‘Quick. Oh, please, come quick. Tessa’s having a baby.’

She’ll have to go to Cairns.’

‘Nonsense.’

Outside the labour ward Ryan and Abbey were neck deep in argument. Inside, Tessa Ludlow was neck deep in labour.

‘Hell, Abbey, I can’t deliver her here.’

‘She’ll deliver herself, then. For heaven’s sake, Ryan, all you have to do is go in there, check dilatation, check the foetal heart and stand around to catch. In fact, Sister’s probably done all the busy work for you while you’re hanging around here, procrastinating.’

Ryan raked his fingers through his hair. It was true. He was procrastinating. With good reason!

‘Abbey, I’m a surgeon. An orthopaedic surgeon. How many babies do you think I’ve delivered?’

‘They don’t let you through medical school unless you’ve delivered a few,’ Abbey said firmly. ‘Unless US training is very different to what it is here.’

‘But that was years ago. I haven’t delivered a baby since.’

‘It’s what you said about milking-it’s like riding a bicycle,’ Abbey said promptly. ‘Once learned, never forgotten. Nothing’s changed. Unless I’m very much mistaken, babies still come out just the same way they did a hundred years ago. Ryan, get in there and deliver that baby.’

‘But I’m not even registered here.’ Ryan gave a sound that was practically a moan. ‘Abbey, if something goes wrong I can get sued for millions.’

‘You know, if something does go wrong and you’re standing out here in the corridor, arguing about money, then you could be sued for even more!’

‘Abbey…’

Abbey sighed. And took a deep breath. ‘What is it? You want me to deliver the baby, Ryan? Is that what you’re saying? Your offer was for the easy stuff only? Well, I guess I can reach the bed from the wheelchair if I really try. Maybe if you hold me up under my arms… ’