Page 6 of Holiday Haven

And if Phoebe had been here, he might not have gotten to know Joy. Or Krista.

“She is set for the moment,” Krista informed him. She covered the baby with a blanket and raised the bar of the crib even though Joy was too young roll over and fallout. “I'll see if pharmacy has sent the antibiotics yet.”

He nodded, unable to tear his gaze from the baby. The car accident had been his fault. His stubbornness had cost his son's life. Holding Joy was a painful reminder of what he'd lost. He knew his secret desire to reunite the baby with her mother wouldn't atone for his sins.

Nothing would turn back the clock, no matter how much he wished he could.

His stomach knotted as he relived those painful moments. The screeching tires, the horrible crash of metal against metal as the semi-trailer had barreled into them. He'd swerved, trying to avoid the contact, but seconds too late. The passenger side, where Danielle had been sitting, had been hit with enough force to deploy their airbags.

Danielle had survived with surprisingly few injuries, but the seat belt across her lap had left bruises. Considering she'd only been four and a half months pregnant, the doctor had prepared them for the eventual miscarriage.

Their relationship hadn't survived the tragedy. No surprise, really, when their rocky relationship had contributed to the loss.

“I have the antibiotic.” Krista returned, triumphantly holding a small syringe he assumed was the medication.

“Great.” He abruptly realized there was no longer any reason for him to stay. Except to wait for Alec. With the frown he glanced at his watch. He'd hoped his brother would be there by now.

Krista set up the antibiotic, giving him a puzzled glance. “Ah—is there anything else, Adam? I mean, Dr. Monroe. I have things under control if you need to get going.”

“You can call me Adam.” Leaving the infant in Krista’s capable hands would be the sensible thing to do, but since he had to wait for Alec, there was no reason for both of them to stay. Krista no doubt had other patients to tend to. “I don't remember if you know my brother Alec, he's a sergeant with the Milwaukee Police Department and he's supposed to meet me here. I can watch Joy if you have other patients to see.”

“Okay.” She hesitated in the doorway, glancing back at him. “What will happen to her?”

He shrugged. “I've never personally handled a safe haven baby. I imagine once she's medically cleared, she'll go into foster care until someone adopts her. Unless her mother returns to claim her.” And if he had his way, he'd find the mother to give her a chance to change her mind. If she was only giving up the baby for financial reasons, and not as a result of substance abuse or some other behavioral health issue.

Krista frowned, as if she'd anticipated his answer. “It's sad that she'll end up in foster care.”

Poignant silence fell and Adam realized he and Krista were completely in tune over the fate of this precious little girl. He wasn't sure why the idea of foster care bothered him so much. The baby's young age practically guaranteed a quick adoption. In fact, he was sure there was a long list of parents just waiting to jump at the opportunity.

Knowing a nice family would take Joy into their hearts and homes should have reassured him. But it didn't. He couldn't shake the sense that Joy belonged with her mother. The baby had been well cared for, despite her illness.

“Let me know if you need anything,” Krista murmured as she took a step toward the door.

“I will.”

She flashed a quick smile before leaving. Her smile stayed with him for a long moment. For some odd reason he remembered the night he driven out to pick her up from a date who'd gotten too enthusiastic with his attempt to kiss her goodnight. He'd been so angry on her behalf it had taken every ounce of self-control not to plant his fist in the guy's face.

Krista had deserved better.

His phone dinged with the text. Alec was downstairs in the emergency department. He texted the room number so that Alec could meet him up there.

“Hey.” He nodded at his brother. “Thanks for coming.”

“No problem.” His brother’s gaze softened when he saw the baby. “I need you to tell me exactly what happened.”

“What do you mean? Baby found in waiting room with a note. What else is there?”

Alec gave an exasperated snort. “Details, bro. I need details.”

“I don't have details.” Adam handed over the note. “Only this.”

His brother took it, examining the note closely. “Where was it?”

“Tucked in the side of the infant carrier, like this.” Adam demonstrated.

“Hmm. Seems like this was a well thought out plan. She notes financial difficulties as the reason for giving the baby up. I'm not sure what you expect me to do.” Alec shrugged. “Joy is a safe haven baby.”

“I know that, but I'd still like to find the mother.”

---