Going to the Chapel Page 11
Paige smiled. “That sounds lovely and thank you for the free meal.”
“You are both traitors,” Jillian accused.
“So, tell me,” Justin said, ignoring his sister’s furious glare and giving Paige his full attention. He was about to bust to know more about this woman. A lot more. “How long have you been a midwife?”
“Almost six years.” Paige picked up her glass of ice water and took a sip.
“Why a midwife instead of a doctor?”
“Money was a factor, but I also wanted to give mothers more options with delivery than standard hospital protocol.”
“Options such as?”
“Having their baby at home.”
Justin shot Jillian a look of shock. “You thinking about that?”
“Stan and I have talked about it,” she answered, shrugging him off.
“What if something goes wrong?” he asked, anxiety buzzing through him like a swarm of angry bees.
“Not to worry, Justin. I’m trained to take care of your sister. And an ambulance could get her to the hospital within minutes.” Paige leaned back as her dinner was served, along with a glass of wine. “This looks delicious.”
“Yeah, little brother. It looks totally wonderful.” Jillian picked up a fork and knife, then sent Justin a questioning look. “Why don’t you eat with us?”
“Because for some reason, I don’t have much of an appetite right now.”
Paige stabbed a piece of meat with her fork. “Your sister will be fine no matter where she has her baby,” she said with a confident smile. “Couples are choosing to use midwives and have at-home deliveries for a reason.”
“And that reason would be?” Justin prompted, watching her take a bite of steak.
She closed her eyes and savored the meat, and his blood roared through his veins. “Delicious,” she said, licking her lips. He almost groaned out loud. “I’ll have to come here again,” she added, cutting another piece of steak.
Please God, let that happen. “What brought you here tonight?” he asked.
She shrugged, took a sip of wine. “It’s not that far from my office, and I worked late. Thought I might as well try it. I don’t do much cooking for myself, so I usually go out.”
“I would tell you I’m glad you came,” Jillian said, “if you’d give me back my candy.”
“Sorry. You’re on your own for more chocolate.”
Justin was impressed with Paige’s firmness, but part of him felt sorry for his sister. Her hubby traveled a lot and he knew she sometimes got lonely. “Since Stan is gone, Jillian, why don’t you come stay with me tonight? I don’t have chocolate, but I do have a spare bedroom, and I’ll cook you a decent breakfast.”
“Thanks, but no thanks. I’m not good company.”
That was the truth. “When is Stan cutting back on his traveling?”
“This is his last trip until after the baby is born.”
“Good. You’re by yourself too much. I worry about you.”
Jillian patted his hand. “Sometimes you really can be sweet, little bro. Thanks.”
Justin glanced at Paige and shrugged. “She makes it sound like that’s a rare occurrence.”
Jillian punched him in the arm. “It is a rare occurrence, but you can garner major points if you come with me tomorrow when I get my 3-D ultra sound. It’d be nice to share that special event with someone.”
His sister’s voice sounded wistful, and his heart went out to her. “Count me in. I’ll pick you up and take you.” Not only would he be there for his sister, he’d also see her sexy midwife again. A win-win as far as he was concerned. Paige intrigued him, even if she wasn’t the type he was usually drawn to.
“You sure?” Jillian asked.
“Absolutely. It’ll be fun to see the little tyke I’m planning on honing my daddy skills on. Got to be at least semi-prepared for when I start a family,” he added with a grin.
“I’ll rent little Jaxon out,” Jillian said, rubbing her stomach.
Paige took another sip of wine in between bites. “I always wanted a brother or sister. You’re lucky you have your brother close by, Jillian.”
“You can borrow him anytime.”
Paige smiled but didn’t so much as glance Justin’s way. So much for it being his lucky night.
“Both my brothers are good guys,” Jillian went on. “And I have a sister who lives fairly close, so I’m pretty lucky even if I haven’t been acting like it lately.”
Paige smiled. “Your parents must have had their hands full, but a big family sounds nice. I was an only child and that can get lonely sometimes.”
“I can’t even imagine, but I bet someday you’ll be a great mom with a house full of kids,” Jillian said.
Pain clouded Paige’s green eyes but she quickly blinked it away. Justin fought back the sudden urge to console her. And what was that about? Feeling suddenly uncomfortable, he shoved away from the table and stood. “You ladies enjoy. I’ve got to get back to work. Let me know if you need anything else. Dinner’s on me tonight, Paige.”
“Thank you. That’s very generous.”
Justin forced his attention away from Paige and back to his smart-mouthed sister. “Holler if you need anything tonight. What time shall I pick you up tomorrow?”
“Nine-thirty.” She reached for his hand and squeezed it. “Thanks.”
“Anytime.” Justin turned back toward Paige. “Nice to meet you. Guess I’ll see you tomorrow.” He turned and headed toward the kitchen where he wouldn’t be tempted to watch Paige out of the corner of his eye. She might be a midwife with a thriving practice, but the sad look he’d seen in her eyes a minute ago, made him wonder what had happened in her life to steal her joy.
And why in the world did he even want to know? Not only was it none of his business, he was perfectly happy with his life and the fun times he had with light-hearted women looking for the same thing he was—a good time and no commitment.
Someday he’d be ready for that to change, and then he’d look for a woman like Paige—a woman who wanted to marry and have a family. But that wasn’t in the cards for him anytime soon, so he forced his mind back on work and away from a woman who, he was sure, would do nothing but complicate his well-laid-out life plan.
****
COMING SOON!
I hope you enjoyed this book!
If so, please leave a review so other readers can find it easier.
Thank you.
~Mary Jane Morgan
CRYSTAL SPRINGS HOMECOMING ROMANCES
Long Road Home
Coming Home
A Home for Haley
Home at Last
CRYSTAL SPRINGS ROMANCES: THE WEDDING CHAPEL SERIES
Going to the Chapel
Since I Found You (available soon)
OTHER BOOKS BY MARY JANE MORGAN
Dangerous Moves
Shelby’s Gift
www.maryjanemorganauthor.com