RYDER (Slater Brothers 4) Read Online Free Page B

Doctor Harris and his team were ready and waiting.
    “Ninety-one seconds since code red was activated. Well done, Branna,” Doctor Harris said and patted my shoulder. “Good time from you and your team.”
    I nodded and released Samantha into their care. I stood like a statue and watched as the double doors to the OR swung shut. I heard Doctor Harris bark orders for a catheter and IV lines to be placed on Samantha, and for her abdomen to be cleaned with disinfectant. I held my breath seconds later as he announced he was administrating anaesthesia. As it was an emergency, Samantha would be out under general anaesthesia in a matter of seconds and would not be awake to witness the birth of her son.
    I jumped when an arm hooked around my neck and pulled me into a firm chest. I knew it was Ash without having to look up. I closed my eyes and wrapped my arms around his waist and squeezed. He kissed the crown of my head and said, “We got her down here fast and Doc Harris is already making the incisions for the section. If anyone can save the baby, it’s him and his team.”
    I knew that, but it didn’t take away the fear I felt.
    “I always get so invested,” I whispered. “How can I help patients when I let me emotions take over?”
    Ash held me out at arms length so I opened my eyes and looked up at him. “Listen to me,” he said firmly. “When Sally isn’t on shift with us, you are the mother of the ward. You’re in charge, and that responsibility doesn’t fall on your shoulders because you’re sweet and kind, it’s because you’re a damn good midwife. You heard Doc Harris, we got her down here in ninety-one seconds and that is thanks to you .”
    I felt my lower lip wobble. “Thanks, Ash.”
    He winked. “No thanks necessary, kid.”
    Kid.
    I managed a snort. “I’m four years older than you.”
    “Age is just a number, baby.”
    I chuckled, but closed my mouth when I heard commotion in the OR. I gripped onto Ash’s arm when I heard a cheer. The doors opened slightly, and the beautiful sound of a newborn’s cry filled the hallway.
    “Yes!” I squealed and jumped onto Ash who was laughing as he caught me mid-air.
    He swung me around then set me on the ground and gave me a tight squeeze. We waited ten minutes for Samantha’s incision to be stitched closed and for the baby to be checked over. We both turned to a smiling Doctor Harris who rid himself of his surgical scrubs when he exited the OR. He gave me a hug and bumped fists with Ash, which caused me to smile wide. Doctor Harris was fifty-five, and watching him bump fists with someone never failed to amuse me.
    “This is on you, and your team,” he told us both. “You did great. The baby is breathin’ on his own, and the mother’s vitals are steady, too. We’ll admit him into ICU for observation, but he looks good. Well done.”
    A fresh surge of relief hit me.
    “Thank God,” I breathed.
    Ash and I left the OR and headed back up to the delivery ward with an extra spring to our step. After we informed our colleagues that both Samantha and her baby were okay, we settled back behind the nurses station.
    “It’s hard to believe it’s not even nine am yet,” Ash said with a shake of his head.
    I nodded in agreement. “It’s goin’ to be a long day.”
    “Thank God for tea,” Ash mused making me laugh.
    Thank God for him . I wholeheartedly knew I wouldn’t be able to do this job without him. He was my partner in crime and we fed off each other in our field of work. I was lucky to have him in my life. Having good friends made even the darkest of times seem bright.
     
     
    “Was it scary?” Dominic asked, his eyes wide.
    I had just finished telling him about the code red on the ward that morning while Bronagh was upstairs in the bathroom.
    I nodded and said, “It’s always scary. I hate code reds.”
    Dominic nodded in understanding then glanced towards the kitchen door when we heard Bronagh descend the stairs. I reached over and