Christmas Eve: Doorstep Delivery Page 9

  Patrick grinned. ‘I think we’ll have this conversation outside. That way, at least I’ll protect my future dining prospects.’ He took Tom’s arm and guided him out of the room, leaving Hayley alone with the woman.

  Her eyes bright with pain, Sally glanced at her. ‘Sorry—I love Tom. Honestly I do, but he’s in a state and he’s making me worse. We haven’t been introduced—’ She caught her breath as another pain hit and Hayley hurried across to her, sensing that the other woman was feeling isolated and alone.

  ‘You’re not breathing properly,’ Hayley murmured, sliding her arm round Sally’s narrow shoulders. ‘You’re talking too much—thinking about everyone else and not yourself.’

  ‘That’s because my husband is having a meltdown,’ Sally gritted, and Hayley rubbed her back gently.

  ‘Patrick will sort him out. You think about yourself. You’re obviously struggling with the pain. Do you want some gas and air?’

  ‘Nothing at the moment.’ Sally shifted on the bed. ‘God, it hurts. Isn’t it typical? I can’t believe I’m still only four centimetres. I should have delivered by now. That’s what happens when your husband is an obstetrician. You’re doomed. Fate intervenes to give you the worst delivery possible.’

  ‘Don’t think like that. We just need to have a plan and try and help you relax.’ Relieved that she’d had the foresight to grab her bag before she’d left Patrick’s barn, Hayley reached inside and pulled out a small bottle. ‘See if you like the smell of this.’

  She unscrewed the cap and held it under Sally’s nose.

  ‘Nice.’

  ‘It is, isn’t it? It’s an aromatherapy oil I used a lot in America. Perfectly safe in pregnancy and labour. Would you like me to massage your shoulders? I find that sometimes it helps and you really need to relax.’

  ‘At this point I’m willing to try anything,’ Sally gasped. ‘It really does smell good. Takes your mind off hospitals.’

  ‘Close your eyes and just think about your breathing,’ Hayley soothed, lifting Sally’s T-shirt just enough to allow her to massage the woman’s back.

  Sally closed her eyes and breathed out. ‘All right—that’s better. Actually, it feels unbelievably good. But I think my husband needs it more than me.’

  ‘We’re not thinking about your husband right now,’ Hayley reminded her, ‘we’re thinking about you.’

  ‘Oh, yes, I remember.’ Sally was silent for a few minutes, only the slight change in her breathing indicating a change in her pain levels. ‘You are very clever. Where did Patrick find you? I’m starting to feel a bit better. Just don’t let my panicking husband back in here. I’ve never seen him like this. He’s Mr Cool. Every bit as calm as Patrick. And suddenly he’s lost it and turned into the worst kind of panicking man.’

  ‘It’s because he loves you.’ Hayley’s hands moved gently, smoothing and soothing. ‘Have you thought about using the pool, Sally? I assume they have one here.’

  Sally sighed. ‘Tom isn’t keen. Don’t ask me why.’

  ‘It’s just that I think you might find it relaxing. In my experience women tend to need less pain relief and they just find the whole experience more satisfying. I think it might be perfect for you.’

  ‘Well, I certainly like all your other ideas. I think I might just want to be massaged by you all the way through my labour,’ Sally murmured. ‘You are so good at that. Another contraction coming…’

  ‘So focus on your breathing.’ Hayley coached her quietly and then glanced up to see Patrick and Tom standing by the door. She wondered how long they’d been there. Watching.

  ‘Tom, Hayley thinks I should use the birthing pool and I agree with her.’ Sally spoke firmly, as if she was expecting argument. ‘I want to give it a try.’

  Tom glared at Hayley and then let out a breath and looked at Patrick. ‘I don’t think it’s a good idea. What do you think?’

  ‘I think it’s up to Sally. There’s no medical reason why she shouldn’t.’ Calm and relaxed, Patrick walked over to the bed. ‘What I’d like to do is examine you properly, check on the baby and then we can make a decision together.’

  ‘I don’t need an obstetrician—I need a midwife.’

  Tom sighed. ‘Please, Sal…’

  ‘Oh, for goodness’ sake.’ Sally flopped back against the pillows. ‘Tom, go and get a cup of coffee.’

  ‘But—’

  ‘If you really want Patrick to examine me, fine, but I don’t want you here while he does it. Hayley can chaperone, although I’m sure Patrick isn’t exactly having indecent thoughts about me at this point. I’m about as sexy as a whale.’

