Free One Night with the Doctor by Cindy Kirk

admitted, then grudgingly added, “and excited. That probably sounds crazy considering I’m on my own here, but I never thought I’d be able to have a baby.”
    “Conflicting emotions are to be expected.”
    Poppy gave a little laugh. “It must be my upbringing but I keep waiting for you to do the shocked voice and ask me what was I thinking?”
    “That’s for your mother.” Travis shifted in his chair. “Besides, I’d be the last person to lay that on you.”
    She cast him a curious glance.
    “Several years ago Mary Karen and I found ourselves in the same situation you’re in right now.”
    “She was pregnant when you married?”
    He nodded. “With twins. I’d always thought I didn’t want children.”
    She thought of his patience with the five rambunctious kids under his roof. Of the love in his eyes when his gaze settled on his children, his wife. “You’re so good with them.”
    “Marrying Mary Karen and becoming a dad were the best things that ever happened to me.” He looked Poppy square in the eye. “What about your baby’s father? Where does he fit in this picture?”
    Poppy shifted in her seat. “He doesn’t know.”
    “Is he aware pregnancy is a possibility?” The kindness in Travis’s voice brought back the threatening tears.
    Poppy started to shake her head then stopped, remembering Ben’s phone message. “We haven’t been together since...in a while.”
    He stared at her for a long moment. She wondered if Travis suspected it was Ben they were discussing.
    “Do you know what you’re going to do?” He spoke casually, as if they were simply talking over a glass of wine or cup of coffee.
    “Do about what?”
    “About the baby.” Travis’s eyes never left her face. “You have options.”
    The underlying question didn’t initially register. When it did, her hand moved protectively to her flat belly. “I don’t want an abortion if that’s what you’re asking.”
    Hot fury filled her voice.
    “That’s one option,” Travis said easily. “But I was speaking more of adoption. There are lots of couples looking for a baby to love.”
    Maybe so, Poppy thought, but in her heart she knew that no one could love this child more than she would. “That’s not an option, either. I want this child.”
    “You’ll be a excellent mother.” Travis gave her shoulder a gentle squeeze. He went on to explain what she could expect in the upcoming months, both in terms of office visits and in bodily changes. As if he understood how hard she pushed herself, he emphasized the importance of proper rest.
    “This is so surreal.” Emotion welled up and this time she couldn’t stop the tears. She brushed them back, smiling a bit soggily when Travis handed her a tissue.
    “I’m going to have a baby.” Poppy heard the wonder in her voice. “And I’m happy about it, Travis. Given the circumstances that might seem strange to some people...”
    Poppy’s voice trailed off as she thought of her parents.
    In her family love came first, then marriage, then babies. But they’d adjust and they’d be supportive. Ben’s reaction was the unknown.
    Pushing to her feet, Poppy stood, her heart pounding so hard she felt light-headed.
    “A new life is a cause for celebration.” Travis rose and extended his hand, clasping hers warmly. “Let me be the first to offer you congratulations.”
    Poppy blinked back tears and smiled. “Thank you, Travis.”
    Her phone rang as she left the clinic. When she saw the name on the readout, Poppy realized it was time to take Benedict Campbell’s call.

Chapter Seven
    B en cranked the volume up on his car stereo, enjoying the pulsating beat. The sun was shining, the day unusually warm for April and he would be seeing Poppy soon.
    He’d planned to go alone to the housewarming at Mitzi’s new condo, but at the last minute had reached out to Poppy one more time. Not only had she accepted his invitation, she’d told him she was happy he’d called.
    The relief that had