Their Little Princess
- Thread starter sarkattack
- Start date
AliasSydney502
Cadet
awww, yay!!
cookiemonster
Cadet
We've gotten one very hot and sexy daddy Vaughn here...
wooza 
He loves his girl... and Syd loves Vaughn & 
:lol:
Beautiful update CJ!!!!!!!!! Write more
gtwallichs
Cadet
That is so cute! Loved the update!
6helterskelter6
Cadet
Aw. He's totally in love with her. (his baby, not Syd... yet)
Syd's totally in love with the baby. She can't get her mind off it. It's WONDERFUL!
I'm sick again. Why do I always get sick when I'm seriously stressed out? It's SO annoying! STOP IT IMMUNE SYSTEM!
PS - I love double updates!
~Anja
Syd's totally in love with the baby. She can't get her mind off it. It's WONDERFUL!
I'm sick again. Why do I always get sick when I'm seriously stressed out? It's SO annoying!
STOP IT IMMUNE SYSTEM!PS - I love double updates!
~Anja
Nicky_Bristow
Cadet
I love this story. Can I please have a pm?
°°NiCkY°°
°°NiCkY°°
alias_chick_47
Cadet
I love it already!! PM me when you update again!!
~Karen
~Karen
LittleNicky
Cadet
What a fantastic update. Seriously, I'm in love with this story. Thanks for the PM!!!
good lord, how did i NOT realise you were back?!? aha, first post was the saturday before the world cup final!!! i'm still trying to play catch up on all fics from the past month!
but i love the part about him falling in love with his daugher. that was beautifully written
hugs,
tracey
but i love the part about him falling in love with his daugher. that was beautifully written
hugs,
tracey
anji_alias
Cadet
Awwwwwwwwwwwww. I love him!!! I didn't get a PM tho. Sign me up!
AJ
AJ
jessie tubb
Cadet
awwww that was so cute
thanks for the pm
thanks for the pm
sparklingrainbow
Cadet
awww that was such an adorable update... please keep me on your list!
please keep me on your list!sarkattack
Cadet
Here's the new update. Thanks for R & R. Will not be sending pms anymore. You can catch the new update by following the link in the 1st page.
Talk to you soon. Ps: Double update on Sunday. CJ
~Part 5~
Sydney watched the play of emotions across Vaughn’s face and knew he was a goner. Deep inside, she felt first flicker of guilt. Maybe it had been wrong to let him hold his daughter. There was something special about holding a newborn. A friend of hers had once described it as one of life’s few incredibly perfect moments. She’d allowed Vaughn to experience the magic, but what about the reality?
Sydney told herself that if he hadn’t been open to wanting a child, he wouldn’t have felt anything while the baby was in his arms, but she wasn’t sure she believed that. Was she doing the right thing? Could Michael Vaughn handle having a baby in his life? Unfortunately, based on his stunned expression, he no longer had a choice in the matter.
He looked at Sydney, his eyes dark with panic. “I want to keep her. Is that wrong?”
“She’s your daughter, Michael. How can you wanting to raise her be wrong?”
“I can give you about three dozen reasons, starting with the fact that I know less than zero about babies. Then there’s the issue of my twenty hour days.”
“You’ll make it work. Millions of single parents do every day.”
He didn’t look convinced. “Maybe. So what happens now?”
“Now I notify the hospital that Baby Reed won’t be given up for adoption and that her name should be changed to Baby Vaughn.”
Vaughn smiled that devastating smile again. Fortunately for Sydney’s equilibrium, it was focused on his daughter, not at her.
“Did you hear that? You’re my little girl and everyone is going to know it. You’re Baby Vaughn.”
“You might want to think about getting her a first name, “Sydney said dryly. “She’s going to find Baby Vaughn a little difficult when she gets to school.”
He nodded. “You’re right. So what happens after you tell the hospital?”
“You’re going to have to talk to the adoption agency and tell then you’ve changed your mind. Legally, it’s not a problem. If you haven’t signed the papers, they can’t make you give up your daughter. However, you’re still going to need a good lawyer. You’ll have to make custody arrangements with Lauren. I’m guessing that if she was willing to give the baby up for adoption she won’t want visitation rights, but you’ll have to check. There’s also the issue of support.” She frowned. “There might be more, but a good lawyer can answer those questions better than I can.”
“Too much to think about, “he said quietly, still looking at his daughter. “I don’t want anything from Lauren. If she wants to walk away from her daughter, then that’s fine with me. I don’t need her money.”
“You’ll have to work that out with her. She’s still in the hospital if you want to talk to her.”
He glanced up. “She can have visitors?”
“Of course. It was giving birth, not brain surgery.” She probably feels like she was run by a truck, but she’s healthy and in great shape. She’ll recover quickly. Both she and the baby will be released tomorrow.” She hesitated and wondered if Michael had any clue what he was getting into.