  Patrick laughed and moved over to the sink to wash his hands. ‘I’m saying nothing. This is one of those conversations where a man can only ever be wrong. Tom, do me a favour and check on my kids, will you? They’re in my office. Maggie was going to get them some chocolate and drinks but I don’t want them being sick on the carpet.’

  With obvious reluctance Tom left the room and Sally sighed.

  ‘He’s worried.’

  ‘Understandably.’ Patrick listened to the foetal heart rate. ‘But his anxiety is stressing you and you already have enough stress. When I’ve checked on you, I’m going to go and calm him down.’

  ‘How are you going to do that? Knock him unconscious? What do you think about Hayley’s water-birth idea?’

  Patrick looked at Hayley, his gaze quizzical. ‘Persuade me.’

  Was he testing her? ‘Stress can lead to reduced uterine activity and dystocia.’ Confident in her own skills, Hayley explained her reasoning. ‘Which is why I think you should consider water. It can help relaxation and pain relief. I think it’s worth a try. If she makes no progress, you can always think again.’

  Patrick finished his examination and straightened. ‘You’re four centimetres, Sally.’

  ‘Is that all?’ Sally gave a groan and closed her eyes. ‘Tom is going to have a breakdown. And I might have one with him.’

  ‘Why are you lying on the bed?’ Hayley sat down next to her, her voice soft. ‘I wonder whether you should mobilise for an hour or so. Walk around the department with me—see if we can get you moving a bit faster. Then go for the pool.’

  Sally gave her an ironic look. ‘You want me to run a marathon?’

  Hayley grinned. ‘No. I had in mind more of a stroll down the corridor, talking about shoes and similarly frivolous distractions.’

  Sally stared at her. ‘How do you know I like shoes?’

  ‘Because I’ve been admiring your shoes since I walked into the room.’ Hayley’s gaze slid to the pair of silver mules that Sally had tucked under the chair. ‘I love them.’

  Patrick backed away, shaking his head. ‘I’m not qualified to participate in a discussion about shoes. I’ll go and handle Tom.’ He glanced at Hayley, a smile playing around his mouth. ‘I like your plan. You’ve managed women labouring in water?’

  ‘Yes. All the time.’ She had no doubts about her abilities as a midwife but she realised that he knew nothing about that side of her. He hadn’t worked with her, had he? Their only professional contact had been when she’d shown him around the department and that hadn’t included any clinical work. ‘Who do I speak to about the pool?’

  ‘I’ll get someone onto it now. You need to change—Maggie has found you a set of scrubs that should fit. You can use my office.’ Patrick took a pen out of his pocket and wrote in the notes. ‘Get walking, Sally. When it gets too much, try the pool. Hayley can examine you again in four hours.’

  Sally grabbed his hand. ‘Tom is seriously worried.’

  ‘I know that,’ Patrick said gently. ‘But we’re watching you. The baby is happy at the moment. You’re the one who isn’t happy and we’re going to do something about that.’

  He was so good with the patients, Hayley thought wistfully as she helped Sally put on her shoes.

  ‘Let’s go for that walk. I can change in a minute.’ Hayley slid her arm through Sally’s and walked with her to the d
oor. ‘I don’t suppose jeans matter for walking up and down the corridor. I can’t imagine anyone in authority is going to be in today.’

  ‘Patrick’s the highest authority here anyway.’ Sally gritted her teeth and rubbed her abdomen while Hayley looked at her in surprise.

  ‘Really?’

  ‘He runs the unit, didn’t you know? He’s astonishing—so bright. And really nice with it. He’s the only person Tom is likely to listen to.’

  Hayley wondered whether Sally knew the details of Patrick’s divorce.

  She didn’t like to ask, but Sally’s mind was obviously moving in the same direction because she paused in the corridor and looked at Hayley curiously. ‘So how do you know Patrick?’

  ‘Oh.’ Hayley made a conscious effort not to spill everything out. ‘I applied for a job as his housekeeper over Christmas.’

  ‘He advertised for a housekeeper?’

  ‘Not exactly.’ Drawn to Sally’s warmth and unable to help herself, Hayley told Sally the story of the advert. She laughed.

