The Doctor's Second Chance by Missy Tippens

Author:Missy Tippens
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2015-10-14T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter Seven

Jake walked into Violet’s office building carrying Abigail and lunch, his stomach tense.

Today would be a big step. This afternoon, Abigail would have her first day with a regular babysitter so Jake could go back to work—if not full-time, then at least on a better schedule.

Yet a sense of unease hung over him.

What if Kelli wasn’t as attentive as he’d like? Did she know infant CPR? If Abigail cried, would Kelli be patient?

Jake shook off the pointless worry. Just inside the door, he walked up to the patient sign-in window. Was that... “Hillary?”

His aunt and uncle’s longtime receptionist looked up and then broke into a grin. “Well, will you look who’s here? Haul yourself back here so I can hug your neck.”

Jake cut through the waiting room and entered the front office. Hillary was waiting with open arms.

He hugged her and kissed her cheek. “So good to see you.”

“You, too. And is this Remy’s baby I’ve been hearing about?”

He proudly lifted the carrier. “Yep. Meet Abigail.”

Hillary bent over to inspect the baby, to rub her head and pat her cheek. “Oh, she’s beautiful! Looks just like Remy.”

“Yeah, that’s what I think, too.”

She reached out and patted his cheek as she had Abigail’s, the same way she’d always done when he’d come to the office as a child. “It’s good to see you, Jake.”

“You, too. I didn’t realize you were working here or I would have dropped by during regular hours. I thought Violet let all the employees go.”

“No, that’s the rumor that went around. She actually just asked us all to reapply for our positions and opened up the job search to get the best people. I didn’t do it at first. Thought I might retire, but I quickly got bored. I’ve only been back working for a few weeks.”

Once again, he’d misjudged Violet. He needed to undo the damage he’d caused by voicing his doubt about her around town.

“I’m glad you’re back, Hillary. Violet’s lucky to have you.”

“What brings you by? Is the baby sick?”

His neck heated. “Brought a thank-you lunch for Violet.” He lifted the bag in front of him. “There are probably enough sandwiches for you, as well.”

“Thank you, dear. I would get her, but—”

The phone rang. Hillary held up her finger and reached for the receiver.

“Appleton Pediatrics.”

Jake placed Abigail’s seat on the floor and wheeled over an extra chair.

“She’s with patients and can’t come to the phone right now,” Hillary said into the phone. “Can I take a message?”

Her brows drew downward, and she bit her lip as she listened. “I’m sorry. I can take the information again.” She flipped open the message log and wrote as the caller dictated.

“Yes, ma’am. I’ll make sure she gets this.”

She paused, nodded. “I’m certain I did pass it along last time.”

Hillary gave him a sad look as she listened to the caller.

“Okay. I promise.” She hung up and shook her head. “I know it’s not any of my business, but Violet’s poor mother keeps calling, week after week.

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