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“Can I help with anything?” Millie questioned from behind me.

“I could really use a clean baby blanket or some towels. Preferably both,” I answered without taking my eyes off Gloria’s progress.

“I’ll find them,” Millie said determinedly before she left the booth.

I took a deep breath and let it out, knowing this baby was going to be here before anyone was ready for it.

I was just praying that whoever was driving that ambulance had a lead foot.

Reese

Gloria’s baby girl was born with a few gentle pushes and about fifteen seconds before the paramedics arrived.

I was relieved to see some equipment and to get their assistance.

We all completed the rest of the things that needed to be done together, and I was so grateful when there were no signs of post-delivery complications.

Once Gloria and the baby were bundled up on the gurney one of the paramedics asked, “Do you want to ride with us, Reese? You’re a much higher license than we are.”

I shook my head regretfully. “I’m not licensed in the state of Montana. I was just helping because it was an emergency. I’m technically just a good Samaritan.”

“You’re one hell of a good Samaritan,” the medic joked. “And you’re still welcome to come along.”

I nodded at the father of the baby. “I think you’d better take Tim. He still looks pretty anxious.”

“I have two kids,” he said with a chuckle. “It took me days to get over the deliveries, and I’m in the medical field. It’s different when the patient is your family. The wife handled it better than I did.”

I handed the paramedic the phone number I’d written on a piece of paper. “If anyone has questions about the delivery, please tell them to feel free to give me a call. And if you wouldn’t mind, can you text me to let me know that all went well on the transport and that Gloria is at the hospital? I might not be licensed here, but I’d just like to know that she’s where she needs to be to get checked over.”

He nodded. “You got it.”

I stood and watched as the ambulance drove out of the park.

“That was a little scary, right?” Hannah said from behind me. “You were amazing, Reese.”

I turned to look at her. “I’m so sorry, Hannah. I know I have some explaining to do, but I’d like to go home and clean up first.”

“We’re taking you,” Anna said as she joined Hannah. “Once you’re done, we’re all meeting at Millie’s place. She’s worried. I think the family needs to be in on this discussion.”

“Where’s Devon?” I asked. “I came here with him.”

“He’s helping Kaleb and Tanner with cleanup. They’ll meet us at Millie’s place. We told him we were taking you home for a shower and a stiff drink. Ralph insisted on being at the meeting, too.”

I nodded solemnly. “I think he should be there.”

I still couldn’t believe that I’d blown my cover, but I could hardly risk the life of a mother and child if I could help in some way.

I’d rather risk my own life than the lives of a mother and child.

The delivery had gone well for a precipitous delivery, but the cord had been wrapped around the baby’s neck, and that could have gotten ugly if no one was around with enough experience to fix it.

I’d make the same decision all over again.

However, I was about to face the consequences of my actions, and it wasn’t going to be pleasant.

The ladies talked about the delivery while I was showering and putting on clean clothing, but they didn’t ask me any questions.

Hannah simply handed me a shot of something that looked like hard liquor before we left my apartment, and I tossed it back without a single hesitation.