  ‘That’s brilliant. Good for Alfie. Oops—another contraction coming.’ She leaned on Hayley, breathing steadily. After a few moments she straightened. ‘Actually, I quite like being upright. Hi, Maggie.’ She smiled at a midwife who approached them.

  ‘How are you doing, Sally? And you must be our Christmas miracle.’ Smiling warmly, she pushed a set of clean scrubs into Hayley’s hands. ‘Alfie has told me all about your amazing cooking skills. I’m sorry to interrupt your Christmas Day but I can’t tell you how relieved I am to have you helping us out today.’

  ‘I—I’m pleased to help,’ Hayley stammered, touched by how generous these strangers were. They didn’t even know her, for goodness’ sake. ‘I am a qualified midwife.’

  Maggie gave a delighted laugh. ‘I’m hoping so—we’re trusting you with our consultant’s wife so you’re going to need more than the ability to baste a turkey.’

  The consultant’s wife.

  Hayley gave Sally a weak smile. ‘No pressure, then.’

  ‘You’ve met my husband,’ Sally said dryly. ‘There’ll be nothing but pressure. If Patrick doesn’t keep him busy he’ll be hanging over you, watching everything you’re doing.’

  ‘That doesn’t bother me.’ Hayley rubbed Sally’s back gently. ‘I’ve been working in America—everyone watches everything there. It’s the land of litigation.’

  Maggie looked curious. ‘Ah, yes—Alfie mentioned that you’ve been working in America. What a coincidence—our Patrick was in America just a few weeks ago, interviewing for a job.’

  ‘Really?’ Hayley squeaked the word, searching for ways of extracting herself from what was fast developing into a conversation she didn’t want to have.

  ‘Oh—that hurts.’ With a gasp, Sally clutched her. ‘Could we go back to the room, Hayley?’

  ‘Of course.’ Concerned, Hayley slipped her arm round her new friend, sending Maggie a look of apology. ‘Thanks for the scrubs. I’ll change in a minute.’

  ‘No hurry. We owe you.’ Maggie watched them walk slowly down the corridor. ‘And the birthing pool will be ready whenever you are.’

  Hayley pushed open the door to Sally’s room and helped her inside.

  The other woman immediately straightened and gave her a look. ‘All right, I rescued you from the inquisition—my price is that you tell me the truth.’

  Hayley stared at her. ‘You weren’t having a contraction?’

  ‘No, but I will be in another minute so could you get to the juicy part fairly quickly?’ Sally lumbered over to the bed. ‘And the more detail the better, please. Good sex is a thing of the past for me. Whoever said that women always feel sexy in pregnancy had never put on this much weight. I can’t imagine why Tom would want to touch me, looking like this.’

  ‘You look gorgeous, Sally.’

  ‘No, it’s my shoes that look gorgeous.’ Sally eased herself onto the edge of the bed. ‘I just look fat. Oh…’ She screwed up her face and started to breath steadily, trying to work through the contraction.

  Hayley put her hand on Sally’s abdomen, feeling the strength of the contraction and looking at the clock. ‘They seem to be coming more frequently, Sally. How do you feel about that pool?’

  ‘Let’s go for it. But not until you’ve told me about Patrick. You met him in America, had sex and it was completely amazing and that’s why you’re here.’

  Hayley’s eyes widened. ‘Are you clairvoyant?’

  ‘No, I’m a woman.’ Sally reached for her bag. ‘Patrick is unreasonably sexy. If I’d met him when I was single, I would have slept with him too. But don’t tell Tom that. I need Patrick conscious until this baby is born. On the other hand, he might be the one to floor my Tom—he’s strong enough. Mmm…’ She gave Hayley a wicked look. ‘So—I haven’t actually seen him naked but it’s got to be a good sight. Am I right?’

  Hayley was laughing, her face scarlet. ‘Sally, for goodness’ sake…’

  ‘Oh, please indulge me, Hayley. I feel like a whale and I’m in pain and scared. I need distraction.’

  Hayley saw something flicker in Sally’s eyes and she leaned forward and hugged her impulsively. ‘Don’t be scared,’ she said huskily. ‘You’re going to be fine. We’re going to do it together.’ Wondering whether she’d overstepped the mark, she pulled away, but Sally yanked her back again.

  ‘Don’t stop. You have no idea how good it feels to be hugged. Tom is so stressed he’s forgotten to hug me. But don’t think that’s going to get you off the hook. I still want to know everything. We’ve all been longing for Patrick to find someone.’

