Page 3 of Pining for Pierce

Before he can ask, I back up toward the door. “I’d better get to my desk before your first patient arrives.”

He turns to his computer. “That’s Taylor Newton, isn’t it?” he says, switching screens. “She’s bringing in her baby boy for a check-up.”

I have no idea, but I imagine he’s right and I give him a smile before heading out to the reception… doing my best not think about Pierce.

Okay, so I’m looking forward to seeing him on Sunday, just like I always do. But I know it’ll be hard when I want so much more than he’s willing to give. It’s been like that for years. Too many years. That’s why I was so thrilled when my parents offered him a job and somewhere to live. I’d been worried, you see… worried he might move away, like my brother did. To be honest, I thought he might even follow Ben to New York. It wouldn’t have surprised me. The two of them have been inseparable for as long as I can remember. He didn’t go, though. Much to my relief, he stayed here in Hart’s Creek, working for my parents in their antiques store on Main Street, and living in the apartment above.

Not that it made any difference to ‘us’. Because there is no ‘us’. I’m firmly in the friend zone as far as Pierce is concerned. I’m Ben’s little sister, and no matter how much I long to be more, I don’t think it’ll ever happen.

The door opens, just as I’m letting out the longest of sighs, and Taylor walks in, carrying her baby in her arms. He’s about six weeks old, I guess, although this is the first time I’ve seenhim, and I smile up at her, noting his shock of blond hair, and the cute little dungarees he’s wearing.

“The doctor will be with you in a minute. Do you wanna take a seat?”

She nods her head and I send Doctor Dodds a notification that Taylor’s here before returning my attention to her.

“How’s he doing?” I ask, nodding toward her baby.

“He’s fine, thanks,” she says. “He slept for five straight hours last night.”

“You must feel almost human.”

“Almost,” she says, smiling, just as the door opens and Doctor Dodds steps out.

“Hello, Taylor,” he says, coming over to her as she gets to her feet. He’s put on his white coat, making him look every inch the professional that he is, although he smiles down at the baby, placing a hand on his head. “How’s Jude getting along?”

I hadn’t realized that was the baby’s name, but I like it and I watch as Taylor murmurs a reply and follows Doctor Dodds into his office, the door closing behind them.

Once I’m alone again, I take the opportunity to tidy the magazines on the small table in front of the chairs, and to straighten the books and toys in the children’s play area before I return to my desk and sip at my coffee. I’ve only just put my cup down when the main door opens again, and in walk Cooper and Mallory White. I recall Mallory’s phone call yesterday morning, and her desperation to see the doctor. She wasn’t worried or anxious. She was just… well, desperate. I could hear it in her voice, but if you couple that with the smile on her face, I have a pretty good idea why they’re here. With clasped hands, they walk straight up to my desk and Cooper says, “We have an appointment at eight-forty-five.”

I nod my head. “Sure. The doctor won’t be long.”

Mallory smiles up at him, her eyes alight, and they take a seat. I watch them, noting how they lean their heads close together – his dark to her blonde – and I recall their wedding, which was just a couple of months ago, back in March. My parents and I were invited, even though we’re not residents of Hart’s Creek. I guess my job here, and their ownership of the antiques store, gave us a reason to be there… and it was a lovely day. Pierce was in attendance, too, along with his father, and that just made the day even more special as far as I was concerned…

The main door opens once more and I sit up in surprise as Laurel Hanson comes in.

“I’m sorry I’m so early,” she says. “But I had to drop Addy at school, and I thought I may as well come straight here.”

“That’s fine. I’m afraid you’ll have a bit of a wait.”

“I don’t mind… just as long as I can use the ladies’ room.”

“Of course.” I smile up at her. “You know where it is.”

She nods her head and disappears down the corridor. Mallory and Cooper are whispering to each other, barely aware of Laurel’s arrival, it seems, and I finish my coffee, wondering if I’m right about their reason for being here, and whether that had anything to do with their honeymoon. They didn’t take it straight after their wedding, but they went just after Easter, although I don’t know where to.

Laurel returns, re-fastening her ponytail, as she spots Cooper and Mallory. They notice her for the first time, too, and she takes a seat beside them.

“Are you okay?” she says, sounding concerned, her eyes darting from one to the other.

“We’re fine,” Mallory replies.

“Brady didn’t mention either of you being unwell.”

“Because we’re not,” Cooper says, and Mallory sits forward, leaning in slightly.

“Neither of us is sick,” she says. “We’re here because I’m pregnant.” She whispers that last word, although I still hear it, and smile to myself, knowing I was right, although I’m surprised she’s been willing to reveal the truth so soon. In my experience, most people prefer to keep news like this to themselves for a while.

Laurel grins, letting out a slight yelp of excitement as she places her hand over her own slightly swollen belly. “How far along are you?” she asks.

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