The Proposal (The Proposition #2)(8)

Emma couldn’t help laughing. “My condition? I’m only pregnant.”

He wagged a finger at her. “I mean it. I don’t want to see you up again until I come back. Got it?”

“You’re awfully bossy,” she replied as she swung her legs up on the bed and smoothed her top down.

“They teach us that in medical school,” he quipped before he headed out the door.

Emma shook her head before taking her phone out of her purse. There was little rest between fielding texts left and right. Julia, Aidan’s second oldest sister, was on her way in from Alabama while Becky and Liz were packing up to cut short their Disney trip.

A nurse peeked her head in and caused Emma to jump. “I’m sorry. Dr. Nadeen said I should—”

The nurse smiled. “It’s okay, honey. I was just wondering why Dr. Nadeen had put down this room was occupied, but there was no chart.” With a knowing look, she replied, “But I can see why now.”

“He’s very kind.”

“He’s one of the best we have—the best doctor and the best bedside manner.” She winked at Emma. “And by far the best looking.”

With her cheeks warming, Emma replied, “That’s nice.”

“Take care then.”

“Thank you.”

The nurse hadn’t been gone long when Pesh reappeared in the doorway. Emma quickly tried to hide her phone. Especially considering the sign that warned no cellular devices was right next to her.

She gave him a sheepish grin. “Sorry. I had to let everyone know how he was.”

Pesh laughed. “It’s okay, Emma. I’m not going to call security on you. I’m just glad to see you stayed put and aren’t back to pacing.” He strode over to the bed.

Clumsily, she pulled herself into a sitting position. Her eyes honed in on the plastic bag in Pesh’s hand. When she gave him a puzzled look, he opened the bag to reveal a Coke, a bottle of water, a pack of peanut butter crackers and a bag of Doritos.

“What’s all that?” Emma asked.

“Some of my secret food stash to feed your hungry little guy.”

An inferno burned across her cheeks and neck, causing her to twist the hem of her shirt. “You didn’t have to do that.”

“He’s hungry, isn’t he?”

“Well, yes, but—”

Pesh smiled. “Then here. I don’t mind sharing.”

Instead of hunger pains, her stomach fluttered with butterflies as she took the crackers from him. “Ah, you must be a peanut butter fan, huh?” he remarked, as he sank down on the stool in front of her.

“Yes,” she murmured, as she opened the package. Peering up at him through her lashes, she said, “I certainly hope I’m not keeping you from your patients.”

“You’re in luck. It’s actually a slow day for us, considering most of the trauma patients get taken downtown.”

Emma arched in her brows in surprise, considering all the rushing around she had seen earlier in the hallway. “Really?”

He nodded. “Besides, you may not have been officially admitted, but with you almost fainting and your pulse, I’m concerned about you. Therefore, I consider this a consultation.”

Confusion flooded her at the somewhat amorous feelings crisscrossing over her at Pesh’s thoughtfulness and care. After she bit into a cracker, he held out the Coke and water for her to choose from. When she reached for the Coke, he jerked it away. “Now Emma, you know better than that. Caffeine isn’t good for you.”

“No fair,” she replied, with a grin.

Pesh winked at her. “You’re right. I shouldn’t have tempted you with such an elicit substance.”

Emma’s cheeks once again felt inflamed, so she took a swig of water to try and cool off. “How’s Patrick?”

“Better. As soon as you finish eating, you can go see him.”

“Really?” she asked, through a mouthful of cracker.

Pesh nodded. “He’s been asking for you.”

“He has?” She then crammed in another cracker as she stood up. Once she swallowed, she said, “Okay, let’s go see him.”

With an amused shake of his head, Pesh said, “I should have known not to say anything until you had finished eating.”

“How about I promise to finish the crackers while I’m with Patrick?”

“I guess that sounds fair.”

Emma grinned as they started out the door. “I can’t thank you enough for the food and for looking out for me…and for Noah.”

Pesh stuffed his hands into the pockets of his lab coat. “Ah, so our strong little guy is going to be named Noah?”

“Yes, after my late father.”

He smiled. “He’s very lucky to have you for a mother.”

Emma couldn’t help the heat that rose in her cheeks at his compliment. “Thank you. I’m going to try to be the best I can for him. I had a great role model in my late mother.”

“You’ve lost both your parents?”

She nodded.

He shook his head. “So much sorrow.” His hand touched her shoulder. “But just from the look on your face and the love in your eyes, I can tell how much joy this child is bringing you.”