Happily Ever All-Star: A Secret Baby Romance - Sosie Frost Page 0,38

Regan’s neatly arranged tray of roasted vegetables. It rested near the bowl of whipped potatoes, dripping with valleys of molten butter. A turkey waited on the stove, browned and crackling with two different types of stuffing.

She’d probably spent hours on the dinner, and, knowing Regan, she’d never admit that the food didn’t magically appear with a wave of a wand.

I checked her shoes. Practical sandals. No glass slippers. Yet.

“Mom.” I crossed my arms. “Who is Rick?”

“Oh, isn’t he such a nice man?”

“Yeah, he is. Why is he in the dining room?”

Regan straightened her cardigan, but her hair, makeup, and smile were, as always, lovely. “I met him at a conference some time ago. He mentioned that he was available, and I said that my step-daughter had just taken a promising neurological fellowship in town. I thought it was a smart match.”

“Okay, this isn’t a blind date. This is a blindside.”

Regan frowned. “Aurora, I simply took a chance. When I was your age, I was already married, found a position with a highly respected hospital, and was planning my family to include your brothers.”

“So?”

“You’ve been so preoccupied with this fellowship; we’ve hardly seen each other. It’s been months since you’ve come home.”

By design. “And?”

“You know what I told you about the medical profession—never let them see you overwhelmed.”

“I’m not overwhelmed.”

“Then you should have time for certain social responsibilities. Public parties. Networking.” Her eyebrow rose. “People will talk if you are seen alone for too long.”

“I think you’re the one talking.”

“You aren’t getting any younger, Aurora. It might be time to begin thinking of your life, post-fellowship.”

“Well…I’m glad you brought it up.” I dodged her as she aimed for the green bean almondine. “I really wanted to talk to you about something.”

“Not now. You’ve already arrived late…as usual. Here.” She handed me a bowl of prosciutto wrapped asparagus. “Take that to the dining room. Get to know our guest.”

“That’s just the thing. You know that I brought Jude home with me—”

“Yes, of course,” she said. “He’s practically my third son. He’s always welcome.”

“Again, I’m glad you see it that way because—”

“Aurora. Where are your manners?” Regan wouldn’t act so undignified as to point at me, but I imagined the wag of her finger. “We will talk after dinner.”

“We really should talk before dinner.”

“I’ll bring the rolls. Make sure your grandmother isn’t embarrassing us.”

I was a doctor, not a miracle worker. I loved Grandma Mildred, and I loved even more that Regan couldn’t control her like she chess-pawned the rest of the family.

“Oh, and Aurora…” Regan tapped her chin. “Is there any way you might…find a sweater to wear? That dress is hardly appropriate.”

It had been professional…before I inadvertently rented my womb out. “I didn’t pack anything else.”

“A shame. I wanted Rick to believe you were…smart.”

“I am smart.”

“Of course you are.”

My mood swing, swung, and aimed for the fences. I grabbed the mashed potatoes and followed Regan to the dining room. Jude asked a silent question with a raised eyebrow. The food was still being served, so obviously I hadn’t spilled the beans all over Regan’s dinner. Yet.

“The table looks great, Regan,” Jude said.

“Thank you. This is nothing, just a little celebration to have most of the family together again.” Regan meticulously adjusted the white cloth napkin swaddling the dinner rolls. “I did pull out the formal China though. A wedding present from so long ago. I had hoped the set would one day pass to my step-daughter…”

Oh Lord.

Regan turned, addressing Rick. “But she’s yet to make engagement plans…with anyone. Not for lack of trying of course. She was busy finishing her internship, and now she’s working on this fabulous fellowship.”

“Damn, Mom.” Eric grabbed the mashed potato spoon like a trowel and slopped a pile onto his plate. Mildred slapped his hand, but he earned her favor by lopping potatoes on her plate as well. “Why don’t you weigh her in and check her teeth before you sell her off?”

Regan bristled, but she’d never lose her temper, even with a petulant son. “Oh, darling, I suppose I am embarrassing her. But I am so proud of my daughter, following in my footsteps.”

Proud? Her? That was a new one.

“She was very nearly the top of her class, you know. And she’s simply amazing with her patients.”

This was a nightmare. I reached for my glass, realizing too late it was filled to the brim with Chardonnay. Damn.

How were people supposed to escape their families without alcohol?

“So…” Rick had a great smile. “You’re a doctor too?”

“Yes.”