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There’s nothing more precious than a tiny new arrival…

MAITLAND MATERNITY: TRIPLETS, QUADS & QUINTS

You’re invited to celebrate the opening of the new McCallum Multiple Birth Wing at the Maitland Maternity Hospital—where romances are born, secrets are revealed and multiple bundles of joy are delivered!

Five heart-warming stories from five favourite authors.

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April 2010 The Ashtons: Jillian, Eli & Charlotte

Featuring

Just a Taste by Bronwyn Jameson Awaken the Senses by Nalini Singh Estate Affair by Sara Orwig

Maitland Maternity: Triplets, Quads & Quints

Featuring

Triplet Secret Babies by Judy Christenberry Quadruplets on the Doorstep by Tina Leonard Great Expectations by Kasey Michaels Delivered with a Kiss by Mindy Neff And Babies Make Seven by Mary Anne Wilson

Maitland Maternity: Triplets, Quads & Quints
Judy Christenberry
Tina Leonard
Kasey Michaels
Mindy Neff
Mary Anne Wilson

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Triplet Secret Babies

By

Judy Christenberry

Judy Christenberry has been writing romances for fifteen years because she loves happy endings as much as her readers do. A former French teacher, Judy now devotes herself to writing full time. She hopes readers have as much fun reading her stories as she does writing them. She spends her spare time reading, watching her favourite sports teams and keeping track of her two daughters. Judy’s a native Texan, but now lives in Arizona.

Chapter One

Her head was beating like a bass drum during a pep rally. Briana McCallum stared at the shelf of pain relievers in the New York deli she’d found a block from the hotel, feeling lucky to have found it open after midnight.

There it was! Her favorite relief for headaches. She grabbed it and then took a soda from the refrigerated shelf nearby and hurried to the cash register.

She was digging through her purse when the clerk said, “You give me your money.”

“Yes, I’m looking for it,” she assured him, her head down as she dug through her bag for her billfold.

“No, all your money,” he returned harshly.

She looked up to find herself staring down the barrel of a pistol pointed directly at her.

“What—” she began, confused, when the outer door opened and another customer arrived. Relief poured through her. She wasn’t alone with the wacko anymore. The pistol swung away from her to the new arrival.

“You come. Give me money,” the clerk ordered.

The new arrival, a handsome man in a tuxedo, his tie untied, stared in surprise. “What’s going on?”

He looked at Briana for an explanation. “I think he’s planning on robbing us,” she said.

“I go home now. I need money,” the clerk said, as if that explained everything.

“Home to—?” the man asked.

“India. My mother sick. I go home. Give me money.”

After a dead silence, the man behind the counter began shifting, swinging the gun between the two of them, and Briana grew more nervous. “I—I don’t have a lot of money.” She pulled out about sixty dollars and laid it on the counter. “That’s all I have with me.”

“Now you,” the clerk said, scooping up the money and looking at the man.

With reluctance, the man pulled out his wallet from his back pants pocket. He took the cash out and laid it on the counter. Then he tucked his wallet away. “That’s all I’ve got.”

It was considerably more than Briana carried with her.

But she was distracted from thinking about that. The clerk came around the counter and gestured for them to go to the back of the store. Was he going to shoot them before he left? She didn’t want to die, not when her dream was just coming true. Not when she’d finally achieved—

“Go!” the clerk shouted, becoming more agitated.

The man put his hands on her shoulders and pushed her gently in front of him, keeping himself between her and the gun. A very protective gesture. One her brother Caleb would approve of. As did she.

They reached the back of the store and the clerk shoved open a door that said Employees Only. It was dark, not a large area, and she was reluctant to go in. Suddenly the man fell into her and she fell to her knees on the concrete floor. She heard a loud slamming noise and everything went black.

She thought she’d passed out, but she was still awake. Then she realized the door behind them had been slammed shut and there was no light.

“Are you okay?” the deep voice of the other customer asked. His hands found her shoulders again and he half lifted her to her feet.

“Yes, just bruised,” she said softly. “Are we—”

“Locked in.” He turned her loose and took a step back. In the darkness she felt abandoned.

Then a bright light came on.

She stared around her before her gaze returned to her companion. He’d found the light switch by the door and turned it on. She was grateful. Nothing seemed quite so bad when there was light.

“Thank you. I’m glad we’re not left in the dark.”

“I guess. But the accommodations aren’t too posh.”

She couldn’t argue with that assessment. They were in a small storeroom, the shelves packed with food items from floor to ceiling. The only piece of furniture was a sturdy stool, dingy white in color.

“At least we’re alive,” Briana pointed out. “I’ve heard of too many of these robberies where the witnesses were killed.”

“Yeah. I guess since he’s leaving the country, he doesn’t think we can hurt him.” The man prowled the storeroom, pacing from one end to the other. “I tried the door. I don’t think I can force it open.”

“Won’t we be okay? I mean, someone will come in to relieve him after a while, won’t they? If we just wait, he’ll let us out.”

The man looked at his watch. “Probably at seven, six if we’re lucky. Which means we have about five and half hours in this hellhole.”

She noticed his watch was a Rolex, which went well with his tux. Obviously not a man down on his luck. “Um, are you from New York?” she asked.

“No. Say, you don’t happen to have a cell phone, do you?” He turned and stared at her, his blue-eyed gaze enough to convince Briana to tell him the truth and nothing but.

“Yes, but I didn’t bring it with me. I didn’t think I’d need it in New York City.”

“Me, neither.” He began pacing again. After a minute, he said, “Obviously you’re not from New York, either.”

“No, Texas.”

“Ah. I’m from Chicago. The name’s Hunter.” He stuck out a large hand with slim strong fingers, a hand almost artistic in appearance except for its size.

“Briana,” she said. She tried to avoid using her last name with strangers, in case they knew of her family wealth. She’d been both pursued and rejected because of it.

“Unusual name.”

“I’m part of ABC.”

“I beg your pardon?” he asked, one eyebrow raised.

“I’m the second of triplets. My older brother is Adam, I’m Briana, and my younger brother is Caleb. ABC.”

“Very clever.”

“Not really. That’s what they called us until Dad got around to naming us.”

“I see,” he said, but Briana knew he didn’t. She’d left some information out of her explanation.

Then she thought she heard something. “Listen! Is that someone in the store?”

He came toward the door, nearer to her, and placed his ear against the wood. “I don’t hear anything.”

“I don’t now, either. It was just a rustling sound. Or maybe it was my imagination,” she admitted with a sigh. She put her fingers to her temples and massaged. Her headache was as bad as ever. Wait! The medicine she’d been about to buy. She’d stuck it and the soda in her handbag without thinking when the clerk had ordered them to the back of the store.

Her bag, large, one that could hold all kinds of necessities, was on the floor. She grabbed it, moaning as she stood. The motion wasn’t helping her headache.

“Are you all right?” Hunter asked.

“Yes, it’s just my headache. That’s why I was here. I didn’t have any pain reliever in my room and the hotel clerk sent me here. I think I’ll sue him.” She smiled to let her companion know she was joking. Digging into her purse, she found the unopened medicine and the soda. “Aha!”

He stared at her. “You managed to get what you needed.”

“Yes, I did,” she agreed as she tore at the wrapping. “Assuming I can ever get it unwrapped.”

“Here,” he said, taking the package away from her and deftly ripping the box open. He removed the bottle and quickly lined up the arrows to pop the lid off. “How many do you want, one or two?”

“Three,” she said distinctly, holding out her hand.

“Three? I don’t think that’s a good idea.”

In spite of his helpfulness, she wasn’t happy with his interference. “Look, unless you’re a doctor—”

“I am.”

That response stopped her in her tracks. She was attending a medical conference on multiple births and a number of doctors had been in attendance. That would be too much of a coincidence, wouldn’t it?

“It doesn’t matter. I take this medicine all the time. When a headache isn’t stopped early, I need three tablets to make it go away.”

Without another word, he tapped the bottle and put three tablets in her hand. She popped the lid of the soda and tossed the pills in her mouth, then swallowed some of the liquid.

“I guess I should save the rest of the soda. Did you want a drink?” she asked, remembering he was a victim, too.

He hesitated, then said, “Yeah, I’ll take a sip, along with a couple of pills, if you don’t mind sharing.”

“Of course not. Is that why you’re here, too?”

“Actually, I thought I’d get some milk to drink. My stomach needed settling.”

“I don’t think you’re supposed to drink milk if you’re queasy,” she said.

“Unless you’re a doctor…” he said, challenging her with his blue eyes.

Quickly, she disavowed that occupation. She’d wanted to be a doctor, but she discovered as a teenager that blood made her pass out. That rather eliminated medicine as a profession. She’d chosen the next best thing, a hospital administrator.

