Playboy Doctor to Doting Dad (16 page)

Her eyes widened. ‘You are?’

‘Absolutely. Under the circumstances I wouldn’t have told me either. I can only blame myself for what I’ve missed out on.’

It was disconcerting, the way she studied him. Then her lips slowly spread into a smile. ‘That’s the best Christmas present I could have wished for.’

‘Here, get that into you.’ Abby handed Kieran a mug of coffee. She felt good this morning after a really good sleep. Kieran’s apology had wiped away a lot of tension. ‘It might make you feel less rough at such an early start.’

‘Being tickled awake at five-forty in the morning is certainly a new experience. Why didn’t we think of drugging these two last night?’ He winked.

Despite his beleaguered expression Kieran looked totally at home. Olivia and Seamus were tucked one each side of him in the pullout bed. Bulging red velvet stockings were strewn over his feet. Abby’s heart did a roll. If only this particular Christmas wouldn’t be a one-off. If only they were a real family.

Kieran grinned up at her. ‘I didn’t have a clue what I was in for when I decided to camp here for the night. Is Christmas morning always like this?’

‘Yes. Last year Seamus was too young to understand but Olivia and I certainly made up for him. We got excited about what Santa had brought her.’

‘Can I open Santa’s presents now?’ Olivia demanded. ‘Uncle Kieran said we had to wait for you.’

‘Of course you can.’ Abby raised an eyebrow at Kieran. ‘Just how did you manage to keep these two in check?’

‘You don’t want to know. Ouch.’ Olivia’s elbow connected with Kieran’s midriff as she clambered over him to reach her stocking.

A loud knocking on the back door was quickly followed by her father calling out, ‘I’ve come to join in the fun.’

‘Do you think we could postpone the party.’ Kieran raised two fingers on each hand to indicate brackets ‘.until I’ve got up from bed and into my jeans?’

‘You’ll have to be quick,’ Abby laughed. Then her mouth dried.

Kieran had tossed the sheet back and was clambering out, carefully avoiding children and stockings. Dressed in boxers and a T-shirt, he was sight enough to make her temporarily forget all about Christmas. Wow. As his jeans slid up his thighs she knew she should look away but her eyes seemed to have lost the ability to rotate in their sockets.

‘Merry Christmas, everyone.’ Her father spoke from some distant planet.

‘Granpa,’ Olivia squealed, and charged him, Seamus toddling right behind her.

Thankful for the interruption, Abby finally managed to drag her recalcitrant eyes away from Kieran and go and hug her father. ‘Merry Christmas to you, Dad.’

He squeezed her back before swinging Olivia up into his arms for a big hug.

Then Kieran was at Abby’s side, slipping a soft kiss onto her cheek. ‘Where’s my Christmas hug, huh?’ A second silky kiss brushed her now warm cheek. ‘Happy Christmas, Abby.’

She turned her head. Big mistake. Her mouth brushed his. Mumbling some silly reply, she jerked away and dashed into the kitchen to make a coffee for her dad.

Fidgeting with the mug and teaspoon as she waited for the water to boil, she stared out into the orchard. The apricots were ripening fast now, their golden colour bright in the early morning light. Or did everything out there look brighter than normal? Yes, even the sky held a depth of blue
she’d never noticed this early in the morning before. Had her eyesight changed overnight? It was as though someone had gone around with a paintbrush making everything much more vibrant than usual.

‘You going to stir the bottom out of that mug?’ her father asked from behind her.

She jumped guiltily. ‘Sorry, daydreaming.’ And her eyes went in search of Kieran, who was folding away the sheets and turning his bed back into a couch.

‘So I see,’ her father murmured. ‘About our Irishman, I presume.’

‘Shh, Dad.’ Abby jerked her head up. ‘The man’s got a good set of ears.’

‘Relax, he’s busy tidying himself up. Maybe for you.’ Her father actually winked at her.

‘Don’t even begin to think like that,’ she growled, and poured the water over the coffee granules.

‘Why not? I like the idea.’ Max put Olivia down and lifted Seamus up for his hug. ‘I bet these two would, too.’

She shook her head at her crazy father. ‘It’s not going to happen.’ And with a deliberate shrug she added softly, ‘Let’s get on with opening presents. I doubt Olivia can hold out much longer.’

While the adults sipped their hot drinks Seamus and Olivia got busy. Seamus upended his stocking before delving into the treasure trove of treats and small toys, while Olivia removed and opened each present singly, checking it out before dipping in for another.