“I can ask that your daughter be kept here until the afternoon. That should give you time to arrange things.”
“What kind of things?”
Sydney drew in a deep breath. It was worse than she thought. “Michael, have you ever been around a newborn before?”
“No, like I said, I avoided my best friend’s kids until they were past the breakable stage.”
“I see.” She wasn’t sure how to break the news to him. “Your life is about to change in a big way. You’ll need baby furniture, clothes, formula, diapers, not to mention a couple of good books on dealing with an infant. You’re going to have to arrange for child care at home for at least the first couple of weeks. While most day care places will take a newborn at six weeks, you don’t want her exposed to a lot of children right now. Young kids have frequent colds, and that’s not good news for an infant.”
He took a step back, then another. She saw his muscles tighten, although his hold on the baby stayed relaxed and supportive.
“You’re saying I don’t have a prayer of making this work.”
She stared at him, at the too handsome face and the worry in his eyes. She could practically hear the thoughts racing through his mind at light speed.
“Not at all. I’m not trying to scare you, but I do want to point out that this is a little more complicated than making a home for a puppy.”
He swore under his breath, then paced to the glass wall in the alcove of the nursery. Sydney ached for his pain and confusion. He had to be scared to death, but she sensed he wasn’t going to change his mind about his daughter. Despite her initial dislike of him, she had to respect that. Fifteen years ago, she’d had to make the same choice and in the end, she’d given her daughter away. It had been the hardest thing she’d ever done.
She respected Michael for wanting to try. Unfortunately, he had several strikes against him. The most significant were a complete lack of knowledge and preparation, and his impossible work schedule. If he had an office job, it might not be too hard to schedule at least a couple of weeks off. But Michael was the general contractor for the hospital’s hundred-million dollar renovation. For reasons that had nothing to do with him, the project was behind schedule. When was he supposed to find the time to take care of his daughter?
“I can help, “she blurted out impulsively, then wondered where on earth that thought had come from.
He turned and looked at her. “What do you mean?”
“Just what I said.” She glanced at her watch. “Meet me back here at six tonight. It’s Friday, so the stores are open late. I’ll take you to a baby store, then help you set everything up for her. I’m on call this weekend, but assuming no one gives birth, I can even be around to give you pointers those first few terrifying hours after you bring her home.”
His think sandy blonde hair was tussled in a messy way designed to make women desperate to run their fingers through it. Sydney was no exception. She found she had to clutch her hands together to keep from doing just that.
“Why are you doing this?” he asked.
She understood the real question. Why was she going out of her way to help a stranger…someone of whom she didn’t much approve. Except by being willing to take his daughter, Michael had forced her to look at him in a new way.
“Because I think you’ll be a great dad, and I want her to have that.”
Relief settled over him, easing away his tension.
“Thanks, doc. I really appreciate it. I know that she’s going to need a ton of stuff, but I don’t have a clue where to start.”
“Please, call me Sydney. And as for the baby…figuring out what to do with her can’t be harder than building a hospital wing.”
He grinned. “Want to bet?”
“Why don’t we just wait three weeks, and you can tell me yourself.”
TBC
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Talk to you soon. Ps: Double update on Sunday.
CJ~Part 5~
Sydney watched the play of emotions across Vaughn’s face and knew he was a goner. Deep inside, she felt first flicker of guilt. Maybe it had been wrong to let him hold his daughter. There was something special about holding a newborn. A friend of hers had once described it as one of life’s few incredibly perfect moments. She’d allowed Vaughn to experience the magic, but what about the reality?
Sydney told herself that if he hadn’t been open to wanting a child, he wouldn’t have felt anything while the baby was in his arms, but she wasn’t sure she believed that. Was she doing the right thing? Could Michael Vaughn handle having a baby in his life? Unfortunately, based on his stunned expression, he no longer had a choice in the matter.
He looked at Sydney, his eyes dark with panic. “I want to keep her. Is that wrong?”
“She’s your daughter, Michael. How can you wanting to raise her be wrong?”
“I can give you about three dozen reasons, starting with the fact that I know less than zero about babies. Then there’s the issue of my twenty hour days.”
“You’ll make it work. Millions of single parents do every day.”
He didn’t look convinced. “Maybe. So what happens now?”
“Now I notify the hospital that Baby Reed won’t be given up for adoption and that her name should be changed to Baby Vaughn.”
Vaughn smiled that devastating smile again. Fortunately for Sydney’s equilibrium, it was focused on his daughter, not at her.
“Did you hear that? You’re my little girl and everyone is going to know it. You’re Baby Vaughn.”
“You might want to think about getting her a first name, “Sydney said dryly. “She’s going to find Baby Vaughn a little difficult when she gets to school.”
He nodded. “You’re right. So what happens after you tell the hospital?”
