Medical Romance June 2016 Books 1-6. Lynne Marshall
talked about.
“I assume you want to go back to your country to live? Would I...if we’re married...be able to work?”
“I’m not going to lie,” he said, his lips twisting. “Being my wife will require helping with some charitable work I’d like to start in the kingdom, and public appearances. But we can live anywhere you want, and you can do whatever you want, including be a midwife. We can work together, if you like, or not. It’s up to you.”
“I don’t know. You can be awfully overbearing and bossy.”
“Another reason I need feisty and amazing Gabriella to keep me in my place.” He gave her another lingering kiss then stood, holding out his hand to help her to her feet. “What do you say we go back to L.A. for now, until we make a plan?”
“Yes.” She twined her fingers with his, hardly able to believe this was really happening. “I think I’m finally ready to move on to wherever life takes me next. With you.”
“HERE’S SOME NEWS I think you’ll want to read with your breakfast, Gabriella,” Rafael said, sliding several newspapers in front of her on the table.
“I’m enjoying being pampered by you in this beautiful house.” She scowled and took a fortifying swig of the delicious coffee Rafael had made. “Why would you want to ruin that for me by making me read the news?”
“I don’t think this news will ruin your morning.” He refilled her cup and she looked up to see his lips were curved and his eyes were dancing.
Moving on from her past didn’t mean she wanted to read the awful stuff that had continued to be plastered in all the media but she had to admit his expression made her curious. She glanced at the headline and her heart stumbled.
“What...is this?” She slowly picked up the paper, staring.
“The world is defending you, querida,” Rafael said. “Shall I read a few of the quotes? ‘Gabriella Cain is the best thing to ever happen to The Hollywood Hills Clinic.’ I like that one, since she’s definitely the best thing to ever happen to me.” He dropped a kiss on her head. “And how about this? ‘Anyone who knows midwife Gabriella Cain knows this trash being said about her can’t possibly be true.’”
“Oh, my gosh.” She stared up at him, her heart somehow squeezing and swelling at the same time. “This is incredible!”
“And my favorite, from Cameron Fontaine,” Rafael continued, flicking through another paper. “‘If Gabriella Cain isn’t hired back by The Hollywood Hills Clinic there will be a boycott. And if there isn’t an immediate retraction from the media, taking back all those ridiculous and inflammatory statements, influential actresses and studio directors like me are going to sue the hell out of every single one of them.’”
Gabby put her hands to her cheeks and laughed. “Oh, my gosh, that’s so Cameron. I guess she liked me after all.”
“Loved you. As I do.” He leaned down to kiss her cheek, moving on to her mouth, and just as Gabby was clutching his shirt and sinking into another delicious kiss, the doorbell rang.
“Well, who could that be? Maybe it’s the media come to apologize.”
“Like that would ever happen.” There was something odd, secretive even, about the smile playing on his lips, and Gabby had to wonder why.
“You never know, when a woman like you has so much clout behind her.” He winked and headed for the door, and when he returned a moment later a familiar voice came with him.
“Gabby. You’ve got to help me out,” James said. “There’s a near-riot at the clinic!”
“A near-riot? What are you talking about?”
“Several of your pregnant patients are refusing to see anyone else, and they’re threatening a sit-in if you don’t come back. They’re mad as hell that you’re gone and they’re blaming me.” James threw his arms wide, and she nearly laughed at the look of alarm on his normally cool, impassive face. “Will you come back? Please? Tell me what it would take and I’ll make it happen.”
The swelling of her heart grew so much she could barely hold in all her joy. Then remembered she wasn’t living her life alone anymore. That there were two of them now. Someday, maybe, she might even be ready to add a few more to the wonderful life she and Rafael would share.
She turned to him, and her face must have told him exactly what she was thinking because he stepped close, pulled her into his arms and kissed her forehead.
“The clinic is a pretty great place to work, isn’t it?” He tipped her chin and his beautiful eyes smiled into hers.
“Yes. It is.” She pressed her palms against his chest and smiled back. “How would you feel about us both working there?”
“You already know, Gabriella Cain,” he said, his warm gaze a steady promise, “that wherever it is you want to be, I’m right there by your side.”
* * * * *
It’s always fun to be part of a continuity with seven other authors—especially such a talented group! When I met my characters Joseph and Carey I immediately fell in love. Joe is the kind of hero you want to throw your arms around and never let go. The problem is he doesn’t want to let anyone close enough to do that. He has his reasons, believe me, and they’re doozies. Carey is a glass-half-full kind of girl, even though life has thrown her some tough issues with which to deal. From the moment Joe sees Carey he assigns himself as her guardian—and what a lucky girl she becomes! I rooted for their happily-ever-after right from the start!
His Pregnant Sleeping Beauty is the first time I’ve ever written about a paramedic hero. Fortunately I had some wonderful personal resources, and therefore I feel my scenes are authentic. In fact you could say I’m proud of them. What a tough job first responders have! And writing about Carey took me back to my RN roots. I just love nurse heroines! So I guess you could call me a happy camper all round, being the lucky lady to write their story in Book 6 of The Hollywood Hills Clinic series. Why not check them all out?
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Until next time,
Lynne
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LYNNE MARSHALL used to worry that she had a serious problem with daydreaming—then she discovered she was supposed to write those stories! A Registered Nurse for twenty-six years, she came to fiction-writing later than most. Now she writes romance which usually includes medicine, but always comes straight from her heart. She is happily married, a Southern California native, a woman of faith, a dog-lover, an avid reader, a curious traveller and a proud grandma.
This book is dedicated to the two paramedics who helped me make my character, Joe, a true hero. Thank you, John-Philip Maarschalk and Rick Ochocki, for your expert input and help. What would the world be without our first responders?