muffin. Then he cleared his throat. “Bri and I were having a difference of opinion and she was getting stressed. I thought it might smooth things out if you explained the necessity to her.”
Abby looked first at Bri and then Hunter. “Of course, I’ll try, though Bri’s pretty savvy about things around here.”
Bri wasn’t looking at anyone, just staring into the glass of milk.
“I explained to her that I would be reviewing her file, as I will all our patients. She would prefer that you keep her file to yourself.”
Abby stared at Bri. “I can’t do that, Bri. Dr. Callaghan is the head of obstetrics for the multiple birth wing. Of course he’ll review the files. He’s more experienced in multiple births than me.”
BRI KNEW when she’d lost a battle. And she also knew Dr. Hunter Callaghan’s office was not the place to embark on her next battle. She’d talk privately to Abby about not having the man in the delivery room when it came time for her girls to arrive.
She carefully set the glass of milk, scarcely touched, back on the tray. “I’m sorry. I should never have objected. It’s just that I hadn’t realized—he took me by surprise. Of course he’ll need to review my file. But, as I told him, I’m in perfect health. I won’t take up much of his time,” she added with a smile at Abby. “I’m sorry I interrupted your busy morning.” She pushed herself up from the chair. “Be sure to call if you need anything, Dr. Callaghan.”
“I need you to drink your milk.”
His calm words acted like a brick wall. An awkward silence filled the room. Drawing a deep breath, she said, “Of course.” Picking up the glass, she added, “I’ll take it with me and drink it while I’m working.”
“I’d rather you drink it here while you finish the muffin. I want to be sure that the girls get their nourishment.”
Bri shot a frantic look at Abby, but her doctor and friend nodded in agreement with him.
“I think Hunter’s right, Bri. You look like you need to take a break.”
Feeling trapped, Bri sank back into the chair and closed her eyes.
“I don’t think she slept well last night,” Hunter murmured to Abby, as if Bri suddenly couldn’t hear.
“I’m still here,” she said without opening her eyes. “I haven’t left the building.”
“Did you have a bad night?” Abby asked.
Bri licked her suddenly dry lips. “Yesterday was a little stressful.”
Abby said, “I still think we should run some tests, put you in a hospital bed for a couple of days.”
Bri’s eyes popped open. “No, I’m fine!”
“Multiple-birth mothers frequently can’t sleep well for long periods of time. Naps are necessary. That’s why I suggested Bri start working half days. Then she could go home and take a nap,” Hunter said.
“That’s not a bad idea,” Abby murmured.
Bri drew another deep breath to calm herself. “I appreciate your concern, and possibly I will do so before my delivery date, but I’d prefer to keep going as long as I can.” She shot a pleading look at Abby.
“I think you can do so for a while longer without endangering the girls,” Abby agreed.
“Good. Then I’ll get back to work,” Bri said and started to rise.
“The milk and muffin,” Hunter reminded her, his blue eyes keeping her seated.
She struggled to hold on to her temper. “I’m not hungry!”
“I’ll bet the girls are.” He continued to stare at her, waiting for her to comply with his orders.
Finally, Bri grabbed the muffin and tore off a big bite, shoving it in her mouth. As soon as she’d chewed it, she took a long drink of milk. She repeated the process several more times until the muffin and milk had disappeared.
“Anything else, Dr. Callaghan?” she snapped, glaring at him.
“Not right this minute, Ms. McCallum. I’ll let you know, probably around lunchtime.” He smiled as if he were pleased with himself.
He might as well have waved a red flag in front of a bull. Bri felt her blood pressure rise, but she fought any response. “Then I’ll return to my office. Thanks for stopping by, Abby.” She hurried from the office before she lost the battle with her temper.
“I DON’T THINK there’s a problem with Bri, except maybe her blood pressure,” Abby said in a considering manner as she stared at Hunter.
He felt guilty. He knew he’d upset Bri and caused her blood pressure to go up. “You’re right. I shouldn’t have pressed her as much as I did, but I could tell she hadn’t slept well last night. I was concerned.”
“I’m sure Bri will appreciate that concern when she calms down. I’ll check on her later today. If anything, she has too many people concerned about her. Even the mail boy checks on her when he delivers the mail. Everyone’s kind of adopted her as our poster patient.”
“Yes, I’ve noticed. I had no idea it would upset her so much for me to read her file. Good thing I didn’t mention that I would observe her delivery.” He was already determined to be there when his daughters entered the world. Emily, Eleanor and Elizabeth.
“You’re right. I’m glad you didn’t mention that. It might make it hard for Bri to face you after that.” Abby stood, but she didn’t start toward the door. Her gaze remained fixed on him.
Hunter stood also. “I appreciate your coming so quickly.”
“No problem. Uh, did you and Bri know each other before you accepted the job?”
Hunter stood frozen, not sure what to say. He knew he didn’t lie well, but how could he tell Abby the truth? It wouldn’t take much to put together the time of the conference and seven months later.
“If I’d met Bri before, I can assure you I’d remember,” he finally said. “She’s a beautiful woman.”
“True. She’s special, too, warm and giving, which is why so many of us want her pregnancy to be a great success. She deserves happiness.” With a nod and a smile, Abby left the office.
Hunter fell back into his chair, giving thanks that he’d found a way to answer Abby’s question. Bri would be furious that he hadn’t believed her story about her old boyfriend fathering the triplets. She’d definitely explode if she found out he’d shared his belief that the babies were his, with anyone.
Like everyone else in the building, he wanted Bri’s pregnancy to have a happy ending. That’s why he’d drop by her office about lunchtime to check on her.
Chapter Eight
“Bri, do you want me to bring you some lunch?” Lisa asked, interrupting Bri’s concentration.
