The Sweetest Gift (The McKaslin Clan: Series 1 Book 2) by Jillian Hart

“We’ve brought her in before, and we probably will again.”
    “I’ll keep the chariot’s tank full for her, in case she needs it.”
    What a generous man. Donating his time, his helicopter and a lot of fuel, which was expensive, for a child who had no insurance. Sarah’s parents could not afford the regular medevac flights. “You’re a good man, Sam Gardner.”
    “Yeah, but don’t tell anyone that. It’ll ruin my hard-earned reputation.”
    He teased when the situation was serious. He turned away, as if to hide deeper emotions.
    Caring was one of her requirements. So was generous.
    Sam Gardner was more than he seemed. Much more.
    She dug through her pockets and then her bag and unburied her cell phone. She checked it. No messages.
    “Waiting for a call from your boyfriend?”
    Why was he asking about a boyfriend? Was he interested? Kirby zipped the small phone into her coat pocket. “No boyfriend. I’ve been trying to find a place for Sarah’s mother to stay. There’s a Ronald McDonald House down the street, and I think there’s a chance she can stay there for a few nights.”
    “I should have figured you’d do something like that.”
    “Why do you say it like that, as if it’s a bad thing?”
    “No, I didn’t mean it that way. I meant what don’t you do? You charm dogs and help your neighbors and volunteer for your community. Oh, and you offer medical care free to sick children and look after their families. Yep, that’s a bad thing. Shocking. You’re not a good example for me.”
    “Me? What about you? You gave a needy family a free medical flight.”
    “It’s just community service. It keeps my parole officer happy.”
    “You don’t have a parole officer. Stop trying to act as if you aren’t a good guy. I’ve got you figured out, Sam Gardner.”
    “You do? Foiled again.” He jammed his fists into his jacket pockets.
    A good guy? No. He was a great man. And the list of his attributes was growing. The man next door was becoming a hero in her eyes.
    Hero wasn’t on her list, but it would make a good quality in a husband.
    Sam jabbed the elevator call button. “Where’s the doc?”
    “Jeremiah’s going to stay with Sarah for a while. He’ll give me a call if there’s a change in her condition.”
    “Do we wait for him or head back?”
    “Jeremiah’s fiancée is on staff here. He’s going to stay with her for a few days, then head back on his own.”
    “I guess that leaves you and me, kid.” He winked, imitating Bogie with perfection.
    “Hey, that’s pretty good.”
    “I am.”
    Incorrigible, but he was starting to grow on her. And that was saying something. Most men never made it so high on her list. “What are you doing flying? I thought you said you were a plumber?”
    “No, I said I was fixing the plumbing on my house. Two different things. You just assumed. Assumptions can get you into trouble.”
    “You’re enjoying this, aren’t you?”
    “Yep. You can’t judge a person by how he looks. And right now I hope I look hungry, because I want to find some place to eat. Wanna join me?”
    The elevator doors opened, and Sam waited while she stepped into the crowded car. Kirby squeezed in, careful not to jostle a mother cradling a new baby in her arms, a pretty little girl with a headband bow that matched her rosebud-printed sleeper.
    Kirby melted. Oh, what a lucky woman to have such a precious blessing in her life. She ached with longing. What sweet gifts would there be to come in her own life? She’d been patient, but it was hard waiting and wondering.
    And then she felt guilty. She had so many blessings already in her life. She had sisters she loved, friends and family around her. A cozy house and a calling as a nurse. She had her health and her life and a future full of blessings yet to come.
    Unlike Allison. Her oldest sister. The sister she had not been able to save. Days like this, when she was tired, when she’d been face-to-face with life and death, she