Reunited by the Baby by Brenda Minton

Author:Brenda Minton
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2023-01-03T17:25:49+00:00

Chapter Nine

Faith’s going home day didn’t happen until Wednesday of the next week, five days after the doctor predicted. She’d fought a stomach ailment, running a low-grade fever and losing precious ounces. Matthew arrived at the hospital early that afternoon and met up with Parker. She’d worked that morning, so she still wore her pale blue scrubs, the ones with teddy bears. Her smile trembled nervously, and her eyes were glistening.

“Is something wrong?” he asked, fighting the urge to gather her in his arms and hold her.

She shook her head. “Nothing. Just worried that I’m the wrong person for this.”

“I don’t think there could be anyone better for this little girl than you. Even if it is temporary, you’re perfect.”

“I’m not perfect,” she said, her gaze averted. He wanted her to look at him, so he could convince her that she could do this.

He remained quiet, knowing that she had more on her mind than the baby, probably more than her eventual departure. He reached for her hand and linked theirs together, his fingers through hers. She glanced up, her brown eyes searching and troubled.

“Matthew, I’m going to be honest. I’m not sure why you’re here with me. You don’t have to be involved in caring for this baby. You didn’t have to give me your place. I’m trying very hard not to...” She glanced away and she didn’t finish what she’d planned on saying. “I missed you for a long time. I don’t want to miss you again.”

With her thumb and finger, she pinched the bridge of her nose. Matthew stepped close, glad they were alone in the hallway. Gently he placed a kiss on the top of her head, inhaling the scent of wildflowers. For just a moment, she rested her cheek on his shoulder.

“I want you to be able to take Faith, even if it’s temporary.” He realized that didn’t sound like a real answer. “I want to help you. I can’t explain, because there doesn’t seem to be an explanation. It just seems like one of those situations that neither of us can run from?”

“And we’ve both done our share of running,” she said with a glimpse of humor reflected in her eyes.

“We’re definitely skilled at running. Me more so than you.” He glanced in the direction of the chapel. “Chaplain Rogers is taking a leave of absence.”

“I’d heard.”

“He asked if I would fill in a few days a week. Temporarily, of course.”

She actually giggled. “What did you tell him?”

“I told him I’m the wrong person, but that I’d pray.”

“You’d make an excellent chaplain,” she said as she pushed the button to access the nursery. “Unless you’re still running?”

“I’m not running. I’m evaluating my life and my future.”

Again, she laughed. “Okay, keep telling yourself that.”

They entered the nursery. Jackie, the caseworker, had arrived ahead of them. She held Faith, talking to the baby girl, now dressed in her going home outfit. Dr. Finley and two of the nurses who’d helped care for her were also there. They’d printed a banner and tied together balloons to make an arch over the door.

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