The Surgeon's Surprise Twins by Jacqueline Diamond

heard he’d lost his temper at his new office nurse, Keely Randolph, a heavyset woman who refused to indulge the doctor’s preferences regarding office procedure. While Keely might not be the most popular individual at Safe Harbor Med, much of the nursing staff was rooting for her. No one else had wanted to take on the pugnacious Dr. T. after his previous nurse left.
    Bailey relished the fact that Keely was unimpressed by hotshot surgeons. As for Ned, he’d begun taking bets on how long Keely would last, with additional points for guessing whether she’d transfer to another office first or be sent packing. It was all in fun, with most of the money to go to charity. The winner would receive a gift certificate to the hospital cafeteria.
    But although she enjoyed listening to the chatter at lunchtime, Bailey wished her friends wouldn’t keep prodding her to reveal details of Owen’s behavior at home.“He’s entitled to some privacy,” she said on Thursday to Devina Gupta, a nurse who worked for pediatrician Samantha Forrest, and Lori Ross, who was Dr. Rayburn’s nurse as well as the wife of a neonatologist.
    At an adjacent table, she caught a slight nod from newcomer Erica Benford, who tended to sit by herself or with other surgical nurses. Obviously, Erica approved of Bailey’s discretion, but then, she had a well-known loyalty to Owen, since they’d worked together for years.
    Bailey wished Erica would join them, because there was a lot she wanted to know. She’d heard from Patty and Alec that Owen had appeared at social events in Boston with several stunning women, often with credentials that rivaled his own. Not that she would dare to ask directly, but had there been anyone special, anyone who might reappear without warning?
    â€œIt’s just strange that you two are related by marriage,” said Devina, lifting a glass of orange juice carefully with her beautifully manicured fingers. None of the other nurses could figure out how she kept her nails that perfect, and Devina never revealed her secret.
    â€œHe’s not so bad,” Bailey said. Especially when he runs his hands over my abdomen. His touch still tingled through her, and she got warm every time she recalled him staring at the screen, fascinated by the babies’ antics in the womb.
    Why was he so protective about her medical care? He’d insisted on going with her to see Phyllis and, although she would never admit it, she’d been touched by the way he’d stood up for her
    Don’t start thinking you matter to him. It was a crazy idea, for all kinds of reasons. Also, a great way to get her heart bruised and end up feeling like a fool.
    â€œYou’re defending him? Unbelievable.” Ned made upthe fourth person at their table. “Are you going to eat that roll? If not, I’ll take it.”
    Devina pretended to slap his hand. “Don’t be greedy. She’s eating for two.”
    â€œOr more,” Lori said. “Are you sure your doctor didn’t detect anything?”
    Since Bailey normally revealed whatever was on her mind, she nearly answered with the truth. But how could she explain suddenly knowing that she carried twins, when she’d been telling everyone that nothing had showed up at her last exam?
    â€œI’d better get back to work.” She handed the roll to Ned. “Enjoy.”
    â€œAre you avoiding the subject?” Devina challenged.
    â€œDr. Franco’s going to Hawaii next week and I’ve got a lot to do,” Bailey reminded her. August had arrived, and with it Nora’s delayed honeymoon. “We’re squeezing in as many patients as possible.”
    â€œThanks.” Ned began buttering the roll. “By the way, I’m trying to firm up my weekend plans, seeing as I’m such a popular guy. How about if I drop by on Saturday?”
    Usually, she enjoyed singing together, ordering pizza and watching old movies.