Free PARADISE COVE (PARADISE SERIES Book 1) by Patrice Wilton

neck and indicated her stomach. "I would like to check the baby's heartbeat," he told Miguel.
    Miguel repeated this to his wife, who nodded, and untied the robe.
    Sean placed it on her abdomen and moved it around until he heard a steady beat. A big smile spread across his face. "Here it is." He lifted the earpiece and fitted it over Juanita's head. "Hear that? Thump, thump, thump . That's your baby."
    Juanita’s tears were happy ones as she gestured for Raul to come inside and listen too. Kayla’s heart squeezed and her gaze was drawn to Sean. He’d made this happen. Saved this family—for the moment, at least.
    The three of them left the room, leaving the family alone. Sean turned to Kayla and her mom, and she thought he was going to thank them for their help. Instead he surprised her by saying, “Juanita is out of immediate danger. I think it’s safe to take her to the hospital now, like I said I’d do. I appreciate all that you've done."
    "That's great news!" Kayla smiled her gratitude and glanced at her mother, who still wore a concerned look on her face.
    "I have some clothes that I can give them," Anna spoke slowly, thinking aloud. "I'm sure we can find plenty of useful items they'll need. I'll go home and take a look around."
    "I have another idea," Kayla said, following her mother outside. "We have empty cabins. After Juanita is released from the hospital, couldn't we offer them a place to stay for a few weeks? Give them a chance to get stronger, and the baby especially, before they need to fend for themselves."
    "Perhaps,” Anna said, her brow wrinkling. “But likely they have family waiting for them here. That makes more sense than coming across on a raft with his wife seven month's pregnant and nowhere to go."
    Kayla nodded, wondering why she was so disappointed. "Agreed. But if they don't...could they stay?"
    "We will see."
    "I'm going with them to the hospital," Kayla said, looking back at the open door. "I'll help Sean get them checked in. I'll call you later and let you know what's going on."
    "That's a good idea." Anna gave her a big wink. "Get to know him better. He seems like a very kind-hearted man. He’s a doctor , you know."
    "I'm not interested.” Kayla recalled the heat between them and swallowed. “Remember?"
    "You'd be surprised. When you meet someone special, it doesn't matter if you're ready. Love finds you."

CHAPTER EIGHT
    Kayla walked back into the cabin once her mother left. "I'm coming with you," she told Sean. "We can take the family SUV. It'll give us more room than your rented Corolla.”
    He nodded.
    “There's a hospital south of here, the Lower Keys Medical Center. It's top notch and has a maternity ward.” Sean listened without comment so she continued, “If you can get Miguel and Raul in the shower and find them some dry clothes, I'll be back in half an hour with the car."
    "Thanks, Kayla.” He sent her a steady gaze that made her spine tingle. “I appreciate your help."
    She was glad he didn't argue about her coming. "Think you can manage?" Kayla smiled at Raul, who watched them with interest. Since he had a full belly, and a roof over his head, the fear in his eyes had subsided.
    Sean told Miguel and his son what they were going to do, and that both of them needed to take a quick shower. Neither of them moved.
    Kayla took Raul by the hand and led him to the bathroom. She turned on the water, waited until the temperature was good and warm, then removed the boy's shredded shirt. She opened the shower door, handed him some soap, and told him she'd leave him to get clean.
    The boy looked at the water, the soap, and then stepped inside, pants and all.
    She laughed, unsure whether he’d ever had the luxury of a shower before. Shaking her head, she went to the kitchen, where Sean and Miguel sat with cups of coffee. "Raul's in the shower with his pants on. Sorry, but I'll leave you to it. I'll also call the medical center and let them know we're coming."
    Miguel rose quickly