Chapter One
Dr. Nora Kendall was in no mood for a wedding. Not for mentally reliving her own and not for pasting a smile on her face as she sat through somebody else’s, even though she truly wished them well. Her wedding, which lay five years in the past, had been a stunning ceremony at a hilltop mansion with a couture gown and custom everything. That magical event had been followed by bouquets filling every room on Valentine’s Day and diamond jewelry each year as her birthdays advanced toward the midthirties. For the holidays, she could always count on tickets to a surprise destination – Paris, Montreal, Fiji, Shanghai. Talk about your surprise destination. She hadn’t seen the divorce coming. Today’s wedding was far simpler than hers. And, in retrospect, probably a lot more heartfelt than Nora’s had been. She’d been earnest enough, but Reese – well, she still couldn’t figure out how she’d failed to see what a louse he was. She supposed that, given the unhappy memories being stirred up, she should have declined today’s invitation. Still, she truly was glad to witness the simple church ceremony between Tony Franco, the staff attorney at Safe Harbor Medical Center where she worked, and bride Kate Evans. They gazed deeply into each other’s eyes while speaking their vows. Couldn’t stop smiling at each other. Chuckled when Kate’s six-year-old son, Brady, dropped the ring as he tried to hand it to his new father, and kept sneaking loving glances at their baby daughter, cradled in the arms of the best man. That was Tony’s brother, Leo. A police officer, Nora had heard. Or maybe this wasn’t really Leo at all and they’d hired the guy from some casting office in Hollywood, an hour’s drive up the freeway. Thick light-brown hair, intense gray eyes, the athletic stance of a man who felt completely comfortable in his own body. The best part was the loving way he rocked his infant niece. The minister broke into her thoughts. Beaming at the gathering, he announced, “It is my honor to present to you Mr. and Mrs. Tony Franco.” Cheers arose from the guests. Kate and Tony glowed as they nearly skipped down the aisle on their way to a well-deserved happy ending. Nora might have pretty much given up on expecting one of those for herself, but she still took pleasure in her friends’ happiness. At least, she tried to. But did the best man have to pass inches away from her, with the adorable infant gurgling in the crook of his arm? The sweet scent of baby powder twisted Nora’s heart with longing. She must be nuts. She held newborns every day, gently assisting them into the world, reassuring their mothers, sometimes performing life-saving surgery. That was her job and her passion. But there was something about a wedding and a baby that awoke longings she’d tried hard to suppress. Nora ducked her head to hide the tears. ¨ ¨ ¨ The kids made it all worthwhile for Leo: the uncomfortable suit, the endless posing for photographs, and the job of coordinating the bridal party’s transportation beneath a glowering February sky en route to the reception at Tony’s house. Brady was a cute little guy, and as for three-month-old Tara, she’d won Leo’s adoration from the moment he first saw his niece. He’d been honored when his brother and new sister-in-law asked him to supervise the kids today. Under other circumstances, Kate’s sister Mary Beth, who was matron of honor, would have done kid duty, but she was pregnant and tired easily. No sooner had they reached Tony and Kate’s sprawling, Mediterranean-style house overlooking the harbor than Brady and a couple of cousins dashed to the playroom upstairs. As Leo had hoped, there proved to be plenty of willing volunteers to hold Tara. That left him free to enjoy the buffet. Being a bachelor uncle was the best of both worlds. All the same, he wished the best man didn’t have to stick around to the end. Socializing in a tuxedo wasn’t Leo’s style. While the guest list included some down-to-earth friends from Kate’s days as a hairdresser, there were also far too many smooth-talking doctors, attorneys and city movers and shakers. Exactly the kind of self-centered friends his and Tony’s parents used to cultivate. Leo was finishing a crab cake when a masculine hand clapped him on the back. Good thing he’d emptied his plate or he’d have spilled seafood down a nearby matron’s dress. “Congratulations!” boomed a masculine