Chapter 30: Forgot To Tell You Something: Chapter 30

For about the millionth time in the last few weeks, I cry myself to sleep, images of Owen and Charlotte in compromising positions dancing through my head.

But this morning, my tears have dried, along with any notion that Owen will be involved in our baby’s life. Correction—

baby’s life.

I stare at the growing pile of boxes stacked in all corners of the apartment. Perhaps now is the time to look for a new position far away from Memorial. That way, Owen will never suspect a thing, and I won’t be privy to his reconciliation with Charlotte. Hell, I’m no fool. I know it’s a forgone conclusion. Even if he claims to want me, a life with Charlotte is the smart route. The safe route.

Love isn’t part of the plan when you’re a man like Owen. There’s too much at stake to follow the whims of your heart.

“What do you think, Hecate? Shall we try some other part of the country? Would you like to move to the mountains, fight off coyotes and wildebeests?” I stroke her glossy fur, giving her tail a tickle as she stretches.

To live the life of a cat.

I’ve spent the last fifteen years in Florida, but the place never felt like home. I followed my father down here when he retired, and there was no way in hell I was leaving him after he got sick.

But now, my father is gone. Maybe it’s time for me to hightail it to my next adventure.

next adventure, I bemuse, running my hand along my slightly swollen abdomen. To the outside world, I look normal. But when I shed my clothes, the outline of my bump is evident. That, and my ever-enlarging boobs. I swear, they’ll be the size of watermelons at the rate I’m going.

By the time I put my vehicle into drive, headed for Memorial, I’ve reached a decision. I’ll start looking for a new nursing position tonight. A travel gig is easy enough to come by, and that can take me, Nugget, and Hecate anywhere in the country. We may need to camp in a hotel room for a couple of weeks, but that’s not a tragedy.

I feel a sense of calm now that I’ve let go of the idea of Owen and me being anything more than a passing fancy. The anger and anxiety are gone, replaced with the pressing knowledge that I need to get my ducks in a row, and those ducks need to swim far from Fort Lauderdale.

“I’m sorry, no.”

I bite back a smirk. Stefani is not in favor of any relocation plans. “Well, it isn’t exactly your decision, but I haven’t decided yet. I just think a fresh start is a good idea, considering.”

“Lu, have you even told Owen about…” she inquires, offering a pointed glance at my stomach.

“No, and I don’t plan on it.”

“That’s not right, and you know it.”

I release a drawn-out sigh, slumping back in the chair. It’s an unusually quiet day on the unit, and the staff is taking advantage of the downtime to catch up—on gossip, mostly. “He’s got so much going on, and his situation changes daily. Not to mention that his ex isn’t really his ex.”

“They’re back together?”

“Might as well be,” I grumble, flipping aimlessly through one of the file drawers. What I’m looking for, God only knows. “They’re always together—a fundraiser here, an investment dinner there. It’s all bullshit. Just Charlotte’s excuse for spending time with Owen. But he’s going along with it. So, that’s why I want a change of scenery. It will do me good.”

I really need to scan my immediate proximity before I say anything about our illustrious doctor because he always seems to be within earshot. As Owen clears his throat behind me, I realize he’s used his ninja techniques once again. However, if he heard anything, he isn’t letting on, as he passes me a file with a smile.

“Good morning, Tally.”

“Morning, Dr. Stevens.”

“Tell her she can’t leave,” Stefani blurts out, and I swivel my chair around to face her, a look of abject horror crossing my features.

“Where are you going?” Owen asks.

“She doesn’t know yet. Just far away from here.”

I hate my friend. What a bitch. All that ride or die crap? The real motto is she’ll run you over, and then you’ll die. The woman just backed over me repeatedly, and I can tell from her narrowed stare that it was intentional.

Owen swings my chair back to face him. “Tally? Are you moving?”

“I’ve considered it. I could use a change of pace. I stayed in Florida because of my father—”

“And now there’s nothing left here for you, right?” he bites out, his mouth a rigid line. “Good to know.”

Is the man serious? He’s been shacking up with his ex-fiancée every night of the week under the guise of investment dinners, but I’m the asshole?

