Free The Army Doctor's Christmas Baby by Helen Scott Taylor Page B

affectionately.
    Sean introduced Kelly to Radley's wife and they greeted each
other. Olivia Knight was exactly the sort of woman to suit Radley—tall,
slender, and beautiful with an air of quiet competence about her. Kelly had
seen her from a distance at formal army events, but they'd never been
introduced. As a lieutenant, she wouldn't normally socialize with a colonel's
wife.
    "Your table's ready, if you'd like to follow me,"
a waitress said.
    They all trooped after the petite woman in a tiny black
dress and white apron, through to what must once have been the next cottage
before it was converted.
    Stopping at a table in the corner by a huge Christmas tree,
Kelly sat with a view out the tiny diamond panes of a leaded window towards the
twinkling lights of Oxford.
    "Cities always look better at night from a distance
when all you can see are the lights," Alice said.
    "I like Oxford," Olivia chimed in. "The
shopping's good."
    They both laughed and Kelly joined in. She already knew
Alice and hoped Olivia would accept her as a friend as well. While the men
chatted about surgery, Kelly took part in the baby chat with Alice and Olivia,
really enjoying the female company. Hearing about the antics of Alice's little
boy, Sami, and Olivia's two children was fun.
    They ordered and were halfway through their meal when Alice
stopped eating and screwed up her face. "The small of my back aches like
mad. I've been trying to ignore it, but I can't anymore."
    Cameron rubbed a soothing hand in circles over the painful
place. "Perhaps we should go home, love."
    "Yes. I think so. I just need to visit the ladies' room
first. The baby likes to sit on my bladder." With Cameron's assistance,
she heaved her heavy body out of the chair and straightened, a hand pressed
against her lower spine.
    "Shall I help?" Kelly stood, going to Alice's side
to offer her arm.
    Olivia followed. "I'll come as well."
    Alice made her way between the tables, Kelly and Olivia at
hand, ready to help if necessary. Just outside the restrooms, Alice leaned a
shoulder against the wall, groaning. "My tummy and back really hurt now. I
think the contractions must have started."
    "Cam had better call the hospital. I'll get him,"
Olivia said.
    Kelly went in the restroom with Alice and waited while she
used the toilet. She came out and sat on the velvet bench, rubbing her belly.
    "The pain is definitely coming in waves. I've done all
the classes and I'm still not sure if they're contractions. What do you
think?" She turned a questioning gaze on Kelly.
    Kelly smiled weakly. "You'd best ask Olivia. I've never
given birth." She was tempted to add that she never would. A sudden urge
filled her to share her burden, but this was not the time or place. Alice had
enough on her mind.
    Kelly sat beside Alice and rubbed her lower back as Cameron
had earlier. "Does that help?"
    "Yes, thanks. If you like, you're welcome to come and
see the baby as soon as he's born."
    "I'd love to. I'm a sucker for kids, especially
newborns."
    "I remember how good you were with Sami when I was
first admitted to the field hospital in Africa. I don't know what I'd have done
without your help. I don't think I ever thanked you properly."
    "No need. I was happy to lend a hand."
    "I'm so pleased you hooked up with Sean. The two of you
look good together. I hope it works out."
    Kelly had always wondered if Cameron's wife knew of the soft
spot she had for her husband. She had an inkling that she did.
    "Thank you. I owe you one for getting me the bunny girl
gig."
    Alice laughed, then winced and pressed a palm to her belly.
Kelly rubbed her back some more.
    The restroom door opened and Olivia hurried in, Cameron on
her heels. He rushed to Alice's side, put his arm around her, and helped her to
her feet. "I've called the hospital. They're expecting us. We'll stop at
home for your bag on the way."
    "What about Sami?"
    "Don't worry. Everything's arranged. Olivia and Radley
will follow us and take him home with them."
    "Good