Abby focused her attention on them, trying not to watch Kieran as he took delight in the children’s excitement. But she did chuckle when he said, ‘I can’t believe how much fun there is in something as ordinary as a colouring book.’

‘I should’ve got you one.’

‘You didn’t? Damn, there go my plans for the morning.’

Max got down on his knees and reached under the decorated tree. ‘It’s about time the adults got something to unwrap.’ Picking up a brightly wrapped parcel, he passed it to Seamus. ‘Want to give that to Mum, little man?’

Apparently not, if the determined look on her son’s face was anything to go by. In a very short while he’d got the hang of tearing wrapping paper off his parcels and this one would be no exception. Except Kieran gently helped him hand the present to Abby.

Abby leaned over and placed a kiss on Seamus’s soft face. ‘Thank you, sweetheart.’ And then she tore the paper off a book she’d been hoping to get.

For a while the cottage was filled with happy discoveries and cries of pleasure as everyone unwrapped gifts. Finally Abby handed Kieran a parcel. ‘I hope you enjoy your first New Zealand Christmas, Kieran.’ And she kissed his chin. First New Zealand Christmas? Did she think there’d be more? She certainly hoped so.

He chuckled at the dictionary of Kiwi slang. Then his face changed, became still when he turned over the photos of Seamus and Olivia in hand-carved wooden frames. She’d had the photos taken in the orchard by a professional photographer who specialised in children.

When he finally raised his head Abby thought she saw tears glinting in the corners of his eyes. ‘They’re beautiful.’ Kieran leaned across and wrapped his arms around her. ‘Thank you. I’ll treasure these photos for ever.’

Abby slid out of his arms and stood up. ‘Time to cook the pancakes.’ Time to put a halt to the heat stealing through her.

‘After you’ve opened this.’

She stared at the small package nestled in Kieran’s large hand. ‘You already bought me a lounge suite.’

‘No, that’s for the house. This is for you.’

Her fingers shook as she tugged at the tiny gold-coloured silk bow. Why had he bought her something else? Say what he liked, the lounge suite was for her. As she lifted the lid of the jewellery box she felt barely able to contain herself. Just like the kids minutes earlier. Lying on red satin were the most beautiful pair of gold filigree earrings and a matching neck chain.

She gasped. ‘They’re stunning. So delicate. So intricate.’ Too good for her. But already she was lifting one earring out and slipping it in place.

‘Perfect.’ Kieran sounded smug. ‘I knew they’d suit you.’

Her eyebrows rose as she stared at him. He was so sure of himself at times it was hard to believe the same man could feel uncomfortable with the children. What a mix he was. An intriguing mix. Sudden emotion engulfed her, blocked her breathing. Pushing the second earring through her earlobe she muttered, ‘I need a mirror,’ and dashed to the bathroom before he could see her inexplicable tears.

Of course he followed her. ‘Abby? What’s wrong?’

Shaking her head, she dredged up a smile. ‘Nothing, it’s just that I’m not used to anything as beautiful as these.’

‘Here, let me help you with the chain.’ He lifted it from the box and placed it around her throat, his fingers caressing her skin.

The throat that could no longer swallow for all the emotion stuck there. Why had he done this? Didn’t he know how difficult he made it for her to stay uninvolved with him? Because of a piece of jewellery? No, because he’d gone to the trouble to find her something so lovely.

‘Th-thank you,’ she stuttered, and stepped closer to the mirror to put space between them. ‘For these, and for—. Oh, I don’t know, just for everything.’ A tear slid down her cheek.

‘Hey …’ His thumb traced the damp track. ‘This is supposed to be a joyous occasion.’

‘These are happy tears,’ she tried to assure him. But she was the one who needed the reassurance. Whatever she needed, first she’d take a shower, put some decent clothes on. Then there were plenty of things that had to be done before everyone started arriving.

Kieran looked unconvinced, but at least he backed out of the tiny room when she flicked the shower tap on. ‘I’ll start on those pancakes,’ he said.

‘There’s no need. I’ll do them.’

One long stride and he was back before her. ‘This is your day, too, and I’ll help all I can.’ Then he placed another of those soft, soul-clenching kisses on her cheek, before closing the door behind him on his way out.

