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said from behind her.
    Somehow she managed not to jerk the needle out of Emma’s arm, in spite of the fact that he’d sneaked up on her. Again.
    Completely her fault. After all, he had mentioned coming back after rounds to insert the feeding tube.
    â€œThanks. Just give me a minute here,” she murmured, using the same contraption that she’d used yesterday to cover the IV site from being accidentally pulled out.
    When she’d finished she stepped back and stripped off her gloves, trying not to imagine that most of her makeup had been sweated away. One thing about working over infants in warmers, you were never cold, even in the winter. In the summer, like today, it was downright steamy.
    Although worth the discomfort, since their tiny babies needed every bit of the warmth.
    â€œHas the social worker been by?” Ryan asked as he set out the feeding-tube supplies.
    â€œYes. She informed me that someone from Child Protective Services would be here between nine and ten.”
    â€œThat should give me enough time to get the feeding tube placed.”
    â€œThe pump is here and the formula you’ve ordered is ready to go.”
    A smile tugged at the corner of his mouth and she stared, acutely aware of how his face softened, making him look lighter. Younger. Not as detached.
    â€œI should have known you’d be ready,” he said. “Okay, Emma, we’re going to have to get this nasty tube in,” he said in a soft voice as he leaned over the baby. He lightly ran his finger down the length of Emma’s arm and she was struck by the fact that this was the second time he’d soothed Emma, something she hadn’t seen him do to any of the other babies in their care. “But, trust me, you’ll feel better with some food in your tummy.”
    Just like the IV, a feeding tube was a necessity for babies on ventilators. Even without the breathing support, Emma would likelyneed to be tube fed because of the seizure medication.
    She helped hold Emma’s head and body steady as Dr. Ryan inserted the feeding tube. Emma didn’t like it much. Her tiny arms and legs flailed a bit, but then the tube was in her stomach and the worst of the discomfort was over.
    â€œI’m so glad she won’t remember this,” Cassie murmured. “I feel like we’re torturing her.”
    â€œWe’re not,” Dr. Ryan said softly. “She’s strong, she’ll pull through this.”
    â€œI know,” she said huskily, trying not to give in to the urge to cry. No baby should have to suffer and it was hard not to pass judgment on the baby’s mother for allowing this to happen.
    She subtly swiped at her eyes and turned to the feeding pump to program in the proper rate. Ryan came up beside her and put his hand lightly on her arm.
    â€œAre you all right?” he asked in a husky voice.
    She wasn’t, but partially because his skin was so warm and tingly, she couldn’t think. “Um, sure. I’m fine. Emma’s the one I’m worried about.”
    â€œMe, too. But I’m confident you’ll take good care of her. You’re an incredible nurse, Cassie,” he murmured.
    â€œI’m not,” she protested. “I just happen to love babies.”
    â€œI can tell. As I said before, you’re a natural.”
    She glanced up at him, mesmerized by his ocean-blue gaze. Awareness shimmered between them, and suddenly she couldn’t seem to remember why she needed to keep her distance from him. He seemed to understand her so well.
    Better than her husband ever had.
    With an effort, she tore her gaze away to glance back down at Emma. She knew very well why she needed to stay away. She’d suffered two miscarriages and her doctor had told her not to get pregnant until she’d had surgery. And even then, he’d told her, there could be scarring, preventing her from ever having a baby of her own.
    And deep down she was afraid to