To Have the Doctor's Baby Read Free

stared at him. “I’m twenty-eight and a half. My biological clock is ticking and the prospects for marriage aren’t looking good.”
    â€œGive it time,” he said.
    â€œI did that. And I’m finished holding my breath, Nick.” The bar had been set really high and that was his fault. “I’m through with waiting.”
    â€œDo you have another choice?”
    â€œAs a matter of fact, I do. I can be a single mom.”
    â€œIt’s a big decision,” he said.
    â€œOne I haven’t come to lightly. I’m well aware of the difficulties. But I simply can’t imagine my life without a child in it. I want to feel a baby grow and move inside me. More than anything, I want to hold my baby and raise him or her.”
    â€œBut, Ryleigh, doing it alone—”
    She held up a hand to stop him. “You’re not going to talk me out of this.”
    â€œSomeone has to make you see reason.”
    â€œLogic doesn’t stand a chance against this longing to be a mother. Let me put it to you this way.” She’d thought long and hard about what to say to him. “The need I have for a baby is as powerful as yours is for sex. Could you be talked out of it?”
    â€œPoint made.” There was an uneasy expression on his face, a crack in the facade. “But how are you going to make it happen? In vitro? Potluck from a sperm bank?”
    â€œI’d prefer not to do that.” She met his gaze. “The hormone shots. The higher risk of it not being successful. Expense. Not to mention that the old-fashioned way is the first, best, most effective method.”
    â€œThen what?”
    â€œHere’s the thing, Nick. When we got married I was young and idealistic. All I needed to be happy was you, spending time with you. I’m older now and understand that you’re a doctor and the kids need you. You’re a gifted physician. You’re also a good man, the best man I know. You have wonderful qualities and I’ve never met anyone more brilliant or dedicated. And it has to be said that you’re not hard on the eyes.”
    â€œI hear a but.”
    â€œOnly that I understand you couldn’t give me what I needed. Not then, anyway.”
    â€œHere’s the but,” he said.
    She nodded. “You can give me what I want now. And I want a baby.”
    When what she was asking for finally sank in, he looked like he’d swallowed his stethoscope. “That’s a joke, right?”
    â€œI’ve never been more serious.”
    â€œThat’s crazy.” Nick stood and started to pace. “Do you realize what you’re asking? A child would tie us together forever.”
    â€œIt wouldn’t have to.”
    He stopped and stared at her. “You expect me to father a child, then disappear?”
    â€œWe got married and you did that,” she pointed out. “Not blaming you. Just saying… Look, I’m sorry to spring this on you, but there was really no good way to bring it up. And frankly, I’m glad it’s out there. Take some time to think it over—”
    â€œDone,” he snapped. “And the answer is no.”
    â€œJust like that?”
    â€œYeah. You can’t be serious. And when you come to your senses, we’ll laugh about this.”
    Disappointment shuddered through her as hopes and dreams went on life support. “You know, when we were married, I actually thought about going off birth control. An ‘accidental’ pregnancy. An oops-the-condom-must-have-broken conversation.”
    â€œWhy didn’t you?” Surprise slid into his eyes as he stared down at her.
    â€œIt just wasn’t right. I couldn’t do it. Maybe this idea is insane, but at least it’s straightforward and honest.”
    â€œI’m sorry, Ryleigh. I just can’t go along with it.”
    â€œI had to ask.” She worked hard at keeping the profound and emotional regret