And Never Say Goodbye: A Town of Destiny Novel Read online

  “Stud.”

  “That’s me, but only yours.”

  She smiled.

  A knock at the door snapped both their heads up. “Good morning, Mallory,” Dr. Jackson said, shaking her hand. “And this must be…”

  He stood. “Lawson Gallagher. Nice to meet you.” He shook her hand and sat back down.

  “Nice to have support. I’ve heard so much about you.” She looked at her clipboard and sat on the stool. She gestured to Mallory’s face. “What happened?”

  She touched her scratches. “I got caught up in that nasty storm Saturday, but I’m fine.”

  She nodded, concern etching her face. Letting out a deep breath, she said, “So, this is it. The embryos are ready for transfer whenever you are. I just need to get one more pregnancy test.” She glanced at Lawson and then back at Mallory. “You understand.”

  Blushing, Mallory nodded. “Sure.” She took the cup and pregnancy strip and stepped out of the room after giving Lawson a small smile. He gave her the thumbs up like he always did.

  She found the ladies’ room and peed in the cup before dipping the strip into it. Her stomach growled and began to rumble, giving her that nauseous feeling again. It had to be nerves or maybe it was the eggs.

  After washing her hands, she stared at her reflection and shook her head. “What are you doing, you fool? That man is sitting there waiting to give up his life for you and another man’s child.”

  Sitting on the closed toilet seat, she pressed her face into her hands. She looked up and smiled, knowing what she wanted to do. It was something she never thought of before, so figured it had to be divine intervention. Or a message from Scott. She’d take it.

  With that, she stood and held her head high, carrying her cup back to the room.

  When she returned, she gave Dr. Jackson the cup and jumped up onto the table, smiling at Lawson. He gave her a goofy look like he was confused, making her want to laugh and hug him at the same time.

  Dr. Jackson set the test on the counter and turned to her. “Lawson was just telling me more about your jobs. I knew you were in organ donation, but I never realized the extent, Mallory. I’m impressed.”

  Mallory glanced at him, grinning. “Yeah, I’m proud to be part of it, helping others to live longer or making their dreams come true. It’s how life’s meant to be, donating parts of ourselves to make that happen.” She stared at Lawson, knowing where she was leading with this, although the look on his face still held confusion. “Dr. Jackson, I’ve made a decision…”

  But Dr. Jackson’s back was turned toward them. “Uh, Mallory…I think the decision’s been made for you.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “You’re pregnant.” She looked at Lawson’s stunned face and then Mallory’s wide eyes.

  Lawson laughed and clapped his hands. He walked over to Mallory, taking her hands in his.

  “I am?” It all made sense now. The strange cycle, the nausea…the glow.

  “Yep. Nice and strong, too. Look.” She showed her the strip with the dark line. “Congratulations. What was the decision you made?” She gave a warm smile.

  Her heart pounded as a wide grin stretched her face. “Well, it makes things a lot easier.” She looked at Lawson. “I’d like to donate Scott’s sperm to Julia and Craig, if that’s all right with you…and them, of course.”

  His eyes grew big. “Are you kidding? That’s a great idea!”

  “You’d be okay with part of Scott being around, being your niece or nephew?”

  He slowly nodded. “Yeah, I’d be more than fine.” He wrapped his arms around her and cupped her face, kissing her. “So, you decided this before knowing you were pregnant? This didn’t make you decide to do that?”

  “It just came to me in the restroom. I knew I wasn’t going to go through with it and was working up the courage to say it.”

  Dr. Jackson opened the door. “Okay, then. Your sister will just have to make an appointment with us, if she agrees. And you’ll have to make an appointment for prenatal care. Looks like a March baby if you had a period in June.” She smiled. “I’d also like you to go to the ER to get checked out. Those scratches are healing but just to be sure…could be shallow, but since you’re expecting now.”

  “I will. Thank you,” Mallory said before returning to Lawson’s embrace.

  “Hey, it’ll be your niece or nephew, too.”

  “How?”

  “When I marry you, silly.”

  She smiled and then knitted her brows. “What about work? We can’t be there together if we’re married.”

