BECAUSE LITTLE RUBY ROSE was premature, we all wore sterile pink paper hospital gowns, hats, and masks for the occasion. Claire looked like she’d been dragged a quarter of a mile in a tractor pull, but the baby-glow was there under her pallor. And since baby-glow was contagious, we were all euphoric and giggly.
Cindy was crowing about her interview with Hans Vetter’s uncle, and Yuki, having put on a couple of ounces since recovering from being drugged with LSD and almost killed by Jason Twilly, chortled at Cindy’s jokes. The girls told me that I looked hot and possibly happy, the way I should look, since I was living with the perfect man.
How long is she going to keep us waiting?” I asked Claire again.
Patience, girlfriend. They’ll roll her in when they’re good and ready. Have another cookie.
I’d just folded a gooey double chocolate chip with walnuts into my maw when the door to Claire’s room opened - and Conklin came in. He was wearing matching gown, hat, and mask in blue, but he was one of the few men I’d ever known who could look goofy and great at the same time. I could see his gorgeous brown eyes, and they were shining.
Rich held a big bunch of flowers behind his back, and he went around the room saying hello, kissing Cindy and Yuki on their cheeks, squeezing my shoulder, kissing Claire, and then he dramatically produced red roses.
They’re ruby roses,” he said, with a shy version of his brilliant smile.
My God, Richie. Three dozen long stems. You know I’m married, right
When the laughter stopped, Claire said, “I thank you. And when my little girl gets here, she’ll thank you, too.
Cindy was looking at Conklin like she’d never seen a man before. “Pull up a chair,” she said. “Richie, we’re going to Susie’s for dinner in a while. Why don’t you come with
Good idea,” I said. “We’ve got to toast our little associate member of the Women’s Murder Club - and you can be the designated driver.
I’d like to help you guys out,” Rich said. “But I’ve got a plane to catch in” - he looked at his watch - “in two hours.
Where’re you going?” Cindy asked.
I wondered, too. He hadn’t mentioned a trip to me.
Denver. For the weekend,” Rich told Cindy.
I looked away, my eyes sliding across Claire’s face. She caught it. Saw that I’d taken an unanticipated blow.
Going to see Kelly Malone?” Cindy asked, the reporter in her refusing to just shut up.
Uh-huh,” Rich said. And unless he’d caught the baby-glow from Claire, he was excited.
I’d really better go. Don’t want to get caught in traffic. Claire, I just wanted to congratulate you on this great news. I’ll want a picture of Ruby as a screen saver.
Sure thing,” Claire said, patting Conklin’s hand, thanking him again for the flowers.
I said, “Have a good weekend.
And Rich said, “You too. All of you guys.
And then he was gone.
As soon as he was out of the room, Cindy and Yuki started talking about what a rock star Rich was and wasn’t Kelly Malone his high school sweetheart? And then the door opened again. A nurse rolled a tiny cart up to Claire’s bed and all of us peered inside.
Ruby Rose Washburn was a beauty.
She yawned, then opened her dark, long-lashed eyes and looked straight at her mom, my glorious, beaming friend Claire.
We four held hands, made a circle around the cart, each saying a silent prayer for this new child. Claire released our hands so she could hold her baby.
Welcome to the world, little girl,” said Claire, hugging and kissing her everywhere.
Cindy turned to me, asked, “What did you pray for
I snorted a laugh. “Is nothing sacred, you bulldog? Can’t I even talk to God without you asking for a quote
Cindy cracked up, put a hand over those cute overlapping front teeth of hers. “Sorry. Sorry,” she said, tears coming out of her eyes.
I put my hand on Cindy’s shoulder and said, “I prayed that Ruby Rose would always have good friends.
