The Doctor's Baby
her personal life, the question was way too personal.
    “It is.” Lexi took a seat in the chair by the bed with a gracefulness July envied. “I considered leaving it off. After all, once he found out I was pregnant he didn’t want anything to do with me.”
    “Yet you put his name on her birth certificate.”
    “Drew is her father and him being a jerk doesn’t change that.” Lexi spoke matter-of-factly, without a hint of emotion on her face. “Putting ‘unknown’ would have been a lie. And I didn’t want Addie’s life to start off with a lie.”
    July leaned back against the pillow and considered the words. She’d never thought of it that way. But that’s what she’d be doing if she left David’s name off the birth certificate.
    “One of my concerns is that Adam’s dad is fromJackson,” July found herself admitting. “I don’t want anyone knowing that he’s my baby’s father.”
    Lexi’s expression turned serious. “I can assure you that the hospital places a high emphasis on maintaining confidentiality. This application will immediately go into an envelope and be mailed.”
    Yeah, but who puts it in the envelope?
    Lexi must have sensed July still wasn’t convinced because she leaned forward and placed a hand on her arm. “If you like I can take care of it myself. No one else will see it.”
    July cocked her head. “How about you? Will you look?”
    “We’re required to check the form and make sure everything is correctly completed,” Lexi said. “But you can count on my discretion. I’d never betray a confidence.”
    July drew a steadying breath. She’d never thought she’d be faced with this decision. Of course, she’d never imagined David would be the one delivering her baby, either.
    “Okay,” July said. “Give me a second.”
    Without giving herself a chance to change her mind, July quickly completed the form. She paused for a second on David’s date of birth. She knew he was thirty-two but the date escaped her. Until she remembered him saying he was born on the Fourth of July.
    She finished that section then handed the paper to Lexi, her palms sweaty, her pulse pounding a rat-a-tat-tat against her temples. “Could you fill in the home address for me? It should be in the hospital records.”
    “The father works here?” Surprise filled Lexi’s voice.
    July nodded, resisting the urge to snatch the paper back. Dear God, she hoped trusting Lexi wasn’t a mistake.
    Lexi scanned the form. July knew the instant she saw David’s name because the social worker’s eyes widened. She glanced up. “Dr. Wahl is your baby’s father?”
    “He doesn’t know that Adam is his, not yet,” July said. “But he suspects.”
    Lexi met her gaze. There was no condemnation in the amber eyes, not even the slightest hint of judgment. “Your reasons are your business. But if you ever want to talk—”
    “I won’t,” July said with extra firmness, making it clear the subject was closed.
    Lexi slipped the form into her portfolio. “I’ll get his home address then put this in the mail.”
    “Thank you,” July said. “But before you leave, I’d like to get some suggestions from you on places to live.”
    July quickly filled Lexi in on her new job assignment. “My ideal location would be a place with child care nearby. I don’t want to leave Adam for any longer than necessary.”
    A thoughtful look crossed the social worker’s face. “I know the perfect place. I have a friend who’s divorced with kids of her own. Her house isn’t far from downtown and she’s looking to bring in some extra money. She might even be willing to watch Adam for you.”
    “That would be fabulous.” July’s hopes soared. The woman sounded perfect.
    Lexi opened her portfolio again and scribbled a name and phone number on the back of her business card. “Give her a call. Be sure and tell her I recommended you.”
    July glanced down at the card. “Mary Karen Vaughn. Nice name.”
    “You’ll love her.”

Similar Books

Princess Charming

Beth Pattillo

Joy of Witchcraft

Mindy Klasky

Stolen Treasures

Summer Waters

Conquerors of the Sky

Thomas Fleming

War Classics

Flora Johnston

100 Days

Nicole McInnes