“Is there any milk in here?” she asked, looking around.

“No, this part has no refrigeration. There’s some sodas, sports drinks, stuff like that. No milk. But I guess we won’t starve to death.”

“You mean we should help ourselves to their food? But wouldn’t that be stealing?”

He shook his head, grinning. “Not unless you’re a purist. I think I already paid about a hundred and fifty dollars. That should cover a few Twinkies.”

“Twinkies? Do they have Twinkies?” Normally, she restrained her junk-food urge. But stress, along with her headache, made her weak. Twinkies sounded perfect.

With a chuckle, the man reached up to a shelf behind her and drew down a box. He carefully examined the box before breaking it open.

“What were you looking for?” she asked, puzzled.

“Just checking. Here, have one. They’re individually wrapped.”

She took one and opened the cellophane, eager to taste the gooey sweetness. “Um, thank you. I may survive after all.”

“Is the headache gone?”

“It’s easing.”

“Well, you might as well be comfortable.” He stepped away and reached for the stool, placing it in the center of the storeroom. “Here’s your chair.”

His generosity reminded her of how he’d shielded her from the gun. The man was a true gentleman. “It wouldn’t be fair for me to take the only seat.”

He looked surprised. “You think I should sit while you stand? My mama didn’t raise me that way.”

“No, but we could share,” she assured him, smiling.

He looked even more surprised. “It’s not that big a stool.”

Realizing he thought she meant they could both occupy the stool at once, she turned bright red. “No! No, I meant we could take turns.”

A lopsided grin that only increased his sexiness was his initial response. “Darn, I was having some great images in my head.”

She didn’t want to think about those images. In fact, she thought the more distance she kept from this man, the better off she’d be. He was too handsome for his own good. “I’ll take a turn first,” she said and sat down on the stool, taking another bite of her Twinkie.

“Good decision,” he said and started pacing again.

“Maybe if you leaned against the shelves, it would be easier for you,” she suggested, her gaze following him as he moved. He was a big man. She wasn’t short, five-seven, but he had to be over six feet tall. Though there were a few grey hairs at his temples, they blended in with his blond hair, cut short. Very businesslike.

“No, thanks,” he said and continued to pace.

A big, hardheaded man. Fine, let him wear himself out pacing. She didn’t care!

She finished her Twinkie, and he offered another.

“No. You didn’t eat one.”

“Not yet. I’m sure I will before the evening’s over. My dinner was good. I had steak.”

Again Briana thought of her conference. They’d served steak at the banquet tonight. “What conference were you attending?”

“It was a conference about multiple births. I specialize in obstetrics, particularly at-risk pregnancies.”

“Oh.” The same conference. It was a wonder she hadn’t met him already. But she’d been interested in the administrative side of multiple births. Not the medical procedures being discussed.

“Not interested, even though you’re a multiple? Especially when any pregnancy you might have could be multiple?”

“No.”

“Have you had a pregnancy already?”

“No, I haven’t. Have you?”

“I assume you mean as a father, not as a mother.”

She rolled her eyes. The man thought he had a sense of humor. Ha!

“No. Me, neither. I hope to, someday.”

“I don’t want to be rude, but aren’t you getting a little old for a first-time dad?”

“I’m under forty, by two years. Men aren’t as affected by the biological clock as women. How about you? Is your clock ticking?”

“I’m thirty-one if that’s what you’re asking,” she said, irritation in her voice. She’d thought a lot about having a baby, but she’d promised herself, no baby until she found a father, one she could love and trust. She’d been betrayed once, and she was determined that wasn’t going to happen again.

He must’ve realized he’d upset her. With a soothing voice, he said, “You still have plenty of time.”

She ducked her head. She’d been rude, and he was trying to comfort her. “I’m sorry. That conversation was my fault, and I was rude.”

“Don’t worry about it. Have another Twinkie. It will sweeten you up.” He presented it to her with a flourish.

She took his offering. She didn’t want to be rude again. Slowly she unwrapped it and took a bite.

At the same time, he said, “What kind of conference were you attending?”

She choked. She should’ve been prepared, but his charm had distracted her. He came to her side and pounded on her back.

“Are you all right?” he asked.

“Fine. Please, that’s enough,” she added as he continued to slap her back.

“Sorry. Choking is dangerous. Maybe I should’ve tried the Heimlich maneuver.”

“No, it just went down the wrong way. I’m fine now,” she added. She hoped he’d move away from her. His distinctive male scent was enticing.

“Okay. What conference are you attending?”

She finally mumbled, “The same one.”

He frowned and took a step closer instead of backing off. “What did you say?”

“I’m attending the same conference,” she admitted, speaking clearly.

“You’re a medical professional?”

“Not exactly.”

“What do you mean by not exactly?” he demanded, his hands on his hips.

“I’m in medical administration.”

“Oh. I guess that explains why I didn’t meet you. The joint sessions were pretty big.”

“Yes.”

HUNTER CALLAGHAN stared at the beauty sitting on the old stool. She was dressed in jeans and a sweater, her light brown hair framing her delicate features and curving under as it reached her shoulders. It was the hazel eyes, however, that drew him the most.

“Suddenly you don’t want to talk?” he asked, distracted by her strange attitude.

She shrugged but said nothing.

“Did you enjoy the conference?”

She shrugged again. Then she added, “Look, I came to learn all I could. I’m not very experienced.”

“There’s nothing wrong with that,” he said, crossing his arms over his chest as he stared at her. Something was going on here, and he wanted to know what it was.

“I’m tired,” she muttered, in an obvious attempt to change the subject.

“No wonder, it’s almost two o’clock in the morning.”

She slid down from the stool. “I think it’s your turn to sit down. We should probably change every half hour.”

“I don’t need to sit. You go ahead.”

“No, I insist. I appreciate your gentlemanly behavior, but I don’t want to take advantage.” Standing, she came to his shoulder. Good. He hated short women who made him feel awkward. Not that it mattered. In a few hours he wouldn’t see her again.

Since she insisted, he took a seat on the stool, hooking the heels of his dress shoes over the lower rung. “Uh, Briana,” he said, trying to figure out if he was going to freak her out with what he had to say. But he had to warn her.

“Yes?”

“If you walk around, stay away from that back corner,” he said as casually as he could. He was hoping she wouldn’t ask why.

But of course she did.

“Why?”

“Well, I think that’s a rat trap. And I wouldn’t want you to get caught in it. I’m not sure I could free you.”

She paled and took a step closer to him, unusual on her part. He’d noticed she was more comfortable if he didn’t come close.

“A—a rat trap?” she asked, her voice trembling.

“Yeah.”

“That’s why you examined the Twinkie box? But it’s on a high shelf. Surely a rat couldn’t get to it way up there?”

“It’s my understanding they can climb well.”

She took another step closer to him. “That’s why you wouldn’t lean against the shelves?” Horror had her shaking all over.

“Briana, they’re not going to attack us. I just wanted you to be careful.”

His words didn’t calm her. She pressed against his side, her gaze swerving around the room. “Have you seen any?”

“No. Probably the trap has been efficient and we won’t see any at all. I’m probably being an alarmist.” In spite of the noises he’d heard. She’d heard them, too, when they’d first entered the room, and thought someone was in the store. He looped his arm around her, liking the feel of her, the smell of her.

Great. That’s all he needed, to become uncomfortably aroused in addition to everything else. He was a little surprised by his response. The last few years, he’d found himself less and less attracted to the women who pursued doctors.

She broke from his hold. “I’m sorry. I’m being silly. There probably aren’t any rats in here, right? I’ll just stay away from that corner,” she promised, her lips trembling as she stepped away from him.

For several minutes she paced around the room and he had the pleasure of watching her. Her figure was worth looking at, especially in the snug-fitting jeans. He finally closed his eyes, trying to distract his mind with thoughts of operating procedures.

But those kinds of methodical thoughts had no chance over a beautiful woman in jeans. With a sigh, he opened his eyes, trying to think of a conversational topic that would distract both of them.

Instead, the silence was broken by a terrible clang. Something had been caught in the trap.

He looked at Briana, knowing it wasn’t her but wanting to make sure she was all right. He saw her just in time to catch her as she rushed to him and climbed the step stool as if it was a ladder.

She ended up in his lap, her legs wrapped around him, her arms tightening around his neck.

“Wow, why didn’t I think of sharing?” he said, a smile on his lips.

Chapter Two

Hunter sat holding a warm, trembling female, unsure what to do next. He didn’t mind holding her. In fact, sitting as they were, things were getting interesting. But she might object, since she’d already been leery of him.

