Christmas Babies Read online

“Good morning, Ms. Mantay. I’ll be with you in a minute.” Madelyn set Celia in her crib.

  “Can I see the Willis twins first?”

  “You’ve seen one in my arms, and the other is in the crib next to her sister.”

  “Are they healthy?”

  “Perfectly healthy. I just checked them half an hour ago.”

  “You have a report?”

  “Of course.” Madelyn held on to her temper.

  “In that case, I’ll take the discharge papers and we’ll be out of your hair right away.”

  Panic squeezed Madelyn’s stomach. My babies are not going anywhere with you. She slowly swallowed her brewing anger and the bile rising in her throat. “This way, please.” She waved the woman to the small office adjoining the nursery and showed her to a chair while she sat behind the desk.

  “The papers?” Louisa held out an open palm.

  “I need a moment to fill the discharge forms.”

  “They’re not ready yet?”

  “Ms. Mantay, where will you be taking the Willis twins?” Madelyn hated that name, but it was the babies’ name until further notice.

  The woman huffed impatiently. “To a nursery that’s part of the CPS orphanage until we find a home for them.”

  “You mean an adoptive family?”

  “Dr. Ramsay, things don’t move that fast with adoption. We have a list of prospective parents that we have to match with the baby.”

  Madelyn didn’t miss the singular. “The baby. Not babies?” She raised a disapproving eyebrow. “These are twins. I hope CPS doesn’t plan to separate the twin sisters?”

  Louisa opened her hands. “Well, it’s not easy to place two babies with the same family.”

  Madelyn crossed her arms over her chest. “I’m sure you know as well as I do that it’s not healthy to separate twins.” Her crisp tone made Louisa fidget in her chair.

  “Of course, Dr. Ramsay. Believe me, I’m doing my best to find a family that would accept both together.”

  “And until then?” The scowl she fixed on the social worker had often intimidated residents and trainees.

  “We’ll put them in a foster home.” Louisa threw her an apologetic glance. “Together if we can or separately if necessary.”

  Madelyn almost jumped out of her chair. “A foster home?”

  “Yes. It’s an easy temporary solution until we arrange something permanent. And it’s much quicker to sort out.”

  “Oh, I see.” A foster home. Her pulse raced faster. A foster home would be ideal for Liana and Celia. Especially if the foster mother... An idea sprouted in her mind. A beautiful, crazy idea. “What are the specific requirements for foster parents?” Attentive, she leaned toward the CPS social worker.

  “The foster parents need to have experience with the age group they are fostering. Before certifying them, we check the family, financial status, background. No crimes, drugs, or contagious diseases in the immediate foster family. An adequate home.”

  “Hmm, so far, so good. I like your idea of a foster home until you can find the right adoptive family.” Madelyn smiled amiably.

  Louisa seemed to breathe better. “Believe me, we have the babies’ best interest at heart. But...” The woman frowned and peered at her. “You seemed quite interested in the Willis twins, Dr. Ramsay.”

  “I am.” God, was she losing her sanity? “One more question, Ms. Mantay. Can you consider foster mothers alone? No foster dad in the picture.”

  At the door, Sandra cleared her throat. Madelyn ignored her.

  Louisa straightened and raised her eyebrows. “Like a gay family?”

  “What? No, no. I was thinking about a single woman. One living with her mother,” she improvised. Mom, I hope you’ll help me. To think she’d ignored her mother’s concern so many times, often repeating she didn’t need anyone’s help.

  “Dr. Ramsay, I need to talk to you,” Sandra called. “Now,” she insisted with a glare that spoke volumes.

  Madelyn glanced at her friend’s wide eyes, and bit her lips. “Sandra, I’m very busy with Ms. Mantay. Come back later.”

  “I hope it won’t be too late,” Sandra muttered as she shook her head.

  “So, Ms. Mantay?”

  “A foster mother and grandmother would be acceptable. Do you have someone in mind, Dr. Ramsay?” The social worker said with a knowing smile.

  “How about a doctor, pediatrician, neonatologist, a baby expert who can not only take care of babies, but also immediately diagnose any problem and treat it? Plus a grandmother to help change, feed and cuddle a baby.”