voice. “Thanks.” Setting the plate aside, he took in the older man’s heavy jowls and designer suit, and a name clicked into place. Roy Hightower, real estate broker and city council member. His first term many years ago had briefly overlapped Dad’s tenure as mayor. “Your brother has a beautiful home,” added Mrs. Hightower, a slender woman he guessed to be in her early fifties but who’d been surgically rejuvenated to a perpetual thirty-something. “Yes, he does.” Leo riffled through his mental catalog for her name. Gina? Jenna? He strove to keep track of such details. In police work you never knew what information might come in handy. “Are you a lawyer like your brother?” asked Mrs. Hightower. Leo preferred not to disclose his occupation to people he didn’t know well. But then, they were friends of the family. “Police officer.” As the Hightowers absorbed the information, he hoped he wouldn’t have to field the usual complaints about traffic tickets. A city council member ought to know that the police didn’t make the rules. Roy cleared his throat. “Here in Safe Harbor?” Leo gave a nod, but turned that into a headshake to a waiter offering champagne. He limited his alcohol consumption whenever he planned to be driving. The Hightowers each accepted a glass, and Roy raised his. “Here’s to our men and women in blue. The rest of us rely on you to protect our lives and property.” It sounded like a campaign speech. Still, Leo appreciated the sentiment. “What does that mean, exactly – police officer?” asked Gina/Jenna. “Is that like a sergeant or a lieutenant?” The inexact comparison to military ranks confused a lot of people, Leo had learned. “All sworn policemen and women are officers of the law. We’re supervised by sergeants, lieutenants, and captains. Some large departments have the rank of commander as well.” “No majors or generals?” Roy joked. “In Safe Harbor, the only person above a captain is the police chief, as I’m sure you’re aware, sir.” There, Leo hoped they’d finished with that subject. Although he’d been studying for the department’s promotional exam to become a detective, he saw no reason to mention his ambitions. “If you aren’t one of those higher ranks, does that mean you’re like a private in the army?” asked Mrs. Hightower, her shrill voice carrying above the chatter of the other guests. People glanced their way. A couple of eyebrows lifted. He could have sworn one woman’s nostrils flared in distaste, but that might have been his imagination. “Sometimes it feels like it,” Leo said. “Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m neglecting my responsibilities as best man.” With what he hoped passed for a polite smile, he escaped into the throng. From the dining room, he made his way through large, open rooms, trying to catch sight of his brother. It was time for the obligatory toasts, and Leo meant to do the family proud. He’d practiced his short speech on his patrol partner, not that she’d been much help. Patty’s idea of a major social event was eating bratwurst with her buddies while cheering a football game on TV. Near the foot of a curving staircase, he saw the blonde he’d noticed at church. With long hair draped across her shoulders and her green eyes wide, she looked lost and vulnerable, as if she’d wandered into the wrong house, except it seemed unlikely she’d also wandered into the wrong church. Leo was admiring the curves beneath the silky, deep-rose dress when her gaze met his. He caught his breath. She was unbelievably gorgeous. Some rich older guy’s trophy wife? But no ring, he noted. Then she flicked him a mischievous grin, and suddenly she seemed like the girl next door. “Are you sure you aren’t from Central Casting?” “Excuse me?” He strolled closer. She made a face at her champagne glass. “I think I’ve had too many of these.” “I’m not a waiter, if that’s what you were thinking.” In this tux, it would be an understandable mistake. “No, you’re the best man. I’m Nora. I work at the medical center.” Obviously, she’d seen him at the wedding, too. Leo didn’t usually make slips like that, except around striking, very feminine blondes who seemed in need of a strong shoulder to lean on. And who, unfortunately, no doubt expected to be showered with gifts and entertained at expensive restaurants. Such had been his experience in a series of disappointing relationships, as Patty was fond of reminding