Bride on the Children's Ward / Marriage Reunited: Baby on the Way Read online

  What was his role, then? To be strong for Eden? To let her lean on him as she had just a few hours ago? The idea certainly had a definite appeal to it.

  Eden smiled at her friend. ‘It’s what I’m here for. Now, take a deep breath. Nice and slow.’ Sasha did as she was told. ‘Then let it out just as slowly. There. Feel better?’

  Sasha’s answer was to look at her friend and laugh again. ‘That’s my Eden,’ she repeated. ‘You’re such an amazing person.’

  Eden dabbed gently at the corner of Sasha’s eyes with a tissue. ‘Right back at ya.’

  ‘Ugh. I must look a sight.’ Sasha tried to finger-comb her hair and Eden quickly found a brush and passed it over. David smiled at them.

  ‘You both look like you’ve been chewing raw onions.’

  ‘You’re such a charmer, David Montgomery.’

  ‘But you did eat raw onions once, right? I distinctly remember coming into the kitchen and you were both redfaced, puffy noses and eyes, and eating raw onions.’

  Eden groaned. ‘Do you remember every stupid thing we ever did?’

  David grinned and crossed his arms over his chest, enjoying the opportunity to tease her a little. ‘Pretty much. Why were you eating them again?’

  Eden squared her shoulders. ‘It was a test. To see if boys were stupid enough to do anything for a pretty girl, even if she smelled like onions.’

  Sasha giggled. ‘That’s right. We had a dance on at school and three different boys had asked you to go. That was a funny night.’

  The door to the room opened and this time it was Robert who came in. Sasha immediately put on a bright face, not wanting her husband to see she’d been upset. Eden gave her hand a squeeze and leaned down to whisper in her ear. ‘Let him see you like this, Sash. Vulnerability is sometimes a good thing, and he loves you very much. Open up to him. Let him help you.’ She kissed her friend’s forehead again before pulling away.

  Robert walked over to his wife’s side and smiled down at her. ‘You all right?’

  ‘We’ve been eating onions.’ Eden spoke matter-of-factly, as though the comment was perfectly normal. Sasha giggled when Robert looked blankly at her. ‘I’ll let Sash explain. David?’ Eden smiled brightly at him and crossed to his side, lacing her arm through his and flicking her hair down her back. ‘Why don’t you show me your ward? I’d love to meet some of your patients.’ She urged him towards the door and thankfully he picked up on her cue. ‘I’ll be back in about half an hour,’ she said to Sasha over her shoulder.

  ‘OK.’ Sasha was looking lovingly at her husband.

  ‘Eat some onions with Robert,’ David suggested, before escorting Eden from the room.

  Once they were out, Eden kept her arm where it was, even though she felt him shift away. ‘They need to be alone.’

  David agreed. ‘It looks as though you’ve broken the drought.’

  ‘Yes, thank goodness. Now hopefully they can cry together and heal together.’

  David shook his head as they walked slowly along the corridor. ‘You’re quite a woman, Eden.’

  ‘So glad you’ve noticed,’ she said saucily. Since she’d discovered his parents had been the real reason why he’d left all those years ago, she felt as though at least one huge weight had been lifted from her shoulders. She tightened her grip on his arm, liking that she could be this close to him again.

  David was well aware of the looks he was receiving from the nursing staff, and he smiled politely—as though it was more than natural for him to walk around the hospital with an incredible redhead on his arm.

  ‘Eden. You’re flirting again.’

  ‘Am I, David? Well, thank you so much for pointing that out.’

  ‘Perhaps you need to really eat some onions.’

  ‘Would that stop you from holding my arm?’

  ‘Who’s holding whose arm?’ he countered. He paused for a moment, then asked, ‘Did it work?’

  ‘Did what work?’

  ‘The onion test. Did the three boys who asked you to the dance do anything and everything for you?’

  ‘Two did, one didn’t. He was the one I dated.’

  ‘How old were you?’

  ‘Fifteen, I think. Yep. Bryce Martineau. Dated him for a whole two weeks. But the chemistry wasn’t there so it was soon over.’

  ‘Chemistry.’ He muttered the word as he led her into the stairwell. He didn’t want to think about physical chemistry when he was this close to her.