  Surprise swept over the social worker’s face. “Are you proposing yourself, Dr. Ramsay? I heard you’re extremely busy at the Women’s Clinic. How do you plan to take care of twins?”

  Sandra bent toward her ear. “Are you crazy?” Her groan echoed in Madelyn’s brain. Was she crazy? She so badly wanted to feel like a mother. If only for three months.

  “No. I’ll answer your questions later, Sandra.”

  “Dr. Ramsay, please, we don’t have all day.” Louisa scowled at Sandra who wouldn’t budge from behind Madelyn.

  “Yes, I’m very busy. Burnt out even. So I’ll be working part time for the next three months. But I’ll miss babies. And I love these twins.”

  “I’m getting Nick here. Maybe he can talk sense into you,” Sandra muttered against her hair.

  “Go, Sandra.” Madelyn was determined now. Neither Sandra, nor Nick would stop her. These babies would be her Christmas gift to herself.

  Louisa nodded. “I saw the way you held one of them. Like it was your own.”

  “Listen, Ms. Mantay, we’ll exchange forms,” Madelyn said not wanting to lose the advantage she’d just gained. “I’ll sign the discharge form right away while you fill the foster care form with my name. Today is December 15.” She scribbled on the discharge form. “You’ll be able to enjoy your holiday and won’t worry about the twins just before Christmas.”

  “Thank you. I m sure they’ll be safe with you and your mother.” The social worker filled the foster care form and handed it to Madelyn.

  “Who exactly will be safe with Dr. Ramsay and her mother?” Nick leaned against the door, his arms crossed over his chest. Nick’s eyes held Madelyn’s gaze.

  Her jaw dropped. Darn. Her throat dry, she couldn’t utter a word. Please, don’t mess up everything, she pleaded with her eyes.

  “The Willis twins. Dr. Ramsay has offered to keep them for three months as a foster mother.”

  “Ah.” Nick stared at Madelyn. “A foster mother,” he repeated slowly as if he’d never heard the words before.

  “About the fees, Dr. Ramsay, we pay—”

  “I’m not taking a penny. Save the money for families in need.”

  “You’ll be a wonderful foster mother, Dr. Ramsay,” Louisa said.

  “I couldn’t agree more.” Nick’s soft voice brought a wetness to Madelyn’s eyes. Thank God, he hadn’t expressed too much shock.

  “By the way, I’m Dr. Nicholas Preston, Director of the Woman’s Clinic.” He held a hand to the social worker who shook it with energy.

  “Louisa Mantay, from the CPS. Happy to meet you, Dr. Preston.” Louisa’s gaze roved with appreciation over Nick’s face, shoulders and chest, and then she stood. “Glad it’s all settled. Dr. Ramsay, I’ll call you in a few days to see if you need anything and I’ll come to check your house. I should do it before you take the babies, but it’s Christmas time and things are hectic now. I’ll keep looking for adoptive parents.”

  “Take your time. No need to work hard over the holiday,” Nick said with his most charming smile. “Liana and Celia will be in good hands and in a lovely home.”

  “Good. You seem to approve of Dr. Ramsay’s new endeavor.” The woman sent him a knowing look and left.

  Nick spun toward Madelyn. “Care to explain what’s going on?” The tilt of his head froze the words in her throat.

  She swallowed and cleared her throat. “You heard. I know you t
hink I’m crazy—”

  “I do. But... You’ll make a wonderful mother, Madelyn. Foster or real.” His smile was so sweet she threw her arms around his neck.

  “Thank you for understanding. It’s only for three months. Now I need to convince Mom.”

  “You sure you want her to come? She’ll interfere with your freedom.” His grimace betrayed his annoyance. “Our time together will be restricted.”

  “Don’t be so sure.” Knowing her Mom’s matchmaking tendency and her desire to see her daughter settled, Madelyn thought she’d have a different problem on her hands. But for the sake of the babies, she’d be willing to take a risk. “Mom is so good with babies. What with five kids and four grandchildren. I’ll call her and then I’ll go shopping for the girls.”

  She stopped in front of the twins’ cribs. “I’ll be back to take you home, sweethearts. A place where you’ll be happy, I promise.”

