Page 104 of Forgot to Tell You Something

I finally meet his gaze, ready to cut him down for his brazen arrogance. But one look at his face silences me. I’ve never seen his eyes so searching before. It’s a false bravado, his upbeat statements. I see it in his face. He’s terrified. “I—I don’t know, Dr. Stevens.”

“It’s not a no. I’ll take it.”

As the introductions start and the lights dim for the presentation, my mind remains on the man at my side.

You can’t give him another chance, Tallulah. You have already given him enough.

Without thinking, I place my hand on my stomach, glancing down at where Nugget lives. I want this baby to have a father. A man who loves this child as much as I do. But how do I separate our involvement together into boxes? I don’t think I’m that strong. Hell, I know I’m not.

Something touches my knee, and I look up. Owen’s eyes are on me, vacillating between my face and my stomach, a small smile on his lips.

He knows.

Thankfully, Dr. Watts starts speaking, and I force my mind back to the present. She’s singing Owen’s praises, but they’re all deserved. Under his tutelage, we are expanding the cardiac cath lab, a smart move considering our aged population.

In the short time that Owen has been a member of Memorial’s medical team, he has put into flux a huge number of changes. The most impressive part? They’re all for the betterment of the patients and staff.

Dr. Watts gives Owen the floor, and he discusses the training facility. I want to hate the idea, since it’s what brought Owen and Charlotte together again. But the concept is brilliant. Furthermore, it’s desperately needed to improve outcomes.

The facility will be state-of-the art, ensuring Memorial is regarded around the globe as a center of cardiac renown. Dr. Owen Stevens is a genius, and I’m as engrossed as the rest of the folks by his pleasant manner and engaging presentation.

There’s no pompousness there, Owen is truly excited by the idea of helping others. He’s like a kid at Christmas, speaking about improved patient outcomes.

A kid at Christmas.

Our baby will here next Christmas. If Owen is one iota as excited about our child as he is about the training facilities, he’ll be most the wonderful father, even if there’s nothing more between us.

I swallow back the overwhelming emotions flooding my body. Damn hormones. I cry at the drop of a hat these days, and my co-workers will think I’ve lost my last vestiges of sanity if I start bawling as Owen discusses training labs.

“I know we’ll need Tally’s expertise to get everything running smoothly.”

I snap from my reverie at the mention of my name. Crap, what did I miss while I was ogling the gorgeous cardiologist? “Sorry, what will I be doing?” I inquire, adjusting my glasses with an embarrassed laugh.

“Dr. Stevens was singing your praises, Lu. Or is Tally? That’s what he called you. Which do you prefer?” Dr. Watts inquires with a smile.

My face flushes as Owen slides back into his seat, his body brushing against mine. He had plenty of room. That wasnotaccidental. “Only a select few people call me Tally.”

I realize, one second too late, that I just announced that Owen isn’t like most people. At least where I’m concerned. I pray it slips by unnoticed, but the medical director chuckles, moving on to the next topic.

Busted.

I look at Owen, sending an apologetic glance. “I was listening, but I zoned out at the end. Sorry.”

“It’s okay. I was singing your praises. Not all of them, of course,” he adds with a wink. “Only a select few people know the real Tally. I’m lucky to be one of them. I plan on spending my life with you, Darlin, whether or not you like it.”

His statement damn near bowls me over, but I don’t have time to react. Stefani pokes her head into the room, and my heart sinks to the floor when I see her expression. She’s drawn, biting her lower lip as she motions for me.

Oh crap, I hope no one fell. That will make for a banner afternoon.

“Everything okay?” Owen questions, and I feel his hand brush my leg in a supportive gesture.

I shrug. That’s the best I can offer at the moment.

As soon as I step out of the room, a cold fear floods every cell of my body. Standing next to Stefani is the chaplain. “Oh, no,” I groan, slumping against the wall.

“Come on, Lu, let’s get you somewhere private.” Stefani wraps her arm around me, attempting to steer me out of the hallway.

I’m standing my ground. “When?”

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