all you did for me.”
Like kicking her out into the snow? “You’re okay?”
She nodded. “Seems so. The contractions were a combination of dehydration and stress. The IVs and medication stopped them almost immediately, and Dr. Clyde said I’m okay. No damage from the accident at all.”
“You’re not sore?”
She shrugged. “A little in my shoulders and back, but nothing major. Honestly the crash was more like a bumper-car hit because I was going so slow. Taylor and I are fine.”
“Taylor? You called the baby Cameron earlier.”
She blushed prettily. “Did I? I like that. I’ll have to write that one down.”
“Excuse me?”
“I’m trying out names until I find one that fits.”
“Okay.”
“Don’t laugh. How anyone can pick a name out of a book is beyond me. If you really want the truth, I think a parent needs to open the back door and shout it a few times to get the full effect and know if they’re going to like hearing it for the next eighteen years or so as they call their kids in for dinner.”
This time he laughed outright. “I’ve never thought of it quite like that, but you might be on to something.”
“Thanks for requesting Dr. Clyde. She’s very nice. She wants me to come back if the contractions start again, but otherwise I’m good until my follow-up on Monday.”
“I thought she might make you feel more comfortable. She’s received good reports during her practice here.”
Darcy blinked up at him. “So, what are you still doing here? I would’ve thought you’d go home after dropping me off.”
“I had some things I needed to take care of with the Maintenance Department. I’m heading home now, but I wanted to check on you first.”
“That’s very sweet. Like I said, I’m fine.”
She might be fine, but she looked ready to drop. Inhaling her unique scent, Garret rested the briefcase on top of the table. “You shouldn’t have been released in the middle of a storm, not under the circumstances.”
“Some rules you can’t control. Besides, they did a great job getting the contractions stopped so there’s no need to take up a bed. And, being in between jobs like I am at the moment I, uh, don’t have a lot of cash to pay for what the insurance doesn’t cover. No worries, I promise. They took excellent care of me just like you said they would.”
He indicated her suitcase with a nod. “What happens now? Are you staying in town until your car is fixed?”
Darcy looked down and fingered the doll’s satin dress. “I’ll be here until the storm is over. But after that I don’t know. I’m waiting to hear from my mother. I called but couldn’t reach her.”
Garret hesitated, knew he should leave well enough alone. “Do you mind if I sit down?”
“Oh, of course. Please do.”
He seated himself on the opposite bench. “Are you waiting here for a particular reason?”
She tucked the doll into a cloth sack and put it into her oversize purse. “One of the nurses said if I was still here in the morning, she’d drive me to a motel as soon as her shift was over.”
“There isn’t another shift change until six. I can’t let you sit here for five hours. Come on, you’re coming with me.”
Chapter 6
DARCY BLINKEDat Garret, surprised by the offer. Go with him where? Finding a place to lie down in the lobby had left her feeling too much like a loser, acoldloser, so she’d dragged her achy body to the cafeteria. It was warmer here and she could sleep sitting up, thank you. “I’m okay here.”
“No, you’re not.” Garret stood and grabbed her suitcase with his free hand. “I’ll drive you to the motel. It’s not far from here.”