I push myself out of the seat, offering a stiff nod of my head. “Glad you approve,” I spit out, marching into my office. I’m getting smart. This time, I lock the damn thing.

But it doesn’t matter, because Owen doesn’t try to enter my office, and after fifteen minutes, I realize he’s gone.

In more ways than one.

Even if I’m planning a life far from Memorial, they’re still my employer. Time to focus. I’m elbows deep in reports when my phone rings, startling me from my self-imposed work stupor.

It’s a nurse in the cath lab. They need my help, and it shouldn’t take but a minute. Can I please come down immediately?

With a sigh and equally heavy heart, I stroll down to the cath lab suite, throwing on a mask and cap before poking my head into the room. “You rang?” I inquire, my gaze landing on the nurse to my left.

Her only response? A nod toward Owen, who’s observing Dr. Jessop as he performs a procedure.

His gaze meets mine over the surgical mask. “Tallulah, fill in for Jackie. Get a vest.”

What the hell? He wants me to fill in for a cath lab tech? I don’t want to expose Nugget to the radiation. I don’t have a film badge to monitor my levels, and that idea makes me sick.

I feel my stomach hit the floor. Interesting, since it’s been in my throat the last few weeks. “I…I can’t.”

“Why?” His words are clipped, but his gaze never wavers.

“I haven’t worked in the lab for over two years.”

“But you worked in the cath lab for a decade. Human anatomy hasn’t changed, and all you need to do is pass a few instruments. Come on. Just make sure to put on the lead vest. A ton of x-rays today.”

“I have a…thing.” I stumble over my words, my entire body breaking out in a sweat. God, I’m the worst liar.

Owen’s brows raise. “It will only take a minute.”

Tears prick my lids. There’s no simple way out of this situation, at least not without spilling the beans. “Owen, please.” In my haste, I use his first name, and I feel the eyes of our coworkers on me.

Owen straightens, his eyes stormy. “Take over for me, Ken. Have April fill in for Jackie.” He strides over to me, his hand on my elbow as he turns me toward the door.

Wonderful. Now, I’m getting fired. Let’s add that onto this already banner day.

We walk out of the operating suite, and Owen pulls off his mask and surgical cap, running his hand over his head. “Let’s get you something to eat.”

Without a word, I follow him to the doctor’s lounge, sinking into a chair. He grabs two waters out of the fridge and places one in front of me before taking a seat next to me.

“So…”

I fiddle with the bottle cap, willing my stomach to settle.

His fingers grasp my chin, forcing me to look at him. “How far along are you?”

I want to turn my head away because any falsehood will show in my face, but his grip remains firm. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Don’t do that, Tallulah. Don’t you dare do that.”

I jerk my chin away before the tears bounce off his hand.

“Tally, look at me.”

I maintain a staring contest with the water bottle. It’s winning.

“I already knew.”

I suck in a slow, shaky breath. “I know. Well, after Saturday, I was certain you knew.”

“It’s been a lot longer than Saturday. I’ve known for the last couple of weeks. I was just waiting for you to tell me.” His hand rests on my back, rubbing lazy circles between my shoulder blades. “How far along are you?”

“Ten weeks,” I sniffle.

“It was the first week, huh? I guess I’ve got some good swimmers.”

The man is making jokes. Not right now. “This isn’t funny, Owen.”

“Actually, it’s fantastic, Tally. We’re having a baby.”

That did it. Between the hormones, my father’s death, our chaotic relationship, and losing my apartment—I don’t stand a chance against the tears. And it’s not a few pretty tears slipping down my face; it’s a full-on ugly cry. I open my mouth to speak, but all I can manage is gulping sobs.

Owen wraps his arms around me, pulling me against his chest. “It’s going to be fine. Why didn’t you tell me as soon as you found out?”

I pull my head from his chest, meeting his gaze. “How should I have broken the news? Guess what? Not only are you my boss, and your bombshell former fiancée has just relocated to be near you, but I’m also pregnant with your baby. Happy Monday.”

A smile quirks his lips, and it’s a smile that I can’t resist. “That’s exactly what you should have done.”

