Christmas Babies Read online

  “I’ll bring the girls to the hospital on Christmas Eve. Nick and I are both on call. Vicky will babysit them while we are busy. Later, we’ll have a celebration at midnight.”

  “Good, good.” Mom nodded approvingly. “I’ll prepare a box of cookies for Nick.”

  “Enough cookies. He’s gaining weight and spends longer hours at the gym.”

  “My dear, my Italian grandmother used to say that the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.” Mom fussed with the wooden spoon and swirled it in the pot of tomato sauce. A secret recipe she’d never shared with anyone.

  Madelyn sighed. Maybe she should start baking.

  “By the way, I’m leaving you a few of my recipes.”

  “Wow, the secret ones?” Her jaw sagged. Mom had often repeated that her secret recipes’ book would go in her will for her daughters.

  “Make sure you cook them for Nick.”

  Ah for Nick? Mom would reveal her secrets. “No kidding. Do I have time?”

  “Don’t forget to invite Nick for a dinner party on Sunday at 3 pm. Then you’ll take me to the airport later.” Mom tasted her sauce. “Perfect. Here, try this.” She handed a spoon to Madelyn.

  “Delicious.”

  “Too bad Nick is too busy to stay for dinner tonight.”

  Exasperated, Madelyn slapped her sides. It was all about Nick. But where was the dear Nick when she needed him?

  “The woman from the Child Protective Services loved the lunch I gave her today.”

  “You fed her too?”

  “Of course. You may keep the babies longer this way. The first time she came when you were here I only gave her cookies. Today she shared the lunch with my friends and said she loved the friendly family atmosphere we’ve created for the babies. I made sure she wrote it in her report.”

  Madelyn burst out laughing. “Mom, you should have been a general or better, a chief executive in a company.”

  “Thank you, sweetie. Now try to follow my example. Feed your man and keep him. Hmm, there’s another saying. My grandfather’s favorite. But it’s not for my daughter’s ears.”

  Madelyn chuckled. “I’m a doctor. I heard it all.”

  “Still.” Barbara wrinkled her apron with nervous fingers. “Okay. It’s, Good table and good bed keep your man at home. Know what I mean?” Mom narrowed her eyes.

  “You’re right. It’s not for a daughter’s ears. I don’t want to hear about old saying. I’m taking my girls for a ride. We’ll buy the Christmas tree and I’ll ask them to deliver it.”

  Madelyn grabbed her purse and two bottles, covered the babies with light blankets, and pushed the wide stroller to the elevator. When the door slid open, Nick stepped out. “Going out?”

  “Yes, to buy a big Christmas tree. Mom’s order.”

  He chuckled. “Can I come along?”

  “Sure.” Her pulse accelerated. She’d missed chatting freely with Nick, without eager old chaperones or curious medics listening to every word and offering unsolicited comments.

  In the elevator, he held her hand and squeezed it. “I haven’t seen you alone for so long.” He pointed to the surveillance camera and twitched his mouth in a grimace. “Too bad they have these awful devices.”

  She lowered her head to hide her emotion. Had he missed her? As much as she did him? Why hadn’t he come to her office? Not sure what to think of Nick’s attitude, she sighed.

  “How are things going at home?” His tone sounded brisk as if he, too, had felt the electricity surge between them and made an effort to smother it.

  “Good. Mom is throwing a party on the 23rd for all her friends. You’re invited at 3 pm sharp. Then I’ll take her to the airport.”

  “A party? How nice. Your mother is the best cook I’ve ever met,” he said with absolute conviction.

  “Oh.” So Mom’s theory about hitting a man’s heart through his stomach had some truth to it. Madelyn arched an eyebrow and contemplated him with interest. She might use the secret recipes and give it a try. Because frankly, she was fed up with Nick coming to her when it suited him, and ignoring her the rest of the time.

  For years she’d been independent and happy. Why had she let her family and friends—and her sickness too—convince her that happiness went hand in hand with having a man in her life? Too late now, she’d been convinced.

  But if she was to have a man, she wanted him full-time. Like a lover and husband. Forget the platonic friendship without commitment. It wasn’t working too well for both of them. Her heart thudded against her ribs and his breathing resonated in the small moving cage. Just because they stood next to each other in a confined space, but unable to come closer with the spying camera glaring at them.