  Nick touched her shoulder. “Madelyn, I hope you didn’t forget about the boat parade. We have to meet with Howard and Nancy at noon.”

  She froze. “No way. I can’t make it. You go, Nick. Have fun.”

  “Not without you. We’ll stop by the Hughes’ place and then I’ll take you shopping.”

  “Are you sure?” She couldn’t believe Nick would sacrifice a day off to buy things for the twins. “It’s your day off.”

  “Yours too. Let’s go. We’ll make it a fun outing. After we apologize to the Hughes.”

  “We’re taking my car. Yours wouldn’t fit the babies’ stuff.” They rushed to the parking lot.

  “You mind if I drive while you call your mother?”

  As if she couldn’t drive and argue with Mom at the same time. The way she always did it. “Not at all.” Preferring to keep him busy, Madelyn dropped the keys in his hand and settled in the passenger’s seat. While he started the car, she punched the programmed number. “Hi, Mom.”

  “Madelyn? Calling in the middle of the day? Are you sick? Did you have an accident?”

  “Mom, I’m fine, great. I want to ask you a favor. I need you to come here for a week. Right away, tonight or tomorrow.”

  She expected her mother’s gasp, but not the silence that followed. “Madelyn,” Mom uttered slowly. “Do you realize it’s December 15? I’ve started the Christmas cooking and baking.”

  “I know, Mom. But I badly need you to help me with two babies. Twin girls.”

  “When on earth did you manage to have babies?”

  “What? They’re not mine. I...I am keeping them for...”

  “Tell her their mother’s died,” Nick suggested. Unfortunately he didn’t know that Mom’s hearing was super sharp.

  “Madelyn, where are you now?” Mom’s suspicious tone promised more questions soon.

  “In my car. I’m going shopping for the babies before bringing them home.”

  “I heard a man’s voice. Who’s that?”

  “My boss, the director of the clinic.” Frustrated, Madelyn huffed and glanced at Nick. A wide grin brightened his face.

  “Is he the doctor who stole your promotion? You never said he has babies? Is his wife out of the picture?”

  Nick’s laughter burst out loud. If only Mom could lower her voice.

  “No, Mom. They’re not his babies. He’s not even married—”

  “Wonderful.” The word burst like a triumphant hurrah. “I’m coming tonight. Heather will take care of the cooking.”

  By then, Nick’s shoulders were shaking hard with uncontrollable hilarity.

  Madelyn sighed. “Please, let me explain.”

  “No need, sweetheart. Two babies on your hands and a young doctor in your car. Hard to picture. I can understand you badly need help. I’ll book my ticket and call you with the arrival time.”

  With a shrug, Madelyn gave up arguing. Maybe it had been a bad idea to call her mother but she had no choice. She wanted these babies so badly. And Mom hadn’t hesitated to come to her rescue. “Oh Mom, you’re the best.”

  A sniffle filled the line. “You haven’t said that since you left for college. I’m so glad you need me. I love you, darling. Bye.”

  “Bye, Mom.” Madelyn lowered her head and entwined her fingers.

  “Guilt feelings?” Nick covered her hands.

  She nodded. “I’ve been so engrossed in my work and my career, I never realized I hurt her. She’s dropping everything to come. Even her Christmas preparation. She’s never ever done that.”

  “It’s for a good cause,” Nick said with a twitch to his mouth.

  “Yes, taking care of babies.”

  He chuckled. “And checking the young doctor in your car.”

  Madelyn gasped. “You heard the conversation?”

  “Every word of it. Sorry, I couldn’t help it. But don’t worry, we’ll survive.”

  A moment later they stopped in front of their building, rushed to the Hughes’ condo and explained the situation. Always gracious their neighbors said they’d give them a rain check on the outing.

  “I’ll be glad to see Barbara,” Nancy declared. “It’s going to be so much fun taking care of the babies with her. You can count on me to babysit, Madelyn. I’m dying to have grandchildren but our boys are not ready to get married.”

  In front of the elevators, they met Maria Fantano who expressed the same sentiments. She couldn’t wait to spend time with her friend Barbara. “But Madelyn, you should really think about getting married with a serious man and having your own children.” The old lady cast a dirty look at Nick.

