From Neighbors...to Newlyweds?. Brenda Harlen

of time, but that knowledge didn’t prevent a warm flush of color from rising in her cheeks again. “But the baby was almost due for a feeding and Quinn was absolutely terrified at the thought of his brother going to the hospital.”

      “He has a phobia about hospitals?” he asked.

      “They both do,” she admitted.

      “Any particular reason?”

      She nodded. “Because their father—my husband—was in the hospital when he died.”

      “That would do it,” he agreed.

      “It was a heart attack,” she explained. “He recognized the symptoms and called 9-1-1, but the damage was too severe. All the boys know is that he was alive when they put him in the ambulance and dead at the hospital.”

      “Now they think anyone who goes to the hospital is going to die,” he guessed.

      She nodded again. “I’ve tried to explain that it wasn’t the doctor’s fault—that it wasn’t anybody’s fault—but they don’t seem to believe me.”

      “Which one is Mrs. Dunford?”

      She smiled. “Across the street. Always outside at 7:00 a.m. in her housecoat, watering her flowers. She has a magic touch with geraniums.”

      “And gingersnap cookies,” he said.

      “She baked you cookies?”

      “She wanted to welcome me to the neighborhood.”

      “More likely she wanted to set you up with her granddaughter.”

      “Then she should have gone for chocolate chip—they’re my absolute favorite.”

      “I’ll be sure to let her know.”

      He shook his head. “I’d prefer to get my own dates—although even Brittney thinks I need some help in that regard.”

      “Brittney—the nurse who looks like she’s fifteen?”

      “She’s seventeen.”

      “Then she’s not a nurse?”

      He laughed. “More like pre-pre-med. Actually, Brittney’s a high school co-op student who also happens to be my niece.”

      “She’s been fabulous with the boys.”

      “She plans to specialize in pediatric medicine.”

      “That’s quite an ambition.”

      “She’s very determined. And she’s one of the most sought-after babysitters in town.”

      “I’ll keep that in mind if I ever find myself in need of one,” she promised, certain Brittney would have graduated from medical school before that would ever happen.

      So she was more than a little surprised when Matt said, “How about Friday night so I can take you out to dinner?”