  ‘It’s everything.’

  ‘Hmm.’ He’d hoped that in the stairwell she’d let go of his arm, but instead she simply moved closer and he knew exactly what she meant when she said chemistry. Awareness was coursing through him, the need to haul her into his arms and press his mouth to hers was overwhelming and difficult to resist, but resist, he would. ‘Eden, we’re not going to fit up these stairs squashed together.’

  ‘No?’ An imp of mischief buzzed through her and she felt young and free, being with him, being this close to him. He’d used to like it when she was this close. In fact, she could recall plenty of times when he’d crushed her into his arms, holding her tightly as his mouth devoured hers. It had been the best time of her life so far, and a part of her wanted that throw-caution-to-the-wind feeling back again.

  Her smile increased. ‘Are you sure you don’t want to try? Could be fun?’ She wriggled a little, closing the distance, the side of her breast grazing against his chest.

  David groaned and dropped her arm, moving right away from her—which was difficult given the confined space.

  ‘Should have taken the lift,’ he muttered, and she laughed, reaching down to take his hand.

  ‘How about this? Is holding hands OK? After all, we are such dear old friends.’ Without another word she tugged him forward, and he had little option but to follow her up the stairs. ‘Now, which way to the ward?’ she asked, not letting go of his hand.

  He decided he might as well enjoy it for the moment, because he was only fooling himself if he denied the chemistry which coursed between them. It still didn’t mean he was going to act upon it.

  ‘Left.’

  She turned left and soon they were at two big doors which were painted with a bright and cheerful mural of animals, flowers and rainbows.

  ‘Lovely. Your ward is just lovely, David.’ She gave his hand a little squeeze before she let it go. ‘Shall we?’

  ‘We shall.’ David opened the door, holding it for her like the gentleman he was.

  ‘Ahh, there you are,’ said one of the nurses, phone receiver in hand, as they walked to the nurses’ station. Her badge said her name was Francie, and she replaced the phone. ‘I was just about to page you.’

  ‘What’s the matter?’

  ‘It’s Dart.’

  ‘Gone downhill?’

  ‘Quite rapidly.’

  ‘Is his mother here?’

  Francie nodded. ‘She arrived about an hour ago.’

  ‘Did you tell her we were thinking of letting Dart go home tomorrow?’

  ‘I did.’

  David shook his head. ‘Well, here’s hoping we don’t disappoint her. Has he had his medicine?’

  Francie shook her head. ‘He’s refusing.’

  All the time David had been discussing his patient with the nurse, Eden had been well aware of the interested glances she was receiving from the staff around them.

  ‘Right. I’ll go see what I can do. Oh, by the way, this is Eden. Eden Caplan.’ David quickly introduced her. ‘You may see her around during the next few weeks. There are some patients I’d like her to review.’

  Eden raised her eyebrows at this news. She’d been quite happy just to play the role of visitor, but if David needed help…well, helping was what she did best.

  CHAPTER THREE

  ‘YOU need my help?’

  ‘Yes.’

  She winked at him and lowered her voice to a seductive whisper. ‘I’m always happy to help out an old friend.’

  Francie nearly choked on he
r tongue, and one of the other nurses stifled a giggle.

  ‘Stop it.’ David shook his head, a small smile twitching at his lips. ‘Concentrate, Dr Caplan, and let’s go take a look at Dart.’

  ‘Dart?’ Eden was all business and efficiency as she followed David to the first bay of beds. Francie was behind her.

  ‘Short for d’Artagnan.’

  ‘Really? That’s going to turn a few heads when he gets older. What’s the situation?’

  ‘The poor boy is up and down like a yo-yo. Dehydration, stomach pain, headaches, dizziness. He’s been scanned, poked, prodded and still I can’t figure it out.’

  ‘Multiple admissions?’

  ‘This is his second with these symptoms.’ David pulled back the curtain which was around Dart’s bed. Mrs Wilman quickly stood from where she’d been sitting on the bed next to her son. She held a child’s drinking cup in her hands as though she were trying to persuade her son to keep his fluids up. She quickly put the cup on the bedside table.

  ‘Hey there, Dart,’ said David, smiling a greeting at the mother. ‘I hear you’re not feeling as well as you were this morning.’

