Twins Under His Tree Read Free Page A

call them as soon as we find out about the babies. Oh, Mitch, what’s taking so long?”
    Leaving his pensive position at the window, he crossed to her bed. He was so tall…confident…strong.
    She remembered being held in his arms—in the exam room at the practice, on the dais, in the delivery room. His cologne had wrapped around her as he’d given herhis strength. That’s why she’d needed him with her through the delivery—because he was so strong. Now when she looked at him she could hardly swallow.
    With one push of his booted foot, the comfortable chair by the nightstand now sat beside her bed. He sank down into the chair. It was well after 1:00 a.m. and she knew he had to be tired after a full day of work. She should tell him to go home, too. But he seemed willing to see her through this and she felt she needed him here.
    Though she realized her body was ready for a good long rest, she couldn’t relax. Adrenaline was still rushing through her because she was so concerned about her twins.
    In the labor room, Mitch had taken her hand. Now he didn’t.
    Why should it matter? she wondered. She quickly decided it didn’t. After all, she was still in love with Troy. At times, she thought she heard him in the next room. Other times, she expected his booming voice to announce that he was home. She fought back sudden emotion.
    Mitch’s deep, even voice reassured her. “I have a feeling Francesca will only come to you after the babies are stabilized…after she can tell you something for certain.”
    â€œYou’re so honest,” Lily blurted out. “I wanted you to say she probably had another emergency and that’s why it was taking her so long.”
    â€œDo you believe that?”
    His expression wasn’t stern. His lean cheeks and high cheekbones just made him appear that way sometimes.As his black brows drew together just a little, he looked expectant…as if he knew she couldn’t lie to herself.
    â€œIt’s possible,” she murmured.
    â€œYes, it’s possible,” he agreed.
    â€œTalk to me about something,” she pleaded. “Anything.”
    She knew she might be asking for a lot. Mitch communicated, but only when he had something to say. Chit-chat didn’t seem to be in his nature. But now she would be glad for anything her mind could latch on to.
    â€œWhen is Raina McGraw’s baby due?”
    Lily smiled, picturing her friend with her rounding stomach. “June fifth. Talk about having a lot on your plate.”
    â€œI understand Shep adopted three children before she married him.”
    â€œThey’re still in the process with Manuel, their two-and-a-half-year-old. Shep had started adoption proceedings, but then he and Raina married. It was almost like starting over. Their housekeeper, Eva, is wonderful, but Raina could be running from morning to night once the baby’s born. I think she’s going to take a leave from her practice.”
    â€œHave you decided yet how long you’re going to stay out?”
    â€œI’ll make up my mind soon. Everything about my life is in flux right now.”
    â€œYou don’t have to decide right away. You might have to consider getting help with the twins.”
    â€œNo, I won’t need it. My roommate Angie—Gina’s sister—says she’ll help me. She’s a nurse, away right now on the disaster relief team. But she should be backsoon. Besides, there are lots of moms who take care of two babies.”
    â€œNot necessarily at the same time.” His tone held a warning note that maybe she was being a little too Pollyanna-ish.
    â€œI can handle it, Mitch. You’ll see.”
    She was contemplating the idea of breast-feeding both babies when the door pushed open and Francesca walked in. She seemed surprised to see Mitch there, but didn’t comment.
    Lily hadn’t known Francesca very long. But one evening, the women