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risk getting pregnant again. She might not survive the emotional distress of another miscarriage.
    â€œCassie?” Ryan’s voice pulled her from her sad thoughts. But before he could sayanything more, the social worker approached, accompanied by a woman in her midforties wearing a badly fitting suit.
    â€œHi, Cassie, Dr. Murphy. This is Judith from CPS.”
    Cassie stepped away from Ryan and nodded at Judith. “Good morning.”
    â€œGood morning. What can you tell me about Emma’s condition?” Judith asked, getting right down to business. The way she barely glanced at the baby grated on Cassie’s nerves.
    â€œShe’s been a sick little girl, but she’s stable at the moment. We’re supporting her breathing and giving anti-seizure medication.”
    â€œI see. What’s the cause of her illness?”
    â€œHer lab tests just came back positive for opiates, although the level isn’t as high as I expected,” Ryan admitted.
    â€œSo the mother was a drug addict.” Judith didn’t look at all happy with the news. “We could go after the mother for child abuse.”
    â€œPlease, don’t.” Cassie spoke up. “She gave up her child under the safe-haven law. If the word gets out that we’re going after the mother, others may not risk doing the same.”
    Judith grimaced and nodded. “I know, butit still makes me angry. How long before the baby is able to be discharged?”
    â€œI can’t tell you for sure, but probably a week or two, maybe more. Depends on how well she responds to treatment.”
    â€œDo you have foster care lined up yet?” Cassie asked.
    â€œNo. Actually, the fact that she’s likely going through withdrawal and will probably have ongoing medical issues makes placement more difficult.” Judith scowled, as if Emma had done it on purpose.
    â€œWhy is that?” Cassie demanded. “What difference does it make if she has medical needs?”
    Judith shrugged. “Many people aren’t willing to take on that kind of commitment,” she said.
    â€œI will,” Cassie blurted, without stopping to think. “I’ll go through the process of becoming a foster parent and I’d be more than willing to take Emma home with me. No matter what her medical issues are.”
    Judith and Ryan stared at her as if she’d lost her mind, but now that she’d said it out loud, she knew she’d meant every word.
    She couldn’t help thinking that this wasmeant to be. That she was meant to be Emma’s mother.
    And she knew she’d love Emma as her own child, if given the chance.

CHAPTER FOUR
    R YAN WAS STUNNED to hear Cassie blurt out how much she wanted to be a foster parent for Emma, although truthfully, he shouldn’t have been. Her gaze was bright with compassion and from the way she cared for their tiny patients, he knew she’d make an excellent mother. In fact, he was surprised she hadn’t already been snatched up by some lucky guy.
    Just the mere idea of Cassie being with anyone else was repugnant, and he clenched his jaw, trying to hide his reaction. Certainly she wouldn’t blush the way she did every time he spoke to her if she was seeing someone else.
    Would she?
    â€œHave you applied to be a foster parent?” Judith asked, staring at Cassie expectantly.
    â€œNo, but I’m happy to do that,” Cassie said without hesitation. “I finish my shift today at three-thirty. I can be at city hall before four.”
    Judith’s expression wasn’t encouraging. “If you haven’t started the process, then you likely won’t be approved in time to take care of Emma.”
    Ryan felt compelled to butt in. “Is there anything Cassie could do to expedite the process? If placing Emma will be as difficult as you say, this would be a win-win situation for both of them.”
    Cassie’s gaze met his, full of silent gratitude.