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

"You look like you were well taken care of. Has the baby nursed yet?"
    At those words, Ruby realized her job was done.  She wanted to just go home and cry.  She wasn't sad, but she was so relieved, she needed the release of tears. 
    "Did Lewis drive you, Dr. Harvey?"
    The doctor shook her head.  "No.  I brought my own buggy.  Your husband can drive you home."  She walked over to Ruby and looked her in the eye, making sure Ruby was finally paying attention to her.  "You did a good job here.  I know your first instinct would have been going for help, but from what Cassie just told me, there was no time.  You did exactly what you should have done."
    Ruby nodded, thrilled to hear it.  "Good night then.  Cassie, I'm going to come by and check on you tomorrow.  I'll make supper for you."
    Cassie smiled.  "I would appreciate that.  I'm sure I could handle it, but I'd rather give my time and attention to little Jonathan."
    Ruby smiled at the name.  "I like the name.  I'll see you tomorrow afternoon." She knew she could start dinner at home before she left, or even serve something cold.  Her new family would understand.
    She hurried out into the frigid night air, rubbing her hands up and down her arms to try to ward off the cold.  Lewis helped her up into the buggy, and she sagged to one side, resting her head on his shoulder.  "I'm ready to be home."
    Lewis frowned.  She sounded exhausted.  "I promised Edna Petunia that we'd go by for supper."
    Ruby didn't want to see anyone else that evening, but she didn't know if she had the energy to cook either.  "Okay."
    The drive to Edna Petunia's only took about ten minutes.  When they arrived, Lewis helped her down, slipping an arm around her to help keep her propped up.               
    Edna was waiting at the door, and she opened it wide.  "You look terrible, Ruby.  What have you been doing?"  She led the way into the dining room.  It was obvious everyone had already eaten, but Edna had set the table again, and while they sat, she hurried off to get the food. 
    As soon as the food was on the table, and they'd served themselves, Edna Petunia sat down in a chair.  "I asked what you did to get so tired."
    Ruby sighed, swallowing her bite of mashed potatoes.  "I delivered Cassie's baby today.  I went to her house, and she was in labor.  She told me there was no time to go for Tino or the doctor, and she walked me through what to do."
    Edna Petunia grinned broadly.  "I'm glad you were there for her.  Mother and baby doing fine?"  She pulled her flask from her pocket and swallowed a gulp. 
    Ruby nodded.  "When Lewis got there, he went for Tino and then Dr. Harvey.  Dr. Harvey said I did fine."
    "Iris wouldn't lie to you.  Maybe you have a career in midwifery ahead of you."
    "I'd rather sew shirts every day for the rest of my life," Ruby said honestly. 
    Edna laughed.  "I'm sure it was rough on you.  Boy or girl?"
    "Boy.  They've decided to call him Jonathan."
    "Oh, that's a nice name.  He can be Johnny when he's small and then Jon or Jonathan when he's older.  They chose well."  Edna Petunia looked at Lewis.  "You found her and brought her to dinner, just like you said you would.  Thank you.  You're not such a bad son-in-law after all."
    Opal walked into the dining room then, looking at her twin with surprise.  "You look terrible!"
    Ruby looked down at herself. Being told how bad she looked twice in ten minutes wasn't her favorite thing.  When she saw the blood on her dress, she understood.  She was suddenly thankful she hadn't had time to finish her new dress.  "I delivered Cassie's baby today.  It was a boy, and his name is Jonathan.  Mother and baby are fine." 
    Opal put her hand over her mouth in surprise.  "Well, that explains the blood all over your dress and how tired you look.  I'll tell the others."
    Ruby looked at Edna Petunia.  "Thanks for having supper ready for us.  There's no way I would have had time to cook