“You’re going to have to talk to the adoption agency and tell then you’ve changed your mind. Legally, it’s not a problem. If you haven’t signed the papers, they can’t make you give up your daughter. However, you’re still going to need a good lawyer. You’ll have to make custody arrangements with Lauren. I’m guessing that if she was willing to give the baby up for adoption she won’t want visitation rights, but you’ll have to check. There’s also the issue of support.” She frowned. “There might be more, but a good lawyer can answer those questions better than I can.”
“Too much to think about, “he said quietly, still looking at his daughter. “I don’t want anything from Lauren. If she wants to walk away from her daughter, then that’s fine with me. I don’t need her money.”
“You’ll have to work that out with her. She’s still in the hospital if you want to talk to her.”
He glanced up. “She can have visitors?”
“Of course. It was giving birth, not brain surgery.” She probably feels like she was run by a truck, but she’s healthy and in great shape. She’ll recover quickly. Both she and the baby will be released tomorrow.” She hesitated and wondered if Michael had any clue what he was getting into.
“I can ask that your daughter be kept here until the afternoon. That should give you time to arrange things.”
“What kind of things?”
Sydney drew in a deep breath. It was worse than she thought. “Michael, have you ever been around a newborn before?”
“No, like I said, I avoided my best friend’s kids until they were past the breakable stage.”
“I see.” She wasn’t sure how to break the news to him. “Your life is about to change in a big way. You’ll need baby furniture, clothes, formula, diapers, not to mention a couple of good books on dealing with an infant. You’re going to have to arrange for child care at home for at least the first couple of weeks. While most day care places will take a newborn at six weeks, you don’t want her exposed to a lot of children right now. Young kids have frequent colds, and that’s not good news for an infant.”
He took a step back, then another. She saw his muscles tighten, although his hold on the baby stayed relaxed and supportive.
“You’re saying I don’t have a prayer of making this work.”
She stared at him, at the too handsome face and the worry in his eyes. She could practically hear the thoughts racing through his mind at light speed.
“Not at all. I’m not trying to scare you, but I do want to point out that this is a little more complicated than making a home for a puppy.”
He swore under his breath, then paced to the glass wall in the alcove of the nursery. Sydney ached for his pain and confusion. He had to be scared to death, but she sensed he wasn’t going to change his mind about his daughter. Despite her initial dislike of him, she had to respect that. Fifteen years ago, she’d had to make the same choice and in the end, she’d given her daughter away. It had been the hardest thing she’d ever done.
She respected Michael for wanting to try. Unfortunately, he had several strikes against him. The most significant were a complete lack of knowledge and preparation, and his impossible work schedule. If he had an office job, it might not be too hard to schedule at least a couple of weeks off. But Michael was the general contractor for the hospital’s hundred-million dollar renovation. For reasons that had nothing to do with him, the project was behind schedule. When was he supposed to find the time to take care of his daughter?
“I can help, “she blurted out impulsively, then wondered where on earth that thought had come from.
He turned and looked at her. “What do you mean?”
“Just what I said.” She glanced at her watch. “Meet me back here at six tonight. It’s Friday, so the stores are open late. I’ll take you to a baby store, then help you set everything up for her. I’m on call this weekend, but assuming no one gives birth, I can even be around to give you pointers those first few terrifying hours after you bring her home.”
His think sandy blonde hair was tussled in a messy way designed to make women desperate to run their fingers through it. Sydney was no exception. She found she had to clutch her hands together to keep from doing just that.
“Why are you doing this?” he asked.
She understood the real question. Why was she going out of her way to help a stranger…someone of whom she didn’t much approve. Except by being willing to take his daughter, Michael had forced her to look at him in a new way.
“Because I think you’ll be a great dad, and I want her to have that.”
Relief settled over him, easing away his tension.
“Thanks, doc. I really appreciate it. I know that she’s going to need a ton of stuff, but I don’t have a clue where to start.”
“Please, call me Sydney. And as for the baby…figuring out what to do with her can’t be harder than building a hospital wing.”
He grinned. “Want to bet?”
“Why don’t we just wait three weeks, and you can tell me yourself.”
TBC
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6helterskelter6
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texasalias2004
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Awe I am so glad that Sydney is goign t help him. I bet Lauren is going to be mad at him, but oh well. haha
texasalias
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vaughnshoney
Cadet
Great update. So sweet that Syd offered to help. Can't wait to see what he names his daughter and what happens next.
KAliasGirl
Cadet
great chapter
derevkointraining
Cadet
this was so cute.
syd is a goner herself now.. she's gonna fall for vaughn. thanks for updating.
syd is a goner herself now.. she's gonna fall for vaughn. thanks for updating.
sydneymicheal
Cadet
I'm glad that Syd offered to help.
sarkattack
Cadet
Don't forget to R & R. Talk to you soon. CJ
~Part 6~
Vaughn paused outside the hospital room and thought about what he wanted to say. He knew that Lauren wasn’t going to be happy with his change of heart, but there was nothing he could do about that. He had as much right to their baby as she did. A quick call to his lawyer had confirmed that.
