Wanted: Parents for a Baby! by Laura Iding Read Free Book Online Page B

doing so well, sweetpea,” Cassiemurmured, stroking the baby’s downy cheek. “I’m sorry I won’t see you for a day and a half, but I’ll be thinking of you.”
    She gently checked Emma’s IV in her arm and stroked the tip of her finger down her forearm to her hand. The baby caught her off guard by grabbing hold of her index finger in a surprisingly tight grip.
    â€œThat’s my girl,” Cassie said, tears pricking her eyelids. “You’re getting stronger already, aren’t you?”
    Emma clung to her finger for a long minute before letting go and Cassie found herself wishing Ryan were here to share the thrilling moment. With babies you had to measure success in small increments. Emma had kept down the two bolus feedings and had grasped her finger. Huge accomplishments for a three-day-old baby born addicted to narcotics.
    Sheri, the second shift nurse, came over at ten minutes after three and Cassie quickly went through Emma’s orders with her. They double-checked Emma’s IV site and the pump settings together before crossing over to Barton’s bassinet. Sheri was familiar with Barton’s care as he’d been with them for a week already, so going through his orders didn’t take long.
    Since Sheri had everything under control with Emma and Barton, Cassie swiped out of work fifteen minutes early, anxious to head straight out to her car. She was so focused on her mission that she didn’t hear her friend Gloria, who was leaving at the same time, call out to her.
    â€œCass? Wait up a minute,” Gloria said in a loud voice, sounding a tad annoyed.
    â€œI’m sorry, I didn’t mean to be rude,” Cassie apologized. “I’m just in a hurry.” Cassie slowed down so Gloria could catch up. She tried not to glance at her watch, which would only broadcast her impatience.
    â€œOoh, does that mean you have a hot date?” Gloria teased.
    Ryan’s face involuntarily flashed in her mind, even as she let out a sigh. “Don’t be silly, of course not.”
    â€œListen, Cass, I know your ex was a jerk, betraying you in the worst way possible, but locking yourself away from all men isn’t the answer. James was upset that you turned down his offer to take you out for dinner, but I’m sure he’d give you a second chance.”
    Oh, boy. She so did not want to have this conversation, especially now. Obviously Gloria was trying to help, but there was no wayCassie was going to confess feelings for Ryan that she didn’t even understand herself. Dating anyone else was out of the question.
    â€œListen, Gloria, I’m not locking myself away from men. I can’t help the fact I’m not the least bit attracted to James. Please, don’t try to set me up with anyone else, either. I’ll find someone on my own when the time is right for me. Besides, I’m really running late, so let’s chat later, okay?” Without waiting for Gloria to respond, she quickened her step, using her key fob to unlock her car.
    â€œCall me,” Gloria shouted as she slid behind the wheel.
    Cassie quickly started her car and opened the windows to let the stuffy air out. “I will,” she called back, before putting the vehicle in Reverse and backing out of the parking space.
    Cassie had to stop at her apartment to pick up a copy of her birth certificate and social security card. Since she was there, she decided to change out of her scrubs, donning a flowery skirt and short-sleeved top. Slipping her feet into comfy sandals, she headed back outside.
    From her apartment, the drive to city hall didn’t take long. Cedar Bluff was crowded with tourists in the summer, but even thenthere wasn’t normally a rush-hour traffic problem.
    She climbed out of her car and approached the building with all the paperwork clutched in her hand, struck by a feeling of trepidation. What if they immediately turned her down because