“Whatever you think necessary, doctor,” Derrick answered.
Chapter Ten
Jacey half-listened as the nurse went through her prescriptions, as well as some instructions for her care. Derrick appeared to be hanging onto every word.
Everything leading up to her being here was still a bit of a blur. How had Derrick found her? Was it just a coincidence? Jacey looked around her. How had she ended up in a private room? She barely had enough money to cover the prescriptions, let alone the hospital bill.
“You need a lot of rest and care, Ms Reynolds. The doctor is worried about how underweight you are, getting your body weight up is important and you both need to discuss this with your own doctor and obstetrician.”
“Don’t worry, we will,” Derrick said grimly.
Jacey turned to look at him. He hadn’t said a word about her pregnancy. In fact, he hadn’t said much at all. Derrick had insisted on staying with her the night, but Jacey had been so exhausted that she’d fallen asleep before she could question him.
This morning, the nurse had helped her get ready, while Derrick went to get some breakfast. What was he thinking? Why had he stayed with her? Why had he told them that he was her fiancé?
Derrick had taken care of everything, including filling out the paperwork. She wondered how he knew the last name she’d been using. Reynolds was her mother’s maiden name. She hadn’t told him that, had she? Then she remembered giving it to the policeman at the scene of Cece’s accident. He must have overheard her. That was twice her name had appeared on paperwork. Not that Stephan would be looking for a Jacey Reynolds.
She was safe. She had to be.
“All right, then. Get these prescriptions filled and I hope your pregnancy goes well. I’ll get an orderly up here to wheel you out.”
Derrick took the paperwork and Jacey smiled at the nurse as she bustled off.
“How are you doing, baby? Tired?”
“A bit,” she replied. “Derrick, what are you doing here?”
He gazed at her for a long moment. “What do you mean?”
“Well.” She glanced down at her hands, feeling embarrassed. “I mean, why did you bring me to the hospital? Why did you stay the night? Why did you tell them I was your fiancée?”
He took her hand, running his thumb over her bare ring finger. “I told them that because I knew they wouldn’t let me stay unless they thought I had a relationship with you.”
“But we don’t have a relationship. It was a one-night stand. I don’t understand why you’re here.”
She coughed and he reached for a glass of water, holding it up so she could take a few sips.
She leaned back against the raised bed, catching her breath. Derrick leaned forward, his gaze intently.
“Listen to me carefully, Jacey. You were not a one-night stand. I’m sorry that I didn’t make that more clear. I made a connection with you and I know you felt the same.”
“Yes, but that doesn’t mean we can take things further. I’m not good for you, Derrick.”
“Stop that. You are perfect for me. I couldn’t stop thinking about you while I was away, worrying about you. I only wish that I had gotten you to stay at my place, maybe then you wouldn’t have been wandering the streets, burning up with fever.”
“I wasn’t wandering the streets. I was searching for a job.”
“I know, baby.” He ran a cool hand over her forehead. “But you don’t have to worry about that anymore. I’m here. I’m going to take care of you.”
Although she knew she should protest, right now it sounded like absolute bliss just to lie back and let someone else take all the worry and stress from her shoulders.
“I’m going to look after you, Jacey. All you need to do is concentrate on getting well and taking care of this baby.”
He laid his hand on her stomach, his touch so gentle it brought tears to her eyes. What would it be like to have this man as the father of her baby? She knew that he would do anything to protect and take care of them.
“You haven’t asked me who the father is,” she said.
“Your ex?” he questioned.