HMFF28-How to Give an ER Doctor a Heart Attack in 3 Easy Steps

36.3K 1K 22
                                        


Danielle

It's been a long day. My feet ache, my lower back is screaming, and I swear these twins are using my ribs as a jungle gym. But when Olivia calls and offers to take me baby shopping after work, I don't even hesitate.

"Meet me downtown," she says, all smooth and effortless, like she's personally curated this entire outing. "There's a lovely little boutique I simply adore, and you need to get some proper clothes for those sweet babies."

I'm exhausted, but I also know Olivia well enough by now to recognize that when she makes an offer like this, it's less of a suggestion and more of a this is happening, put on your shoes. And honestly? I could use the distraction.

Before I leave school, I send Dawson a quick text.

Danielle: Hey, babe. Change of plans—I'm goin' shoppin' with your mama. You got daycare pickup.

Dawson: Got it.

Danielle: That's all I get? No I love you, have a good time?

Dawson: 🙄

Danielle: Did you just roll your eyes at me? Through text?

Dawson: Nope. Had Malik do it for me.

Danielle: So now you're outsourcing your attitude?

Dawson: Apparently. You done? Dr. Conn is SAVING LIVES.

Danielle: Ugh. Yeah, yeah. Love you.

Dawson (or possibly Malik): Love you too, Meeks. Now let the man work.

I shake my head, laughing as I grab my bag and head out.



By the time I step into the boutique, Olivia is already waiting, standing near a display of pastel baby blankets, looking like she just walked out of Town & Country magazine. Her hair is perfectly styled, her outfit effortless, and she greets me with the kind of beaming smile that somehow makes me feel like I belong here, too.

"Oh, darling, look at you!" she gushes, taking my hands in hers. "Thirty weeks, and absolutely glowing!"

I arch a brow. "That's sweet of you to say, but let's be real—I look like I just spent the day wrestlin' feral second graders."

She waves a dismissive hand, already ushering me deeper into the store. "Nonsense. You're radiant. Now, come—let's find something precious for my grandbabies."

She moves through the racks like she owns the place, plucking tiny outfits from hangers with the precision of a woman who's done this before. In less than five minutes, she's got a pile of impossibly soft onesies draped over her arm, all carefully selected as if she's styling a magazine spread.

"This?" she says, holding up a tiny knitted cardigan. "Simply darling. And these?" She plucks a matching blue and pink footie pajama set from the display. "Completely irresistible."

I trail my fingers over the fabric, something warm and tight pulling at my chest. "I can't believe they'll be small enough to fit in these."

Olivia's expression softens, and she rests a hand lightly on my arm. "It goes by faster than you think, sweetheart."

That lump rises in my throat again, sharp and unexpected. Because suddenly, I can see it—two tiny babies, swaddled in these clothes, their little fingers curling around mine.

Hello My Fake Fiancé (Book 1 Hello Series)Where stories live. Discover now