I shake my head. The man is incorrigible. “Right. It would have gone over like a lead balloon.” Grabbing a napkin, I wipe my eyes and nose. I must look a sight. “Are we done here?”

His eyes widen. “Excuse me?”

“I said, are we done here? You know the situation now. Not that it matters.”

“Not that it matters?” His voice is low, growling out a warning about the path of this conversation.

“I’m not asking you for anything, Owen. I don’t expect your involvement with my baby—”

“Our baby,” he interjects.

I wave off his correction. “The point is, I don’t expect you to be an active participant.”

His fingers drum the table, the muscle in his jaw twitching. “Sorry to break it to you, but I plan on being very active in my child’s life. And yours.”

Whether it’s the urgency in his voice or the fiery set of his gaze, I can’t be sure. But the tears reappear for about the twentieth time today.

“Tally, talk to me.”

I wipe my eyes, unsure where to begin. Unsure of everything at this point. “I’m a big bucket of emotions all the time. Damn hormones. But the truth is that I’m terrified.”

He grasps my hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze. “Of what, Darlin? You’re going to be the best mother in the world.”

I know he means what he says, but that only opens the faucet on the tears. “I wish I had your confidence. I’m overwhelmed at the idea of doing this on my own.”

“What do you mean?”

I offer a shrug, because I do not want to have this conversation—not here and certainly not now.

“Tally, I’m right here.”

See? I knew he would say the right thing. If only it made the situation easier. “I won’t do that to you, Owen.”

“Do what?”

“Tie you down. You were engaged only a couple of months ago. The last thing you need is to have a child with some woman you barely know.”

The grip on my hand tightens. “I know every inch of you—mind, body, and soul.”

I snatch my hand back, wiping away the tears, yet again. Damn things just keep coming. “I’m reassuring you that I don’t expect you to be involved. I’m letting you off the hook.”

“Christ, you love that term. Two things—one is that I plan on being very involved in your life, and two, stop letting me off the hook. This is the most amazing news. You’re going to be a mom. I’m going to be a dad. I plan on being knee-deep in everything. So, get used to it, Darlin.”

“This situation is complicated enough, with your and Charlotte’s relationship—”

Owen’s fist pounds the table, making me jump. “Charlotte and I are not together.” His hands wrap around my shoulders, his eyes daring me to look away. “There hasn’t been anyone since you, no matter what you think. Charlotte knows how I feel about you. It’s hardly a secret.”

“Is that why you kissed me last night?”

Owen shakes his head, a smile breaking across his face. “I kissed you because I was going to lose my mind if I didn’t. Charlotte knew how much I loved you the night of the dinner. She bitched about how I was only focused on finding you, and once I did, that I couldn’t stop staring at you.”

I don’t know why, but the idea that Owen flaunted his desire for me in front of Charlotte restores a bit of my self-confidence. Hey, it’s taken a hell of a beating lately. “I was looking at you, too. Not to state the obvious, but you are pinup calendar hot, Owen.”

“Is that right? Tell me more about how hot I am.” I know that look, complete with his sexy grin. That look tells me he’s picturing me naked, riding him into oblivion.

A tempting idea, really.

“Nice try. I’m not stroking your ego.”

The grin widens at my unintentional sexual innuendo.

“Don’t even say it, Owen.”

“I was just wondering if other body parts were admissible.”

I try to hold back my smile, but it’s an impossibility. “And yet, you said it.”

He holds up his hands in surrender, chuckling his defeat. “Have you had your first ultrasound?”

I shake my head, dragging my mind—and hormones—out of the gutter. “It’s tomorrow, actually.”

“What time?”

“Five-thirty. You don’t have to—”

Owen isn’t hearing any arguments. “Like hell, I don’t. It’s my first child’s first sonogram. I’m going to be there.”

I study his face. I swear I don’t remember ever seeing him this…giddy. “Huh.”

“What, Darlin?”

“You seem happy.”

His smile fades to a wince of dismay as he runs a hand over his beard. “I am. I’ve always wanted to be a dad. Are you not looking forward to our baby?”