“I know I should get down,” she muttered against his neck, sending tingling sensations through his body, “but I can’t.”

“Why not?”

“I have a phobia about rats.”

“A phobia?”

“Yes, an unreasonable fear of something.”

He chuckled. “I’m a doctor, remember? I know what a phobia is.”

“Well, mine is rats. I was okay as long as I could convince myself they wouldn’t really show up here, but—but is it a rat in the trap?”

“Looks like it to me,” he said, staring over her shoulder. “I can’t be sure until I go over there.”

She squeezed him tighter. “No! No, don’t go over there! He might bite you.”

“How did you get a phobia about rats?” He cuddled her a little closer, liking the feel of her, her scent. “Were you raised in a slum?”

“No, not at all! We had a very nice house, but I saw a movie about a little boy and the rats—terrorized him. I screamed every night for weeks. My brothers laughed at me. Finally my father let me keep a cat in my room all night so I’d be protected.”

Her voice trembled, and Hunter had an immediate picture of that little girl, wildly afraid of rats, pleading for protection. He held her more tightly against him. “It’s all right. You’re safe, Briana. I won’t let the rats get you.”

“Are you laughing at me?” she asked, her voice small.

“No. I’m not laughing. I’m understanding.”

“Oh. Thank you. But we can’t—I mean, we can’t—this isn’t seemly.”

Ah. He knew what was causing her concern. “Look, Bri,” he said, shortening her name, “men react to stimuli without any, uh, intent. It’s not something they can control. I promise I won’t take advantage.”

“But it must be uncomfortable.”

“If I were wearing jeans, it would be. They don’t allow much wiggle room, uh, I mean, extra space.” He was discovering any extra space he had was disappearing rapidly. He said, “Maybe I should go over and look. Maybe it’s just a really big mouse. Would that be better?”

“I don’t think you should go over there,” she said, the trembling starting again.

“I won’t get close, I promise,” he said gently and placed his hands on her arms, deadlocked around his neck.

“Come on, Bri, turn loose. I’ll come right back, I promise.”

“And I can stay on the stool?”

“Of course. You can even have another Twinkie.”

“No. Treats never help. Dad tried that.”

“I bet he did,” Hunter muttered. Slowly he got her to lower her arms. Putting his hands on her waist, he slipped off the stool and swung her on top of it.

As he turned away, she reached out for him. “Hunter, be careful.”

“I will, Bri, I promise.”

He walked over to the corner and stared at the dead animal. It was definitely a rat, a large one. Could he get away with telling Bri it was a big mouse? He was afraid she’d realize he was lying. He’d never been good at lying.

He came back to the stool.

She held out her arms, as if ready to resume her position in his lap. He shook his head. “I’m going to walk around for a while, to stretch my legs.”

“And what was it?”

He hung his head. He hated to tell her. “It was a rat. But it’s definitely dead.”

She reached for him, her hold probably leaving bruises on his skin. “You’d better get back up here with me. We’ll be safe here.”

He wasn’t going to discuss the safety of the stool. If he took that refuge away from her, she’d go to pieces. “Nope, I’ll be safe enough out here in the open.”

He began to pace, but thought of a question he’d wanted to ask. “You know, when you’ve talked about your childhood, you never mention your mother. Where was she?”

“She died when we were born.”

“Why?”

“She bled to death. That’s why Dad—uh, it was sad for my father, but we didn’t know the difference.”

“Didn’t he ever remarry?”

She shook her head, but she kept her gaze fastened to the trap in the corner.

“But your dad took care of the three of you?” Somehow, he wanted to know she’d been okay.

She shrugged. “He hired someone.”

Hunter was surprised by the anger mixed with sorrow he felt. “He hired someone? He didn’t take care of you himself?”

“He was busy. And he doesn’t seem to care for babies. Once we got old enough to talk, to understand, he began to take a little interest in us.”

“Hence the cat?”

Briana shot him a rueful smile. “That was the first time he listened to me. And then only because I was disrupting his peace. But I believed it was because he loved me. More than my brothers. It satisfied me for several years. I’d tell myself the cat was there because he loved me, even if he couldn’t spend time with me.”

“How did your brothers react?”

“They hated the cat. And teased it a couple of times when they caught it. But then it scratched them and they backed off.”

He’d taken a lot of psychology classes and was fascinated with children’s coping mechanisms. “And when did you demand more attention?”

“How do you know I did?” She wouldn’t look at him and he grinned, stepped closer and slid his arms around her waist. He liked holding her close.

“Just a hunch,” he said with a grin. Her memories seemed to relax her, and that was a good thing.

“Actually, my brothers took action first. They became little hellions. Again, my father’s peace was cut up. He demanded Grace make them behave. Grace and her husband, Douglas, took care of us. Grace looked him in the eye and told him if he didn’t participate in his children’s lives, there wasn’t anything she could do.”

“Wise woman.”

“Yes, and brave. Dad wasn’t an easy man to face down. He’d been grieving about our mother’s death and paying attention to business. It was easier to leave us to someone else. But to his credit, that’s when he changed. We’d started school, and he’d discovered we had minds.”

Hunter lifted one hand and cupped her soft, warm cheek. “So then your father loved you?”

She shrugged again. “That’s when he played a part in our lives. By the time we graduated from college, I think he loved us. We’ve been a family the last few years.”

He pulled her against him and rubbed her back. “What about you? Did you have the perfect childhood?”

“I suppose I did. My dad was a doctor, had a small practice in the country, handled all kinds of emergencies. My mom was always there for me and my brother. Not that we realized we had anything special. Now I do.”

She pushed away from him. “And I suppose that’s the kind of woman you’ll marry for your future kids. So they’ll have the same life.”

There was a bitterness in her voice that made him raise his eyebrows. “Wouldn’t everyone want the same thing? Wouldn’t you have preferred to have a mother?”

“Of course I would!” she snapped.

“Whoa, there, lady. What did I say wrong?”

“Nothing. What time is it?”

“Almost three. Are you exhausted?” He’d give her her change of subject. Things were stressful enough for her as it was.

“Yes. I didn’t get much sleep during the conference. I didn’t want to miss anything,” she said, rubbing one temple.

“Did your headache ever go away?” he asked, taking her pulse at her neck.

“Yes, mostly.”

“Look, why don’t you—I can hold you and let you sleep a little. That’s probably the only thing that will give you any relief, and it will make the time pass faster. Before you know it, it will be morning and your nightmare will be over.”

“That’s not fair to you,” she said doubtfully, staring at him. “And it’s—you know what happened last time.”

“I explained it’s something a man can’t control. But nothing happened, remember?” He was glad she couldn’t read his mind. Holding her again was becoming an obsession for him.

Finally, she slid off the stool, standing next to it. “If you’re sure you don’t mind. I’d give a lot to get a few minutes of sleep.”

“I don’t mind.” He climbed onto the stool and held out his arms. Slowly, unlike the last time, she responded to his invitation. She settled in his lap, but she seemed unsure where to put her hands.

“Wrap your arms around me,” he suggested, “and lay your head on my chest.”

She did so, and he held her in place, feeling a surprising peace settle in him. He had her safe in his arms. Softly rubbing her back, he whispered, “You’re safe now. Just relax.”

After several minutes, her body began to relax and grow heavy against him. She was asleep.

AS BRIANA settled into Hunter’s embrace, she knew she was being weak. But she’d reached her limit, and she didn’t mind admitting it.

And she’d never met such a strong man, physically and mentally. He’d been calm and protective. It seemed all her life she’d been competing with her brothers. She loved them dearly, but being one of triplets, and the only female, made life difficult.

So, just once in her life, she was going to accept her weakness and give in to the protection this man offered. Besides, it felt so good to be in his arms. As she laid her head against his chest, his heart beat a steady rhythm that lulled her in to relaxation, and she closed her eyes.

SATISFACTION filled Hunter as he realized Briana was getting the rest she so desperately needed. Apparently she’d been a lot more intense about the conference than him. He’d attended a few before. Besides, as a doctor, he’d pulled a few long nights as he came through medical school.

He checked his watch. They only had a couple more hours if the morning guy came in at six o’clock. His arms tightened around Briana as she rested against him. He’d love to be able to return to his comfortable bed in the hotel, but he wouldn’t want to turn Briana loose anyway.

That thought brought him up short. What was he thinking? They’d part as soon as morning came, of course. She was from Texas. He was from Chicago. Maybe they’d see each other at future conventions and laugh about their adventure in a New York deli.

He thought again of Briana as a little girl, frightened by a movie. She’d sounded so alone as she’d told him about her phobia. She must’ve been adorable as a child. How could her father have ignored her?