  “She doesn’t like me at all,” Nick complained when they rode the elevator. “I hope she doesn’t make your mother hate me.”

  “Don’t worry. Knowing Mom, she’s going to love you.” Madelyn sighed at the vivid picture forming in her mind.

  Was there any hope Mom would abstain from smothering Nick with her affection and lasagna?

  Chapter Eight

  They spent the rest of the afternoon shopping for baby furniture, clothes, toys and knickknacks. While Nick stowed them in the trunk and backseat of her Toyota, Madelyn called various companies to schedule regular deliveries of diapers and ready-made bottles. “I don’t have time to go shopping every week.”

  During the next two hours they organized a baby area in her bedroom. She was glad he’d insisted on helping her. He’d assembled the bassinettes, swings, twin-stroller, and chests while Madelyn washed the new clothes and sheets, filled the drawers, and set the bottles on the kitchen counter.

  “What if they cry at night and you have to work the next day? You need your rest,” Nick reminded her with concern.

  “I’m sure Mom won’t mind staying with them at night. I’ll sleep in the guestroom when I’m working the next morning.”

  “Time for a break.” In the kitchen, Nick filled two glasses of lemonade. “Do you want to eat now, or just grab a snack with your medicine, and wait to have dinner with your Mom?”

  “We’ll wait for her.” She cut French bread, cheese, and tomatoes. “Help yourself.”

  By six, they were finally done. “Where’s your Christmas tree?” Nick asked.

  “Under the bed.” She bent and slid the plastic box out. “I usually put it in the living room.”

  “It’s a small one. We better put it here in front of the cribs. The babies will love to look at the twinkling lights.” He opened a folding table and set the tree on it, then moved it to a strategic place and inserted the plug in a nearby connector.

  “How pretty. They’ll have their own little tree.” Madelyn crossed her hands on her chest. “I love this room. It’s so beautiful.” Happiness sang in her heart. “If it wasn’t late, I would have rushed to the hospital to bring Celia and Liana home now.”

  He considered her for a moment. “No hospital rule mentions you can’t discharge a patient at night. That is, if you can find a doctor willing to do it that late.” He chuckled. “No problem for us. We have the doctor to fill the discharge forms. And the director to approve it, although it’s not necessa
ry.”

  “Yes, let’s bring them home. Oh Nick, you’re the best director. Thanks for all your help. I wouldn’t have managed without you.” Afraid to be overwhelmed with emotion, she bit her lip.

  “I’m sure you would have done great. But I’m glad you accepted my help. It was so much fun...no, not exactly fun but...” He paused as if searching for the right word. “I don’t know how to express it. I really enjoyed shopping for and assembling these baby things.”

  A strange longing glimmered in his eyes as he surveyed the room. The same longing that filled her heart as she folded the baby clothes. Would he try the foster father experience at her side?

  “We can go to the clinic after we pick up your mom.” All day long, he’d helped her and he’d also thought about the extra things that would make her happy.

  “That would be wonderful, Nick. Thank you so much.” She threw her arms around his neck and kissed him.

  Sure enough his arms closed around her. He deepened their kiss and she forgot the world...until he pulled away. “We have to leave now.”

  She eased out of his embrace and swallowed her medicines.

  With the new dose and her lighter schedule, she hadn’t had any symptoms in the last five days. Nick’s continuous attentions contributed to her new well-being. And now with the babies living with her, she hoped her health would continue to improve.

  ****

  Nick watched Madelyn run toward her mother. Although on the heavy side and slightly shorter than Madelyn, Barbara Ramsay had her daughter’s lovely features and green eyes, framed by short blond hair perfectly styled. She hugged and kissed and patted her daughter as if she hadn’t seen her in ages.

  “When do I get to meet the babies and the doctor?” Barbara’s eyes scanned the airport impatiently. Nick took a step toward them.

  “Mom, Nick Preston, my boss at the clinic.”

  “Ah, you came all the way to the airport.” Visibly pleased, she cast a knowing look at her daughter, and then opened her arms to Nick. He bent and kissed her on the cheek. Barbara beamed. “Nice to meet you, Nick.”

  “Let me have these.” He grabbed both the carryon and the huge bag she’d dropped on the floor to hug Madelyn.