Page 10 of Forever Flirting

EVERLY

Two years later…

Yonder, Texas

“How’s my little Caleb?”Everly said playfully, scooping up the toddler in her arms and smiling at Mallory, “… And how is Mama?”

“Beyond tired,” Mallory smiled, looking worn out. “I hate rotating shifts. First shift is rough at the hospital, and people can be really tough to handle sometimes… but third shift? Ugh, the weirdos come out at night.”

“That’s why I went into pediatrics…”

“Yeah, I guess I should have specialized in something,” Mallory said, walking back behind Everly towards exam room one where Caleb’s folder was waiting.

“You could have gone into cosmetic surgery instead of trying to snag a doctor, Mal…”

“You know I’m kidding, right? Well, maybe I wasn’t at one time – but after seeing what people go through and dealing with all the changes that life has dropped on me? I could certainly do without the attitudes, the flashy cars, and the know-it-all comments. I mean, seriously?”

“Nothing from the elusive royal jerk?”

“A steady check, nothing more. Occasionally he sends a package for Caleb, but the dude is utterly clueless – just like I must have been years ago,” Mallory said, smiling and rubbing back Caleb’s brown curls. “You, my sweet pumpkin, are my everything though, and Mommy loves you very much.”

“You are such a good mama…” Everly smiled as Mallory hugged her.

“Girl, I am learning and had to grow up a lot… life can really drag you down if you let it, and honestly? I couldn’t see myself with the jerk anyhow.”

“Is that why you never married him or reached out to him?”

“One-night stand – a bad one at that,” Mallory said flatly. “I really don’t want to talk about it. Besides, he’s supposed to be flying in to visit Caleb in a few weeks, but I’m not holding my breath. Last time, he had to cancel at the last minute after being assigned to Afghanistan.”

“You never want to talk about it…”

“Because it wasthatbad! Now, can we change subject? Isn’t your hot brother still stationed out there?”

“Maybe you should talk to someone…?” Everly said coolly, avoiding the question about her brother, and handing Caleb back to his mother.

The thought of Killian and Mallory just rankled her – and she didn’t know why. Her friend was so sweet, so playful, yet bossy in a way that worked well in her field. Her brother needed someone…soft.

“Dr. Briscoe – I am just fine, and Caleb is here for his checkup,” Mallory said firmly, raising an eyebrow and smiling at her to cushion the blow. “Not me.”

“Fine. We can do it your way,Dr. Duncan. You are late getting this done and know better,” Everly chided, using the same tone as her college friend, before rubbing noses with Caleb. “I wuv you, sweet boy…”

“Wuv you, Ebberleee…” Caleb said in baby talk – showing her his little teeth and making her laugh.

“I’m gonna look up that sweet little nose, in your ears, and tickle that little belly…” she teased, treasuring the cry of delight from the little boy who tried to scramble away.

“Caleb, honey, please… hang on so Auntie Everly can check you over, okay? Be a sweet boy for Mama,” Mallory crooned, kissing him gently on the forehead.

Everly went through the motions and jotted down her notes in his file, before smiling at Mallory.

“He’s doing great, and you should be proud.”

“I am… he’s my heart and soul.”

“I can understand why, too – are we doing his immunizations today?”

“Again?”

“You know the drill…”

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