He squared his shoulders and stepped into the room. “Hi, he said when he saw Lauren sitting up in bed.
She glanced at him for a second, gave a quick, insincere smile, then pushed the mute button on the remote and silenced the television she’d been watching.
“Michael, I didn’t expect to see you, “she said, her voice flat with lack of enthusiasm. “If you’re here to check up on me, I promise I’m fine. The delivery wasn’t much fun, but my doctor is great. She said everything went as expected. I’ll be leaving first thing in the morning. In a few weeks I’ll be good as new.”
“I’m glad you’re all right.”
He shifted uneasily and pushed his hands into his jeans pockets. He stood about five feet from the bed. The blinds were open, allowing afternoon light to spill into the room and he could see her clearly. The ordeal of giving birth had left her pale, but still beautiful. Her long, silky platinum blond hair had been pulled back into a simple braid. The high cheek bones, perfect mouth and wide blue eyes were as lovely as when he’d first met her. But during their brief time together, he’d learned that she had no heart.
He couldn’t help wondering what he’d seen in her all those months ago. He remembered that they’d met at a Fourth of July picnic, and that too many beers had caused then to end up in bed together. He’d thought he was old enough to ignore the appeal of a pretty face, but he’d been wrong. Or maybe he’d just been lonely. None of that mattered now. Whatever had first drawn them together had faded and by the end of the weekend they were both content to part company. Until Lauren had called a couple of months later to say she was pregnant.
She pursed her lips together. “Michael, you’re just staring at me. You’re not going to get all weird because of the baby are you?”
“Yes, but not in the way you mean.”
Her gaze narrowed. Suddenly features that had been beautiful were now merely pinched.
“We’ve been over this before. I was pregnant because I thought it was the right thing to do. If I’d known you were going to talk me out of having an abortion, I wouldn’t have said a word. I did as you requested…I had a kid. Now I’m giving it up for adoption. The papers are signed. I’m not going to change my mind.”
“I am, “he said quietly.
She blinked at him. “What?”
“I haven’t signed the papers, and I’m not going to. I want to keep the baby.”
“Dammit, Michael. What the hell are you thinking? If you have some fantasy about a cozy family with me playing mommy, you can just forget it.”
“I don’t, “he told her. “This isn’t about you. As far as you’re concerned, nothing has to change. I’m going to have a lawyer draw up some papers. Basically you walk away from the kid and I keep her. You don’t ask to see her and I don’t ask for support. It’s just like the adoption, only I’m going to be the one taking her.”
She brushed at her smooth bangs. Her nails were long and painted a dark shade of pink.
“Why don’t I believe you?”
“I don’t know. I’m telling the truth.”
She stared at him for a long time. Michael held his breath. He knew that Lauren couldn’t stop him from keeping his daughter, but she could make things more complicated. Adoption, from her point of view, was much more tidy than the father of her child wanting to muscle in on the action.
“This isn’t about you, “he said. “It’s about me. I don’t want anything from you, except for you to sign the papers.”
She continued to study him. “And if I don’t, you’ll haul me into court, “she said, her voice resigned.
“After all, I’ve already agreed to adoption, so I’ve indicated that I have no interest in my child.”
“I don’t know, “he said honestly. “I didn’t discuss that with my lawyer.”
The bed had been raised so that she could sit upright but still lean against the pillows. Now she lowered the bed a few inched and closed her eyes.
“I have a great job waiting for me in New York. I’m going to work for an agency that handles really high-powered actors, directors and producers. I’m going to be meeting these clients and entertaining them. This is my chance to move in those kind of circles.”
She opened her eyes and stared at him. “It’s what I’ve always wanted. I’m beautiful enough that I’ll attract the eye of some mogul type and we’ll get married. I don’t care if it lasts, I just want to get my foot in the door. Once I’m there, I’ll make a place for myself.”
She signed. “Children have never been part of my plan. I don’t want them. I don’t want ours.”
Her flat statement shouldn’t have surprised him, but it did. He wanted to rage at her, to tell her that he’d just held the most beautiful, perfect creature in the world. How could she walk away from their tiny baby? But she didn’t say a word. For one thing, Lauren wasn’t going to change her mind. For another, selfishly thought, he wanted her gone. Lauren was many things, but maternal wasn’t one of them. In this case, their daughter would be better off without her mother around to mess with her head.
“None of your plans are going to change, “he said. “All I’m asking is that you sign the papers allowing me sole custody of the baby.”
“Do you really think you can do this? Raise a kid on your own? What do you know about babies?”
“Less than nothing, “he admitted. “But I’m willing to learn. I can’t let her go, Lauren. I know that doesn’t make sense to you, but I’ve never been more sure of anything in my life.”
Her expression turned wistful. “You’re a fool, Michael Vaughn, but you’ve got a big heart. I guess that’s a start.”
