Twin Surprise by Jacqueline Diamond

Author:Jacqueline Diamond
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: heartwarming romance, friends to lovers romance, unexpected baby, surprise baby romance, policeman hero romance, pregnant heroine romance, bachelor auction romance, medical romance novel, uplifting love story
Publisher: Jacqueline Diamond

Chapter Ten

A block before he reached Yolanda’s address in the town’s older section, Derek spotted a middle-aged couple on the sidewalk carrying a covered dish. They, too, it appeared, were heading for Yolanda’s, and judging by the number of cars parked beneath the palms and jacarandas, most of the other guests had already arrived.

Many of the people gathered in front of Yolanda’s white-stucco fourplex looked familiar. Through the windshield, he picked out several coworkers from the PD, a couple of center volunteers and young Ben Lyons. No sign of Vince Borrego, who’d probably chosen to spend the occasion with his daughter’s family.

Makeshift tables covered with holiday-themed cloths dotted the yard, flanked by an assortment of folding chairs. The weather was sunny and crisp, and while many guests wore sweaters or jackets, others sported the shorts and tank tops that typified Southern California attire year-round.

As he cruised past, Derek caught sight of Marta talking to Tracy Johnson. He wished Yolanda hadn’t invited the reporter, since her presence meant he needed to guard his tongue. Of course, he’d have to do that anyway.

His annoyance disappeared when he heard Marta laughing at the antics of some children. To Derek, her delight lit up the yard. Inviting her to Christmas had been a terrific idea, he reflected as he hunted for a free spot along the curb. He loathed trying to pretend he felt comfortable with his family as they shared jokes he didn’t get and referred to outings in which he hadn’t participated.

He’d taken a stab at understanding them when, after his diagnosis, the chief had insisted on a couple of sessions with a psychologist. As the wife of a retired firefighter, Dr. Eugenia Wrigley appreciated the stresses on rescue personnel, and with her help, he’d grasped how young and immature his parents must have been when he was born. Also that compliant children like his brother and sister had been a lot easier to raise than their defiant older brother.

Those perceptions had diluted Derek’s anger, although they’d failed to bridge the gap between him and his family. Besides, the sessions had focused primarily on adjusting to Parkinson’s and to his reassignment. While Dr. Wrigley had smoothed his transition, she couldn’t work miracles.

Derek found a free space around the corner. As he walked, he inhaled delicious scents and heard voices drifting from windows. Other families in the neighborhood must be celebrating as well.

Usually, witnessing the close connections of others left him with a hollow, irritable feeling. Not today. He simply looked forward to sharing the event with Marta.

In a corner yard, a kitten poked its nose out of a bush. Derek broke stride. Ginger-striped and tiny, the animal looked too young to be out on its own. Suddenly, in one sinuous movement, a large gray cat swooped down on the kitten and plucked it up by the neck. Mom to the rescue. No outside assistance required.

He continued around the corner and was almost at the fourplex when he nearly got clobbered in the shins.

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