So far, she had not had time to hire a receptionist. Not that they would have a lot to do, but it would take some of the load off her. So far, the budget didn’t stretch that far, so Amanda did everything in the office. Which meant she knew Ruth didn’t have an appointment today.
“Ruth, how are you today?” It was an odd question, given that her friend had just walked into a health clinic, but sometimes she also just came to visit when things were quiet. Their offices were across the street from each other.
“Good, Mandy. How are you?” Ruth was her sister Kit’s age, around thirty, and had lived in town her entire life. Currently, she was dating her former boss, an insurance agent named Anderson Miles. Amanda knew her well because she was in the book club with her.
“I’m good. It’s getting cold out.” Weather, always a safe topic.
“Yes. Time to get your winter stuff out,” Amanda said.
“Seems like I just put it away,” Ruth admitted nervously.
They both laughed. Winter was long in North Dakota, and everybody knew it. “Are you here for a social visit or more?”
Ruth smiled and said, “More.”
“Why don’t you come back, and we can talk?” Amanda was glad her calendar was empty and got up to lead Ruth down the hallway to the only exam room.
In the little room, both women sat in the chairs there. Amanda almost laughed at the memory of Hue insinuating that everyone got naked when they came to visit her. Here was Ruth, all fully dressed.
Ruth was the first to say something. “I am late.”
Amanda saw that coming from a mile away. That was what it was like in a small town—you knew everybody’s business. And on top of that, she knew the couple. And at book club the week before, Ruth had changed to wine instead of her usual mixed drinks. Amanda knew this was coming. Secretly, she was glad her friend had come to her to get it confirmed; some people had a hard time seeing someone they knew personally.
“Congratulations, Ruth.” She jumped from her chair and gave her friend a hug, trying to be truly happy for her friend.
“Thanks, Mandy. I don’t know what to feel. I want to confirm it before I say one way or the other.” Ruth hugged her back and then sat down again.
“How does Anderson feel?”
“He’s thrilled, but he is not the one who has to carry a baby. Or the one who has to tell my mother I am not married but having a baby.” Ruth was wringing her hands.
“How about if you carry the baby and have him tell your mother? He deserves the wrath of the dragon.” Amanda chuckled at the nickname Ruth’s mother had received from Ruth’s circle of friends in high school. It was still what many people called the woman, but it was a well-deserved name. “Let’s make sure there is something to tell, then move on to who will do what.”
It took less than an hour for Amanda to confirm that Ruth was right. With the verification, Ruth was able to show her excitement a little bit more. Amanda was happy for her friend, as happy as she could be on a Tuesday.
“I didn’t think you would have the next baby in book club.” Amanda logged information into her computer.
Ruth turned to her. “Who did you think?”
Laughing, she said, “I was thinking Hazel.”
Their fellow book club member had just been married the previous month in a whirlwind marriage to a local preacher. Hazel was actually a lot younger than both Ruth and Amanda, and at twenty-four, she already had a son from a previous relationship. So, adding another seemed to be where Amanda had placed her bet. She had known Ruth wanted the ring before the baby. But then again, you couldn’t always control when you got pregnant. She should know.
“Maybe she’ll be next.” Ruth smiled a little grin.
“Maybe. So, do you know how far along you are?” Amanda asked as she updated her file.
“Around seven weeks, I think. Maybe eight.”
“Let’s put it at seven. We can adjust if we need to.” Amanda typed in the information.
“When do I have to see you again?” Ruth asked.
“I have to tell you that I can do all the appointments and things, but I cannot be involved in the birth. That’s how it is. So, if you want to see someone else who can do everything, I understand. You’ll have to go to someone new right when you maybe want a familiar face.” Amanda set down her pen.
“No, I want you. You can pick who I deliver with. I think you know all the baby doctors around.” Ruth smiled, because everyone knew she had worked in labor and delivery before. Small towns.
“Thank you, Ruth. So, I’ll see you back in a month.” Opening the appointment book on the computer, she went to a month from today, Tuesday. Another damn Tuesday.