  By the time the elevator stopped in the garage, Madelyn had promised herself not to wait for things to happen. She’d take control of her life. And of Nick’s too—including every minute of his time, every inch of his person, and every goal in his life. Lips pinched, she pushed the stroller out and strode in the garage.

  “What’s wrong? You look like you’re determined to strangle someone.”

  Strangle? No, but embrace for better or worse? Definitely.

  “In fact, I’m delighted to have an hour with you.” She offered him her sweetest smile.

  Surprise and contentment played on his face as he wrapped an arm around her shoulders and guided her to her car. They buckled the twins in their car seats. Madelyn handed him the keys. “Care to drive?”

  “Sure. There’s no Christmas tree farm in South Florida, but I know of a big lot in Oakland Park where they offer pre-cut trees.” He drove to the field covered with trees, shrubs, and twigs. A fresh fragrance of evergreen mingled with the scent of moist soil.

  They strolled through the rows, examining stems and branches. After half an hour of consulting with the gardener in charge, they chose a six-foot balsam fir. The man helped Nick load and secure the tree across the trunk of the car with a rope. “We’ll leave the trunk half-open,” Nick declared.

  Madelyn picked a wreath decorated with pinecones and red ribbons to hang on the door of her apartment. Their outing had restored her good spirit. Walking hand in hand with Nick and pushing the stroller gave her the impression she had her own family. An impression she wanted to turn into reality. Because losing Nick or her daughters would break her heart.

  “Don’t worry about buying lights and balls. I have a whole box of them. My mother used to decorate several Christmas trees in the big house. I’ll bring the box when we go back. But first I have an errand to run at Macy’s.” He parked in the Galleria Mall parking lot.

  “Do I have time to look at dresses?” Since they were at her favorite store, she might as well take advantage and buy a pretty outfit for her mother’s party.

  “Go ahead. I’ll keep the babies. My shopping won’t take long. We’ll wait for you in front of the main door to the Mall.”

  She watched them go, Nick pushing the stroller like a proud daddy. Her heart burst with joy. Without hesitation she dashed to the women’s department and bought two lovely dresses at a record speed. On her way out, she selected a silver silk blouse for her mother, and then rushed to the men’s department. There she froze, not sure what to give Nick for Christmas.

  “Can I help you?” a clerk asked.

  “I’m looking for a present for my friend.”

  “How about a leather wallet?” He showed her the display.

  She chose one and ran to the packaging department to have it wrapped with shiny gold paper.

  Out of breath, but pleased with her shopping, she slowed down and strolled to the door, a big Macy’s bag dangling from her hand. Her eyes grew wide-open when she spotted Nick with Liana nestled in his arms and sucking on her bottle.

  “You’re feeding her?”

  “She was hungry. I found the bottles and assumed you brought them for the girls. Celia will ask for hers soon.” Celia answered with a loud scream.

  Madelyn picked her up and sat next to Nick to give her
some milk.

  “God bless you,” an old woman stopped next to them. “Your daughters are so cute.”

  “I think so, too,” Nick answered with a pleasant smile.

  Her heart bursting with joy, Madelyn would have kissed him if not for the crowd bustling in the Mall.

  A Santa Claus paused beside them. “Pretty scene. Can we take a picture with you for Macy’s display of Christmas scenes?”

  Nick looked at Madelyn. She nodded. “As long as we get a copy,” he answered.

  Santa Claus stood behind them, his arms around their backs. The photographer clicked a couple of shots. “Lovely,” he said. “If you linger around here for a few minutes I’ll bring you two copies.” He disappeared in the store and they continued to feed the girls until they slept.

  True to his word, the photographer returned ten minutes later with an envelope. Madelyn extracted the pictures and gasped. This was her dream-come-true, captured on paper. “Look, Nick. Isn’t that precious?” She grabbed his hand.

  “Gorgeous.” His gaze rested on her face. A new flame burned in his blue eyes.

  “I’ll frame them.”

  The scene in the pictures was perfect.

  What would it take to turn it into long-lasting reality?

