he said to Quinn, who’d been about to take a bite of her toast. Mia was already halfway through her piece, marmalade all over her face.
“Are you making Alex an egg and soldiers?” Emma asked as she sauntered into the kitchen. “I want some too.” She poured herself a glass of orange juice and took a seat at the table. “I found some tops I like on Amazon. Can you take a look after breakfast?” she asked hopefully.
“At this rate, I’m never going to leave the house,” Quinn muttered.
“You go on,” Gabe said. “I’ll see to the kids.”
“Emma, Dad is taking Alex and Mia to a show at the Unicorn Theatre. Did you want to go too?”
Emma made a face. “No. Those shows are for babies. Maybe I can help you cook,” Emma offered.
“Sure, if you like.”
“What are you making?”
“Salmon with roasted potatoes and steamed vegetables.”
“Right. Never mind. Let me know when you’re making something I like. Will there be pudding, at least?”
“Yes, there will be pudding.”
“I want sticky toffee pudding,” Emma announced. “Uncle Logan loves sticky toffee pudding.”
“Fine. I will get sticky toffee pudding,” Quinn replied, now really exasperated. She set her plate and cup in the sink and kissed everyone in turn. “Have a good day, darlings. I’m off.”
Quinn was on her way to the shops when her mobile rang. It was Logan.
“Hi. I’m just shopping for tonight. Salmon okay?”
“Quinn, I’m sorry, but we won’t be able to make it,” Logan said. He sounded tense.
“Logan, are you all right?” Quinn asked.
“I’m at Middlesex. Chrissy was brought in about an hour ago.”
Quinn felt a cold dread seeping into her chest. Chrissy wasn’t due for three weeks, and even if she was in labor, she wouldn’t have been brought in. She’d have arrived at the hospital on her own, and as far as Quinn knew, Middlesex wasn’t where Chrissy had planned to give birth. “What happened?”
Logan’s voice sounded raspy, harsh, unlike his usual easygoing self. “Chrissy got into a minor accident this morning on her way to an antenatal exercise class,” he said. “There wasn’t much damage to the car, but the airbag went off and hit her in the chest and stomach. She began to bleed heavily and called an ambulance.”
Quinn’s dread intensified. “Do they know what’s wrong?”
“She’s suffered a placental abruption.”
“What does that mean?” Quinn asked. She knew what placental abruption was but wasn’t sure if the condition was treatable.
“They’re monitoring her and the baby. If the damage is minimal, they might recommend bed rest. If not, a decision will need to be made.”
“Oh, Logan,” Quinn said, her heart going out to him. “Is there anything I can do?”
“Rafe’s mum is here.” Logan sounded wistful.
“Did you call Sylvia?” Quinn asked, wondering if Logan wished his own mother was there to comfort him.
“She’s in Manchester. Went to visit a friend. She won’t be back until tomorrow evening.”
“I’ll be there in a half hour,” Quinn said, and heard the relief in Logan’s voice.
“Thank you. I know this is not a life-or-death situation, but I’m feeling a bit fragile,” he admitted.
“I’m on my way.” Quinn abandoned her shopping trip, hailed a taxi, and climbed in. Unfortunately, the traffic was awful, and it took nearly forty minutes to get to the hospital. It took another ten to finally locate the maternity ward and find Logan and Rafe. Rafe’s mother, Rita, was holding Rafe’s hand, which Quinn found endearing. Quinn enveloped Logan in a big hug.
“Any news?” she asked.
“Not yet. We’re still waiting,” Logan said. “Jude’s coming.”
“What, right now? From Germany?” Quinn asked, wondering how Logan had been able to pull that off.
Logan gave her a watery smile. “He was due leave and decided to take it now, before the baby came and no one would have time for him. He was going to surprise Mum. Well, now the surprise is on him. Mum’s away, and I’m here. He landed about an hour ago and is on his way to the hospital.”
“Is there anything you need? Can I get you some coffee?”
All three shook their heads. “Just stay here with me,” Logan said softly. “Come, let’s sit down. I’m tired of pacing.”
“Logan, it will be all right, won’t it?” Quinn asked. Being a nurse, Logan understood the implications of the situation in ways she never could.
Logan covered her hand with his own. “Yes, it will be all right.”
“Then why are you so frightened?” Quinn asked, needing to understand what Logan was going through.
Logan’s anxious gaze met hers. “Quinn, I might become a father