  Hayley straightened. ‘Don’t get the wrong idea.’ Hayley reached for the set of scrubs that Maggie had given her. ‘It really isn’t like that.’

  Sally’s eyes narrowed. ‘But you’d like it to be, obviously. And he couldn’t stop looking at you when he was in here earlier.’

  ‘Really?’ Startled by that piece of information, Hayley felt her stomach curl and then she shook her head. ‘I don’t know what to think. He wasn’t that thrilled to see me.’

  ‘Hold that thought—contraction coming.’ While Sally breathed steadily, Hayley struggled to hold back the sudden surge of happiness that engulfed her like a cloak. Had he been looking at her? Really?

  Now that the shock of her arrival had faded—now that he knew she wasn’t pregnant—was he pleased she was here?

  ‘Hey, no dreaming unless it’s out loud.’ Sally poked her in the arm and gave a faint smile. ‘You’re depriving me of a vicarious sex life, I can feel it. Tell me every little detail. You know you want to.’

  And Hayley discovered that she did want to. So she told Sally everything.

  ‘And you just left his room? You didn’t even wake him up?’ Sally clutched her arm. ‘I think I might be ready for the water.’

  ‘Let’s get you over there now.’

  ‘Wait a minute.’ Sally winced. ‘Has he given you your knickers back?’

  Hayley blushed. ‘He hasn’t mentioned them.’

  ‘Probably too much of a gentleman.’

  Hayley thought about the way he kissed. ‘I don’t think he’s that much of a gentleman.’

  ‘Ooh, don’t tell me that—you’re making me all hot.’ Sally laughed, reaching for her bag.

  ‘I’ll carry that.’ Hayley took it from her and together they walked across the corridor to the room where the birthing pool had been prepared. ‘Don’t say anything to him, will you?’

  ‘And risk upsetting him? You’re kidding aren’t you?’ Sally eyed the pool. ‘That sexy man of yours is the only thing that’s standing between me and a Caesarean section. I don’t know what’s wrong with Tom. He doesn’t usually intervene so readily. With me he just wants to yank it out and get it over with. I suppose it’s the whole control thing.’

  Hayley helped Sally change into a swimsuit and step into the bath. ‘How’s the water?’

  ‘Perfect, thanks. I wonder what Patrick has done with my husband?’


  ‘I think he knew you needed time to calm yourself down, without having to worry about him.’

  ‘Possibly.’ Sally slid into the bath. ‘Oh, my goodness, that feels fantastic. I should have overruled Tom ages ago when he said he didn’t want me in water.’

  ‘Why doesn’t he want you in water?’ Hayley checked Sally’s temperature and recorded it in the notes. ‘Has he had a bad experience or something?’

  ‘He’s fine with other pregnant women using the pool.’ Sally closed her eyes and leaned back against the side of the pool. ‘Just not me. As I said, he just wants to get this baby out as fast as possible. Poor man. I don’t think this is going to be fast. Which brings me to another issue—you’re not even supposed to be working, and neither is Patrick.’

  ‘I don’t mind.’ Hayley poured Sally a drink. ‘Here. You have to drink plenty while you’re in there—I don’t want you getting dehydrated.’

  ‘It’s Christmas Day. You could at least have provided champagne.’

  ‘That comes after you’ve delivered the baby.’ Hayley saw Sally’s expression change. ‘You’re having another contraction?’ She waited for the contraction to end and then listened to the foetal heart with the aqua Doppler.

  ‘That sounds loud and strong.’ Patrick strolled into the room, with Tom hovering behind him. ‘Do you mind me in here, Sally? I have seen you in a swimming costume before.’

  ‘Please don’t tell me husband that.’

  Tom dropped into a crouch by the pool, his expression contrite. ‘I’m sorry I’ve been an idiot.’

  ‘It’s all right.’ Sally leaned forward and kissed him, her eyes soft with love. ‘I’ll find a way to make you pay, you handsome thing.’

  Tom looked up at Patrick. ‘You won’t give her systemic opioids while she’s in the pool, will you?’

  Patrick rolled his eyes. ‘Do I look stupid?’

  Tom ran his hand over the back of his neck. ‘Sorry.’

  ‘I thought I’d calmed you down,’ Patrick said wearily, and his colleague gave a sheepish smile.