Free His Motherless Little Twins by Dianne Drake Page B

idea.”
    Eric laughed out loud. “You know they’re taking advantage of you, don’t you? They’re very good at it. Better than I thought, apparently.”
    â€œYou’re probably right. But I’m a willing participant.” Besides, she truly enjoyed their company, probably more than she’d thought she would. It was nice, being in the company of children who weren’t sick. Although the more she was with the girls, the more she ached to get back to nursing. “I was wondering…would you need someone part-time in the hospital? Maybe the emergency department? I know you mentioned something the other day about nursing, but I thought maybe I could do something as a volunteer.” Perhaps being back in a non-medical capacity would help ease the ache. “I could be a clerk, maybe check supplies…”
    â€œOr be a nurse, like I suggested.”
    She shook her head adamantly. “I told you…”
    â€œNo, you didn’t. But I agreed not to ask, so I won’t. However, I still need a part-time nurse , and it’s a serious offer.”
    Nursing scared her, though. In little bits and pieces she was OK. But how could she tell him that she no longer trusted herself for anything more than the bits and pieces? That all those words about being a good nurse were only words? That when she’d most needed to be professional in her duty, she’d let herself down? “Just forget it, OK? It was stupid of me to ask. I don’t need to be back in a hospital. In fact, I don’t want to be back in a hospital.”
    â€œYes, you do. Or you wouldn’t have asked. Wouldn’t have come here to the hospital, to my emergency room, to tell me that you’d left the girls with my niece when that was the plan all along, and I knew you’d do that. Or you could have called and told me. But you didn’t. Instead, you came here, which makes me think you want to come back. And don’t tell me that we can’t always have what we want, because I’m offering you the opportunity to have exactly what you want…a few hours a week in the emergency department. As a nurse, not as a clerk or someone who stocks the shelves.” He steppedcloser, leaned in to her. “I trust you here. I think you’ve lost your confidence for some reason I don’t understand, and I’m not going to ask why, but I do trust you, Dinah.”
    â€œWell, maybe you shouldn’t give away that trust so easily.”
    â€œAnd maybe you should trust my judgment, because I know a good nurse when I see one, and I’m looking at one right now.”
    She wanted to accept his offer. She really wanted to and, more than that, she was tempted. But he couldn’t know how, in the waning moments of Molly’s life, she’d lost part of herself. It was hard to explain, but it was like she was afraid to care now. The pain of it was unbearable, and to be around children was to care.
    Tears welled up in her eyes, but she turned her head, blinked them back before Eric could see. “And maybe you should trust mine.” Even the whisper of her voice was shattered by grief.
    â€œThink about it. The offer will be here when you’re ready.”
    â€œIt’s a tempting offer, and I appreciate it, but, no. I…don’t think I should.”
    â€œWhen you’re ready, Dinah. Like you told me the other day, it has to be when you’re ready.”
    Eric stepped closer to her, so close she could feel the tickling of his warm breath on the back of her neck. So close she could smell the scent of soap on him. So close that if she turned around she’d be in his arms. Which was why she backed away, intent on leaving. She did want to be in his arms, feeling his comfort. Wanted it badly. Which was pure trouble.
    â€œCan I help you with this?” he practically whispered. “I know I told you I’d let it go, but…”
    â€œPromised. You