Of course, he’d eventually responded to her fears and allowed her to keep a cat in her room. He supposed that showed the man’s humanity.

But he’d want more than humanity for his children. He intended to love them and be there for them. He looked down at the brunette beauty in his arms. They’d make beautiful babies together, he decided. “Should that ever come up in the future,” he quickly amended with a rumble of laughter.

She stirred in his arms, her eyes fluttering open. “Everything okay?” she muttered.

He kissed her forehead and drew her closer. “Everything’s fine. You’re safe. Go back to sleep,” he whispered. Almost before he finished speaking, she dropped off to sleep again.

His body was responding, as it had earlier, to her closeness, but it was to be expected. He shifted a little, hoping his movement wouldn’t awaken her.

He wished they’d talked longer. He’d like to know about her situation, what job she held, her personal life. Hell, he didn’t even know if she had a boyfriend.

She must. She was too pretty, too dynamic, to be alone. Unless all the men in Texas were dummies, and that’s not what he’d heard.

He didn’t like the idea that someone else would hold her. A ridiculous thought, but he felt possessive about her. He’d saved her from the rats. She was his to protect.

He decided that kind of thinking was dangerous, so he tried to concentrate on a new theory introduced at the conference about treating at-risk pregnancies. Anything to take his mind off the woman in his arms.

AN HOUR later, Hunter eased off the stool. He had to stand before his rear became permanently attached to the hard surface of the stool. His arms slid beneath Briana’s bottom. He was glad he worked out regularly, or he wouldn’t be able to stand and hold her, too. Slowly, he maneuvered his way around the storeroom. Still another hour or two before the morning guy would arrive. He looked at the stool, not sure he could sit again.

But he wasn’t sure either that he could stand with Briana in his arms until someone came. And he didn’t want to wake her up.

“My choices are limited,” he muttered. Finally, he pushed the stool toward the thick door. When he got the stool directly in front of the door, he shoved it a little to one side. Then he settled back onto the stool, managing to arrange Briana’s sleeping form in a more comfortable position.

He’d have to give her credit. When she slept, she really slept. She hadn’t shown any signs of waking up the entire time he moved around.

After she was settled, he slowly leaned his back against the door and felt relief at the support. Then he let his head rest there, too. Could he sleep at all and maintain his balance? He was kind of wedged up between the door and the edge of the shelving.

He’d just doze.

It would be all right.

SOMETHING was bothering her.

Briana shook her head, irritated by the noise that was disrupting her sleep. Then it stopped. She settled back against the mattress, the comforting throb soothing her again. This was a great bed, she decided. It held her close.

Even at the thought, arms tightened around her.

Arms? Mattresses don’t have arms, do they? Briana wasn’t ready to wake up, but that strange question forced her to open her eyes.

The first thing she realized was that she was upright, leaning against—a man. Suddenly she remembered where she was and what had happened. Hunter. She was leaning against Hunter.

He’d fallen asleep leaning against the door. She checked her watch. It was five after seven. “Hunter?” she whispered.

He hugged her against him, as if he thought she was asking him to keep her safe. It did feel good, but that wasn’t the point.

“Hunter, there should be someone here now,” she whispered. “Shouldn’t we shout or something?”

He sat upright suddenly, shifting Briana. “What?”

“It’s after seven.”

“After seven? Haven’t you heard anyone outside?”

“I don’t know. Something woke me.”

He stood abruptly, and Briana found herself held in his arms.

“You—you can put me down,” she insisted.

He let her slide down his body, an interesting trip to say the least, and suddenly she was standing on her feet.

“Can you stand?” he asked, still holding on to her. “Of course. Can you, after I’ve used you for a bed all night?”

He smiled, but Briana noticed the strain around his eyes and the weariness. “I think so. I’m just a little stiff.” He moved the stool away from the door and beat on it as he yelled.

They both heard a startled exclamation. Hunter grinned at Briana like a caveman who had found meat for his family.

“Who’s in there?”

Whoever asked that question sounded more afraid of them than she was of the rats. “We’re customers who got locked in last night. Please let us out.”

“Oh! Yes. Yes, I will!”

When the door opened, they discovered an elderly woman wearing an apron, a look of horror on her face. “Who locked you in?” she wanted to know.

Hunter took over. “The clerk who was working last night. He robbed us of what cash we had and put us in here before he left. He also cleaned out your cash register.”

“So, it wasn’t a thief?”

“No, it wasn’t. Now, if you’ll excuse us, we’d like to get back to our hotel,” he said, gently moving the woman to one side. Then he reached out for Briana’s hand.

She gladly gave him her hand. It made her feel under his protection, as she’d been all night. He pulled her toward the door.

“Aren’t we going to stay and talk to the police?” she asked him in a low voice.

“Do you believe it will help them catch the guy?” he asked.

“No, of course not.”

“Then what’s the point? If we stay, we won’t catch our planes, and I have to be back in Chicago for a special surgery in the morning.”

He had a point. “Okay, we’ll leave our names and addresses and they can contact us if they need to.” They each wrote their information down and gave it to the owner.

They emerged into a busy world. There were car fumes, noisy taxis, people everywhere, which seemed strange after there having only been the two of them for the past few hours.

It was half a block to the conference hotel. When they reached the entrance, he wrapped his arm around her shoulders. “They’re going to think we’ve been out partying all night,” he muttered. “Hope we don’t see anyone from the conference or the rumors will fly.”

She hadn’t thought of that. She certainly didn’t want rumors of her pulling an all-nighter with a handsome doctor. She was working too hard to prove herself. She ducked her head and both of them walked fast.

They managed to snag an elevator at once and when the doors closed, leaving them alone, they both breathed a sigh of relief.

“Glad to be alone again?” he asked with a weary smile.

“Surprisingly, yes. This would’ve been awkward to explain.”

“Awkward? It would’ve been impossible. Is there a husband around who is going to read you the riot act?”

It was a little late to be asking that question, but Hunter had been a perfect gentleman from the beginning. She shook her head. “No husband.”

He looped his arms around her, pulling her closer to rest against his body. “I’m glad.”

“Any wife?”

“Nope, not even a girlfriend.” He put a finger under her chin, and, before she realized what was going on, he kissed her.

Chapter Three

There were people waiting when the elevator door opened on her floor. Briana, who’d been enjoying the kiss as much as Hunter seemed to be, was grateful she didn’t know any of them.

“Uh, out, please.” She kept her eyes lowered. She didn’t want anyone, even strangers, to see the effect of Hunter’s kiss. Her lips still tingled and she felt a surprising desire to repeat their behavior.

Hunter followed her off the elevator.

“Your room is on this floor, too?” she asked in surprise and uneasiness. She needed distance to avoid doing something unwise.

“No, I’m escorting you to your room,” he assured her.

Always a gentleman.

“Look, Hunter, I know you must be exhausted. I certainly am. Don’t worry about me. I’ll be fine.”

‘It’s kind of become a habit,” he said with a charming smile, “worrying about you.”

She dug her plastic key card out of her jeans pocket where she’d put it only a few hours ago, though it seemed like a lifetime. “This is my room,” she assured him as she stopped in front of a door and inserted the key card. The small light turned from red to green and she shoved the door open.

Hunter followed her in so that when she turned to thank him for his…whatever, he was there. And his arms were around her again. And he looked as if he was about to repeat the embrace they’d shared on the elevator.

It had been an incredible kiss, one she’d felt to her very toes. Unlike any she’d ever had before. But that was probably because they’d spent so much time together, really together.

She should stop him. But curiosity, wondering if it had really been that good a kiss, welcomed him. Her arms went around his neck, her body pressed against his. Her lips, when he touched them with his, leapt to mate with him.

Three or four kisses later, Hunter, breathing heavily, managed to say “Briana.”

She thought it was a good thing he could remember her name, because his kisses had scrambled her brain. All she could think about was him…and getting closer. It wasn’t like her to respond so completely to a man’s touch. But Hunter’s touch had a magical effect on her. “Hunter,” she murmured in response.

“Sweetheart,” he muttered, “I need you.”

Instead of bothering with words, she pulled him toward the bed. They fell on it with a sigh of relief and resumed kissing. He was the most incredible kisser.

Tuxedo studs went flying as Briana’s fingers went to work. It occurred to her that later she might regret such abandon, but it felt wonderful now. As more and more of his muscular chest, with blond hairs winding their way down it, came into view, the happier she became.

Each of them removed clothing piece by piece, exposing the other. But Briana never felt awkward or uncomfortable. She was too involved in what was going on. It seemed right that, after their night of togetherness, they should be completely together.