him, usually with an elbow poke to the ribs and raucous laughter at Leo’s expense. Well, his partner wasn’t here today. Lucky for him. “You look beautiful in that dress,” he blurted. “I suppose you know that.” Great pickup line, Leo. “Oh, I’m not nearly as pretty as people think I am.” She blinked. “That didn’t come out right.” If she imagined she was anything less than stunning, Leo felt obliged to correct the error. But he didn’t get the chance, because here came a couple in their thirties for whom a mental check turned up the names Kirk and Rosemary Peterson. She and Kate had met at the obstetrician’s office, he recalled. Her husband, who’d been swapping new-father stories with Tony when Leo met him a few weeks ago, was an architect. “Beautiful wedding,” Rosemary told Leo. “You did a fantastic job of keeping the baby quiet during the ceremony.” “My niece has a sweet nature,” he replied. “Also, I drugged her.” A free, open laugh burst out of Nora. No giggling behind her hand, Leo was glad to see. “I’ve been tempted to do that a few nights myself,” Kirk admitted. To Nora, he explained, “We have a three-month-old son. By the way, I’m Kirk Peterson and this is my wife, Rosemary.” His wife shifted uncomfortably. “Kirk, you remember Dr. Kendall. She’s Reese’s…” Dr. Kendall. Well, she had said she worked at the hospital. “Oh, right.” Kirk snapped his fingers. “Congratulations. You and Reese must be thrilled.” Nora frowned. “I’m not sure thrilled is the word I’d use.” “Hey, we’re experts on morning sickness and backaches and all that stuff, but it’s worth it,” Kirk enthused. “I beg your pardon?” Rosemary grabbed her husband’s arm. “Honey, Nora is Reese’s ex-wife. She’s not the one who’s pregnant.” Understanding dawned on his face. “Oops. Guess I’m a little off base there. Sorry.” Nora didn’t answer. Her jaw had dropped. Clearly, she’d had no idea her former husband and his new wife were expecting. Tension snapped through the air like a nest of live wires. Attractive as he found this lady, Leo didn’t need a woman still torn up about her divorce. “I’m about to propose a toast. I’ll catch you folks later.” He seized the chance to make his getaway. The Petersons beat a hasty retreat as well. As for Dr. Nora Kendall, she stood stone still by the stairs, lips quivering. She looked more in need than ever of a shoulder to cry on, Leo thought, and wished he weren’t so tempted to offer his. ¨ ¨ ¨ What a time and place to learn about the ultimate betrayal. “Babies are great, honey, but don’t you see enough of them in the delivery room?” That had been one of Reese’s typical answers whenever Nora had reminded him of their longstanding agreement to have a child. Or: “I’d hate to lose the romance in our marriage. Don’t you like being able to make love whenever we want? And simply be best friends?” Best friends didn’t cheat and break each other’s hearts. Had she been naïve, foolish or simply stupid to think a smashingly handsome man with a taste for power could also be faithful and tender till death did them part? Now Persia was pregnant. An exotic woman with the figure of a fashion model, a face worthy of a magazine cover and a birthday cake with a third fewer candles on it than Nora’s, she’d not only stolen her husband but her dreams of a baby, too. Envy was corrosive, Nora reminded herself. The same went for furious resentment and nasty sarcasm. What did that leave? She considered a platter of petits fours, chocolate-dipped strawberries and miniature pastries arrayed on an end table. Gluttony, that’s what it left. She had barely reached for a strawberry, though, when down the stairs whisked the bride, clad in a cocktail dress and clutching baby Tara. “Dr. Kendall! Would you do me a huge favor?” Without waiting for a response, she transferred the infant into Nora’s arms. “I was breastfeeding when Tony called to say they’re starting the toasts and … oh, thank you!” Off she rushed. “Happy to,” Nora told the retreating figure. Gingerly, she lifted the infant to her shoulder and inhaled that precious baby scent. It reminded her, strangely, of Leo. She pictured his leashed power as he strolled up the aisle holding the infant. No wonder she’d felt a spark when he approached a few minutes ago. Too bad the Petersons had interrupted … good heavens, he’d witnessed that whole awkward scene about Reese. Wouldn’t you know it? She’d melted down