Page 51 of Accidental Doctor Daddy

Fuck. Horror shot through me. It wasn’t a lethal error, but it was an error all the same. If I hadn’t been corrected, the patient could have suffered serious side effects.

Heat washed over my face, a blend of embarrassment and fury at myself. If Seth had seen that…

It took another hour to stabilize that patient. When I finally stepped away, my heart was pounding. I retreated to my office and sank into the chair, running a trembling hand through my hair. My tie felt like a noose.

I hadn’t made a mistake like that in years. Years. I prided myself on clarity under pressure and on never letting my personal life bleed into my performance. But here I was, screwing up because I couldn’t stop worrying about two tiny humans who needed me.

And Ella.

The door opened without a knock, and I straightened, expecting a resident with questions.

Instead, it was Seth Bowan. He closed the door behind him, crossing his arms. “You got a minute?”

I tensed, not trusting the quasi-polite tone. “If this is about the department meeting, I’ll be there.”

He shook his head, stepping closer. “No, it’s about the near-miss in bay four.”

My jaw clenched. How the hell did he know about that? Didn’t matter. Maybe the nurse told him, or maybe someone else did. Regardless, he knew.

I cleared my throat. “It’s handled.”

“Barely,” he retorted. “Dominic. That was sloppy. You’re lucky a nurse caught it.”

“I’m aware.”

He studied me for a beat, eyes narrowed. “I’m not here to gloat. But you should know, if the admin board gets wind that you’re messing up basic dosage?—”

“I said I’m aware,” I growled, cutting him off. “I don’t need you to lecture me.”

Seth grimaced. “Fine. Don’t make me win the admin role because you screwed up the basics. When I win, I want you clear-headed so you know I beat you at your best. I want my win to haunt you for the rest of your life, so get your head in the game.”

With that, he turned on his heel and left, leaving me with my fists clenched at my sides, fury and guilt storming in my chest.

The rest of the shift, I moved like I was defusing bombs—no risks, no slip-ups. But the damage was done. Doubt was already creeping in. By the time my shift ended, my nerves were frayed.

As I was about to leave, my phone buzzed. Gina’s name flashed on the screen. Dread and relief tangled in my gut.

“Hey, sweetheart,” I said, trying to keep my tone light.

“Dad! Just checking in. Are we still good for brunch on Sunday?”

I let out a measured breath. “Yes, absolutely. But it has to be at my apartment this time.”

She made a disappointed sound. “How come? I miss the house. I was thinking of bringing some swatches for us to go over.”

Damn. “I’m on call this weekend,” I lied. “Can’t leave the city, just in case.”

“It’s not that far, and you used to drive up there all the time.”

“I know,” I said, forcing a chuckle. “But I really can’t leave the city right now. It’s complicated.”

“Everything’s always complicated with your work.” She sighed, making me feel worse. “But I get it. It’s work. Work always comes first.”

Something I’d told her since childhood. Something I hoped to never tell the twins. “Yeah. I’m sorry?—”

“It’s fine, but I’m bringing extra pastries. Oh, and Leo’s been complaining about your coffee machine at the apartment. Want me to bring a new one?”

I winced at the mention of Leo. “Sounds good. Looking forward to it.”

---