As a lover, Hunter was as gentlemanly and considerate as he’d been all night. But there was an edge of need that made her heart beat faster. He stroked and urged her closer, his mouth consuming hers. When he entered her, she felt completely loved and cradled, protected, until an urgency began that drove her even closer.

Then there was no conscious thought, just emotions, feelings, a consuming fire that left her exhausted yet sated. Hunter fell against her as he, too, reached the zenith of feelings. She held him close.

As she sank into a drifting state of sensations, he pushed up from the bed. “Did I hurt you, Bri? Are you all right?”

“I’m wonderful, Hunter, absolutely…wonderful.” She never opened her eyes. And that was the last she remembered.

HUNTER STARED DOWN at the beautiful face. It seemed most of the time he’d had with her, her eyes had been closed. But he remembered their hazel beauty. He remembered everything about her.

He’d never experienced such emotions, such sensations in making love before. It had never been so overpowering. Briana was clearly a special woman, but there’d been so little time. He truly hadn’t intended to make love to her when he’d followed her into the room. All he’d wanted was one more kiss. The kiss in the elevator had been so special, so…he couldn’t come up with another word to describe it.

His hand cupped her soft cheek as she slept. He didn’t want to leave her, but he needed a shower and clean clothes. If he changed now, while she slept, he’d be back before she even knew he was gone. Then he’d take her to breakfast.

They had a lot to discuss. He had no intention of letting her walk away with no plans for the future. She was his to protect, to love, to cherish. That much he knew. He thought she knew it, too.

They’d plan a future. They’d compromise. Somehow they’d find a way to be together. Because Briana…he suddenly realized he didn’t even know her last name. But he’d take care of that detail. Finally he’d found the one woman in the world who made his life complete. They’d find a way to be together.

After rubbing his lips over hers, he slid from the bed and searched for his clothing. He found everything but one of the studs for the tuxedo shirt. He smiled as he remembered Briana dispensing with them recklessly. He’d loved that about her. She was an enthusiastic lover, making him feel wanted, a great aphrodisiac.

Longingly, he stared once more at her sprawled under the sheet with which he’d covered her. As tired as he was, he wanted to make love to her all over again. And he suspected he’d feel that way the rest of his life.

He whispered, “I’ll be back soon, sweetheart.” Then he left her hotel room to climb the flight of stairs at the end of the corridor. He was on the next floor. Not far away. He hurried, unable to stand being away from her any longer than he had to.

THE BUZZING of an alarm awakened Briana from a deep sleep. She flailed at the noise and found the snooze button, she supposed, because the noise stopped. She drifted back to sleep.

Five minutes later, the noise repeated itself. This time she opened her eyes, barely, and noted the time. Eight-o-five. She sat up in bed. Her flight left La-Guardia Airport at nine-forty-five. She needed to catch a taxi by eight-thirty. She’d set the alarm last night before she ventured out of the hotel. She leapt from the bed and suddenly realized she was naked. A flood of memories held her frozen as the events of the night and, in particular, the morning hit her.

She’d made love to Hunter!

She looked around the room as if expecting him to pop out from behind the dresser. He’d left? Disappeared? Or had she dreamed the entire thing?

She really didn’t know. She was still exhausted and wasn’t thinking too clearly. She moved toward the bathroom, sure a shower would help, when she winced in pain and hopped on her left foot. Bending down, she discovered a stud for a tuxedo shirt in the carpet.

So, it hadn’t been a dream. Hunter had come in with her and they’d made love. Or maybe they’d just had sex. He certainly appeared to have made a fast exit. There was no note. Nothing.

Briana threw herself in the shower for a fast rinse-off. There was no time to wash her hair. She put on the sweater and jeans again, with fresh underwear, thrust the last few things in the bag and gathered her belongings.

In the meantime, her mind was searching for some kind of explanation for Hunter’s behavior. He’d been such a gentleman. But leaving with no word, no pretense even of a future, almost destroyed her. Did he care nothing about her? Had she been so misled by his behavior that she’d completely misread his character?

She couldn’t call his room and ask him because the only name she had was Hunter. She’d assumed that was his first name, but she didn’t know.

She stared at the phone, tempted to try anyway, but she knew she didn’t have time. She was going to have to chalk the bizarre night and even stranger morning to experience and go catch her plane.

As she stood in the doorway for a long moment, tears came to her eyes. She’d thought this morning she’d found something special. But like so many women, she’d been misled by a handsome face and broad shoulders. And a gentle touch and blue eyes to die for.

What a jerk!

HALF AN HOUR later, Hunter hurried down the stairs again. He was feeling much better, even though he still hadn’t had much sleep. But he’d showered and shaved and changed into jeans and shirt, sports shoes, comfortable again. And he was looking forward to breakfast with Briana.

He hoped she’d gotten enough rest. It was just past eight-thirty, and he didn’t want to wait too long to wake her up. His flight left at two, but he didn’t know her schedule. He wanted to spend time with her before they had to be parted for however long it took for him to arrange his schedule. To work out their lives.

He shoved his hands in his pockets and started whistling as he reached her floor. It was a glorious day. When he’d arrived at the conference, he’d had a lousy attitude. He hadn’t been happy lately. Now, he was on top of the world. One of the maids had her cart in the hallway near Briana’s room, and Hunter greeted her cheerfully.

He passed her and reached Bri’s room, and began to knock on the door. He hoped he could wake her. She slept so soundly.

“No one’s there.”

He whirled around, realizing it was the maid speaking.

Smiling, he explained, “No, she’s there. She’s a sound sleeper.”

The maid shook her head. “No, they just called me from downstairs to clean the room. She checked out a few minutes ago.”

The smile on his face disappeared. “No, you’re wrong. She’s still sleeping.”

The maid shrugged her shoulders and turned away. Hunter formed a fist and beat on the door now, determined to awaken Briana.

“Here, I’ll open the door.”

He found the maid beside him, a look of sympathy on her face.

“Thanks. I’ll wake her up.”

He pushed into the room, only to find it empty. The bed with the sheets in disarray, the closet empty, nothing in the bathroom. No note.

“Where is she?” he demanded harshly, turning to the maid.

His expression must’ve frightened her because she backed up a step. “I told you. She checked out a few minutes ago.”

“No, she wouldn’t have just left! There’s some mistake.” He searched the room again for some minute piece of evidence that would tell him something—anything about Briana. But there was nothing.

“Sorry, sir.” The maid stayed pressed against the wall, trying to keep out of his way.

“Thanks,” he managed as he left the room and ran for the elevators. As soon as he reached the main floor, he hurried over to the front desk. “A woman named Briana, from room 812, just checked out?”

“Yes, sir. Miss McCallum left for the airport about twenty minutes ago.” The young man behind the desk smiled, pleased to serve a customer properly.

“McCallum? Briana McCallum?”

“Yes, sir. I helped her myself.”

Now why did that name sound familiar? McCallum. Then he remembered. Maitland Maternity Hospital, the famous maternity hospital in Austin, Texas, was opening a new wing, a state-of-the-art facility specializing in multiple births. The McCallum Wing, dedicated to the donor’s wife, who’d died in childbirth. Administered by the donor’s daughter. It had been the main gossip of the conference, heightened by questions about her competency. Most everyone figured she was a rich woman playing at being a do-gooder. He usually gave people the benefit of the doubt, but he was in too much pain.

Briana McCallum. Rich woman. Looking for a new thrill. How about a doctor? Try one for the night and then skip town if it didn’t work out?

But it did work out! He raged within himself. It did! How could she deny what had happened between them? How could she just leave?

“Sir?” The clerk said with a frown. “Is anything wrong?”

“No!” Hunter snapped. “No, nothing’s wrong.”

What could be wrong? He asked himself savagely. He knew his lover’s name now. Briana McCallum. A rich woman—who had walked away.

But she hadn’t left her name for him. She hadn’t wanted him to know. She hadn’t wanted any more than what she’d got.

He hoped she was satisfied.

He wasn’t.

Chapter Four

Seven months later

Briana McCallum was on the first floor of the new wing of Maitland Maternity Hospital, the McCallum Wing, dedicated to her mother, talking to the head of nursing, when the phone rang. Mrs. Rodgers interrupted their conversation to take the call, then handed the phone to Briana. “It’s for you.”

Bri took the phone, expecting the caller to be her assistant. She wasn’t disappointed. “What is it, Lisa?”

“The new doctor’s here! R. J. Maitland wants you to come meet him at once.”

“I thought he wasn’t supposed to arrive until two o’clock,” Bri complained. She hated all the politics involved in her job.

“He got here early. Come on. I told Mr. Maitland you’d be in his office in five minutes.”

“All right. I’m on my way.”

