Dorothy clocked in Monday morning for what would be her last full week at St. Catherine’s. Most nurses started maternity leave at 36 weeks, but Dorothy had insisted on working until 39 weeks—just one week before her due date. Rachel had been surprised, but Dorothy had insisted she felt fine and wanted to save her leave for after the baby came.
The truth was, she needed the access. Needed to be at the hospital, watching, waiting for the right opportunity.
She was wearing the full-term padding under her scrubs. It was uncomfortable, hot, made it hard to move quickly. But at 39 weeks pregnant, she was supposed to be huge and uncomfortable.
“Last week!” Lisa said when Dorothy arrived at the nurse’s station. “I still can’t believe you’re working this late. Most people are home with their fee
