by Lynn Landes
Glenn leaps to his feet and takes his mother by her shoulders. Tears are streaming, and she is struggling to contain herself. “They rejected her?” He asks with a sore heart.
“No, forgive me, it’s just… go see for yourself son.” Glenn drops his hands and hurries down the hall.
“Allen, it’s a miracle. The boys took straight to her and are sleeping like… well… like babies.” Her husband laughs and pulls her to his chest, pressing a kiss to her forehead.
“Listen, no screaming babies!” Allen teases and holds his wife tightly to his heart. “God is good.”
Delaney watches quietly, glad that her Mama could help before one of the dogs distracts her with a game of chase.
Glenn knocks softly and pushes the door open with a trembling hand. Anika is rocking in the chair with closed eyes, head back and a blanket wrapped around her shoulders. The creaking of the wooden rocker is the only sound in the room. The silence rocks him to his core as he walks over to the bassinet and stares in shock at his sons. They are side by side and sound asleep.
“It’s called milk drunk, Mr. Ward.”
Anika opens her eyes and smiles softly, “They did fine. So far, they have kept it down. I will feed them once more before we leave.” Anika offers standing up gingerly, intending to go find her daughter.
“How will we ever thank you? You don't know…” his voice breaks and Glenn turns away to walk to the window to compose himself.
“I do know,” Anika replies gruffly and turns away willing herself to move away from them. She knows Dr. Parker told him about her circumstances. “It makes my daughter's passing seem to have… meaning.” Her voice is hoarse and raw with pain. “I know that God is in control and has a purpose for everything, but I couldn't see it clearly, until now. Rosie gave us all a gift today, and for now, it will have to be enough.”
Glenn doesn’t try to stop his tears from falling as his sons sleep with full bellies for the first time since birth. “Their mother is dying, slowly, ebbing away from us.” He turns back to look at her. “I believe she waits, to make sure they are going to be okay. I know it’s a lot to ask, Mrs. Coltrane, but would you consider staying for a few days.” Glenn wipes his eyes and hurries to stand in front of her and blurts out, “I would be willing to pay you whatever the going rate is, plus, room, board, and all your meals included.”
Anika steps back from him in stunned silence. “You want to hire me?” The bruises stand out shockingly against her pale skin.
“Dr. Parker explained that you’ve just lost your husband and daughter and I know it must seem selfish of me to drop this on you, but I’m desperate. We’ve tried everything…” he rubs the back of his neck seeming to be at a loss for words for the first time since they’ve met.
Sitting slowly in the chair again, Anika is silent. “I don't know what to say,” she murmurs looking at the cradle. The boarding house is paid in full, until the weekend and she has no idea what will happen after that. “I had thought about being hired on as a maid or laundress until I could find something else, but this… this would be perfect.” Before he can respond, she continues speaking.
“I have to think of my daughter. It is a generous offer, but I would need Delaney's approval, and I would like to talk to Dr. Parker.” Anika doesn't wait, she leaves quickly before she makes a rash decision.
Walking out front, she joins the family on the front porch and gives Delaney a quick hug. “Mama, the dogs love me, and they have cats too!” She stammers excitedly.
“Cats? We have more than cats, Delaney. We have goats, pigs, cow, sheep, and even chickens,” Allen says with a laugh. Delaney's eyes grow wide with excitement.
“Horses, Mr. Allen? Do you have horses too?” She gasps.
“Horses? Of course, we have horses. What kind of farmer doesn’t have horses? In fact, we have a new foal named Starlight. If your Mother says yes, I can take you to meet her.” Delaney whirls around and Anika smiles with gratitude.
“That would be wonderful. Obey, Mr. Ward, Delaney.” She watches her daughter in amazement as she hesitates before looking up at him. Allen reaches out and offers his hand causing Delaney to take a step back. She avoids his eyes, not quite ready to trust so easily.
“Follow me, little lady, Starlight is waiting.” Delaney giggles as she follows Allen and Anika sighs. This family would be good for her daughter to be around. Delaney would get to see how a man is supposed to treat his wife and daughter. Decision made she turns to Dr. Parker.
“I’ll have your lunch brought out to you. Please sit down.” Daisy leaves with Clara offering to help.
“Dr. Parker, exactly what did you tell Mr. Ward?” Anika asks.
“It seemed to me that God brought your two families together with a purpose in mind. I wouldn’t put you and Delaney at risk. I explained that you lost your husband and newborn. Not why or how. I hope you don’t mind, but this family is desperate. I’ve known them for years, Anika, you can trust them.”
Anika is silent for a moment, “I trust your opinion. Will you help me negotiate terms? I want to make sure we are taken care of. I never want to be destitute again. I would hate to take advantage of their generosity or situation, and I'm not sure what the going rate is for a Wet Nurse.”
“Of course.” Josiah is thrilled that she is considering it. “You, of course, would be taking on two babies. I believe you should be able to nurse them for as long as you are healthy and taking care of yourself. Delaney will thrive here, and these babies need you. Not to pressure you more than you already are, Anika, but you are the only chance they have at surviving.”