She struggled up from her chair as she handed the phone back to Mrs. Rodgers. “Okay, I think I’ve got a grasp of the problem, Mrs. Rodgers. I’ll get back to you as soon as I’ve worked out a solution. But the new obstetrics chief for the wing has arrived early and I’ve got to go be a part of the welcoming committee.”

“Oh!” Mary Rodgers said with excitement. “Dr. Callaghan? That’s wonderful. I’m so looking forward to meeting him!”

Bri smiled tolerantly. She’d had nothing to do with choosing the new doctor, but she’d heard plenty of praise about him. Their head doctor, Dr. Wellborn, had collapsed with a heart attack ten days before the new wing opened. He was recovering, but he’d be unable to take up his appointment. Bri had had her hands full trying to make the adjustments necessary for everything to be up and running smoothly. She’d scarcely had time to note that a committee had hurriedly formed, much less looked at the candidates. She had her own fish to fry.

Now, having survived the opening, she could turn her attention to the newcomer. She sent up a prayer that the new man would be easy to work with. He should be. He’d have the best equipment and staff that money could buy.

It suddenly occurred to her that the reception she’d planned for that afternoon might need to be moved. Instead of heading for R. J. Maitland’s office, she stopped by hers.

“Lisa? Did Mr. Maitland say—” She broke off as she realized her assistant’s office was filled with people.

“Oh, here she is!” Lisa exclaimed, drawing her attention.

R. J. Maitland, director of the Maitland Maternity complex, stepped forward. “Bri, we gave up waiting for you. Here’s Dr. Hunter Callaghan, waiting to meet you.”

Bri actually felt the blood drain out of her face as she turned to look at the only man she’d ever known named Hunter.

That’s the last thing she remembered.

DR. HUNTER CALLAGHAN, recently of Chicago, stared down at Briana McCallum, who’d just wilted onto the floor. Same beautiful hazel eyes, he’d noted before she’d closed them. Same silky light-brown hair framing her beautiful face. Same peaches-and-cream complexion, until all the blood had drained out of her face.

But there was a big difference between this Briana and the Briana he’d left sleeping in a hotel-room bed in New York City seven months ago.

This Briana was very definitely pregnant. Almost full-term, if he was any judge. So she’d been pregnant with another man’s baby when he’d met her. She’d said she had no boyfriend, hadn’t she? That she was alone? That was the impression he remembered. Obviously she was not only a wealthy woman, but a liar, too.

Dr. Abby Maitland McDermott, who was chief ob-gyn at Maitland Maternity and who had accompanied her brother R.J. and Hunter, bent over and took Bri’s pulse as she chastised Lisa. “I told you to keep her from rushing around, Lisa. Having triplets carries enough pressure without adding to it.”

Hunter stiffened. “She’s having triplets?”

“Yeah, we’re all excited that one of our first customers is our own administrator,” Abby told him with a grin.

“How far along is she?” Hunter asked, a slight tremble in his voice that he hoped no one noticed.

“Help me lift her to the sofa. Everyone stand back and give her some room to breathe,” Abby ordered.

Hunter stepped forward and put his hands on Briana. Lifting her shoulders, he slid his arm under her and lifted. Her head rolled over against his chest. As it had in the deli. Gently, he placed her on the sofa.

“She’s seven months along and doing well. I don’t know what caused today’s fainting episode, but we’ll check her out. Lisa, call and tell my staff I want a room for Bri.”

“Oh, Doctor, she won’t like that. Can’t you wait until she comes to and ask her?” the assistant pleaded.

“No, I’m her doctor. I get to decide what kind of treatment she receives. Get a bed.”

“Yes, ma’am,” Lisa said.

“Don’t get me a bed, Lisa,” a faint voice Hunter had never forgotten spoke up. “I’m fine, Abby. You’re right. I rushed because your brother is such a bear when he’s kept waiting.” Bri accompanied her words with a weak smile.

Hunter watched her, waiting to see if she remembered being introduced to him.

“I apologize for all the trouble, Dr. Callaghan. Not a particularly graceful way to welcome you to the McCallum Wing,” she said in her soft voice, but Hunter noted she didn’t look at him.

Swinging her feet off the sofa, she looked at R. J. Maitland. “I wanted to know if you want the reception set up for now, or leave it at two o’clock?”

“It can stay at two,” the director said.

“But I’d really like to check you out, Bri,” Abby said. “At twenty-eight weeks, you’re doing well, but I’d like you to carry the girls a little longer.”

“I intend to, Abby,” she assured her, her smile sassier this time. “Now, I have a list of problems to deal with before the reception this afternoon, so if you and our new head of obstetrics will excuse me, I’ll get busy.” She smiled at the rest of the group, several other members of the Maitland family, and stood.

They all began to leave the office. Hunter, however, stood his ground. Finally, R. J. Maitland said, “Hunter, you coming?”

“I need a word with my new administrator,” he said. A hazel-eyed gaze collided with his.

Abby stepped forward once again. “I’d rather Bri not deal with much right now. In fact, though she said she was going to deal with problems, I’m ordering her back on the couch to rest.” She smiled at Bri, and Hunter was filled with jealousy when Bri smiled back. Bri hadn’t smiled at him that way.

“I just wanted to set up a time for a meeting with her,” Hunter explained.

“Oh, Lisa? Does Bri have a time cleared to meet with Dr. Callaghan?” R.J. asked.

“She set aside some time tomorrow morning. She thought he might be too busy with the welcome until then.”

“I knew Bri would have,” R.J. said with a sigh. “She’s so damned efficient it wears you out just thinking about it.”

“Fine. I’ll see you then, Ms. McCallum.” Hunter said, trying to sound impersonal. But it wasn’t easy. His mind was all ajumble. She could be carrying his child—children! He could go from bachelor to father of three in the space of a few weeks—if her babies were his.

He walked out of the office with R.J. “So she’s having three girls? Fraternal?” He hoped R.J. would believe the huskiness of his voice was excitement about the new job.

“No, identical.”

“Is her husband pleased?” He held his breath for Maitland’s response. “She’s not married.”

“But surely the babies’ father is participating in the pregnancy,” he pressed.

“She’s never named anyone as father. Refuses to do so. Says these are her babies.” R.J. changed the subject to the medical equipment available, and Hunter could do nothing but go along with him. Otherwise, it would’ve appeared odd.

But he hadn’t seen the last of Briana McCallum today. And he suspected she knew it, too.

ONCE THE DOOR had closed behind her visitors, Briana slid back down to sit on the sofa before she fell on her face. Her knees were so wobbly, she knew she couldn’t walk.

“Bri?” her assistant demanded, alarm in her voice. “Are you really sick? Do you need the hospital bed Dr. Abby asked for?”

“No, Lisa. But I could use a bottle of apple juice.” She kept juice and nutrition bars in the small kitchen area beside her office. Lisa scurried away at once and returned with the apple juice.

“Are the girls all right?” she asked as she handed the juice to Briana.

“The girls are fine. Where is the file on Dr. Callaghan? I meant to read it before he arrived, and his early arrival has thrown me off.” She hoped that excuse made sense to Lisa. “Could you bring it to me so I can review it while I’m catching my breath?”

Lisa scurried off to Bri’s office to find the file on her desk and bring it back to her. Then, clutching the file and her juice, Bri stood. “I’m going to get into my rocker and study the file.”

Lisa escorted her to the rocker in her office overlooking a spectacular view of Austin, and saw her settled. Then she asked if Bri needed anything else and assured her she should just call if she didn’t feel well.

Gently, Bri smiled. “I know, Lisa. Thanks for taking such good care of me, but I’m fine.” Now that I’ve recovered from seeing the girls’ daddy come through the door. What a shock.

She’d actually thought she’d never see Hunter again. Some nights she’d prayed she’d never see him again. Others she’d prayed the opposite. The memory of their one time together still promised it would be heaven to be with him again. The anger and pain of his dismissal of her contradicted that thought.

What did he think? With any luck, he wouldn’t realize he was the father. But Abby had been pretty specific about the length of her pregnancy. Maybe she could convince Hunter she’d gotten off the plane and been met by an old lover who’d begged her forgiveness. She examined that thought from several angles. How could he dispute it?

That’s what she’d tell him. As long as she denied his involvement, he’d leave her alone. And that’s what she wanted, she assured herself staunchly. To be left alone.

In the seven months since she’d left the hotel in New York, she’d adjusted to the changes in her life. She was prepared for the birth of her children, three precious little girls. Her family was supportive, though Caleb still wanted to go beat up the father, whoever he was.

Her friends, too, at the hospital, never mentioned the fact that she was to be a single mother. They were happy for her. Everything was perfect.

