The Holiday Triplets by Jacqueline Diamond Page B

office in the medical building had a corkboard displaying photos sent in by happy patients, plus the expected medical certificates and professional awards. But nothing like this.
    She gazed around. “This is my nest. When I was growing up, we lived like we were in the military. Nothing but essentials ready to pack at a moment’s notice, although we stayed in the same house practically forever. My parents met in the Peace Corps in South America and they swore they’d be heading south of the border again soon. Twenty-odd years later, they went.”
    â€œYou’re making up for those bare surfaces,” he concluded.
    â€œIt’s more than that,” Sam told him. “I guess I’ve been cramming as much as possible into every day and every inch of space. This past week, it hit me that I’ve been living as if the cancer might return any day.”
    â€œAnd you finally accept that it won’t?” He hoped that was the case.
    â€œI’m trying to accept that I have to live one day at a time like everybody else.” She polished off a last bite of garlic bread.
    â€œLet me know if you figure out how to do that,” Mark said, “because I haven’t a clue. I’m generally thinking at least half a step ahead.”
    â€œYou never seem rushed.”
    â€œI put a lot of pressure on myself.” As he spoke, he consciously relaxed his muscles. He’d been tense all day. First there’d been the press conference business, followed by his strained late-afternoon discussion with Chandra.
    Her staccato voice still rang in his ears. She’d been upset that Samantha had spoken to reporters and displeased that the hospital was once again featured on the evening news for a reason other than its medical excellence. Mark had barely hung on to his patience with the woman.
    She ought to trust his judgment. He’d made his share of mistakes, but so, he suspected, had Ms. Chandra Yashimoto. Besides, today’s situation had turned out well, even if it hadn’t been strictly on message.
    â€œRough day for you, too?” Sam asked.
    Rather than dwell on his running skirmishes with the executive, Mark deflected the question. “Occasionally I fantasize about practicing medicine full-time. But then I’d have to work under some idiot administrator who forgets to put patient care first. Instead, I get to be the idiot administrator.”
    â€œYou’re not an idiot. Very often.”
    â€œSuch high praise.”
    Sam gave him a wry smile through her water glass. “You were pretty darn cool out there in the parking lot.”
    â€œI admired the way you handled the press,” he admitted. “You were doing great until Candy showed up. When you decided to take the babies, well, that was unexpected.”
    â€œTo me, too.” Her plate empty, she leaned back.
    â€œWere you even considering adoption?”
    â€œYes, in the theoretical sense.” Even after a full meal and a long day, her sharp features exuded restless intelligence. “I didn’t imagine it could happen this quickly, with these children, but it seems almost destined.”
    â€œAnd now you’re a mommy.” Mark found the term endearing when applied to Sam.
    Emotions flickered across her face. “Oh, wow, I am , aren’t I?”
    â€œThis comes as a surprise?”
    â€œI mean, of course I know I’m a mother. But I’ve been so busy putting out fires, I haven’t had time to consider the big picture.”
    He’d suspected as much. “Which part hit you the hardest?”
    â€œThat the kids are going to be counting on me to be there for everything.” She rested her chin on her palm. “For help with homework and heartaches, for Halloween costumes and Christmas dinners, for proms and college prep. What if I let them down?” The responsibility was a lot to take in. “You don’t think you’re up to