Unexpected

Chapter 20 - Eavesdropping

Sara was not eavesdropping, his office door was open, and she had a question. He acknowledged her by holding up his finger as if to say 'one moment'.

"Everyone is busy. Louise and George are away. They're skiing and Mum and Dad are in Florida."

"Excuse me, Doctor."

He looked up. "Hold a minute." Hr placing his hand over the receiver. "How can I help?"

"Sorry for listening, but I'm free. I can watch your children."

He spoke into the receiver again without taking his eyes off her. "Let me call you back." Turning his attention back to her, he asked, "Tonight? You're sure?"

"That is if you're comfortable with me."

"Why wouldn't I? Bridget would love it? You wouldn't mind?"

"Why not?" She smiled. She would finally meet his wife. She hoped that once she met her, it would put an end to this silly crush.

"Why not!" He smiled.

Sara felt his smile right down to her toes.

"Did you need me?"

Sara thought if only she could answer that question like in her dreams. "I wanted to discuss some questionable lab results with you."

"Let me make my call and then I'll come look."

She heard him laughing as he firmed up his plans for the evening. She thought for the millionth time, his wife was a very lucky woman. When he had finished, he stood beside her.

He said "You're sure you didn't have plans?"

"No. Maybe the gym, but that's alright."

"Can you come at half-past six? You can eat with the kids. I'll pay you."

She shook her head. "You don't need to pay me. Really!"

"I will pay you." He repeated leaving no room for argument. "Now, what did you need to discuss?"

He stood very close behind her, so he could look over her shoulder at the screen. She could feel his breath on the back of her neck and the hairs stood up in response. She could hardly concentrate on what she was asking him. She willed herself to focus as he explained his recommendation, and she wrote it down.

"Thank you. If you give me your address, I'll go home to change."

It surprised him when she offered to watch his children. Now he was nervous about her coming to his house. Why? He wondered. Bridget and Jack would be well cared for.

He stopped for a pizza on his way to pick up the kids from daycare. He received a loud cheer from the backseat when he told them that Sara was coming to stay with them. He had just enough time to change into jeans and a decent sweater before Sara arrived.

She had changed into jeans that reminded him of how tiny she was. Suddenly the woman who haunted his dreams was in his home.

He smiled. "Thank you again. Bridget will tell you all you need to know. Pizza is in the kitchen. Bedtime is at seven-thirty for him and eight for her. Um... you have my number."

She nodded. "Are you going out alone?"

"I'm meeting everyone there."

Sara couldn't believe she was actually in his house. It was exactly like she expected - very nice, but not overly grand. The rooms looked comfortable and lived in with toys everywhere. Although it was clean, the children were the focus of the living space. Looking at the pictures scattered everywhere, she studied his wife. They were a gorgeous couple. She hoped she would finally meet her.

The children were a delight. They ate and laughed, and Jack made a mess. Bridget made sure she knew he did that all the time. She cleaned up the beautiful modern kitchen. She would love to cook in the kitchen. Sara ran her hand along the smooth granite countertop. It felt cold, although the kitchen was warm and inviting. She imagined the family sharing a meal and suspected with Bridget they would have a lot of laughter.

Soon it was time to go upstairs for a story and bed. Walking upstairs they passed the master bedroom. Her knees almost buckled thinking of him sleeping in that room.

"You put him to bed while I put on my pajamas and brush my teeth. Then we read together on the big bed in there." Bridget pointed to the master bedroom.

Sara couldn't sit on his bed. Thinking quickly she suggested, "I think we should read in your room to be special tonight. I really want to see it."

Jack's room was a bright blue with a cars and trucks border. It was perfect for a small boy. Bridget's was purple, her favorite color, with a beautiful lavender eyelet duvet. She had stuffed animals taking up much of the bed. Sara wondered how the little girl had room for herself in the bed.

She changed Jack who squirmed the entire time and read him a board book and put him in his crib. She watched as he snuggled right in, obviously tired. It surprised her he didn't mind a stranger putting him to bed.

His sister wanted a longer picture book and Sara didn't know the story, but Bridge definitely did. She kept talking as Sara tucked her in. Sara went to kiss her forehead goodnight and Bridget wrapped her arms around her and gave her a big hug.

Bridget said, "I love you."

She surprised Sara, but she told her she loved her too, because how could she not love such a sweet child.

As she was going downstairs, she resisted the urge to step into his bedroom. It was his personal space. She could see there was a bathroom off the bedroom. She knew if she looked, she would find his shaving cream or after shave whichever it was she smelled when she shut her eyes. She would also find his clothes which had become familiar to her, like the wrinkled blue striped shirt he wore the first time she met him.

She had an odd feeling thinking about his bed. It was a king, and the large bed should seem less intimate, but it was the opposite. Not that she had experience with intimacy. She could imagine the family of four fitting nicely on the large bed or a married couple meeting in the middle and... Stop! She told herself.

She went downstairs and turned on the TV. She found an old romantic comedy she had seen countless times before. She tried to relax and not let her eyes wander around the room. Her phone chimed with a text.

🗨Dr.B: Are they in bed?

🗨S: Yes. They were perfect.

🗨Dr.B: Good. Won't be too late.

🗨S: Don't hurry. Have fun.

She really meant it. He deserved a night out.

🗨Dr.B: Ok. Thanks.

Sara put down her phone and went back to the movie. She was tired and felt very relaxed. Before she knew it, she started dozing off.