  ‘I’m afraid he’s not well at all, Dr Montgomery.’ Mrs Wilman was earnest in her words. ‘I don’t understand what you’ve done to him. You were supposed to be making him better.’

  ‘He’d improved dramatically overnight. Earlier this morning he was bouncing around on his bed and running about the ward.’

  ‘He quite clearly should have been lying still and resting.’ Mrs Wilman’s tone was more one of stress rather than accusing the staff of neglect. ‘Now I’m sorry I didn’t stay last night with Dart. He was probably so distraught at my leaving him that he’s had a relapse. I don’t think sending him home is at all a wise move. Do you, Dr Montgomery?’ She shook her head as she spoke, and before David could answer continued. ‘I think he’ll need to stay for at least another few days—if not the week.’

  David held out his hand for a stethoscope, and Francie had one at the ready. ‘Hey, Dart. Can I have a listen to your chest and your tummy, please?’ He pulled the covers down and smiled reassuringly at the four-year-old.

  Eden was busy watching. Not only what David was doing, but also keeping a close eye on the mother. Mrs Wilman was obviously very upset and concerned about her son, but there was something else going on. Eden had no idea what—it was just a hunch, and in the past she’d learned to follow those hunches.

  ‘It hurts,’ Dart moaned, and David nodded.

  ‘I know, mate. Let’s see if we can’t get you better.’

  ‘I don’t want the yucky meddy.’

  ‘I know,’ he said again, before continuing with his examination. When he palpated Dart’s stomach, the little boy groaned.

  ‘You need to get him back to Radiology for another scan of his abdomen.’ Mrs Wilman was quite insistent as she spoke to David. ‘I really think this time, Dr Montgomery, that an MRI should be requested. In fact, I’m quite insistent about it.’

  ‘Hmm.’ David was half listening to what Dart’s mother was saying, but was far more concerned with trying to figure out why the little boy had gone downhill so quickly. He looked at Mrs Wilman. ‘I’d like to put Dart back on an IV drip, and I’ll order some more tests. I’m not convinced at this point whether an MRI scan is necessary, but it’s certainly something to consider down the track.’

  ‘I’m not completely satisfied with that diagnosis, Dr Montgomery,’ Mrs Wilman counteracted. ‘I’m certain an MRI is the next step in my son’s treatment, and if you don’t order one I’ll get someone else to order the tests. I’ll go above your head if necessary. I don’t want to, but I will.’

  ‘I’m head of the paediatric department at St Thomas’ hospital. When it comes to the treatment of children, no one is more qualified than myself. You are, however, more than welcome to a second opinion.’ David indicated Eden. ‘For instance, Dr Caplan here is a trained paediatrician who has worked extensively overseas. She is widely published on topics which include mysterious illness in children, and is highly regarded by her peers. I’ve already asked her for her valued opinion on Dart’s condition, because I can assure you, Mrs Wilman, I am just as concerned as you are about his health.’

  Mrs Wilman looked at Eden, giving her the once-over before turning her attention back to David. ‘Well, I’m pleased to see you’re doing something to try and fix my son.’ She looked to Eden. ‘I hope you have some new ideas, or at least can persuade Dr Montgomery to see sense by advising him to order an MRI.’

  Eden smiled warmly at the woman, who seemed to know quite a bit about medical procedures and terminology. ‘I must say it’s so nice to see a parent such as yourself taking an interest in their child’s health.’

  Mrs Wilman straightened her cardigan. ‘What mother wouldn’t?’

  ‘Oh, believe me, there are plenty. As Dr Montgomery said, I’ve been working overseas in areas where a lot of parents are so busy trying to find work that they can’t afford to spend time looking after their sick children. It’s fantastic that you’re here for Dart and that you’re willing to get really involved, to question and seek out different answers. So many parents are so…lax at times.’

  ‘I see.’ Mrs Wilman almost preened. ‘Well, you’ll find that I’m not one of those types of parents. I do know exactly the sort of parent you’re talking about, though. So many of my…acquaintances are more concerned with their careers rather than what’s most important in their lives.’ she looked down at her son. ‘That’s why I’m here for d’Artagnan. It’s why I stay at the hospital overnight. Last night was the first night I wasn’t able to be here, and look what has happened today upon my return.’ She reached out and stroked the hair from her son’s forehead.

