Page 40 of Stone Vows

“No, I guess not. But I’ve had to spend quite a bit of time with her since she’s my only patient. And getting her to reveal personal details is harder than giving a bald man a haircut.”

“Well, she didn’t tell me much more than that. She went to the University of Maryland, but that’s about all I know. When I asked about the baby’s father, she clammed up. I didn’t want to pry. But I think there’s a story there.”

I nod. “Iknowthere’s one.”

“She really hasn’t had anyone else but us visit?”

“Nope. She’s been here for a week. Not one friend or family member. She literally was admitted with only the clothes on her back and a few personal items in her purse.”

“There is no way that girl is homeless, Kyle. I can’t believe she is.”

“She says she’s not. And she does have a job. Although I’m not sure how she’ll be able to walk dogs with a baby.”

“Where there’s a will, there’s a way,” she says. “She could always push a stroller, or put the baby in one of those Snugli things.” Her face suddenly lights up. “Oh, my gosh, we should have a baby shower for her.”

“Did you not hear the part where she won’t give out her address? How do you expect to throw her a shower?”

She jumps up and down in her seat. “Not after the baby comes, silly. Here, in the hospital. Think about it. She has nothing and I have a ton of stuff my kids have outgrown. I mean, three is enough—just ask Gavin.” She laughs. “Mallory said Elizabeth was okay accepting her maternity hand-me-downs, why not used baby items? Some of this stuff is really quality stuff, Kyle, and it’s just sitting in my garage. It’s perfect. All the girls could come and we could each wrap some of the things. We’d make a day of it.”

I shake my head. “I’m not sure she’d go for it, Baylor. She doesn’t like hand-outs. Believe me, I’ve tried.”

“What, you’ve tried to give her money? Of course she won’t take money, Kyle. No self-respecting woman would. And we just won’t tell her. We’ll spring it on her. Later, after we’ve gotten to know her better. How long is she here?”

“She’s here until the baby comes,” I say. “If all goes as planned, that won’t be for another couple of weeks. But if her condition changes, it could be any time.”

“But she’ll have to be here for at least a day or two after the baby comes, right?”

I nod. “She’ll have to deliver by C-section, so it’ll be two or three days.”

“Perfect. Why don’t we schedule it for two weeks from now and if she has the baby by then, we’ll just do it before she gets discharged. But let’s keep it on the down low.”

I eye her in amusement. “The down low?”

“Yeah, it’ll be fun. A clandestine operation. You know, figure out her favorite foods and stuff so we can do it right.”

“Chinese,” I say.

“Huh?”

“Her favorite food is Chinese. Sal’s Chinese to be specific. She loves the egg rolls. And the Lo Mein. And chopsticks.”

“And yet she doesn’t tell you anything.” Baylor studies me curiously. “Yup, definitely a story there.”

I shake my head. “What? No. No story there.”

“Oh, come on. Doctor falls in love with homeless pregnant patient. That’s good stuff.”

I choke on my coffee. “Better get your head out of the clouds, Baylor. Life isn’t always a romance novel, you know.”

“No, it’s not. But you have to admit, there’s a premise there. She’s young and beautiful. You’re young and handsome. You are saving her life.”

“You forgot one very important detail,” I say, stating the obvious. “She’s pregnant, Baylor. That means there is a husband or a boyfriend or a baby daddy. Even anexone of those poses a problem.”

“Exactly,” she says. “No romance novel is good without a crisis.”

I roll my eyes at her. “How about you stick to your day job and get out of the matchmaking business?”

“Fine.” She blows out a conceding breath. “I have a shower to plan, anyway. I’m going to call the girls. I’d expect to see more of us over the next few weeks. I think Elizabeth might be more likely to accept our generosity if we become better friends.” She points a finger at me. “Don’t you dare say anything to her.”

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