Page 70 of Baby For The Billionaire Silver Fox

Me: Nana would love that. She’s taking the role of dog caregiver very seriously this morning.

Dan: I bet. How are you doing after all the drama and trauma?

Aw. That was sweet of him to ask.

Me: It’s a lot easier being a nurse and working with other people’s drama and trauma. But I’m good. Or I will be once I get some food in me. Have a good day arranging melons.

I still wasn’t sure why he worked part-time at the supermarket, but he seemed to enjoy it.

***

“Mrs. Peterson, can I help you with something?” I asked as I met one of my patients walking down the hall pulling her IV pole. “You know you only have to push the call button.”

“I want to find a window that looks down on the parking lot. My son is coming to see me soon, and I want to see him drive up.” She gave me an uncertain smile. “But I’m all turned around, and I don’t know which way is which.”

“Okay then. Allow me to walk you to a window that’s suitable for parking lot viewing.” I took her down the next turn in the hall, and she took up position in front of the window. “You’re right close to the nurse’s station, so if you need a chair or help back to your room, just give a shout, and one of us will be here in a jif.”

“Thanks, love,” she said, patting my arm in appreciation while sizing me up. “I’d like you to meet my son. He’s quite successful and handsome,” she said with motherly pride. “And single,” she added with a wink.

Boy, she didn’t beat around the bush, did she? “Thanks, but I’ve already got a special someone in my life.” I turned and walked back to my duties. I put a hand protectively on my slightly rounded abdomen. A very special someone indeed. A thrill went through me. It wouldn’t be too long before I felt the baby move.

I felt my stomach growl and remembered I was heading to the break room before I ran into Mrs. Peterson. Lunch couldn’t come soon enough. While I ate a cobb salad and munched on carrot sticks, I scrolled through my phone for anything interesting happening in Cooperstown. It was my adoptive town for the time being, so I tried to keep up-to-date. I also planned to check the neighborhood social media page to see if anyone knew anything about a car hitting poor Buddy.

As I was scrolling, my attention was grabbed by two words in an article headline—Daniel Adler. Oooh, what was this? He’d made the local news.

Paying Tribute to Cooperstown’s Own Daniel Adler,

a Silver Star Recipient

By Cyrus Walker

Fascinated, I read rapidly. It seemed that Daniel had been in the military, on one of several tours of Afghanistan, when they were ambushed by insurgents. Bombs had been placed along the road, and the troops had unknowingly traversed it. Nine soldiers were killed instantly, and Daniel and one other soldier were the only survivors. The other guy was injured, and at great risk to his own life, Dan helped him to safety. For his selflessness and bravery in saving the man’s life, he was awarded the Silver Star.

Holy Shit. I had no idea he had even been in the military, let alone a hero. What the heck? I sat on it for a while, absently crunching my carrot sticks.

Me: Did you know Dan was a war hero?

Lexi: What? No!

Me: Look at the Cooperstown news on your phone.

Lexi: Are you sure it’s your Dan, and not a different Dan?

Me: He’s not my Dan.

Lexi: OMG. He’s a frickin war hero.

Me: Right?!

When I got home from work, Dan was still there, hanging out on the floor with Buddy.

“Look at you, babysitting again. You might be getting the hang of it.”

He smiled briefly, not looking at all happy.

“How’s Buddy doing? I see he hasn’t convinced you to take the cone off. Thanks for staying strong.”

“He’s doing pretty good, considering how banged up he was. He does tend to lay it on thick when he wants more dog treats,” he added. He definitely didn’t look like he was in a good mood.

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