Free Dr. White's Baby Wish by Sue MacKay Page A

attempts. Though I can sew two pieces of fabric together, I get bored too soon. I must have the attention span of a gnat because the thought of making something Mum would be proud to have on her bed does my head in.’
    Cody’s gaze followed the direction she was staring in. ‘I can’t quite see you at a sewing machine. Seems too...’
    â€˜Dull? Simple?’ She gave him a quick smile. ‘Or complicated?’
    He laughed, retrieved the pan off the hob, tipped the bacon onto a slice of toast, added pepper and slapped a second slice on top. ‘You can stitch up people. I trust you to stitch fabric. Just didn’t seem like your kind of hobby for some reason.’
    â€˜You might be right about that. Did you make it to the bedroom for a sleep last night, or stay on the couch?’
    â€˜I gave one of the beds a go. I slept on top. I’ve tidied up so the kids won’t know I’ve even been in there.’
    â€˜To be honest they won’t care who’s been using their room.’ Digging in the pantry, she found a packet of tea bags and a mug. ‘As long as there’s ice-cream in the freezer and chocolate in the cupboard, they’re happy.’
    â€˜How many children have you got?’
    The children question. It got to her every time even when she was used to it. Cody wasn’t to know her history, so it was an innocuous question, or would be for most women.
    â€˜I haven’t got any.’ For a brief while there she’d felt totally at ease with this man in her apartment and forgotten the usual reasons why she didn’t spend time with men who intrigued her. Now, though disappointment flared, she should be grateful to Cody once again—this time for reminding her that she was destined to remain single. Men wanted families as much as she did.
    â€˜Got that wrong, didn’t I? Gemma mentioned kids yesterday, and that spare bedroom isn’t decorated for any adults I’ve ever met.’ He smiled softly.
    And melted her heart just a weeny bit. ‘Gemma was referring to my seven nieces and nephews, known as “the brat pack”. There aren’t many weekends I don’t have some of them staying with me. This weekend is an exception, but then I’m going to be in Lowry Bay with them tomorrow. I might even head over tonight.’
    â€˜Seven, eh? That explains the people-mover Gemma was driving. How many of those seven are hers?’
    â€˜I’d say three. She’d say she’s got four. She counts my brother as a big kid. She’s right. He is.’ When it came to sick or distressed children at the ED, she’d noticed Cody was a bit like Jason, with how he cheered them up by having fun. He too acted like a big kid at times. Except Cody appeared far more tidy and organised.
    â€˜Are you okay if I head away once I’ve cleaned up my cooking mess?’ The subject of her and children was obviously done and dusted and she hadn’t had to explain herself.
    â€˜I’ll give you a ride to the hospital so you can collect your motorbike.’ She was past the blackout phase and felt almost as good as new. Almost. A quiet day mucking about around here would do the trick. She gave another glance at her table. If she tackled that pile of fabric triangles she might bore herself into a stupor and forget Cody and migraines and assailants. Forget why she was alone and desperate to find something to occupy herself with so she didn’t think about finding a man who’d love her regardless of her flaws.

CHAPTER FOUR
    â€˜H APPY BIRTHDAY , BIG BROTHER .’ Harper stretched onto her toes and kissed Jason’s cheek, then handed him an envelope.
    â€˜What’s this? Tickets to the one-day cricket match at the Cake Tin?’ Jason was referring to the sports arena in central Wellington, so named for its resemblance to said tin.
    â€˜In your dreams, buster.’ She knew their brother Noah was giving him