"But I work—"
"And working mothers can't have kids? You know better than that. If anyone can juggle it all, you can." He could see the idea taking hold in her mind with wary acceptance. He plowed forward with his next argument before she could argue or doubt. "For now let's go inside, see Magda and play it by ear. This kid needs someone in her corner fighting for her. With any of the other children, you wouldn't hesitate to walk in that room and take on the world for her."
Lori drew her full bottom lip between her teeth thoughtfully, then released it with agonizing slowness. "I have to file someone's name within the next forty-eight hours or she'll become a ward of the state. I could give them mine, shouldn't be any problem. That will hold until the evidentiary hearing thirty days from now for more permanent placement. At least it will buy her some time." Lori pressed the heel of her palm to her forehead. "Oh, God, I must be crazy."
"But you're going to do it."
"Yes." Determination fired her words. "Yes. I am."
Victory sent a charge of excitement through him that left Gray wanting to celebrate. In the best of ways. His gaze gravitated to her full mouth. Lori's pupils widened, darkened, deepened. Her breath picked up a notch, sending an answering response through him.
Gray reined in his wayward hormones. The idea was to get over the woman before he left, not make things worse. "Let's go in then."
He tucked Magda's chart under his arm, tapped twice on the door and shoved it open.
Magda lay listless and half-asleep in the bed, an IV taped to her tiny hand. Tubes for nasal oxygen wrapped from her nose around her ears. A grandmotherly aid sat reading in a chair by the bed while a blue, animated dog romped across the television.
Man, the kid was a heart-tugger.
He had to be honest with himself. He wanted to see Magda, too, needed to reassure himself the little imp was healthy and safe. Their parting at the base had rattled even a hard-nose like himself.
The aid closed her book and smiled. Gray held up the chart. "You can take a break. One of us will buzz the nurses' station when we're ready to go."
The older lady nodded as she crossed to the door. "Thank you, Dr. Clark. I'll run down to the cafeteria for coffee and be right back."
Gray held the door open. "No rush."
The door swished closed. Anticipation hummed low as Gray watched Lori stop beside the bed rail. Gently she rested her fingers on Magda's arm. The child startled and turned her head.
Would Magda blame Lori for the scene on the runway, too? Who knew what whirled through her confused mind?
Her tiny bow mouth tipped into a grin. She struggled to sit up, but succumbed to rattling coughs.
Concern a degree beyond professional simmered in Gray. He whipped the stethoscope from his thigh pocket. He knew too well pneumonia was the leading cause of death among children in developing countries. Why the hell hadn't he considered that before suggesting Lori tangle her life and heart up with this kid? Doubts didn't come often to him, so the possibility of being wrong gripped him with alarming force.>Angela rose with the speed and fluidity of an Olympic gymnast. "Well, let me get out of your way, then."
She pressed a quick kiss to her son's cheek and cleaned the lipstick away with her thumb. "Bring Lori to your farewell party. Your friends are always welcome."
The door closed behind Angela with a resounding click.
Gray crooked his knee forward, favoring his injured leg, and jangled his keys in his hand. He stared at the door and didn't even bother chasing his mother down. She thought it was all so simple. Pretend to be happy and it became true. His family was just like the picture he kept by his desk. Full of paper-thin smiles with nothing underneath.
He would plaster one on to get through the afternoon with Lori, and hopefully find an answer to cutting ties, cleanly this time.
She deserved substantial emotions. After a lifetime of hiding his in order to face the world with a smile, Gray wasn't sure he had much substance left.
* * *
Lori stared out the Explorer window, Gray's voice filling the car as he sang along with the radio. Country today. The man had eclectic tastes and always knew all the words.
Nerves pattered double time as she wondered what she would find when they saw Magda. Couldn't he speed up?
Sometimes she wanted to shake him until he took life seriously. Other times she found his lightheartedness a welcome relief. After his mother's visit, they could both use a breather.
Time to get her head back in tune with her professional responsibilities. Magda needed a home, and Lori wasn't about to let Gray's appeal distract her from doing her best for that little girl.
Charleston came into view as they crossed the Ashley River. Hints of muggy marshland wafted in through the vents. The whole town carried the scent of humidity and history. Time-weathered steeples rose above the skyline from St. Philip's, St. Michael's, and other churches, earning Charleston its second name, the Holy City. Gray's mother had likely already booked a wedding date for them in one of those hallowed historical landmarks.
Lori tore her gaze away. A castle-like turret jutted into view from the Citadel, Gray's military college alma mater.