Read Online Substitute Daddy by Dahlia Rose - Free Book Online Page B

feel like we’re keeping you here? I can get around by myself, Matthew. We’re not a ball and chain around your leg.”
    “You would think that.” Matthew shook his head. “I’m fine, business is fine. I don’t need to be anywhere. Don’t worry about it. Focus on Lilah.”
    “I am, but as a friend I’m worried about you too,” Grace added.
    His eyes darkened, but he said nothing, and before she could question him again, Dr. Malone came in and made his way over to her. He was a tall, thin man with wire-rimmed glasses. Looking at him made you think professor or librarian not pediatric doctor, but she’d learned over the last few weeks that he was one of the gentlest, most knowledgeable, caring men that you could ever want to treat your child.
    “Hi, Grace. How is the little firecracker today?” Dr. Malone teased. He’d given Lilah the nickname because of her angry cries when she wanted to be fed or changed.
    “She’s drinking strong today.” Graced beamed. “You wanted to talk to me?”
    “Yes, I do. How would you like to take your baby home?” Dr. Malone asked.
    Grace gasped, and tears filled her eyes instantly. “Really? She’s not five pounds yet. Will she be okay? I can take her…now?”
    Dr. Malone laughed. “One question at a time. You can take her home tomorrow afternoon for Christmas Eve. I want one more night of monitoring her just as a precaution. But every one of her vitals have been holding steady for days now.”
    “I’d hug you if I could, but I’m holding my precious bundle.” Grace couldn’t help but grin.
    “I’ll do it for you.” Matthew grabbed the doctor in an embrace and clapped him hard on the back, making the thin man cough just a bit. “Thanks, Doc. You have made her Christmas miracle come true.”
    “Now, she’ll have to come in weekly so we can monitor her weight gain, growth, and look for problems,” Dr. Malone warned. “But I don’t foresee her doing anything but continuing to be a healthy, active baby.”
    “Whatever needs to be done,” Grace agreed readily.
    “Well, I’ll let you have your time with her. I have no doubt you’ll be here bright and early to pick her up,” Dr. Malone said with a laugh.
    “You’ll be lucky to get me to leave,” Grace teased.
    Dr. Malone laughed and patted her shoulder before he left. Grace tried to persuade her racing heart to slow. Nothing was better than hearing she could take her baby home. If someone offered her the stars from the sky, not even that would compare to knowing her daughter would be home with her soon. Matthew looked as happy as she did even though she still saw turmoil in his eyes. He sat with her as she cared for Lilah and when asked if he wanted to hold her, he nodded. He held the baby who was still tiny at four pounds, three ounces like she was made of spun glass. It seemed much too soon when it was time for them to leave. Grace couldn’t help but kiss the baby’s tiny head repeatedly and vowed to be back as soon as she could in the morning to get her. Grace thought how lucky it was that she had already bought the car seat unit from online. Now she needed a car so she and Lilah could get to her various doctor appointments. She wanted to make sure Lilah never missed one.
    “Can we still go by a car dealer and look around? I looked it up and there is a Carmax outlet close by Southern Hills,” Grace said when she climbed into his SUV and got her seat belt fastened.
    “I told you, Grace, use one of the cars in the garage. It’s fine,” he practically growled.
    “I understand, and thank you, but I’d prefer to own what I drive,” Grace answered. “Also, since Grace is coming home, I can start working in the office and earn what you advanced me. Josef has been giving purchase orders, and I’ve been filling them from the computer at the house, but it will be nice to go into the office and see the filing system and get used to everything. I can put Lilah in the carrier and bring her into the office