in front of the first man who’d aroused even a speck of interest since her divorce. Not much chance of correcting that bad impression. The guy must consider her a basket case. She was drowning her sorrow in chocolate – not easy while juggling a baby – when she heard Leo’s voice echo through the house. “My brother and I haven’t always been as close as we are now. It took this wonderful woman, my new sister Kate, to bring us together.” Unable to resist seeing him again, Nora followed his mellow baritone into the living room to join a cheerful throng of the newlyweds’ family and friends. By the fireplace stood two tall men, both clad in black-and-white formal wear that put her in mind of a classic James Bond movie. Leo wore a tux with more panache than his brother, in her opinion. Something about him seemed especially sexy to Nora, at least after three glasses of champagne. “I wasn’t too crazy about my first sister-in-law,” Leo went on, draping one arm around his brother. “But we won’t talk about her today.” Good choice. While Nora had only met Esther a few times, the whole hospital had buzzed when she dumped her husband and job as a county prosecutor for a high-power career in the U.S. Attorney’s office in Washington, D.C. Not only had Esther refused to take her husband along to share her new life, she’d also abandoned the baby they’d conceived with the help of a surrogate mother. Kate had been only a few months from delivering Tara, who was in fact her own biological child. Speaking of Tara, she’d just produced a loud burp. Nearby, several guests smiled, while another glared, apparently under the impression that this was some rude visiting baby. Unfortunately, the burp brought up more than air, spreading a large wet spot across Nora’s shoulder. While she was trying to figure out what to do about it, she noticed grunting that signaled further action below. Well, great. Things like this, she felt fairly certain, never happened to the exquisite Persia. Although there might be hope for the future. Around her, people were raising their glasses. Dimly, Nora realized the toast was reaching its climax. “…the most dynamic power couple in Safe Harbor, because their power comes from love. To my brother and the wonderful woman he’s brought into our family. To Kate and Tony.” Clinking, cheering. Nora would have joined in if she’d had a free hand to hold a glass. Next to take the floor or, rather, the hearth was the hospital administrator, Dr. Mark Rayburn, who’d also wed recently. “I’ll keep this short. Marriage is great and it couldn’t happen to two nicer people. To Tony and Kate.” More cheering and clinking. Nora could feel the dampness seeping through her dress and the camisole beneath it. She considered handing the baby to some unsuspecting woman, but her conscience wouldn’t allow it. The next to salute the happy couple was Mark’s pediatrician wife, whose advocacy for needy women and children had won her the nickname Fightin’ Sam. “Enough of these weak-kneed toasts,” announced Dr. Samantha Forrest. “Let’s hear it for Kate and Tony. Hip hip hooray!” She led the crowd through two more repetitions of “Hip hip hooray!,” each louder than the last. At the climax, the baby started to cry, not a loud wail that might have summoned her parents but a soft hiccupping noise that wrenched at Nora. “Okay, sweetheart. Let’s see where…” She turned, to find her path blocked by a sturdy masculine body. Shiny black jacket, formal white shirt and, instead of a puny bow tie, a teal necktie that matched the bridal colors. Also, she noticed a hint of darkness beneath the strong line of his jaw where a beard threatened to make its appearance. “You missed a spot when you shaved,” she said. He barely twitched, although anyone else would have felt his jaw. “Is that so? Well, you didn’t miss a spot, I’m sorry to say.” “Is it that obvious?” She adjusted the baby, whose little shape she’d hoped would hide the damage. “I had a great view of the entire proceeding.” Leo’s nose wrinkled. “Is that what I think it is?” Around them, people were edging away. “Afraid so.” “Do you know how to change a diaper?” he asked. “I’m an obstetrician. I think I can figure it out.” Technically, that ought to be his job as supervising uncle, but his wary expression indicated he’d do it only if absolutely necessary. He grinned. “I’m glad you’re an expert.” “Where’s the changing