In that instant, it hits me. “I am.” His face brightens at my words, so I spill my guts. “Don’t get me wrong, I’m scared, but I’m excited, too. I hate the morning sickness, but I won the mother lode with the father. You’re gorgeous and brilliant and talented and…I’m lucky. Our baby is lucky.”

“You forgot one.”

“I didn’t give you enough props just now?” I ask, cocking a brow at him.

His palm cups my cheek as his lips brush against mine. Total sneak attack on his part. Not that I’m complaining. “You give me more credit than I deserve.”

“So, what trait did I fail to mention? Killer body? Sex god? Sense of humor?”

“Totally in love with you.”

I’m so glad I’m sitting down. Otherwise, I would have collapsed to the floor. Owen has told me countless times over the last few months, but this is the first time I actually feel his words. “Wow.”

“Tally, it’s always been you.”

“I was afraid you might be mad about the baby.”

Owen chuckles, shaking his head at me. “No, Darlin, I’m the complete opposite of mad. Now, I have to convince you to marry me.”

That’s enough for today. The sheen I felt only moments before shatters to the ground. “Relax, Doc. You do not have to marry me because of the baby. I would never expect that of you.”

He studies my face, that smile still flitting across his lips. “What about the fact that I want to marry you? I’ve never said those words to another woman.”

Talk about a crash landing back to reality. I shake my head, angry that I almost fell for Owen’s lines. Yet again. “You just ended an engagement. I need total honesty now. No more fluff. No more telling me what I want to hear.”

“I’m being honest.”

“So how is it you were engaged, but you never asked a woman to marry you? Hmm? Can you answer that one for me?”

Owen is unruffled by my questions. Either he’s the best liar in the world, or he’s telling the truth. “Charlotte asked me. Asked is too kind a term. Demanded. Cornered. Those are more appropriate.”

“You didn’t ask her?” Holy crap, is that a tiny ray of hope at the end of the tunnel?

“No. I bought her a ring after she demanded one. I was totally uninvolved in the planning. I was miserable, Tally. And it got worse every day. So, I got slamming drunk with a buddy of mine who was visiting, and he mentioned Fort Lauderdale. He had worked at Memorial for a few years and loved the staff. Said the beach wasn’t bad either.”

“Who is your friend?”

“Dr. Weinman. He’s a—”

“Pediatric surgeon. Dr. We. Good guy.”

Owen nods in agreement. “Anyway, I woke up with a ripping hangover and a decision. I put in a call to Memorial and spoke to Dr. Watts. Then I sat Charlotte down and told her my plan. I also informed her she wasn’t part of it anymore.”

I cringe at his words. He’s so blasé about tossing his fiancée aside. “Ouch.”

Owen strokes my forearm, offering me a reassuring smile. “Don’t feel too bad for Charlotte. She was knocking boots with some guy named Marco. I walked in on them together. He was the first one I caught, but not the first one she slept with.”

Maybe I’m a bitch, but knowing how poorly Charlotte treated Owen brings me great joy. Some of her glitter has rubbed off, too. “Double ouch.”

“It was the catalyst I needed. I packed my things and shipped them to Florida. When I landed here, I had a momentary freak out. I realized that I uprooted my entire life, and there was nothing guaranteed on the other end. After a week here, I was in doubt about my spur-of-the-moment decision, so I…you’re going to laugh.”

I lean forward, cupping my head in my palm. “I won’t. Promise.”

“I asked for a sign. I wanted something concrete to know that this was where I was supposed to be, and I hadn’t lost my damn mind.”

“Did you get it? Your sign, I mean?”

His face changes, but his hand continues stroking along my arm. “That night, I went to an underground club that my friend told me about, and my life changed forever.”

“Wicked Chucks.”

“I saw you at the bar with Stefani. Wearing that silly pink wig.”

I huff with fake annoyance. “I like my wig.”

“I like you better without it. You looked in my direction, and I felt everything I’d never felt with Charlotte. That I’d never felt with anyone. Fucking terrified me. I was always so sure of myself with women, but I couldn’t get up the nerve to speak to you.”

“I’m hardly intimidating, Owen!” Although the butterflies in my stomach are swarming after hearing his story.