  “We’ll figure it out. Right now, I’m the happiest man in the world. Don’t spoil it.” He kissed her nose.

  Laughing, she said, “Fine, but we will have to tell them by the time my belly starts showing.”

  He looked at her stomach and rubbed it. “I can’t wait for that. If Julia agrees, you can be mothers together.”

  “She said that the other day at lunch.” She covered his hand over her stomach.

  He helped her down and walked to the front desk to make their first OB appointment. They then walked out into the July warmth, holding hands. He turned to her and said, “So, it wasn’t the eggs?”

  “It wasn’t the eggs.”

  “Good. Was worried about my cooking skills.”

  She laughed, jumping in on her side before he closed the door and watched him get in on his. As he worked the key in the ignition, her pager buzzed. “Damn. I need to get home to get my stuff. St. Lutheran has an OR already set for 1:00. Did you know?”

  “That case was pending all night…trying to place. Must have finally gotten accepted.”

  “Why so long?”

  “You know how picky some hospitals can be, especially when the donor’s not the healthiest. They had to rule out hepatitis, but once that gets out, it’s a struggle for placement. Glad they found someone.” He reached over and held her hand. “Does that make you nervous?”

  “I just want to know we’re placing healthy organs.”

  “You think Scott didn’t have that chance?”

  “I don’t know. Sudden acute rejection doesn’t happen very often.”

  “I’ve seen it happen more times than I’d like to see. Some things are out of our control. You know that.” He squeezed her hand.

  She nodded, looking out the window. Yes, some things were out of their control. A small grin formed. There was a little wolf growing inside of her.

  He headed down Main Street. “Need to get you to the ER first.”

  “I’ll just go to St. Lutheran’s before I head to the OR.”

  “You sure? I don’t mind.”

  “Yes…Daddy. I’m sure.”

  “I can’t believe someone’ll be calling me that. Thank you.” He kissed her hand.

  She grinned. “For what?”

  “For making me a father…and hopefully an uncle soon.”

  She leaned against the headrest and watched him drive…picturing his strong arms holding their baby, holding her every night in their bed. Their bed. Sounded wonderful in her head, but they’d have to figure out whose house they’d live in first.

  And who’d have to leave Hope of Life.

  Chapter Seventeen

  Mallory searched the crowd in the parking lot, smelling ribs and burgers on the grill, holding her breath to keep from gagging. She found him talking to Ellen, laughing at something she said, his eyes drifting to hers as she entered the party. He cracked a secretive smile.

  “Mallory, what can I get you?” Jennifer asked, running to her and giving her a big hug. “You okay? You look a little gray.”

  “I’m good for now, just wanted to say hi. Late case last night.” She found a table under one of the tents, shading her nicely. She pulled her hair back into a bun and caught Lawson shaking his head at her. Laughing, she stuck her tongue out.

  After being stopped by a few coordinators, he made his way over and sat, grabbing her knee under the table. “Hey, sexy mama.”

>   Her eyes bugged. “Stop,” she whispered, looking around and then hid a grin under her hand.

  “I want to tell everyone…right now.”

  “What? Hell, no! You’re so bad.”

  “Why can’t we tell them?”

  “First of all, we’re having dinner with your family tonight and need to tell them. And second of all, I don’t feel like losing my job just yet.” She squeezed his hand over her knee.

  Joe scooted next to her. “Hey, guys. What’s new?” His cheesy grin gave it all away.

  Her head spun to Lawson. “Did you tell him?”

  “Tell me what?” Again, that grin.

  “Don’t be mad. He guessed when I couldn’t stop smiling.” Lawson fist pumped Joe like high schoolers.

  Joe whispered in her ear, “Congrats, Mal. With how Lawson talks about you, I think I’ve fallen in love also.” He rubbed his shoulder against hers.

  She giggled, shaking her head. “I’m not ice McShane anymore?”

  He laughed. “No. Not to me, anyway. You know he wants to leave so you can stay, right?”

  She looked at Lawson who was laughing at something Ellen was doing, and then returned to Joe. “No, he’s not. I won’t allow that. He’s the best they have here.”

