The Mills & Boon Sparkling Christmas Collection. Kate Hardy

years of study were for because we feel so inadequate. And even though we know in our heads that nobody else could have fixed the problem either, it takes a while for our hearts to remember it.’ He stroked her hair. ‘The best thing you can do right now is to think of all the other days. All the times when it goes right and you’re the one who helps bring a new life into the world and hears a baby’s very first cry.’

      ‘I know.’ She dragged in a breath. ‘But, as you said, there’s a difference between head and heart.’

      Yes. His own head and heart were having one hell of a struggle at the moment. His head knew he should let her go. His heart wanted to keep her exactly where she was: in his arms. Close. Near enough to kiss.

      Though now wasn’t the right time to put pressure on her or try and make sense of the muddle in his head. He let her go. ‘Come on. I’m taking you out for something to eat.’

      She shook her head. ‘Thanks for the offer, but I really don’t think I can face anything.’

      ‘Then I’ll make you something at my place. We need to get out of here.’ At her surprised glance, he admitted, ‘The Scotts have got to me as well. I meant what I said just now. I too hate the days when we can’t fix things and make everything all right again. So I think right now you and I need some serious comfort food.’

      For a moment, he thought she was going to refuse. But then she nodded. ‘OK. Thanks.’

      He quickly logged out of the system and shut down his computer, and walked off the ward with her. Just as they reached the exit doors, Theo remembered the flowers he’d ordered. And how inappropriate they were. ‘Excuse me a minute, Maddie. I need to make a quick call.’ One he didn’t want her to overhear. To his relief, she gave him the space he needed, so he rang the florist to explain there had been an unavoidable delay and he’d collect them the following day instead.

      ‘All sorted?’ she asked when he’d cut the connection and walked back over to her.

      ‘Yes. Come on, let’s go and eat.’