The Surgeon's Surprise Twins (20 page)

Vague references to secrets and pressure failed to persuade Owen that there were any mitigating circumstances. He might have tried harder to get through to Boone if not for that sneering reference to Bailey's hard-earned savings, as if Owen's presumed large income justified stealing from her. Clearly his brother felt no guilt whatsoever about cheating people who'd put their trust in him.

It reminded him of the excuses Boone's father used to
weave for disappointing his son and failing to pay child support. There'd always been someone to blame, and when their mother tried to pin him down, he'd kept changing his story. There had never been, not once, an honest admission of wrongdoing or a genuine attempt to set things straight.

Owen had come here hoping against hope that beneath that smooth exterior lay a conscience and a heart. He'd been wrong.

“Guess we're done here,” Owen said. “Good luck to you.”

“I never depend on luck. The trick is to be smarter than everyone else. You should know that.”

“Oh, I'm not nearly as smart as I used to believe.”
And neither are you.
“See you, bro.”

“Thanks for visiting.”

Leaving the jail with a knot of other grim-faced visitors, Owen knew he'd lost the brother he'd once loved. Lost him a long time ago, without realizing it.

But he was free, too. Had Boone shown even a glimmer of remorse, Owen would have felt obligated to keep trying to recover the stolen millions. He'd have bent over backward to help his brother redeem himself. And he understood now that it would all have been in vain.

 

“I
T'S IRONIC
,” B
AILEY SAID
that night as she snuggled next to Owen on the couch. She loved being back here and having the freedom to hug him as much as she wanted.

“What is?” He stroked one hand lightly over her abdomen, enjoying the twins' antics.

“Once you marry me, you're stuck with Phyllis as your sister-in-law, even after she divorces your brother.”

Owen gave a rueful chuckle. “I hadn't thought about that.”

“She called today. She wants to stay in touch, and she promised up and down never to make any claim on the
babies again. Not that we're going to rely on her word for that.” Although Bailey hadn't entirely forgotten or forgiven the events of the past few months, she hated being estranged from her sister. “I told her that I want Nora for my matron of honor, but I might let her be a bridesmaid. Along with Patty and Fiona, of course.”

“Are you sure?” Owen asked. “After seeing Boone for what he really is today, I'm finding it hard to give either of them any leeway.”

“I'm not stupid,” Bailey told him. “I won't give her money and I'll never leave her alone with the babies. But eventually, she might meet a decent guy and lead a normal life, although if that happens, I may hire Patty to check him out.”

To her relief, Owen didn't argue. “I used to think I knew best about everything. You've been teaching me otherwise since the day we met. So I'll leave your relationship with your sister to you.”

“And I used to think you didn't have a heart,” Bailey admitted. “Guess I learned a lesson, too.” She let out a long breath. There was a matter she'd wanted to bring up since they got engaged, but hadn't found the right time. She wasn't sure this was it, but the longer she delayed, the more her conflict grew. “Owen, remember that I wanted to be a nurse practitioner? I realize that's not exactly a big goal compared to your career, and I don't have the money yet, but…”

To her dismay, he shifted her gently away from him, so she rested against the arm of the couch. “That reminds me. Hold on a sec.”

As he swung away through the house, she wondered if she'd upset him. More likely, he hadn't been paying attention and was dealing with something else. The number one husband skill in her book was really listening to your wife. Obviously, he had a ways to go.

Back he came from the bedroom with a package wrapped in red paper and tied with a white bow. Judging by the dimensions, it might be a square candy box, but why make such a fuss?

“It's, um, very pretty,” she said.

He placed it gently in her hands. “A special gift for my very special wife-to-be.”

Growing more intrigued by the moment, Bailey tugged at the ribbon and finally got it untied. Then she slid her thumb along the tape to preserve the paper. Growing up in a penny-pinching household, she'd learned to reuse everything.

Owen was watching intently. A little embarrassed by her old habits, she reached inside the paper and pulled out…

…a first aid kit.

Bailey laughed. “I do need one of these. I have no idea what my sister did with the old one.”

“Open it.” Owen's tone implied there was something extra inside.

Curious, Bailey unsnapped the lid. Inside, atop the rolls of bandages and antiseptic, lay a small computer-printed certificate. It read:

She could hardly finish reading through the blur of tears. More than any flowery words or vague promises, this was proof that he not only loved her but also con
sidered her an equal in their marriage. If she'd learned anything these past weeks, it was that no matter how the outside world might view them, they could only weather whatever storms the future might bring through genuine respect and a willingness to meet each other halfway.

Setting down the gift, she moved to his lap and wrapped her arms around him. “You are the most wonderful man in the world.”

“I don't know if I qualify for that honor, but I'm willing to try,” Owen responded, and kissed her tenderly

As he held her close—held
them
close, with the twins squirming at the pressure—Bailey felt her last reservation slip away. While most guys might not stick around, she knew from the bottom of her soul that the man she loved would be here tonight, and tomorrow, and for all the tomorrows to come.

She couldn't ask for anything more.