  Chapter Ten

  “Madelyn, I don’t want you fussing around me when I put the last hand to my cooking.” Wearing her green Christmas apron embroidered with a red logo Homemade Food and Happiness, Mom brandished her wooden spoon stained with tomato pasta. A mouth watering aroma of garlic and nutmeg wafted toward her.

  “I’m just trying to help you. You’ve done so much work today while I was at the hospital.” Madelyn dug her gloved hands in the sink to wash the pots.

  “Out of my kitchen.” The wooden spoon vibrated in the air. “Okay, your kitchen. But when I’m cooking it’s my domain. I don’t interfere in your delivery room. Go get dress, take care of your daughters, and don’t come out of your room before ten to three.”

  Exasperated, Madelyn raised her arms in the air, and then chuckled. “Yes, mommy.”

  “Good girl.” Mom would never change. In spite of Madelyn’s many degrees, her medical experience, and her thirty-five years, in her mom’s eyes she was just a good girl, or a bad one, depending on the moment.

  With a shrug, she skidded to her room where the twins napped. Her gaze flitted from one baby to the other. Love overflowed her whole being. “You changed my life, sweetie pies. I’ll tell you a big secret. I’m not letting you go after three months. Yes, I’ll adopt you and we’ll all live happily ever after.”

  While they slept, she took a quick shower, dried her hair, and slipped on the red chiffon dress she’d bought at Macy’s. The v-neck plunged a bit too deep, but the transparent long sleeves compensated with a touch of modesty. She brushed her hair over her shoulders, and applied her makeup more generously than usual, with eyeliner and mascara.

  When she glanced at the girls, they were quietly playing with their feet and smiled at her. “You like my new dress? Glad you think mommy looks pretty.” She burst out laughing and pirouetted in front of them. Her silver chains, bracelets and earrings jingled, eliciting happy noises from the babies. “Silly mommy. But I hope uncle Nick will approve too. Now your turn to get dressed for the party.”

  She cleaned, powdered, and outfitted them for the party. Celia in a green overall spotted with red hearts and candies, and Liana in a red one adorned with green trees and wreaths. With her fingers she combed the fluffy hair on their heads. “You look lovely and smell delicious.” Which reminded her to dab a few drops of perfume on her throat and wrists.

  A glance at the digital clock reassured her it was time for them to make their entrance. “Ten to three. Let’s party.”

  ****

  “All done.” Nick added the last silver frame to the Christmas tree he’d set and decorated last night with Madelyn. Satisfied with the result of his labor, he placed the two wrapped boxes he’d brought at the foot of the tree. “What a beautiful table, Barbara. It brings back childhood memories.”

  “I hope you’ll build new happy ones tonight.” Barbara crossed her arms and examined her work of art with a critical eye. “We’re ready for our guests.”

  The bedroom door opened and Madelyn appeared pushing the wide stroller.

  Lord, she was a vision to behold in that red silk that revealed a nice décolletage, and long legs strapped in red high-heeled sandals. Her eyes shone, huge and green with golden specks. His gaze caressed her lovely face as he came toward her and brought her hand to his lips. “Dr. Ramsay, you’re too dangerously beautiful for a man’s heart. Especially mine.”

  She laughed. “Thanks, Nick. You look gorgeous yourself,” she added with a blush that pleased him immensely.

  “Did you see the Christmas tree?” Barbara blurted.

  Madelyn glanced to her left. You added silver frames? Just like your tree. Which pictures?” She frowned and stepped closer. “Oh Nick, they’re amazing.” She pointed to various frames. “The babies in their cribs; in the stroller; in my arms and yours; with Mom; and with the neighbors. It’s the most beautiful Christmas tree I’ve ever seen.”

  “Me too,” Nick said.

  Barbara sniffled. “I think I smell something fishy in the kitchen.” She winked at Nick and scurried out of sight. Bless her heart. The woman was a godsend ally.

  Without wasting time, he wrapped his arms around Madelyn. Her perfume excited his senses and numbed his mind. “I missed you so much.”

  “Me too,” she said against his lips.