“I can’t regret her.”
Lauren turned away. “I can. I guess that’s the difference.” She waved her left hand toward the door.
“You know where I live. Have your lawyer draw up the papers and get them to me before the fifteenth. That’s when I’m leaving for New York.”
She looked back at him. “I don’t want this kid showing up in my life in twenty years. Tell him that.”
“It’s a her.”
“Whatever.”
He nodded once. There was so many things he could have said, but why bother? He’d gotten what he’d been after. Maybe one day he would understand how someone who was so beautiful and perfect on the outside could be so incredibly ugly on the inside.
“Thanks, Lauren. My lawyer will be in touch. “He turned to leave.
“Michael?”
He paused and glanced back at her.
She flashed him her best smile, the one that had first made him saunter the picnic area to engage her in a conversation. This time all he could think of was that he couldn’t wait for her to be out of his life.
“Thanks for the flowers.”
He’d sent her a dozen roses when he’d found out she’d had the baby. He stared at the bright yellow buds, still tightly curled as if afraid to open and show themselves to the world. They were as coldly beautiful as she.
“You’re welcome, “he said and walked out of her room. If all went well, he would never see her again. He prayed that’s what would happen.
He walked down the hallway, not really aware of his surroundings. He replayed his first meeting with Lauren a couple of times and knew that while their relationship had been a short-lived mistake, the ramifications were about to change his life forever. Because of his incredible poor taste in women, he was about to become a father. A smile tugged at his lips.
Not a bad trade.
He stopped and glanced around, then realized that he’d instinctively made his way back to the nursery. His gaze drifted over the sleeping babies, before stopping on one in particular. He already recognized that precious face. His daughter.
Panic flared in him again, along with apprehension and about fifteen other forms of “Oh, God, can I really do this? But none of them were as strong as the sense of rightness in his heart. Maybe he was making a big mistake. Maybe he couldn’t do it, but he was determined to give it all he had. They would just have to learn this whole parent-kid thing together. She was his daughter and he would die to protect her.
TBC
~Part 7~
Sydney tapped her pen impatiently against her desk. Be here, she willed silently, waiting for her friend to pick up the phone. While she waited, she glanced at the clock. Her afternoon appointments started in ten minutes, which meant if Nadia didn’t pick up soon, they weren’t going to be able to talk until that evening.
“Dr. Santos, “a familiar voice said crisply.
Sydney sighed in relief. “It’s Sydney and I did a really stupid thing.”
Nadia Santos, a pediatrician and close friend for the past three years, laughed.
“No way your stupid thing can top my stupid thing. I had sex with my husband without a condom and got pregnant again. Now how are you going to beat that?”
Sydney smiled. “Don’t give me that. You’re thrilled about the baby.”
“Thrilled, but still in shock. Besides, I’m supposed to be a responsible adult. No one is going to believe me if I don’t act like one.”
“You do, most of the time. “She paused and tried to figure out the best way to ask her question.
“I need you to tell me if Michael Vaughn is a good man.”
“That’s your stupid thing?”
“Sort of. Did you know about his baby?”
“Sure,” Nadia said. “Eric told me. Michael was involved with some woman over the summer. The relationship didn’t work out but she ended up pregnant. She was due any time now, wasn’t she?”
“She had the baby today, “Sydney said.
“I didn’t know that. Well, as I understand it, both she and Michael had agreed to give up the child for adoption. Is there a problem?”
“That depends on whether or not Michael is a decent guy. He changed his mind. He’s keeping his daughter.”
This time Nadia was the one who got quiet. Sydney pictures her brown eyes widening with shock as her mouth dropped open.
“Michael is keeping the baby?”
“That’s the plan. As far as I know Lauren will still be giving her up, so Michael’s going to have sole custody. Do you think he can manage? Sydney rubbed her temple.
“I feel a little responsible. I’m the one who dragged him to the nursery so he could hold her. You know what it’s like to cradle a newborn.”
“Pretty amazing, “Nadia agreed. “I’m stunned by the news. Fortunately, Michael seems to be a great guy. He’d wonderful with our kids, but being an uncle is very different than being a father.”
“That’s what I think, “Sydney agreed. “I know that there are a lot of single parents, but most of them have some kind of warning. Michael made his decision today and the baby goes home tomorrow. Not much time to prepare.”
“You’re right, “Nadia said. “He can’t even take a couple of weeks off because of the construction project at the hospital. He’d been working too many hours at it is, just to get things caught up. What was he thinking?”
“So you think I was wrong to encourage him?”
“Not for a minute, “Nadia told her. “All this stuff is just logistics, Syd. How can it be wrong fro a man to love his child? And don’t give me any lines about mothers being more nurturing. I don’t believe that and I don’t think you do, either.”
“No, I don’t.” How could she? Her mother had died shortly after she’d been born and her father had raised her on his own. In her opinion, he’d done a wonderful job. She couldn’t imagine a parent being more supportive or caring.
