The Billionaire Playboy’s Secret Family
Chapter 37

Marcus sighed leaning back in his chair. After leaving the Mixer he didn't feel like going home. Instead he went to the hospital to get some work done and clear his mind. While he did manage to get some things done he wasn't sure about his state of mind. Lucas's words kept repeating in his mind. Become a pearl diver he said, like it was that easy. Lucas had no idea what was going on...and yet Marcus couldn't simply let it go either. Was there a clue in those words he was missing? Marcus shook his head. No. There was no one who could help him. He would have to find his own way through. The question was: what did he want?

There was no use denying his attraction to his mystery woman. Over the years he had relived their night together many times. It was inevitable that his mind exaggerated it but that didn't temper his desire in the slightest. Even the possibly of her being a mother didn't dampen his longing to be closer.

He knew he wasn't ready to be a father but he couldn't help but fantasize what it would be like to be with all of them: to roll around in the yard with twin boys ganging up on him; reading bedtime stories to a sweet, adorable little girl; waving a towel in front of a smoke detector trying to turn it off after another surprising science experiment. It all seemed so exciting and every day would end with their mother in his arms.

Marcus stood trying to shake off his thoughts. This was getting ridiculous. Closing the files he was working on he decided to take a lap and the hospital to clear his mind. With his stomach protesting loudly Marcus's footsteps led him to the breakroom but laughter made him pause.

"Carlos! Tony! Don't play with your food. You know mom doesn't like it," a voice rang out.

Marcus eased toward the doorway and peered inside. There he saw Bernice seated at a table with three very familiar children. The boys each had a can of soda and a bag of Cheetos in front of them. They took turns tossing up a Cheetos and catching it in their mouths. One leaned back so far he almost fell backward completely. He managed to rock back giggling.

"I told you to be careful, Tony," Savannah sighed irritated at her little brothers' antics. "Now stop it."

The boy stuck out his tongue but ate his Cheetos normally. His brother chewed thoughtfully looking at Bernice before asking, "Is Gaby really going to be okay?"

"Yes. Your sister will be fine. I want to keep her for observation and some tests but then she can go home with you tomorrow."

"Why bother? It won't do any good," Tony said. "Tests cost money and mom doesn't have any. It won't help Gaby anyway."

"Tony, you don't know that," Savannah said.

"Gaby's been sick forever. You know she's going to die," Tony scowled.

"Anthony Torrez!" Savannah snapped, "stop it, right now."

"Like it matters. You know it's true and I do too. That's why our dad never wanted us. Because taking care of Gaby is too much to deal with."

"Carlos!" Savannah gave the table a smack. Ignoring the sting in her hand she glared at both her brothers. "I said stop it. That's not the reason and you know it. And Gaby is going to be okay. Doctor Worthington said so and I believe her. Right doctor?" "Yes, that's right," Bernice nodded. "You said this is the first time she's collapsed."

"...Yes," Savannah said after a moment. "When she runs around too much she has a hard time catching her breath but...not like today."

"I bet it was that cranky, old man's fault," Carlos grumbled. "He upset her."

"Yeah," Tony seconded. "We should poison his drink."

Savannah rolled her eyes, "Would you two stop it? You saw how angry mom was today."

"I bet she told the old man off," Carlos smirked.

"He had it coming," Tony snorted.

"Old man?" Bernice repeated.

"Our grandfather," Savannah said.

"He hates us," Tony added.

"I'm...sure he doesn't," Bernice shook her head.

"No. He does," Carlos agreed. "He won't even look at us."

Marcus backed away from the doorway. His mind was reeling at what he overheard. It was too much to take in. The kids had no father? They were hated by their grandfather? Gabriella was sick? She was...here?

The emergency room.

A sickening pit settled in his stomach. Tearing himself away from the breakroom he headed down a floor. He hesitated wandering the halls before spotting a nurse.

"Excuse me."

She looked up startled by his sudden appearance, "M-Mister Avery! Ah...how can I help you?"

"...I heard you had some excitement," he hesitated.

"Oh yes, a little girl came in. She was in respiratory distress."

"And how is she now?"

"We managed to stabilize her. She's all right for the time being."

"Good. Ah...what room?"

"Oh, ah. Room 148. I believe her mother is with her now."

"Good. Good."

The nurse nervously smiled before continuing her rounds. Marcus hesitated a moment longer before following the signs to Room 148. Slowing his footsteps Marcus cautiously approached the partially open door. Peering inside he saw his mystery woman perched on the bed gently stroking a little hand. The little girl that had seemed so happy a few days ago looked so small and vulnerable now in the large bed with tubes and machines all round her. A nurse sat in the chair, back to the door, but she didn't seem to be there to monitor the machines.

"I'm sorry, Regina. It's not fair."

"You just have to look at my baby to see that," Regina shuddered fighting a sob. "My precious angel is lying here and the world just keeps on going." "Regina..."

"I...I can't. I've tried."

"What about that new job you got? I thought...you were doing okay."

"We were. I was finally getting caught up. But..." Regina let out a short laugh. "But then I was reminded that it can all be taken away, just like that." Natalie inclined her head.

"Two patrons got into a fight. They broke a table, some glasses. I had to pay for the damages."

"You? Why?"

"Because the owner was sure the fight was about me."

"But you didn't start the fight."

"Doesn't matter. The boss couldn't charge them. They were rich and important people...I'm not. So I had to pay. My baby has to pay because I'm the worst mother. And I can't..." "Regina! Stop." Natalie suddenly leapt to her feet wrapping her in a hug. "You are a good mom, Regina. You are."

Regina leaned against her.

"Mommy?"

Regina gasped wiping her tears quickly before facing Gabriella, "Baby?"

Gabriella reached for the mask.

"Baby, no. Don't do that."

"It's all right," Natalie assured her. Smiling she helped remove the mask before replacing it with a breathing tube. "How's that sweetie?"

"Thank you, Auntie Nati."

"Your welcome," Natalie stroked her hair.

"Mommy, why are you crying?"

"I'm just so happy you are awake," Regina forced a smile.

"Are we going home now?"

"No. You need to stay here tonight."

"But I want to go home."

"Gaby..."

"Please, can't I go home?" Gabriella whimpered tears rolling down her face. "Please."

"Baby..."

"Don't you want to stay with me?" Natalie asked. "We can play games and I can read to you. It'll be like a sleepover."

"Really?" Gabriella asked, sniffing.

"Absolutely. It'll be fun."

"Are you sure?" Regina hesitated. "What about work? You won't get into trouble?"

"It's been quiet all day," Natalie said. "Unless we suddenly get swamped with emergencies I won't be needed for anything else."

"What do you think, sweetie? Would you like to stay here with Auntie Natalie?"