  He kissed her carefully afraid to mess up her makeup or wrinkle her dress. She didn’t seem to worry and squeezed against him. Fire exploded in his gut and fueled his kiss. He wanted this woman like he’d never wanted any before. Not only for a moment and a few kisses. He wanted her, body and soul. Forever.

  He released her and stared at her. “Madelyn, my darling, we have a lot of thinking to do. A lot of talking. After your mother leaves.”

  A bright smile answered him. “I agree. Mom worked so hard to make it a special party.”

  And special it was. The neighbors came with presents for the babies and big boxes they placed under the Christmas tree.

  “Nick dear,” Barbara ordered. “You take care of the drinks. I’ve made the punch with champagne, orange juice, sprite, and fruit cocktail. And I added frozen strawberries.”

  He tasted it. “Dee-lee-cious.” He poured the red bubbling mix into the glasses set on a silver tray.

  The lady chuckled smugly. “I did my part. You do yours.” She gave him a knowing look. “Have fun. And don’t forget to pass the drinks around.”

  “I will,” he promised. Too many questions floated in his future. Too many goals he needed to sort out. “Tomorrow,” he muttered under his breath. He swallowed a glass of punch and refilled his glass. Tomorrow, he’d explain to Madelyn that her friendship concept had failed big time. He wanted commitment, a promise that his feelings wouldn’t be smashed again.

  The hors d’oeuvres wet everyone’s appetite. Soon, Barbara asked Madelyn and Nick to bring out the pans of cannelloni, veal marsala, eggplant parmegian, green beans, sweet potato, and the turkey cooked to perfection.

  They ate and drank, opened presents and hugged. And cuddled the babies during the whole party. Madelyn and Barbara loved their presents, the Macy’s pictures he’d put in silver frames, and he admired the leather wallet Madelyn gave him.

  “Open the big boxes, Nick,” the ladies shouted. “Open them.”

  He didn’t understand their giggles and eager urging, but he obeyed and unwrapped a dozen colorful knitted blankets. “We made them for Anne Lee Meyer and her companions.”

  “For my mother?” He blinked to suppress an unmanly display of emotion. “I don’t know how to thank you.” He hugged them one by one and promised that he and Madelyn would deliver the pretty afghans before the end of the year.

  Content to be held by one pair of arms after another and cooed to by sm
iling ladies, the little angels behaved themselves and didn’t utter a single wail. They sucked on their milk while playing with the green and red ribbons Barbara had wrapped around their bottles.

  By six o’clock, the ladies helped clear the table and left. Barbara went to change into a traveling pantsuit.

  “It’s was a perfect Christmas party. But everything comes to an end. I have to leave now.”

  “A perfect Christmas,” Madelyn echoed.

  “The best of my life.” Nick shifted his gaze from the sparkling tree, to the two women hugging and sniffling, to the babies that meant family now.

  “Mom, thank you so much for coming.” Madelyn handed her mother her coat and bag.

  “We need to go, Barbara, if you don’t want to miss your plane.” He’d offered to drive her to the airport while Madelyn relaxed with her babies.

  True to herself until the last minute, Barbara smothered him with advice on how to handle her stubborn daughter. He gritted his teeth and patiently nodded while trying to concentrate on the road.

  Although Nick admitted to himself he’d enjoyed the mess, noise, and chaos the babies and their many foster grandmothers had brought to his life. It was almost like having a family and an extended Italian family.

  Tomorrow was another day. Tomorrow Madelyn’s condo would return to a quieter environment, and Nick would ponder his future, and theirs too.

  ****

  The phone ring pulled Madelyn out of her slumber. Still half asleep, she patted the night table for her cell.

  “Dr. Ramsay, this is Louisa Mantay. How are the babies doing?”

  “Great. They’re getting bigger and prettier. Simply adorable.”

  “Wonderful. Can I come to see them?”

  Madelyn glanced at the digital clock. Good God, it was already 9:10 am. The twins started fretting. “Sure. Anytime.”

  “In an hour. Will you be at work?”

  “I’m off today and staying with my babies.”

  “I have good news to share,” the woman said with a satisfied tone.

  Madelyn’s fingers clenched the phone. “Ah. Tell me.”

  “As soon as I arrive.” The line cut.