  “So are you.” Joe squeezed her hand. “Are you and the—bean—okay after that storm? Lawson said you got checked out, but…”

  “Yeah. Strong heartbeat. Thanks for asking. How’s Beth?” She remembered his wife as shy but sweet at a Christmas party once.

  “She’s good. Busy with the kids as you guys will be, too. Hey, if you need any maternity clothes, she has tons. She’d love to give them to you.”

  Lawson ducked his head to look at them both. “Hey, what’re talking about so quiet?”

  She rolled her eyes at him. “I was asking for tips on how to raise a baby wolf.”

  Both men laughed.

  Ellen walked over, wearing an apron and dopey chef’s hat, smiling down at Mallory. “How’re you feeling, sweetheart?”

  Her eyes grew wide as did the men.

  Ellen shook her head. “After that storm? I heard you saw the eye. Must have been awful.”

  Lawson shrugged at Mallory’s stern but loving glare. “Sorry, I just told her. She’d want to know that not only do you wear a Supergirl cape at work, but also fight storms.”

  She laughed. “I’m fine, Ellen. Thanks.”

  Ellen touched her arm. “May I speak with you for a moment? We can go into my office.”

  Fear paralyzed Mallory as her heart began to race. “Sure. What’s up?”

  Lawson looked at Ellen. “Yeah, what’s up?”

  “Just something private. Go on in and I’ll be right there.” She smiled and walked back to the grill.

  She looked at Lawson who had the same concern in his eyes as she did. “Does she know something?”

  He stood. “I’m coming with. You shouldn’t have to answer anything without me. I’m part of this, too.”

  “No, just me. Maybe it’s something else. Did you give her any hint at all? I know you blabbed to your buddy here.” She jabbed Joe in the side.

  “Hey!” Joe said. “I’m sure it’s nothing. Probably wants to tell you what a great job you’re doing and blah, blah, blah…here’s another raise. They all love you here. Makes me sick.”

  “He’s probably right. But text me just in case and I’ll be there.” Lawson helped her up.

  “Okay, I’ll be back.” She started for the building and saw Louise at the desk. “Why are you in here?”

  “Oh, hey, doll face. Too hot out there for me, so I’m manning the phones. How’re you?”

  “Not feeling too well today.”

  “Having a baby can do that to you,” she whispered with a grin.

  “What…how…”

  “I know birthing hips when I seem them. I’ve had four kids myself, and look at these love handles.” She stood and gripped her hips. “My husband loves them, though.” She winked and sat back down.

  She laughed. “Thanks for the visual, Lou. Does anyone else know?”

  “Not that I know. I just figured it out, but I’m not telling anyone until you do.” She looked around. “So, who’s the lucky father? Let me guess…that beautiful, hunk of a man you were just sitting next to?”

  She didn’t know if she meant Lawson or Joe and didn’t want to say, but it had to be Lawson. Joe was…Joe.

  “It’s Lawson, isn’t it? I can tell by the way he looks at you. I knew it that day you both were here flirting with each other. The chemistry was hot.”

  Mallory blushed. Were they that obvious? “Maybe. I gotta go, meeting Ellen in her office. Take care, Lou.” She ran up the stairs and to the restroom first before heading to Ellen’s office. The bathroom issue would take time to get used to, like her bladder had turned into the size of a walnut.

  She sat in one of the softer chairs in the corner of Ellen’s office and closed her eyes for just a moment…a moment that turned into Ellen closing the door and awakening her. “Oh, hi, Ellen. Sorry, still tired from last night’s case.”

  “I see that.” The older woman sat at her desk, minus the chef’s attire, and leaned her chin into her hands. “Are you feeling okay these days, Mallory? I’ve heard you’re showing more fatigue at the hospitals than usual. Getting enough sleep?”

  Yawning, she nodded. “I am, just the nature of the beast. Can never catch up on sleep between cases. Crazy.”

  “Right, I agree.” She cleared her throat. “So, a nurse was concerned when you vomited into your mask. Level with me, Mal.”

