Page 40 of The Doctor's Twins

No. I’d have to keep that burden to myself. Ben didn’t have to know, and I prayed to God that he would never find out about my psycho husband in Mexico. I would never live down the shame.

It was time to call home and find out if Mateo had been harassing my family. I called Mom.

“Sweetheart! How are you?”

“Hi, Mom. I’m good. How about you?”

“Fine, thanks. Missing you, though. I wish we could see you. You feel as far away as Mexico still.”

“I know. I hate not seeing you. It won’t be forever, Mom. How’s Dad?”

“He’s fine. Out walking.”

“Glad to hear it. I don’t suppose that was entirely his idea.”

“How perceptive of you,” Mom chuckled. “How are you really, Peyton? Dad and I worry about you.”

“Well, stop that right now. I’m fine. Work is keeping me busy, so no complaints. How’s Madi’s pregnancy coming along?”

“You know your sister. She’s glowing.”

“I’m so glad.”

“How are you feeling, sweetheart? Are you still in pain?”

I knew my mother was referring to my miscarriage. She’d been so excited when I told her I was pregnant. It must have been a shock when I told her she wasn’t going to have another grandbaby. That was an area within which she excelled. Millicent Taylor was a doting grandmother.

“I’m doing great, Mom. No pain.”

“Thank God for that.”

“Mom, I’m worried that Mateo will come looking for me. You haven’t seen him, have you? You would tell me, wouldn’t you?”

“Of course, I would. No, Peyton. That son of a bitch won’t show his face here. Not after what he’s done. Your father will most certainly shoot him on the spot.”

“Yeah, that’s what I’m afraid of.”

“How’s your new job, darling?” Mom asked, ever the skilled focus shifter.

“It’s great. I work with a fun bunch of doctors.”

“How’s Dr. Forbes? You mentioned he was the one who appointed you. Is he blown away by how smart my baby girl is?”

He’s impressed with the way you move your hips when you’re on top of him, that’s for sure!

“Ben’s well, thanks. He’s a very good doctor. I’m learning a lot from him.”

“Ben? A solid name. I knew a Ben once. What a gorgeous specimen he was.”

“Wow. Hello, who is this? Where is Millie Taylor?”

“What? You think I was always a middle-aged woman?”

“Middle-aged? Are you planning on living until you’re one-hundred-and-twenty?”

“Aren’t you a cheeky monkey?” Mom laughed.

“Calling it as I see it, Millicent.”

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