Free His Hotcakes Baby by Sabel Simmons

downstairs and found one of
the grounds men to assist her with her luggage.  He loaded it willingly and a
wide smile on the beach buggy.  Mackenzie went to find Essie and smiled when
she handed her a bowl with fresh fruit and a plate with dried toast. 
    “I am moving back to the beach
cottage, Essie.  I’ll eat this there.  I am quite hungry.  Please inform Chase
I have moved back and that …”
    “He does not know?”
    “No, but …”
    “Oh, he is going to be very angry.”
    “I’ll see you at dinner tonight,
Essie.”
    She rushed outside, wanting to be away
before Chase returned.  Once settled in the cottage she sat outside on the
patio eating the fruit and toast.  She picked up her cell and dialed Frasier’s
number.  He answered almost immediately.
    “Hi Mack, I hear you are back.  When
will you fall in again?”
    “As soon as you pick me up.  I’m at
the beach cottage.”
    “I’ll be there in ten.  Look out for
the small speed boat.”
    They had just pulled away from the
jetty.  Mackenzie looked back and started when she noticed Chase standing on
the beach, staring after them.  Frasier noticed the slight movement and asked
tongue in cheek.
    “Are you sure you want to tickle the
bear with a sore tooth, Macks?”
    “I can’t just sit around for months. 
I’ll go crazy!  Besides, there is a lot of work still to be done here.  If you
don’t mind, I’ll only work from the research center at basecamp on the island. 
I don’t want to spend days on the vessel.  I know there is no danger, but I
also don’t want to dive at this stage either.”
    “Why are you asking me?  You’re the
one in charge and besides, I prefer to be on the vessel so it would be ideal if
you take over the base research.”
    “Oh, no.  The Director and I agreed
that you will remain in charge.  I might not be able to be involved till the
resolution is found, so it is better you manage it till the end.”
    “How long will you be off work?”
    “Probably four months or so.  I’m not
sure though if I am going to stay in Florida.”
    Frasier brought her up to date with
their progress and Mackenzie immediately started working through the analysis
reports.
    Her cell phone rang and she answered
it absently.
    “Mackenzie speaking.”
    “I see you are adamant to make me
angry.  Where are you?”
    She closed her eyes and she could only
imagine the anger on his face from the coldness in his voice.
    “At the research base on the Island.”
    “Without telling me?”
    Mackenzie sighed and leaned back in
the chair.  She took a deep calming breath, deciding a quiet approach might be
better received.
    “Chase, I am very healthy.  The doctor
did a thorough check-up.  I can’t sit around doing nothing for the next seven
months!  Besides, I need the money.  I can’t afford to lose my job.”
    “You can prepare the baby room.  That
will keep you busy for a few weeks. You don’t need the money, I am responsible
for you now.”
    Mackenzie bit her lip and prepared
herself for his blow up.
    “No, Chase.  I am not your
responsibility.  It took both of us to get to this point!  I’ll assist you with
the baby room for as long as we are still busy here, but once done I will be
leaving t …”
    “I am going to pretend I misunderstood
what you just said, Mackenzie.  I made it very clear that I will not be a
weekend father. Nor will I allow you to endanger my child’s life by working on
that vessel!”
    “I am not an idiot!  I will only be
working at the base camp.”
    “What time will you be back?”
    “Four.”
    “I’ll be at the cottage. We have to
talk.  And don’t even think to disappear on me again.”
    Mackenzie just shook her head and
ended the call.  She would not be steamrollered in following his directive.
Whatever direction he thought they were heading in … was about to go on a
detour!
    She
has been preparing herself for this altercation since the previous night … she
was ready for