Abby’s fingers touched the spot his lips had caressed, and a silly smile lifted her lips. Like a child, she didn’t want to wash her cheek. Catching a glimpse of her goofy smile in the mirror, she laughed. She would put on the new dress Steph had given her two days ago for Christmas. She hadn’t been going to wear the gorgeous emerald sun frock that made her feel so feminine. It fitted too well, showed all the curves and bumps that she usually tried hard to hide. But right now she felt she could handle it. Today she wanted to look her best. A T-shirt didn’t do Kieran’s necklace and earrings justice. Her decision had nothing to do with Kieran. Nothing at all.

Yeah, right.

Kieran was whistling as he made his way into the A and E department two mornings later. He felt damned good, so wonderful, in fact, he’d even been for a run around the waterfront earlier. His first run in weeks.

‘What are you on?’ Barbara quipped as he dropped down onto a chair beside her.

‘Not sure but whatever it is, it needs bottling.’ He grinned at the nurse. The Brown family and the way they had accepted him as one of them had something to do with his mood. Abby had her role, too. Had her role?
Red alert, boyo. Abby is the cause of this happiness.

Somehow, despite all his determination to the contrary, he’d let Abby in. Into his lungs. Into his head, his muscles. Into his heart. A soft sigh slid over his lips. Abby. He adored her.

Shouldn’t he be panicking? Shouldn’t he be leaping up and stomping on the idea that she’d won him over? What if these feelings for her developed further? That would mean breaking his lifelong vow never to get involved with a woman.

Yeah? So? Things change. People change. I’ve changed. Because of Abby.

Where was she anyway? Running late, as usual? What the heck, they’d manage until she got here. She’d probably slept in, exhausted after Christmas and all the effort she’d put in to making it a wonderful day for everyone.

He reached for the patient notes. ‘Who’s first?’

As he read the file his heart sank. His fantastic mood wiped out in an instant.

‘Sorry I’m late. The car wouldn’t start.’ Abby sounded breathless as she flew into the department, all smiles. ‘How’s everyone? Did you all have a great day?’

That car was a problem, Kieran thought fleetingly as he stood up. He’d do something about it soon. But right now there was another problem. ‘Abby, come with me.’

‘Sure. What have we got?’ She fell into step beside him.

‘Young Joey’s back.’ His jaw clenched. ‘This time with a suspected dislocated collarbone.’

‘What happened?’ Kieran asked Joey’s mother.

‘He got swung around by his arm yesterday.’

‘Yesterday? Why didn’t you bring him in immediately?’
If they’d been able to treat Joey’s shoulder then, it would’ve been a simple matter of manoeuvring the joint into place. Now surgery was very likely.

‘Had to wait until the booze made his dad fall asleep.’

Kieran felt the heat of anger as it gripped him. Anger at the thug who’d done this to his family. The man Joey should be able to trust to protect him. A picture of Seamus smiling as he tore open his Christmas presents blasted into Kieran’s head. Never in this lifetime could he understand anyone doing something like this to their child.

Until now he’d always thought his loveless, sterile childhood had been horrible, but it had been a picnic compared to what this little boy suffered. It was time he got over feeling sorry for himself. At least those two little rascals he thought of as his would never suffer physical harm. Not with Abby for their mother. Or him for their father.

A light touch on his shoulder, a gentle nudge at his waist. He glanced around. Abby. Warning him to take it easy. Telling him she was right there with him, that she knew and understood his feelings. Warmth seeped into his muscles, began unravelling the knots. They were on the same side. She was so right. Joey needed his medical skills, not his rage.

‘Y
OU
look gorgeous.’ Steph grinned at Abby’s reflection in the mirror as she peered over her sister’s shoulder. ‘I’m really glad you borrowed a dress for tonight.’

‘If I couldn’t ask you for help with clothes, then who could I ask? You are the clotheshorse of the family.’ Abby laughed nervously at her image. This dress wasn’t quite what she’d had in mind. The traffic-light-red suited her, but. ‘You really think wearing a figure-hugging sheath suits me? What about my bumpy bits?’ She touched her stomach, stared at her breasts.

‘Suit you? It was made for you. Where’re those earrings Kieran gave you? They’ll finish the look perfectly.’

There was that word again. Perfect. Kieran had said that on Christmas morning when she’d first worn the amazing jewellery. Perfect didn’t usually mix with her. But maybe she had scrubbed up okay tonight. She twisted around, trying to stare at her bottom. ‘You’re sure I have to wear the G-string?’