Most of all, she was happy about her babies. Thrilled, in fact. She had enough money to eliminate a lot of the problems most single parents had. And she knew what her babies needed that money couldn’t buy: love. Her babies would know she loved them. They’d know how special they were to her. Like she would have if her mother had lived. A shiver ran over her body. Yes, her girls would be loved.

And then along came Hunter Callaghan. What was he doing here? Obviously, he hadn’t known who she was, that she was here, or he wouldn’t have come. Or maybe he figured he shouldn’t let his personal life interfere with his career. And being head of the McCallum Wing was a definite feather in his cap. There were only two or three comparative situations in the country.

Well, she could be professional. She’d deny his involvement with her pregnancy and continue as before.

Her mind drifted back to picture Hunter, standing there in his expensive suit, looking fit and handsome. Probably all the nurses had been drooling over him already. They’d certainly talked about the fact that he wasn’t married.

Which reminded her of the file in her hands. She opened the folder and read through Hunter’s impressive credentials. He was certainly qualified.

But she didn’t want him to have anything to do with her babies’ birth. Not even as an observer. He was to keep away. He’d walked out on her, left her alone in that hotel room without even asking her if she was okay. He’d broken her heart. She wasn’t going to do the same thing to the girls.

“Is she all right?” Bri heard someone ask. Before she could react, Lisa opened the door to escort in one of Bri’s best friends, Annabelle Reardon, a delivery nurse at Maitland.

“Of course I’m all right,” Bri answered as they came in, but she didn’t rise from her chair. Her friends didn’t expect that these days.

“But gossip said you fainted,” Annabelle said, alarm in her voice.

“Annabelle, you’re being way too dramatic. I’m fine. See for yourself,” Bri said, spreading her arms wide.

Taking her at her word, Annabelle pulled a chair over to the rocker and sat down to take Bri’s pulse. Bri dismissed Lisa with a nod over Annabelle’s shoulder.

“You know, you’re acting like my mother, and I’m ten years older than you,” Bri pointed out with a grin. “Not ten years, Bri. You’re exaggerating. Your pulse is normal,” she said as she put Bri’s wrist back on the chair.

“Of course it is, because nothing’s wrong. I just rushed a little too much because the great Dr. Callaghan got here early.”

“You don’t like him?”

Bri warned herself to be careful. “Of course, what little I know. I was referring to the nurses’ enthusiasm for his, um, appearance.”

“You’ve heard the roar of appreciation?” Annabelle asked with a grin. “Mind you, I don’t think he compares to our Dr. Beaumont.”

“Of course not. You’ve got a crush on him.”

Annabelle’s cheeks flushed bright red. “Don’t be ridiculous. But I can’t help but admire him.”

Bri let her get away with that white lie. She worried about her friend. Annabelle was only twenty-three and Zach Beaumont was thirty-six. But who was she to pretend to be an expert about relationships? She was going to be a single mother.

“I doubt that anyone will complain about having another single doctor around here. Especially a handsome one.”

“You think he’s handsome?” Annabelle asked, her expression alert.

Bri struggled to remain calm. “I was speaking generally, friend. No one seven months pregnant with triplets is going to get excited about a man. They cause these situations. And then walk away from them,” she couldn’t help adding.

“You’ve never said who—” Annabelle began and then broke off.

“No I haven’t. And I won’t. The man involved didn’t want any future with me. These are my babies. No one else’s.”

“I know. I’m sorry.” There was a moment of silence, as if Annabelle was remembering the past seven months. “How’s Maggie?”

Bri sighed. “She’s fine. Not pregnant.” Her sister-in-law, Adam’s wife, had been trying to get pregnant for some time. Her inability to conceive had put a real strain on her marriage. When Bri had announced her pregnancy, however, Maggie had been as supportive as a real sister. Just thinking about the courage and generosity Maggie had shown brought tears to her eyes.

“It’s unfair,” she whispered, closing her eyes.

“Maybe things will change soon,” Annabelle said. “I didn’t mean to upset you.”

Bri forced her eyes open and pasted a smile on her face. “Oh, it’s those hormones, Annabelle. You know how those affect us expectant mothers.”

“Yeah. And anyway, Madeline’s a miracle worker, so probably Maggie will have a baby before we know it.”

Bri had believed that at first. Madeline Sheppard was one of the fertility experts at the McCallum Multiple Birth Wing. But so far, there were no results. Bri feared for Adam’s marriage. Maggie seemed unable to think of anything else.

The door opened again and another friend, neonatal nurse April Sullivan rushed in. Instead of speaking to Bri, she looked at Annabelle. “Is she all right?”

Bri chuckled. “You’d think you’d ask me, silly,” she said, reaching out for April’s hand.

“She seems to be okay,” Annabelle answered anyway.

“Okay, now that I’ve had a professional opinion, I’ll ask you,” April said to Bri, with a grin at Annabelle.

“Oh, you nurses! I’m fine, April. What are you doing here?”

“Well, word has flown all over the hospital that you fainted. You know how excited we all are about your babies. So I took a break to come make sure you’re all right.”

“Not all over the hospital?”

Both ladies nodded.

“Oh, no, that means I’ll have a lot of visitors.”

As if on cue, the door burst open and a handsome man, with hazel eyes just like Bri’s, burst into the room. “Are you all right?” he demanded, ignoring her other guests.

Bri grinned at her younger—by three minutes—brother. “Of course I am. I just tried to hurry too much. How did you hear?”

Though he’d at least asked her first, Caleb now looked at the other two women. “I was running an errand for Dad. Is she telling the truth?”

“Caleb!” Bri protested, still grinning. It wouldn’t have been the first time she’d tried to con her brothers, and they both knew it.

“As far as we can tell. Abby was there, and she seemed to think everything was fine,” April said.

“All right,” Caleb said with a sigh.

Bri relaxed again, glad her brother was satisfied. Until he spoke again.

“I’ll be back around five to take you home. I don’t want you driving anymore. I’ll bring you to work each day and take you home.”

“You’ll do no such thing. I am not an invalid. I’m pregnant, that’s all. I’m perfectly capable of driving a car.”

“Bri, you’ll do as you’re told,” he ordered in his sternest voice. It wasn’t the first time he’d tried to give Bri orders.

“I’ll do as my doctor orders me, dear brother, and Abby assures me I should continue to lead a normal life until she says differently.”

“But I did tell you to rest, didn’t I?” Abby said from behind Caleb. “How can you rest with the room full of people?”

“Abby, don’t tell me you’ve taken time to come back and check on me,” Bri protested.

“Yes, and it’s a good thing. Everybody out. I want my patient to rest. Lisa is going to bring you your lunch, Bri. I don’t want you traipsing down to the cafeteria. In fact, I want you in that chair or on the sofa from now until two when you’ll have to make an appearance at the welcoming party.”

“But Abby, I’ll need to make sure my directions are being carried out before it starts,” Bri protested.

“Send Lisa. I mean it, Bri. Either you cooperate or I put you in that hospital bed.”

Bri sighed and looked at her brother and friends. “Okay, guys, I guess you’d better go. Oh, Abby, tell Caleb I can still drive myself to work,” she asked hurriedly as her brother was turning toward the door.

He paused and stared at Abby.

After looking at first Caleb and then Bri, Abby said, “For now, she can still drive herself to work.”

Caleb frowned, but gave an abrupt nod and left the room. The two nurses followed, with offers to do anything for Bri thrown over their shoulders.

Finally, with only Abby in the room, the doctor moved to her side and picked up her wrist.

“Annabelle already checked my pulse.”

“Good for her,” Abby said mildly, continuing to watch her wristwatch.

Bri shook her head in disgust. “Well?”

“Your pulse is fine. But I do have a question for you.”

“Sure. I ate breakfast, I promise, and I’ve taken it easy.”

“I know you have. What I don’t know is why you fainted at the sight of Dr. Hunter Callaghan.”

Chapter Five

“I—I guess I hurried too much when Lisa called me. You know how your brother is about wanting everything to run smoothly.”

“Don’t give me that garbage about R.J. scaring you. I’ve seen you go toe-to-toe with him when you think he’s wrong.”

Bri thought desperately. “I have several problems I need to deal with. I guess I went on overload. I don’t have as big a capacity for trouble right now.”

Abby stared at her a little longer. Then she reached over and felt Bri’s cheeks, as if she were a mother checking her child for fever.

“Is your back hurting?”

“No, not at all.”

“Are you having any pains anywhere?”

“None, other than when one of the girls gets under my ribs and gives me a swift kick.” There wasn’t a lot of room for three babies, even with her stomach as big as it was.

