The Army Doctor's Christmas Baby Read Free

missed her old job.
    "I've given the army seven years of my life and gained
a huge amount of experience that I'd never have had working in a civilian
hospital. I want to put that knowledge to good use. I've decided to work for a
children's charity."
    "Nursing?"
    "Of course. I'm due to fly out to Africa in the New
Year. Conditions will be tough, but I'm used to working under pressure in
conflict zones. There are so many children out there who need help. I want to
be part of that effort."
    "Sounds great, Kelly. I admire your principles."
He fell silent again, his lips pressed together while his fingers tapped the
steering wheel.
    The car stopped at traffic lights, then turned beside the
building where her apartment was and drew to a halt.
    Kelly picked up her purse and Sean swiveled in his seat to
face her. "Do you have any plans for the next couple of weeks?"
    "Not particularly. Why?" A streak of excitement
burned away her drowsiness. Was he about to ask her out? She normally didn't
like casual relationships, but Sean was so easy to be with. It would be nice to
spend a little time with him before she left the country.
    "The French au pair who usually looks after Zoe and
Annabelle is going to stay with her family for Christmas. I planned to put the
girls in the day care at the hospital while she's away, but I'd rather not.
Every time they go in there they come back with colds. If you're free, it would
be great if you could work for me for three weeks before you start your new
job. I'll pay you, of course."
    He wanted to employ her! Disappointment flashed through
Kelly but soon vanished when she stopped to think about what he was
offering—three weeks of caring for his twin girls.
    "I'd love to." She pressed her hands to her
cheeks, visions of all the things she and the two babies would do racing
through her mind. This was going to be so much fun.
    He grinned. "That's fantastic. I'm sure you'll hit it
off just fine with my little monsters. Why don't you come over tomorrow and
meet them while Monique is still here. She can run through everything with you.
You can use Monique's room while she's away. It's next to the girls'
bedroom."
    "You want me to live in? Okay." Excitement bubbled
inside Kelly. Instead of a lonely Christmas break on her own, she could spend
it with Zoe and Annabelle. And Sean, of course, when he was at home.
    "That's settled then. I'll give you the address and the
PIN code to get in the gate." He scribbled on a piece of paper and handed
it across, then jumped out and came around to open her door.
    She climbed out, grinning.
    "It takes about thirty minutes from here. Come over
tomorrow morning when you're ready. I'm there all day."
    Kelly nodded, her head spinning with the sudden change in
her plans. This just might be the best Christmas she'd had in years.

Chapter Two
    The GPS on Kelly's phone directed her along a narrow country
lane beside the River Thames to a set of tall iron gates. A metal sign that
read River View House hung on the wall. She edged her car closer and tapped the PIN code Sean had
given her into the keypad. The gates swung open to reveal a drive that cut
across a neatly trimmed lawn.
    Her car crunched along the gravel and around a corner. She
stopped, catching her breath at the amazing place. For some reason she had
expected Sean to live in a historic house like Cameron did, but this building
was ultramodern with lots of huge glass windows, sandstone walls, and a slate
roof. It sat on a hill above the River Thames. The views from the property must
be fantastic.
    In a parking area outside the front door stood the SUV Sean
had driven the previous evening and a sports car. She pulled up beside them and
cut her car engine.
    Climbing out, she grabbed a breath of chilly air, locked her
door, and surveyed the property. It really was a wonderful location, quiet and
peaceful with beautiful views in all directions. This close to Oxford with a
river frontage, the place must have cost a fortune, at