His Bundle of Love / the Color of Courage by Patricia Davids Page A

everything in life. Not a mother who couldn’t even keep her safe until the right time to be born.
    Caitlin’s throat tightened at the thought and she began to sob. Turning over, she muffled the sound in her pillow.
    If only Mick were here. She longed to hear his voice telling her that everything would be okay. She pressed her palms to her aching temples. Why should she crave the comfort of a man she barely knew? She didn’t need anyone to take care of her. She had always taken care of herself. Always!
    Confused, frightened and weary, Caitlin stayed in her room and slept fitfully as the night slowly crawled by. Her breakfast tray arrived, but it sat untouched on her bedside table until someone came and took it away.
    Occasionally, a nurse came to check her temperature and her pulse or with an offer to take her to the NICU. Caitlin ignored them, and for the most part, they went away. The more persistent ones she brushed off with rude remarks. They left too, and that was what Caitlin wanted. She wanted to be left alone.
    * * *
    Mick snapped his locker shut and glanced at the clock. Twenty-three hours and thirty minutes until he could see Beth and Caitlin again. It was his first day back on the job since he’d signed paternity papers. Already he missed visiting Beth, but at least Caitlin would be with her.
    When he had called the hospital yesterday afternoon he’d been informed that Caitlin had been moved to a floor adjacent to the neonatal unit. He heard the news with mixed emotions. He was happy Caitlin was improving, but where did that leave him?
    Woody stopped and leaned on the locker next to him. “Is it true?” his friend demanded.
    “Is what true?”
    “That you had a baby and that she’s really sick?”
    “Who told you?”
    “Captain Mitchell let it slip. So, it is true! Why didn’t you tell me? What’s wrong with her?”
    “She’s premature—she only weighs two pounds. She’s doing okay now, but it was touch and go for a while. She’ll be in the hospital for several months.”
    Woody punched Mick’s shoulder. “You dog! I didn’t even know you were seeing anyone. So, who’s the mother?”
    Mick rubbed his arm. “I’m not sure that’s any of your business.”
    “I’m your best buddy. You can tell me anything. Do I keep secrets from you?”
    “Sometimes I wish you would.”
    Mick debated whether he should explain that Beth wasn’t really his child. And what could he say about Caitlin?
    “Is she a fox?” His friend probed for more information.
    “She’s pretty, if that’s what you mean. Her name is Caitlin Williams. We met first at Pastor Frank’s place.”
    Woody’s disbelief was almost comical. “Then she’s definitely not a fox. The only fox in the church I went to as a kid was the dead one on the collar of the old dame that sat in the pew in front of me.”
    Mick shook his head. “There is a lot more to church than checking out the girls. Are you still cruising the art galleries looking to pick up classy chicks?”
    Woody grabbed Mick’s arm and cast a quick look around. “Hey, watch it, will you? I’d never live it down if these guys found out.”
    “Being an art lover isn’t a crime.”
    “Yeah, right. The only art that’s appreciated around here is the picture of the swimsuit model on Ziggy’s calendar. These guys wouldn’t know the difference between a Picasso and a piccolo.”
    “Your secret is safe with me.”
    “It had better be. And speaking of secrets, tell me more about this woman. I didn’t know you were dating anyone.”
    “We were never exactly together.” He shook his head. “It’s a long story.”
    “In other words, it’s none of my business.”
    “It’s not that.” Taking a deep breath, Mick said, “It’s that she’s decided she doesn’t want me involved. She doesn’t want my help. Have you ever met a woman who makes you feel like you don’t know which side is up?”
    “Often. It’s what they do.”
    Mick grinned. “No, this is