  If she wasn’t awake before that comment, she was now. And she only threw up a little, but did have to swallow the rest. The smell of the cautery nearly choked her. “I have the flu…sorry. I shouldn’t have—”

  She cocked her brow. “Level with me.” Ellen folded her hands on the desk. “Are you pregnant, Mallory?”

  Her eyes shifted to the floor before she nodded. “Yes.” She looked back up at not only her boss but her friend. “I was going to tell you, but I wanted to get past the twelve-week mark.”

  “Is that true or is there some other reason?”

  Was she psychic? Or did she hear rumors? Probably the latter. “You know, don’t you.”

  “Know what? Who the father is? I don’t listen to rumors. I want to hear from you.”

  She knew Ellen could play the serious CEO part very well, but she also knew she could trust her. If she lost her job, she’d understand. “It’s Lawson. I love him.”

  At first, Ellen was quiet, gazing at Mallory in her pathetic state, laying it all on the line. But then she smiled and stood, walking toward her with outstretched arms. “I knew it. Come here.”

  Mallory stood and allowed Ellen to wrap her soft arms around her, as she returned the hug. When she pulled away, Ellen had tears in her eyes. “I won’t be able to stay, will I?” she asked.

  Ellen sniffled and shook her head. “We’ll figure it out.”

  “But Dr. Segal won’t like it, and he’s the medical director and head of the committee board. You know he’s a little chauvinistic in his thinking, Ellen. He’ll think I need to leave and let the man stay.”

  “You leave Bill to me. So…when’s the baby due?” She stretched Mallory’s arms out so she could get a better look at her belly that was still flat.

  “March.”

  “Please tell me that man’s going to make an honest woman out of you? I know these days that people don’t get married anymore, but I want a wedding.”

  “He’s told me he wants to but never officially asked. But, yes. We do plan on getting married.” It felt good to say it out loud. “You’ve got Lawson all wrong. He’s no more a wolf than I’m ice.”

  “I know that.” She smiled.

  Someone knocked on the door, and Lawson stuck his head inside. “Is it okay to come in, ladies? I was getting worried.”

  “Lawson, come here and give me a hug. I can’t believe you’re going to be a father.” E
llen ran to him and squeezed him, his eyes widening at Mallory’s laughter.

  “Uh, I guess you told her? And…thanks,” he said to the tiny woman with the silver hair. “I can’t believe it, either.”

  Mallory walked to him and grabbed his hand. “She guessed because I got sick in my mask yesterday. Leslie blabbed. I’ll have to talk to her.”

  Worry filled his face. “You got sick in your mask? You can’t work like that.”

  She put her hand up to stop him. “I’m not quitting work. I can use a home remedy like putting toothpaste under my nose or that bee’s lip balm. I need to work. I’ll be fine—that’s if Dr. Segal lets me.”

  Lawson turned to Ellen. “Stubborn woman.”

  Ellen laughed. “Yes, she is. But she’s right.”

  Mallory stifled another yawn and watery eyes. “I need a nap.”

  “Use the nap room. Everyone’s outside. Oh, I better get back out there. They love my grill skills!” Ellen danced to the door and swung it open before giving her usual poker face and strong stance.

  “Thanks, Ellen,” Mallory said, smiling at her.

  She winked. “You bet.” She darted down the hall.

  “I’ve never seen her so giddy,” she said.

  Lawson grinned. “Let’s go take a nap in the nap room.”

  “Hey, I really am tired.” She slapped at him but couldn’t resist that smile…that everything. “Let’s go.”

  He beamed and held her hand as they walked down to the room only meant for exhausted coordinators. But in their case, horny ones. Mallory laughed as he dragged her inside the room and closed the door.

  ***

  Lawson’s family gathered in the dining room to take their places. Mallory forced herself not to appear happy for why they were there. She noticed Julia’s low energy and depressed demeanor, wanting to hug her.

  Nervousness set in as she hoped Julia and Craig’s response would be accepting of her plan. If not, at least she tried. Lawson kept squeezing her hand under the table as the food was served.

  Rob Gallagher took the head and raised his glass. “Thank you for coming on this fine July Sunday. I’d like to do this more often, especially now that Lawson has found Mallory. Cheers.”