Page 43 of Daddy's Little Patient

“And I would have paid for the rest of our lives. You’re part of this family, Bainsy.”

The man cleared his throat of emotion and nodded. “I’m thrilled to be back.” The man’s mouth twitched. “So, I see you haven’t given up calling me Bainsy.”

Raina giggled and shook her head.

“Yes, well. I suppose I will get used to it again.”

Alex laughed.

Mr. Bains shook his head. “She started calling me that when she was three, and she’s never let it go.”

“So, you’re telling me she’s a mite stubborn?” Alex asked.

“I would say a bit more, but yes.”

“I can’t believe you guys. I’m not stubborn.”

They both snorted, looked at each other, and smiled. Alex knew from that moment he and Bains would get along just fine.

“We’ll have to go over a schedule when you’re more settled. I’ll check the house and get things back in order.”

Alex nodded. “We’d appreciate it.”

The man bowed, turned, and walked off before he took Raina’s hand and led her into the kitchen. He had no idea how things were done there, but he did notice that they were laid-back, which he appreciated. But it really didn’t matter as long as Raina was taken care of and happy.

“Good morning,” Sandy said.

Alex was thrilled to see Mrs. Barker was there already, and it looked like the women would be fine.

“We have a place setting ready in the small family dining room if you’d like to have a seat. Someone will be out to take your order. Would that work well for you?”

Alex nodded. He was used to eating at the counter with Mrs. Barker in the room, but he knew it had to be a bit more formal here, which he would get used to.

“That works fine,” Alex said. “It’s good to see you, Mrs. Barker.”

The woman smiled. “Thank you for bringing me here. Sandy and I are already best friends.”

Raina clapped and bounced onto her toes. “I knew you would be.”

He smiled and tugged her into the dining room. He remembered seeing it the day before, but it looked different, with the morning light coming in. He sat at the head of the table, and Raina automatically sat on his right.

They had laid a newspaper by his plate, which he enjoyed reading in the morning. Raina sat quietly while he read. A young woman walked in.

“What would you like this morning, Dr. Platt?”

“I’ll take a ham-and-cheese omelet.” He turned to her. “Would you like one, too?”

She shook her head. “No, I’m not very hungry. I’ll just have juice.”

He rolled his eyes. “Bring her two scrambled eggs, toast, and maybe a fruit bowl.” He waited for her to say something, but she only pressed her lips together, making him laugh.

“Would you like vegetables, sir?”

“Onions and peppers would be wonderful, and toast for me, too.”

“It’ll be right out. Would you like a cup of coffee?”

He nodded and looked at her. “Baby, do you want coffee?”

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