“So it’s just a matter of getting Michael up to speed, “Nadia said. Sydney heard her flipping pages in her date book, then her friend continued.
“I’m free tomorrow. I’ll check with Eric and see if we can go over and help him. Maybe a couple of lessons with a doll will prepare him for that first diaper change.”
The thought of Michael Vaughn bent over staring at the contents of a newborn’s diaper made Sydney smile.
“He’s not going to like that part at all.”
“Few people do.”
Sydney cleared her throat. “Yes, well, I’m going to help out, too. I figure it’s the least I could do after getting him into this mess.”
“You’re not the one who had the baby.”
Sydney could feel her cheeks getting hot, which was silly. She pressed the back of her free hand against her skin.
“I know, but well, anyway, I’m meeting him tonight. We’re going to help him pick out furniture. I also thought I’d take him one of those books on what happens during the first year.”
“Dr. Bristow, do you sound flustered?”
“Of course not. I’m just watching the clock. I have patients in a couple of minutes.”
“I think not. I think you are, in fact, interested in Michael.”
“You’re crazy. I’m helping out a friend.”
“Oh. When did you two become friends?”
Sydney glared at the phone. “Fine. I’m helping a fellow human being in need.”
“You’re hiding the truth, maybe even from yourself. I think you think he’s hot.”
“I’m concerned about a new father taking care of a child when he’d had no preparation or experience. My thoughts are for the baby, not Michael.”
Nadia sighed. “All right. Have it your way, but you’re missing out. I have to tell, there something pretty wonderful about that guy.
Sydney smiled. Nadia has been married to Eric Weiss for a few years now and with 2 children and another one on the way, they have decided to renew their vows at the end of the month.
“I think you’ve been influence by your relationship with Eric.”
“Maybe, but only in the best way possible. Besides, would it kill you to be interested in a man? You’ve been living like a nun for the past three years.”
“Sure. I always take relationship advice from a woman in the middle of an unplanned pregnancy.”
Nadia laughed. “Oh, thanks. Throw that in my face. But think about what I said. It would be very sad for you to ignore this opportunity.”
“Say good-bye, Nadia.”
“Bye.”
Sydney was still smiling when she hung up the phone. She collected her charts and made her way out of her office, all the while ignoring the little voice that whispered Nadia might be on to something after all.
TBC
CJ~Part 6~
Vaughn paused outside the hospital room and thought about what he wanted to say. He knew that Lauren wasn’t going to be happy with his change of heart, but there was nothing he could do about that. He had as much right to their baby as she did. A quick call to his lawyer had confirmed that.
He squared his shoulders and stepped into the room. “Hi, he said when he saw Lauren sitting up in bed.
She glanced at him for a second, gave a quick, insincere smile, then pushed the mute button on the remote and silenced the television she’d been watching.
“Michael, I didn’t expect to see you, “she said, her voice flat with lack of enthusiasm. “If you’re here to check up on me, I promise I’m fine. The delivery wasn’t much fun, but my doctor is great. She said everything went as expected. I’ll be leaving first thing in the morning. In a few weeks I’ll be good as new.”
“I’m glad you’re all right.”
He shifted uneasily and pushed his hands into his jeans pockets. He stood about five feet from the bed. The blinds were open, allowing afternoon light to spill into the room and he could see her clearly. The ordeal of giving birth had left her pale, but still beautiful. Her long, silky platinum blond hair had been pulled back into a simple braid. The high cheek bones, perfect mouth and wide blue eyes were as lovely as when he’d first met her. But during their brief time together, he’d learned that she had no heart.
He couldn’t help wondering what he’d seen in her all those months ago. He remembered that they’d met at a Fourth of July picnic, and that too many beers had caused then to end up in bed together. He’d thought he was old enough to ignore the appeal of a pretty face, but he’d been wrong. Or maybe he’d just been lonely. None of that mattered now. Whatever had first drawn them together had faded and by the end of the weekend they were both content to part company. Until Lauren had called a couple of months later to say she was pregnant.
She pursed her lips together. “Michael, you’re just staring at me. You’re not going to get all weird because of the baby are you?”
“Yes, but not in the way you mean.”
Her gaze narrowed. Suddenly features that had been beautiful were now merely pinched.
“We’ve been over this before. I was pregnant because I thought it was the right thing to do. If I’d known you were going to talk me out of having an abortion, I wouldn’t have said a word. I did as you requested…I had a kid. Now I’m giving it up for adoption. The papers are signed. I’m not going to change my mind.”
“I am, “he said quietly.
She blinked at him. “What?”
“I haven’t signed the papers, and I’m not going to. I want to keep the baby.”
“Dammit, Michael. What the hell are you thinking? If you have some fantasy about a cozy family with me playing mommy, you can just forget it.”
