Accidental Surrogate for Alpha

#Chapter 312 – Cora at Home

Cora

When I wake up it’s almost eight at night and I groan, realizing that my sleep schedule is

completely wrecked. I’m reminded, suddenly, of my years as a medical resident when this sort of thing was normal – sleeping all day, taking night shifts, living moment to moment rather than a steady, scheduled life.

And quite frankly, right now? That sounds really wonderful, compared against a whole night of empty hours in which I have nothing to do but… think.

Think about what I’m doing in my life, think about my career which has gone in a really weird direction, think about my relationship…s.

About a certain kiss in the woods.

About a sweet doctor who, apparently, wants to build a life with me.

I sigh and sit up, looking around at my sterile little apartment. I never really decorated, I realize as

I look around at the grey and beige furniture, the simple linens, the charmless curtains. Everything is functional and high quality but none of it is… me?

Or is it?

I frown at my space, thinking of Ella’s sweet home that – even though Sinclair picked out most of the furniture before she moved in – still sings Ella Ella Ella in every corner. It’s warm and sweet

and comfortable. What does my space say about me?

I mean, I’m an orphan – I never had any possessions or any control over the environments in

which I lived, so where would I have learned to decorate? I never had a mother to show me how

So where did Ella…

at myself, sick, again, of being jealous of my sister.

But sometimes she’s just so….perfect. That it makes me realize how unhappy I am, when I stand

thoughts. But when I pick it up the first thing I see is one of those relationships I’m trying to

Cora – how did the baptism

You

2

Hey, send me a text when you get up – I know you were up

from you.

through the

a peep. As I take a deep breath and check my email, another message from Hank pops up.

I’m… I mean, this is a little pathetic, but I’m outside. Can you let

your apartment door…

He’s being so sweet and I’m…well,

he doesn’t even want – despite what might have passed between us last night, it doesn’t change anything. And there’s a man standing outside my door

what’s wrong with me? Quickly, I jump out of my bed and dash for the front door of my apartment.

I yank it open,

accidentally dropping the large bag of Chinese on the little mail table I keep outside

maybe too bright, too cheerful. “I’m so sorry,” I continue, smiling at him, “I just woke up – we were up all night.

his rare, warm smile. “I get it – you

to come in?” I ask, leaning against my door frame and gesturing towards my little apartment. “I am…well, I am

lips turning up a bit at the corner. “That sounds great, Cora.”

supplied chopsticks, Hank tells me all about his day. He held down the fort at the little free clinic we both work at, seeing both prospective mothers

watch Hank closely as he tells me his story, my eyes flicking over his handsome, serious face

that makes me…well, makes- me want to jump across the couch and

he asks, making me blink and focus

myself to listen to his words. Then, I grimace a little. I’m sorry, Hank,” I say, giving him an apologetic look. “I got….lost in my thoughts a little bit. Forgive me.

responds, giving me a little wink and reaching out to grab my hand, squeezing it a bit before sitting back. “I was just curious if you think Ella would want to be more involved

in the clinic,” I respond instantly, looking down at my chicken with broccoli and picking up a morsel. “But she doesn’t have any medical experience. Would she really be helpful there? I think that she would do anything – but she’s got a big

”