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‘Okay.’ Emma’s expression stayed blank. ‘I’ll go over and get some more clothes and toys for Ruby this afternoon. Is there anything else you want from home?’

Drew felt her heart rate increase as a wave of frustration took hold. ‘I don’t want to stay here, Emma. Ruby can’t be away from home for that long.’

‘She won’t be. Like I said, when Connor gets back from his case, she can go home with him, and we’ll help out when he has to work. I’m sure he won’t take on any new cases with you in here.’

Dru shrugged. ‘Well, he is going to have to step up, isn’t he? But I’d prefer she stay with you. Who knows where he’d take her?’

‘Now you’re being silly. How much did you tell him, Dru?’

‘Just a little bit while he insists on texting me. I told him I was in the hospital. If he wants to come and see what’s wrong, he knows where to find me.’

‘For goodness’ sake. You’re as stubborn as each other. Then again, I don’t recall Connor being as stubborn as you.’

‘Thanks heaps, Emma. You’re supposed to be on my side. So, you’re saying that I’m the difficult one in our relationship? You don’t know anything about us.’ Anger filled Dru and the baby kicked. She put a hand on her stomach and took a deep breath.

‘Calm down. I’m not taking anyone’s side. I’m simply saying that you both need to be receptive. You need to listen, and he does too. He needs to know how you’re feeling and what you’re assuming.’

‘I will assume what I saw to be true until I get out of here and Connor can explain otherwise. Until he does that to my satisfaction, I’ll ask you to keep Ruby at your place.’ Dru’s eyes filled with tears. ‘Oh God, I wish Mum and Ellie were here too.’

Emma moved her chair closer and put her hand on Dru’s.

‘Come on, sweetie. Stay calm.’

‘I am.’ Dru sniffed.

‘You’re putting us in a difficult position. What if Connor wants to pick up Ruby and take her home? He’s her father and that’s where she needs to be while you’re in here.’

‘No, I’m her mother and she needs to be with me. If you don’t want her, isn’t there some sort of creche or a stretcher or something where she can sleep in here with me?’

Emma pursed her lips. ‘Now you’re talking rubbish. You know we’ll have Ruby as long as it takes. Your job is to focus on your health and the baby.’

Drew leaned her head back and closed her eyes. ‘I’m sorry. I just feel so bloody stuck.’

Emma squeezed her hand. ‘Listen, Dru, you know—’

Dru’s phone started to ring cutting off Emma. It had been silent since she’d briefly answered Connor’s last text.

She ignored it and as she opened her eyes, Emma reached down and held up the phone. ‘It’s Connor. Do you want to speak to him or do you want me to?’

Drew folded her arms, a little bit more tightly and nodded. ‘You can.’

Dru closed her eyes as Emma answered.

‘Connor, it’s Emma.’

Emma listened for a while and Dru wondered what he was saying. Her stomach began to churn.

‘Yes, she’s on bed rest. She had started some early labour signs and her waters have broken. Ruby is at our place. Yes. she’s fine. Just a moment, Connor.’

Emma held the phone away and asked quietly. ‘Do you want me to put it on speakerphone?’

Dru shook her head, knowing she was being stubborn, but she didn’t want to talk to him. To be honest, she didn’t think she was capable of it, and if she heard her husband’s voice, she knew she’d go to pieces.

Emma lifted the phone again. ‘I’m back now. Like I said, Ruby’s at our place and she’s fine.’ She waited a moment and listened. ‘Okay. Yes, the maternity ward at the public hospital. First room on the left after the lift. Yes, a private room.’

Dru shook her head and mouthed to Emma. ‘No, no visit.’

Emma looked at her and let out a soft sigh. ‘Listen, it might be better if you wait a day or two—’