Because of the Baby(62)

“I didn’t do much, just saw a few places where our processes varied and pointed them out. You were the one who implemented the changes.”

“I know that hasn’t made you popular among some of your fellow nurses.”

Lark shrugged and tried to keep her expression as neutral as possible. “I can be a little forthright. It’s gotten me into trouble in the past.”

“I see it as speaking your mind for the good of the department. And you didn’t say anything that wasn’t true.” Becky’s lips tightened. “Not everyone can face that there’s always room for improvement.”

Was she speaking of Marsha? From what Lark gathered, Marsha’s absences had escalated since the tornado hit Royal. She’d been on duty that day and not far from the west wing when it collapsed. She hadn’t been hurt, but it was possible that she was suffering from PTSD.

“Change can be hard,” Lark said. “Especially when it originates from a know-it-all newcomer.”

Becky gave a light laugh. “Go sit with Skye. Talk to her about Grace. Maybe if she knows her baby needs her she’ll wake up.”

“Good idea.”

Lark didn’t tell her boss that she’d already been doing that. She drew up a chair beside her sister’s bed and took Skye’s hand. For a while she didn’t know how to begin. Then she began as she always did and let her words flow from there.

“Grace is thriving. I swear if you stare at her long enough, you can see her grow. I don’t know if you recall that we have a dog now. Nicki has turned out to be a terrific addition to the family.” Lark paused and swallowed the lump in her throat. “Keaton bought this wrap thing that I wear when Grace wants to be held and I need to keep my hands free. On the warmer days I put Grace in it and take Nicki for a walk. I swear since I’ve started doing that she’s doubled her formula consumption. I think the fresh air is good for her.”

While she talked, Lark stared at the monitors that surrounded her sister’s bed. They registered all Skye’s vitals, their beeps and flashing numbers soothing.

“Mom’s been calling. She found out that Keaton and I had gone to the party at the Richardsons’ together. She guessed that Keaton and I are sleeping together. I don’t need to tell you how angry she is. I haven’t spoken to Dad. I don’t imagine he’ll want to have anything to do with me now that I’ve gone over to the dark side.” Bitter amusement darkened her tone. “I know I’ve said it plenty already, but I’m sorry. I really screwed up when I found out you were leaving Royal with Jake. I didn’t appreciate then how hard our parents were on you or how painful it must have been to have to choose between him and us.”

Lost in her misery, Lark barely noticed the minute pressure against her hand. But she saw Skye’s finger twitch. Too scared to blink lest she missed it again, Lark stared at her sister’s pale hand and willed it to move again. Nothing happened.

“The difference between Keaton and Jake, though,” she continued, hoping that maybe something she’d been saying had reached her sister, “is that while Jake loved you with all his heart, I’m not sure if Keaton’s thinking of forever and me in the same sentence.” Still no movement from Skye, so Lark kept going. “Mom told me he’s using me. She’s convinced that as soon as we’re no longer taking care of Grace, he’ll head back to the Holt Ranch and never give me another thought.”

The pain her mother’s words had caused was reflected in Lark’s voice, but it all vanished in an instant when Skye’s fingers moved again, more obviously this time. Maybe all this time Lark had been using the wrong stimuli to reach her sister.

“It hasn’t happened yet, but they’re going to make me choose. The same way they made you choose. I’m not as strong as you. I’m worried that I’ll end things with Keaton, but that Mom and Dad still won’t want me as their daughter.”

Another pulse came from Skye’s hand. This one stronger than ever.

“You’re waking up,” Lark exclaimed, dropping her head over her sister’s hand. “You’re finally waking up.” And as pain tore through her chest, she began to cry.



At six in the morning, Keaton was awake and troubled over the empty bed beside him. Lark should have been home a little after midnight. Something was wrong. He bolted up and reached for his phone. Nicki leaped to her feet and came over to nudge his hip with her nose. He absently stroked the Aussie’s head as he checked for messages.

A three-word text explained where she was.