Free Starting Now by Debbie Macomber Page A

demanded. “The minute I mentioned his name you tensed up. What gives?”
    “I’m not entirely sure. He doesn’t like me.”
    Sharon frowned. “Don’t be ridiculous. He wouldn’t be asking about you if that was the way he felt.”
    “Then by all means, tell him.” Libby rubbed her open palms together, incapable of hiding how nervous she felt.
    “He does this, too, you know?” Sharon said.
    “I’m sorry. Does what?” He’d intimidated other women?
    “Every now and again Dr. Stone comes to the nursery and rocks the babies. Not on a regular basis. He would rather I didn’t say anything about it. He’s like that; it’s almost as if he’s afraid someone might find out he’s got a soft heart, but I’ve seen him with these families with infants at risk. He’s patient and gentle. Watch him for yourself and you’ll see what I mean.”
    Dr. Heart of Stone rocked the babies? Were they discussing the same man? It seemed highly unlikely.
    As though she felt the need to build him up in Libby’s eyes, Sharon shook her head and continued. “Every woman here would give her eyeteeth to grab his attention, which isn’t any big surprise. He’s handsome as sin, successful, and beyond that, he’s an incredible doctor and human being. That’s a combination that most women can’t resist.”
    Libby might have been too hasty in judging him.
    Sharon patted her on the shoulder. “It’s encouraging that he asked about you.”
    Libby wasn’t the least bit encouraged. Her head buzzed as she entered the rows of hospital cribs. A nurse was there the same as before, walking back and forth, taking the newborns in to be with their mothers.
    Settling down in the rocker with a fussy infant, Libby soon forgotabout Dr. Stone. She took pleasure and delight in watching the baby gradually fall asleep in her arms.
    Sharon had been right about how peaceful it was to rock these little ones. Crooning softly, Libby sang another medley of soft-rock hits while brushing her hand over the top of the baby’s bald head. She told herself this baby boy would one day grow into a strong young man who’d steal hearts. He stretched twenty-two inches at birth, which told her he would be tall one day. Libby suspected both his parents were tall, but then that was pure speculation on her part.
    As she rocked one infant after another, she couldn’t help wondering what their lives would be like. What potential she saw in each one. It felt good to hold these babies. Good in ways that were difficult to explain. Libby idly wondered at the emotions her mother had experienced holding her for the first time.
    Then she sensed someone standing behind her. At first she thought it was the nurse, but no …
    Dr. Stone.
    “It’s Libby, isn’t it?” he asked when he realized she knew he was behind her.
    “Yes. Dr. Stone, right?”
    He walked around and stood in front of her, looking tall and muscular, looming over her like a black storm cloud. Libby found it difficult to swallow, let alone talk normally.
    “Phillip,” he offered.
    So they were to be on a first-name basis. That was good to know, and probably some sign a twelve-year-old would be more adept at deciphering than Libby.
    “I thought that was you behind me,” she said, hoping to sound cool and unruffled. She doubted that she’d succeeded. Far be it from her to let him know how easily he intimidated her.
    “I apologize if I startled you. I heard you’ve been volunteering for the nursery.”
    “Yes … I find I have time on my hands.” She didn’t mention the reason and regretted even saying that much. Being unemployed was hard enough on her ego. Admitting it to anyone else was even moreso. The fact that she hadn’t found another position after all these months made it worse.
    “I see …”
    “I’m an attorney,” she blurted out.
    “Oh. Okay.”
    Libby couldn’t seem to shut up. “I specialize in trusts and estates … things are a bit slow at the moment. Bet that doesn’t happen