Her entire body shuddered, and unable to take her intensifying pain, I stood, lifted her, sitting back down before she could protest.
She still clutched Penny's hand, and I could feel her trembling.
"Let me help, sweetheart. Mateo is here, too. We'll figure out what we need to do."
Her head fell to my chest, and I felt the wet of her tears. I pressed a kiss to her head, holding her until I felt her body relax and she released Penny's hand, gently letting it rest
on the quilt.
We sat in silence as I stroked my hand up and down her back.
There was a knock at the door, and I called out for them to enter. Mateo came in, crouching beside us.
"Ruby, dear girl, I am so sorry."
Her voice was a mere whisper. "Thank you."
"Laura is here. We would like to help you and Ethan with the arrangements, if you are willing."
She nodded, another shiver running down her spine.
"I think I need to take her home."
Mateo stood up. "Of course."