“I don’t, “he told her. “This isn’t about you. As far as you’re concerned, nothing has to change. I’m going to have a lawyer draw up some papers. Basically you walk away from the kid and I keep her. You don’t ask to see her and I don’t ask for support. It’s just like the adoption, only I’m going to be the one taking her.”
She brushed at her smooth bangs. Her nails were long and painted a dark shade of pink.
“Why don’t I believe you?”
“I don’t know. I’m telling the truth.”
She stared at him for a long time. Michael held his breath. He knew that Lauren couldn’t stop him from keeping his daughter, but she could make things more complicated. Adoption, from her point of view, was much more tidy than the father of her child wanting to muscle in on the action.
“This isn’t about you, “he said. “It’s about me. I don’t want anything from you, except for you to sign the papers.”
She continued to study him. “And if I don’t, you’ll haul me into court, “she said, her voice resigned.
“After all, I’ve already agreed to adoption, so I’ve indicated that I have no interest in my child.”
“I don’t know, “he said honestly. “I didn’t discuss that with my lawyer.”
The bed had been raised so that she could sit upright but still lean against the pillows. Now she lowered the bed a few inched and closed her eyes.
“I have a great job waiting for me in New York. I’m going to work for an agency that handles really high-powered actors, directors and producers. I’m going to be meeting these clients and entertaining them. This is my chance to move in those kind of circles.”
She opened her eyes and stared at him. “It’s what I’ve always wanted. I’m beautiful enough that I’ll attract the eye of some mogul type and we’ll get married. I don’t care if it lasts, I just want to get my foot in the door. Once I’m there, I’ll make a place for myself.”
She signed. “Children have never been part of my plan. I don’t want them. I don’t want ours.”
Her flat statement shouldn’t have surprised him, but it did. He wanted to rage at her, to tell her that he’d just held the most beautiful, perfect creature in the world. How could she walk away from their tiny baby? But she didn’t say a word. For one thing, Lauren wasn’t going to change her mind. For another, selfishly thought, he wanted her gone. Lauren was many things, but maternal wasn’t one of them. In this case, their daughter would be better off without her mother around to mess with her head.
“None of your plans are going to change, “he said. “All I’m asking is that you sign the papers allowing me sole custody of the baby.”
“Do you really think you can do this? Raise a kid on your own? What do you know about babies?”
“Less than nothing, “he admitted. “But I’m willing to learn. I can’t let her go, Lauren. I know that doesn’t make sense to you, but I’ve never been more sure of anything in my life.”
Her expression turned wistful. “You’re a fool, Michael Vaughn, but you’ve got a big heart. I guess that’s a start.”
“I can’t regret her.”
Lauren turned away. “I can. I guess that’s the difference.” She waved her left hand toward the door.
“You know where I live. Have your lawyer draw up the papers and get them to me before the fifteenth. That’s when I’m leaving for New York.”
She looked back at him. “I don’t want this kid showing up in my life in twenty years. Tell him that.”
“It’s a her.”
“Whatever.”
He nodded once. There was so many things he could have said, but why bother? He’d gotten what he’d been after. Maybe one day he would understand how someone who was so beautiful and perfect on the outside could be so incredibly ugly on the inside.
“Thanks, Lauren. My lawyer will be in touch. “He turned to leave.
“Michael?”
He paused and glanced back at her.
She flashed him her best smile, the one that had first made him saunter the picnic area to engage her in a conversation. This time all he could think of was that he couldn’t wait for her to be out of his life.
“Thanks for the flowers.”
He’d sent her a dozen roses when he’d found out she’d had the baby. He stared at the bright yellow buds, still tightly curled as if afraid to open and show themselves to the world. They were as coldly beautiful as she.
“You’re welcome, “he said and walked out of her room. If all went well, he would never see her again. He prayed that’s what would happen.
He walked down the hallway, not really aware of his surroundings. He replayed his first meeting with Lauren a couple of times and knew that while their relationship had been a short-lived mistake, the ramifications were about to change his life forever. Because of his incredible poor taste in women, he was about to become a father. A smile tugged at his lips.
Not a bad trade.
He stopped and glanced around, then realized that he’d instinctively made his way back to the nursery. His gaze drifted over the sleeping babies, before stopping on one in particular. He already recognized that precious face. His daughter.
Panic flared in him again, along with apprehension and about fifteen other forms of “Oh, God, can I really do this? But none of them were as strong as the sense of rightness in his heart. Maybe he was making a big mistake. Maybe he couldn’t do it, but he was determined to give it all he had. They would just have to learn this whole parent-kid thing together. She was his daughter and he would die to protect her.
TBC
~Part 7~
Sydney tapped her pen impatiently against her desk. Be here, she willed silently, waiting for her friend to pick up the phone. While she waited, she glanced at the clock. Her afternoon appointments started in ten minutes, which meant if Nadia didn’t pick up soon, they weren’t going to be able to talk until that evening.
“Dr. Santos, “a familiar voice said crisply.