table?” “I’ll show you.” When Leo took her elbow, his large hand seemed to envelope her entire arm. With her knees on the verge of liquefying from all the champagne, Nora appreciated the support. On the second floor, the chatter of childish voices drifted from a nearby room. When she peeked in, Nora saw Brady and a couple of other boys seated in front of a screen, battling it out on a videogame. “Tony and Kate usually restrict use of the game console, but things are a little relaxed today,” Leo told her. Into the playroom, he called, “Hey, guys, did you get something to eat?” “Yeah!” they chorused, and went on playing. A loud rumbling seemed to emanate from overhead. “Their speaker system is kind of loud,” Nora observed as they continued down the hall. Leo laughed. “That isn’t the game. It’s raining. Hard.” As if for emphasis, a squall hit the roof with the patter of tiny hailstones. Having grown up in the Southern California town of Santa Barbara a few hours’ drive to the north, Nora rarely listened to weather reports, even in February, so she hadn’t expected this. “That’s fierce.” “It’s supposed to taper off soon.” She should have paid attention to those steely clouds on the drive over, and skipped the champagne. An unusually heavy storm could transform low-lying Safe Harbor into an obstacle course of flooded intersections and downed branches. In her current state, she wasn’t looking forward to navigating the few miles to her condo. As she stepped into the nursery, Nora forgot her concern. On the far wall, soft colors created a magical forest, where a shy dragon peered from behind a tree and fairies flitted between the trunks. “How charming.” “Changing table’s over there.” Leo indicated a chest of drawers topped by a padded surface. Beside it hung a cloth diaper stacker. If Nora had a nursery, she’d decorate it like this: an enchanting cloudlike mobile above the crib, an old-fashioned rocking chair for soothing a fussy baby, and a shelf full of picture books with teddy bears peering out here and there. With a sigh, she laid the baby on the pad and set to work. Leaning against the wall, Leo watched, his warm expression heightening the bubbly sensation in her veins. “You have slender hands. Very graceful.” What an unusual thing to notice. “A surgeon’s hands have to be steady.” “I’ll bet you can do a lot of things with those hands,” he murmured. A delicious shiver ran up Nora’s spine. She felt suddenly desirable, not at all like a woman who usually clipped back her hair and hid her figure beneath a white coat. Or like a wife whose husband preferred a younger, sexier replacement. Overhead, another gust of rain hit the roof. The room felt isolated, far from the wedding party downstairs. Intimate and inviting. She bent to her work. “I deliver a lot of babies with these hands.” “Ever get tired of it?” “Never.” He loosened his necktie. “Whenever I visit someone at the hospital, I can’t seem to resist stopping by the nursery. Those little guys are cute.” “You’ll make a great father.” When he didn’t answer, Nora glanced up to see his mouth twist. “Did I say something wrong?” “Only that I’m nowhere near ready to be a dad,” Leo responded pleasantly. “But I’m game to practice if you are.” His half-expectant, half-humorous air stirred a flood of heat. Nora hadn’t felt a man’s touch in far too long. Was Leo just kidding around or seriously trying to seduce her? And if he was, did she want to take him up on it? She’d felt a tug of longing from the first moment she saw him. But he was a little too good looking, too quick with a smooth line. On the table, the baby yawned. “Time for a nap.” Carefully, Nora lifted her and moved to the crib. “I guess we should let her parents know she’s up here.” “I’ll do that,” Leo assured her. She hadn’t given him an answer. But he probably didn’t expect one and, besides, her soiled dress felt sticky. “I’ll go wash my hands and see if I can get out this spot.” “Thanks for handling diaper detail.” “No problem.” When she emerged from the bathroom a few minutes later, she wasn’t surprised to find that Leo had disappeared. That was no doubt the last she’d see of him except across a room, Nora reflected with a pang. Even though she knew perfectly well she’d have regretted yielding to impulse, she wished she could be sure she’d get another chance.
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