Ruby (Orlan Orphans Book 2) by Kirsten Osbourne Page A

you girls, because they didn't have the money for a train.  So, they were going to leave you until they were settled, and then her mother was going to bring you both out on the train as soon as they could send for you."
    Ruby's eyes widened.  "That sounds familiar."  How many people in her life would make her wait for a train ticket?
    "It should.  Anyway, I later got word from your grandmother that their wagon didn't make it across one of the river-crossings, and both your mother and step-father went down with it.  So, you became mine."
    Ruby frowned.  She'd always known there were real people who were her parents, but to her, Cassie had always been her mother figure.  "Why didn't you tell us?"
    "You never asked.  Either of you.  At first, the two of you only spoke to one another.  When you finally started talking to me and the other children there, you still wouldn't talk to the volunteers who came in every day to help.  I got word over a year later of what happened, and you were both starting to do so well, that I couldn't bear to watch you grieve for a woman you had most likely already forgotten."
    "Not totally, but no, you were probably right.  I don't know if either of us could have handled finding that out then.  We had each other, and more importantly for us, we had you.  Thanks for being such a good mother to us, Cassie."
    Cassie smiled at her, tears coming to her eyes.  "I loved you two from the moment I saw you.  You were always good and so helpful.  It was a joy to be your 'mother.'"
    The door flew open behind Ruby, and she turned to see Tino run in looking frantic.  "Are you okay?" he asked, sinking to his knees beside Cassie.
    Ruby took that as her cue to step outside for a moment.  She wasn't going to leave just yet, because she needed to fix supper for the new family, but they did need a bit of time alone.  Lewis was waiting for her.  "I'm glad you're here," she said, smiling softly.  "Would you be willing to go get Dr. Harvey for us?  You know where she lives, right?"
    Lewis nodded.  "I do."  He pulled her close to him, stroking her back.  "Are you all right?  You looked so frightened when you opened that door."
    "Oh, I was.  I'm all right, though.  Cassie and the baby are both fine."  She rested her head on his shoulder.  "I was so afraid I'd lose one or both of them.  I had no idea what I was doing!"
    "You didn't, though.  You did great."  He kissed the top of her head.  "I'm going to go get the doctor, and I'll meet you back here.  Do you want to come with us?"
    She shook her head.  "I'm going to fix supper for them.  I'll be ready to go by the time you get back."  The doctor lived on a ranch with her husband and daughters a few miles away.  She'd have just enough time to fix something quick before they got there, and then she'd happily leave the doctor to take care of everything.  She was not meant to be a mid-wife.
     
    *****
     
    Dr. Harvey rushed into the cabin where Ruby had just finished making a light meal for the family.  Ruby wanted to burst into tears as soon as she saw her.  "Please check them both and make sure I did nothing wrong that will hurt them."  She was in a panic all of a sudden as she worried she'd hurt one or both of them.
    Dr. Harvey, six months pregnant herself, stopped in front of Ruby and hugged her.  "I'm sure you did great.  Women were made to give birth, and their bodies know what to do naturally, even though it's difficult for a woman to do on her own, she can."
    "Please check them?"
    Dr. Harvey laughed, her beautiful face lighting up.  "I will be happy to."  She took the baby first, removing his diaper and checking him over.  Instead of addressing Ruby who was standing beside her, Dr. Harvey smiled at Cassie and Tino.  "He's perfect."
    Cassie smiled.  "I counted his fingers and toes, and he has ten of each."
    Dr. Harvey laughed.  "Most babies do."
    She then talked to Cassie, looking at the padding Ruby had provided for her.