  David’s tone was firm. ‘Francie, would you do observations again? Let me know if there has been any change. Get the IV line in whilst I have a chat with Eden.’ He looked at Dart’s mother. ‘We’ll get him sorted out.’

  After they’d returned to the nurses’ station, Eden shook her head. ‘What?’ David asked, clearly agitated that he couldn’t figure out what was happening with his little patient.

  ‘You shouldn’t promise like that.’

  ‘I know, but I want to figure this out. I’m really worried about him. The thing is that his reaction to the usual medicine is that it seems to work initially, and then, wham, something happens and he goes downhill again.’

  ‘So we just need to figure out what the “wham” part is, eh?’

  ‘Exactly.’ David shook his head and lowered his voice. ‘Any help you can offer would be gratefully received. Have you ever seen anything like it?’

  ‘Hand me his notes. Let me review them and we’ll see what we can come up with.’ David did as she asked and she took the notes, meeting his gaze. ‘We’ll find out…together.’

  David swallowed at her words, and seeing the look in her eyes, wondered how she could make one little word sound so intimate. ‘Uh…right. Yes. Together.’

  A smile touched her lips. ‘I like you most when you’re flustered.’

  ‘Hmm. Well. Er…’ He cleared his throat. ‘Listen, whilst you’re here in the hospital I’ll organise for you to receive Visiting Medical Officer status. That will make things a bit more aboveboard—especially as Mrs Wilman seems to be shopping for my scalp.’

  Eden nodded. ‘She is a little gung-ho. It’s good to see that she’s taking an interest in her son, that she’s here with him, but she needs to trust you more. You are the one with the medical degrees, after all.’

  ‘A lot of parents freak out when their children are ill. Mrs Wilman’s actually quite nice. She’s helpful to the staff, and encouraging with other parents who are here—showing them where the tea and coffee facilities are, that sort of thing.’

  ‘OK. Let me get through these notes. I hope you don’t mind if I ask the nurses some questions as well?’

  ‘Investigating me?’ He raised an eyebrow.

  ‘Investigating Dart.’ Eden
smiled at him, seeing his veiled concern. Had he forgotten that she knew him so well? ‘Sometimes you need to think outside the box. You might be a little too close to the situation, holding on a little too tightly.’

  ‘Is that what you’ve learnt overseas? To see things differently? To try different approaches?’

  ‘You have to. We don’t have access to most of the facilities you have at your fingertips. We have to improvise, to think of alternatives, to see beyond the normal way of things.’

  ‘You sound as though you enjoy it very much.’

  ‘I do.’ Eden sighed. ‘Although sometimes…’ She looked away from him, down at Dart’s notes. ‘Sometimes it gets a little draining. Even I’ve been too close to a project before. Needed someone to come along and point out the simplest of solutions. It happens to all of us.’

  Was she referring to the epidemic he’d read about in the journal? When he’d asked her for assistance he hadn’t wanted to raise any old ghosts, to awaken any old memories. That hadn’t been his intention. He’d merely been after a fresh perspective. He didn’t want to hurt her. ‘Listen, Eden. If you’d rather not help me out—if you just want to relax and spend time with Sasha—then I—’

  Eden reached across the desk to where he was sitting, placing a finger over his lips. ‘Shh. That wasn’t what I meant. You know I’ll always help you. You’re my friend, David, and friends help each other.’ Her words had slowed as she realised just what she’d done, just how close they were…again.

  David’s expressive brown eyes had widened at her touch, and now she watched as his gaze dipped to her lips, lingering briefly before rising to meet her eyes once more. Eden’s breathing slowly started to increase, and she wished the world would simply freeze so she could figure out exactly what it was that existed between herself and David.

  Sure, they were attracted to each other. Sure, they had a bit of history together. Sure, they’d both changed over the past decade. Life, however, didn’t always turn out the way you planned. She quickly dropped her hand back to her side. ‘Besides…’ She tapped Dart’s case notes and forced an overly bright smile to try and cover up the devastating effect he was having on her equilibrium. ‘I’m intrigued. Go. Do what you need to do and let me review.’