Free Twins Under His Tree by Karen Rose Smith

decided to call Lily. They’d had a brief phone conversation last week because neither was comfortable with what had happened and they couldn’t seem to get back on that “friend” footing. Now her cell phone rang and rang and rang until finally—a man picked up.
    â€œWho is this?” Mitch asked, surprised by the male voice. A repairman, maybe? But why would he have Lily’s cell phone?
    â€œThis is Craig Gillette. I’m the manager of Sagebrush Foods.”
    â€œSagebrush Foods? I don’t understand. Where’s Lily Wescott?”
    â€œMrs. Wescott had an incident in our store. She’s okay now but…”
    An incident? What the hell was that? “Put her on,” Mitch ordered.
    Apparently speaking to the authority in Mitch’s voice, the man said, “Sir, I can’t right now. We’ve got two crying infants and she’s feeling a little dizzy.”
    Dizzy? “You tell her not to move. I’ll be there in five.” Mitch didn’t give the manager time to protest or approve. He stepped on the gas.
    Minutes later Mitch rushed into the store, scanning the produce area. Rounding a corner, he spotted Lily in the canned goods aisle, holding a paper cup. There were cans of green beans all over the floor around the folding chair where she sat. The twins were ensconced in their stroller. Sophie’s little face was screwed up in displeasure, but Grace seemed content for the moment to stare at the bright lights and rows of colorful cans.
    Mitch let his training prevail rather than the fear that threatened his composure. In as calm a voice as he could muster, he asked, “What happened?” followed by, “Are you all right?”
    Lily looked so pale, and all he wanted to do was lift her into his arms and carry her somewhere safe. But the twins were a concern, too, and he had to get to the bottom of what had happened.
    â€œI just felt a little dizzy, that’s all,” she said in a soft voice, taking another sip of water. “I haven’t gotten much sleep lately and I ran out of diapers…” Grace reached out a little hand to her and Lily reached back.
    He got the picture much too well and he didn’t like what he saw. His guess? She’d felt faint and she’d run the stroller into the corner of the green beans display.
    â€œDid she pass out?” he asked Gillette.
    â€œNo, sir. We wanted to call an ambulance, but she said she just needed to put her head down between her knees for a while—” He stopped when Lily gave him a scolding look as if he were divulging too much information.
    Mitch went to Lily and crouched down beside her, looking her over with a practiced doctor’s eye. “Be honest with me. Do I need to call an ambulance?”
    There were deep blue smudges under both of her eyes. Her hair was a disheveled ponytail and she wore a sweatsuit. This wasn’t the Lily he was used to, with her composed attitude, neat hairdos and tailored clothing.
    Looking up at him, she forced a smile. She was clearly exhausted.
    With his fingertips to her neck, he felt her pulse beating fast.
    â€œMitch,” she protested, turning her head.
    His fingers stayed put. “Quiet for a few seconds,” he suggested.
    Her pulse was definitely racing.
    â€œNo ambulance,” she said.
    â€œThen tell me what’s going on. But drink that water before you do.” He guessed she was dehydrated.
    â€œYou’re acting like a doctor.”
    â€œI’m also acting like a friend.”
    Their gazes met and Mitch could see she was remembering their kiss as vividly as he was, even in these circumstances. Just friends? Not likely.
    She didn’t argue with him, but rather drank the cup of water.
    â€œAre you still dizzy? Should I call Hillary?” Their colleague was her OB/GYN.
    â€œNo. I’m seeing her in a few days for a follow-up. I know what’s wrong, Mitch. Not enough sleep, not