Sydney sighed in relief. “It’s Sydney and I did a really stupid thing.”
Nadia Santos, a pediatrician and close friend for the past three years, laughed.
“No way your stupid thing can top my stupid thing. I had sex with my husband without a condom and got pregnant again. Now how are you going to beat that?”
Sydney smiled. “Don’t give me that. You’re thrilled about the baby.”
“Thrilled, but still in shock. Besides, I’m supposed to be a responsible adult. No one is going to believe me if I don’t act like one.”
“You do, most of the time. “She paused and tried to figure out the best way to ask her question.
“I need you to tell me if Michael Vaughn is a good man.”
“That’s your stupid thing?”
“Sort of. Did you know about his baby?”
“Sure,” Nadia said. “Eric told me. Michael was involved with some woman over the summer. The relationship didn’t work out but she ended up pregnant. She was due any time now, wasn’t she?”
“She had the baby today, “Sydney said.
“I didn’t know that. Well, as I understand it, both she and Michael had agreed to give up the child for adoption. Is there a problem?”
“That depends on whether or not Michael is a decent guy. He changed his mind. He’s keeping his daughter.”
This time Nadia was the one who got quiet. Sydney pictures her brown eyes widening with shock as her mouth dropped open.
“Michael is keeping the baby?”
“That’s the plan. As far as I know Lauren will still be giving her up, so Michael’s going to have sole custody. Do you think he can manage? Sydney rubbed her temple.
“I feel a little responsible. I’m the one who dragged him to the nursery so he could hold her. You know what it’s like to cradle a newborn.”
“Pretty amazing, “Nadia agreed. “I’m stunned by the news. Fortunately, Michael seems to be a great guy. He’d wonderful with our kids, but being an uncle is very different than being a father.”
“That’s what I think, “Sydney agreed. “I know that there are a lot of single parents, but most of them have some kind of warning. Michael made his decision today and the baby goes home tomorrow. Not much time to prepare.”
“You’re right, “Nadia said. “He can’t even take a couple of weeks off because of the construction project at the hospital. He’d been working too many hours at it is, just to get things caught up. What was he thinking?”
“So you think I was wrong to encourage him?”
“Not for a minute, “Nadia told her. “All this stuff is just logistics, Syd. How can it be wrong fro a man to love his child? And don’t give me any lines about mothers being more nurturing. I don’t believe that and I don’t think you do, either.”
“No, I don’t.” How could she? Her mother had died shortly after she’d been born and her father had raised her on his own. In her opinion, he’d done a wonderful job. She couldn’t imagine a parent being more supportive or caring.
“So it’s just a matter of getting Michael up to speed, “Nadia said. Sydney heard her flipping pages in her date book, then her friend continued.
“I’m free tomorrow. I’ll check with Eric and see if we can go over and help him. Maybe a couple of lessons with a doll will prepare him for that first diaper change.”
The thought of Michael Vaughn bent over staring at the contents of a newborn’s diaper made Sydney smile.
“He’s not going to like that part at all.”
“Few people do.”
Sydney cleared her throat. “Yes, well, I’m going to help out, too. I figure it’s the least I could do after getting him into this mess.”
“You’re not the one who had the baby.”
Sydney could feel her cheeks getting hot, which was silly. She pressed the back of her free hand against her skin.
“I know, but well, anyway, I’m meeting him tonight. We’re going to help him pick out furniture. I also thought I’d take him one of those books on what happens during the first year.”
“Dr. Bristow, do you sound flustered?”
“Of course not. I’m just watching the clock. I have patients in a couple of minutes.”
“I think not. I think you are, in fact, interested in Michael.”
“You’re crazy. I’m helping out a friend.”
“Oh. When did you two become friends?”
Sydney glared at the phone. “Fine. I’m helping a fellow human being in need.”
“You’re hiding the truth, maybe even from yourself. I think you think he’s hot.”
“I’m concerned about a new father taking care of a child when he’d had no preparation or experience. My thoughts are for the baby, not Michael.”
Nadia sighed. “All right. Have it your way, but you’re missing out. I have to tell, there something pretty wonderful about that guy.
Sydney smiled. Nadia has been married to Eric Weiss for a few years now and with 2 children and another one on the way, they have decided to renew their vows at the end of the month.
“I think you’ve been influence by your relationship with Eric.”
“Maybe, but only in the best way possible. Besides, would it kill you to be interested in a man? You’ve been living like a nun for the past three years.”
“Sure. I always take relationship advice from a woman in the middle of an unplanned pregnancy.”
Nadia laughed. “Oh, thanks. Throw that in my face. But think about what I said. It would be very sad for you to ignore this opportunity.”
“Say good-bye, Nadia.”
“Bye.”
Sydney was still smiling when she hung up the phone. She collected her charts and made her way out of her office, all the while ignoring the little voice that whispered Nadia might be on to something after all.
TBC