“You absolutely are, in the best way. You radiate this energy, and I knew that if you didn’t feel it too—if you were married or uninterested—that I wouldn’t know how to handle it. So, I snuck upstairs for a better view of you. Thankfully, I unwittingly sat in your balcony.”

I can’t stop the smile crossing my face. “I’m so glad you did. Look at us now.”

“I want to see you tonight, Tally. I need to see you tonight.”

My mind is a jumble of thoughts and emotions. I want nothing more than to spend time with Owen, but I also have a ton of packing to do and a short time to get it finished. “Don’t you have some important dinner function?”

“Yes, with you, if you’ll have dinner with me.”

“I know you’re busy, Owen.”

“Never too busy for you. Better yet, why don’t you just come home?”

“Home?”

“I bought that condo for us. It has the bedroom for the baby, and we can’t forget the rooftop garden for Hecate.” He pulls me forward, between his legs, his hands wrapped around the back of my thighs. “I want us back. I miss us.”

“I don’t think there’s room for me in your life,” I grumble. Yes, I’m being difficult. Sue me, I’m hormonal.

“Bullshit, Tally. I will make room.” His fingers press into my skin, inching me ever closer. “Are you showing?”

I smirk, sending him a wink. “You can’t tell, can you?”

“You’re wearing scrubs. You could hide a soccer ball under there.”

“Hardly.”

“Didn’t answer my question.”

I’m not ready to admit how much my body has changed, even if it’s only obvious when I’m naked and analyzing myself in the mirror. “A little.”

His fingers slide around my hips and under my scrub top, tickling my skin. “I want to see.”

I stay his hands. “No. I’m insecure enough, after comparing my body to Charlotte’s.”

Owen’s eyes narrow. “Why the hell would you ever—don’t do that. I tell you I fell for you the minute I saw you, and that’s your response? Unacceptable.”

“We can wait until later.”

But Owen has other plans, sliding my top up a few more inches. The man couldn’t care less that this is not a private lounge. Anyone can walk in at any moment. “Nope. Not waiting.”

His mouth presses against my abdomen, and my knees buckle as he tongues from one side to the other, his hands holding me fast.

“I’m kissing every inch of you tonight, so you’d better be prepared.”

I hear the keypad of the lounge only moments before the door swings open, and I scramble away from Owen, adjusting my shirt and praying that our esteemed leader, Dr. Watts, didn’t see anything too untoward.

“Sorry,” I bumble, smoothing my hair. “I—Dr. Stevens was helping me with a medical situation.”

Dr. Watts smirks, walking over to the coffeemaker. “Would that medical situation be the baby you’re carrying?”

“You know, too?” Damn, here I thought I was slick.

“No one has a stomach virus for that long, Lu. I had a feeling Dr. Stevens was the father. Congratulations, you two.”

“He’s not—”

“Thank you. We’re excited,” Owen proclaims.

And there it is. Our boss, the woman who, in theory, signs both of our checks, now knows I’m carrying the new cardiologist’s baby.

Unemployment, here I come.

You know in cartoons when the character’s eyes bug out of their skull? That’s me right now.

“Don’t look so stricken, Lu. You two are hardly the first doctor and nurse couple,” Dr. Watts comments, sipping her coffee.

“Right,” I mumble.

“How far along are you?”

“Ten weeks,” Owen replies, and I drop my gaze to him. How the hell is he so calm? There he sits, a grin plastered across his face, and his hand somehow linked with mine. I don’t even remember that happening. I know the feeling of his warm digits enveloping my fingers makes everything right with the world. At least for the moment.

Dr. Watts exits the break room, granting us a few more moments of privacy.

“You’d better get back,” I remind him, my gaze focused on our intertwined digits.

“True. I’ll see you later tonight. Be safe, Tally. You two are precious to me.”

I bite back a smile as he opens the door. “Owen?”

“Yeah?”

I close the distance between us, shutting the door and claiming his mouth with my own. “I forgot to tell you something. I love you. Very much.”

My admission is risky; it lays my heart bare. But the smile stretching across his face and the way he kisses me back reassures me it’s the right choice.

“I love you, Darlin.” His hands caress my stomach. “Both of you.”