“Hmmm.” Abby continued to stare. Finally, she said, “Okay, but if you have any pain, no matter how minor, you have Lisa page me, you hear?”

“I hear, Abby, and I will. I won’t take any chances with my girls. You know that.”

“I know. And that’s the only reason I’m letting you stay out of a hospital bed. I want you to lead a normal life as long as you can. I believe that helps the health of the babies.”

“Me, too,” Bri agreed, giving Abby her best smile. “Emily, Elizabeth and Eleanor are going to be the healthiest triplets ever born.”

“Okay. So follow my orders until two o’clock. You can put in a brief appearance at the welcoming party, but don’t stay long.”

“I won’t. I promise.” Relieved that she’d have a good excuse to exit early, her smile grew even brighter.

“Then I’ll see you there. And eat all your lunch!”

“Yes, ma’am.” Bri even added a mock salute as Abby left her office.

Alone once again, Bri released a big sigh. She hadn’t even gotten around to worrying about the welcoming party. Before she could, Abby had given her an out. She’d go for the initial introduction, shake Hunter’s hand…dear heavens, she didn’t want to touch him.

“You’re being ridiculous!” she exclaimed to herself. Their brief acquaintance had happened seven months ago. She’d simply exaggerated the effect he had on her. That was all, a silly exaggeration. She could shake his hand, as if they were two business acquaintances, without feeling anything. Nothing to it.

She drew a deep breath.

“Did you call me?” Lisa asked from the door.

“Uh, no, I hate to admit it, but I was talking out loud to the girls. Sorry.”

“No problem. I think that’s so sweet. They’re lucky girls to have you for a mom.”

Bri smiled at her assistant. “Thanks, Lisa. You always make me feel better.”

“I’m going down now to get your lunch. I’ve switched the phones to voice mail, so don’t bother answering them. Just stay in your rocker and rest.”

“I promise to follow orders,” she agreed, and Lisa nodded, disappearing from view.

And the best thing she could do for herself and her girls was not to think about the new obstetrics chief for the McCallum Wing. Ever. She didn’t want her girls feeling any connection to the man.

They were her daughters. Three little miracles who belonged to no one else. That was her story and she was sticking to it!

HUNTER FOLLOWED R. J. Maitland through the wing, impressed with the facilities and the friendliness of the staff. He wouldn’t find out about their skills until he saw them in action.

“You’re cutting a wide swath through our nursing staff,” R.J. muttered as they left yet another area.

Hunter frowned. “What do you mean?”

“You haven’t noticed all the younger nurses fainting at your feet? Even some of the older ones are swooning.”

Hunter continued to stare at him, wondering what he was talking about.

“Man, the nurses are interested. Surely you noticed?”

“Look, Maitland, all I’ve seen are a lot of friendly faces, which I appreciate. I think you’re exaggerating.”

“I thought you were single.”

“I am. Very.”

“Not looking?”

Hunter ground his teeth together, wondering what the man would say if he told him he’d learned his lesson about women at his administrator’s hands. Instead, he said simply, “No, I’m not looking.” Then, before the man could speak, he added, “And, before you ask, I’m not gay. I’m just intent on my work.”

“Good enough. I hope if you do decide to, uh, change your status, you’ll look outside the hospital. I’m sure local Austin society will make you feel welcome. Some of our Texas ladies are real lookers.”

Hunter smiled. He’d already heard stories about Maitland Maternity’s past history. “Like you looked outside the hospital?”

R. J. Maitland’s cheeks turned bright red. He cleared his throat. “Well, uh, I guess you know I didn’t.” R.J. had married his secretary Dana Dillinger.

“Yeah, I know. But I didn’t let it sway my decision to come here. I don’t think personal relationships affect a man’s work that much.”

“Okay. Let me take you to your office now. You already have an assistant, Mrs. Helen Robb. If you don’t think you can work with her, let me know. I’ll find another place for her and you can hire your own assistant.”

“Thanks. I’ll let you know.” Hunter hoped he could work with the woman, but if she was young and followed him around all day long, he’d take R.J. up on his offer. He wanted nothing to do with romance or women.

But he did want to talk to Briana.

Not because he was still attracted to her. He’d explained away his attraction a million times. When he’d let down his guard over the past seven months and found himself yearning for her, he’d immediately reminded himself that she was a wealthy woman, looking for kicks, taking a title to make herself feel important.

Not the woman for him.

But for those few hours when he’d held her, when he’d made love to her, she’d been his dream, his future, his love. He was fortunate, really, that she’d slapped him in the face with reality so quickly. If he’d spent a month or two believing in that fantasy, he might not be able to dismiss those thoughts so easily.

He ignored the sarcastic laughter those thoughts earned from his mind. He was beginning to think he’d misjudged Briana because he was afraid of being hurt. He’d sought ways to dismiss the magic of their time together to make it easier to forget her.

“Hunter? Allow me to introduce Mrs. Helen Robb,” R.J. said, jolting him from his thoughts. Apparently they’d reached his office while he was thinking. He had no idea how they’d gotten here.

“Welcome to Maitland Maternity, and McCallum Wing in particular, Dr. Callaghan.”

Hunter stared at the trim, gray-haired woman. Her voice was serene and soothing. Now, if she had brains, he was in luck.

“Thank you, Mrs. Robb.”

“Please, call me Helen. Everyone does.” She turned and led the way into his office. “I arranged the furniture to my liking. If there’s anything you want changed, don’t hesitate to tell me. I’ll call maintenance and get someone up here at once.”

His office was large. “I like the arrangement very much. It looks efficient and soothing.” The decor was done in blue and beige with an occasional touch of yellow.

“I left room on the wall by the windows for your degrees and certificates. If you’ll give them to me when you’ve unpacked, I’ll see that they are hung in place.”

“Perfect. Have you worked at the hospital long?”

“Yes, almost since the beginning. I was Mr. William Maitland’s secretary until he died. Then I’ve worked in different departments, so I feel I know the hospital well.”

Hunter looked at R.J. and nodded before he responded to her words. “Good. You’ll be a big help to me as I try to learn everyone’s name and position. Thank you, Helen.”

She smiled and disappeared into the outer office.

“She seems perfect, R.J. Thanks.”

“She’s one of the best. But if a problem arises, let me know. Now, do you want to go to lunch at a nearby restaurant, eat in the cafeteria, skip lunch while you settle in, have Helen bring you something, or—”

“I’d love for Helen to bring me something while I get settled in, if that wouldn’t be rude of me. I’m anxious to find my footing. Everything happened so quickly, I need some time. It’s only been ten days since I first interviewed.”

“Of course, and Helen will be glad to do so. She’ll start you a tab in the cafeteria. You don’t pay until after you’ve run up a hundred dollars a month, so you don’t have to give her any money,” he added as Hunter reached for his wallet. “It’s part of your contract.”

“Maybe the first thing I’d better do is read the details on that contract,” Hunter said with a laugh. “I’d forgotten that little benefit.”

R.J. smiled in return. “I’m just glad you signed it. You could’ve stayed in Chicago and received the same promotion within another year. We feel fortunate you felt like a change of venue. Any particular reason?”

Hunter avoided the other man’s gaze. With a shrug of his shoulders, he said, “You know, sometimes you just feel the need to move on. And Maitland Maternity Hospital, even without the new wing, has a great reputation.”

“True. Well, welcome one more time. I’ll stop by at two and pick you up for your welcoming party.”

“Thanks,” Hunter said again. Once R. J. Maitland, whom Hunter liked so far, had disappeared he breathed a sigh of relief. No more questions about his acceptance of the job. He didn’t want his reasons examined too closely. He didn’t even want to think about them. After telling himself he didn’t ever want to see her again, he’d jumped at the chance to work with her. The job was a good one, but Briana had been the deciding factor.

When Helen appeared at his door after he called her name, he asked her to fetch him lunch. She gave him a succinct summation of what they offered, and he chose randomly and sent her on her way.

Now he was really alone.

No one watching, no one talking, no one guessing about him.

Now he could replay his meeting with a very pregnant Briana McCallum. Pregnant with his children. He was going to be a father of three identical little girls. At least he thought so. He’d dreamed of having a family—one day. When he’d found Briana seven months ago, he’d dreamed of the family they would have. But then reality had slapped him in the face. He wasn’t married, making a future.

Reality. What would she expect of him? Now that she knew how to find him, would she insist on marriage?

His heart sped up as he again remembered the sensations he’d felt when he’d held her in his arms. Sensations he’d dismissed for seven months. They weren’t so easily dismissed now.

But he didn’t dare give in to those thoughts. He still had no proof that Briana was anything but a rich uncaring woman. She probably had no intention of raising her children. Maybe she was like her father, not interested in babies.