Anika drops her head into her hands, trying to block out the images of two innocent lives lost. “I never expected this day to end this way,” she murmurs softly.
“I know, Anika. This could be exactly what you and Delaney need. Let me draw up the contract for you. I think they would agree to a trial period of a month and at the end of that time you can decide if the terms are agreeable.”
“Thank you, Josiah. You and Clara have been so kind to us. I don’t know how I will repay you.” He takes her hand and squeezes gently.
“By using this time to heal. God’s plan is not always clear or the path easy to walk, but I believe you will find peace.”
“Thank you, I will try.”
Daisy returns with a tray of food and fresh juice. Anika is starved and eats her fill while Daisy and Clara go inside to check on the boys. Josiah discusses details with Anika while she eats then walks inside to present the offer.
Anika waits for Delaney to return and smiles when she hears her excited chatter. “I love Starlight Mr. Allen, she is perfect. Do you really think I could ride her someday?”
“Of course, sugar. Now I’m going to leave you with your Mama and go see if I can find a cookie or two.” Delaney watches him leave before turning to her Mother.
“I like Mr. Allen, Mama. He’s nice, and the pony is perfect! Are you okay, Mama?” Delaney asks taking her mother’s hands.
“I am fine, but I have a big question for you Delaney.” Anika explains that they would like to hire her to care for the twins and Delaney glances out at the farm.
“We would stay here? With them?” Fear has her moving closer to Anika.
“Yes. They are good people, Delaney. The babies need us, and I could save enough to rent our own house soon. You will have your own room and proper lessons.”
“Could I learn to ride a horse?” She asks with a little more excitement.
“I’m sure we could ask. Maybe, you could learn to care for some of the animals. What do you think?”
“I think… it would be okay with me, Mama.”
Anika hugs her close and whispers to her. “Everything is going to be better now, Delaney. I promise.”
“Look at them, sleeping like little angels,” Daisy says leaning into her husband. No one speaks of the relief of not listening to their screams grow weaker and weaker over the past few weeks.
“This is the first sp
ark of hope in a long time,” Allen says looking at his son. “Will she stay?”
“I don't know, Dad. I hope so, and I haven't asked Sue yet. I'm not sure how she will feel about it.” Glenn murmurs thinking of his wife. Her pain was unbearable this morning, and her heart is stuttering. Breathing is becoming difficult for her, and she has refused food for the last two days. His biggest fear is that he will be burying them all together.
Dr. Parker knocks and enters to check the boys. He listens to their hearts and bellies, struggling to contain his excitement. “If they didn’t reject her milk within the first few minutes, they are holding it.” Turning to look at the family he explains, “Glenn, Sue will be asleep for four to six hours. I will leave drops for you to keep her comfortable. Increase it as needed.” He pauses for a moment before continuing. “I’m afraid I’ve done all I can for your wife, I don’t expect her to make it through the night. I’m sorry to be so blunt.”
“I understand,” Glenn replies quietly.
“Hope waits for your sons, Glenn. Anika and Delaney are like family to Clara and me. She has agreed to a temporary stay for four weeks. If that is agreeable to you, I will act in Mrs. Coltrane’s stead to negotiate terms with you for hiring her as your Wet Nurse.”
They laugh with relief and joy. “Oh, this is wonderful!” Daisy sits heavily in the rocker and weeps.
Glen shakes his hand, “Thank you.”
“Whatever it takes to make her stay son, you know your mother and I will help in every way we can.” Glenn can’t speak. The emotion is overwhelming. On the one hand, he is losing his wife and childhood friend, but he feels like he’s been handed a miracle for his sons.
“You will all stay for dinner,” Daisy says, and she hurries to go speak to the housekeeper.
“Before I agree to any terms, I will speak to Sue. Until she is able to meet Mrs. Coltrane, this is a temporary accord.”
“Of course, let the boys sleep. When they wake Anika will feed them again and perhaps, seeing your sons full and content will ease Sue’s pain,” Dr. Parker suggests.
Chapter 4
Anika hears the babies fussing and hurries into their room. Daisy and Clara have already changed them.
Glenn steps inside and clears his throat over the fussing boys. “Mrs. Coltrane, my wife would like to meet you, and she has asked if you would feed the boys in our room.”
Delaney grips her hand as she stares at the large man with trepidation. “Of course, that would be fine.”
“Me too, Mama,” Delaney whispers.
“I will bring Allen, he seems to be demanding a little louder than his brother,” Daisy laughs as she lifts the squalling baby. “Delaney, could you carry his blanket for me?”
Delaney nods, “Yes ma’am,” and watches Glenn pick up Quinton before gently tucking him into his chest. “Come on then, can’t let your brother win. I know a shortcut,” he teases and winks at Delaney.
Anika follows swiftly behind Glenn with Delaney, and they are surprised to learn the house has two sets of stairs leading to the second floor. “In case of fire, we didn't want to be trapped with no second exit. It is also convenient for when guests are staying in the house.” Glenn leads the way and smiles when he hears his Mother behind them.
“Curse my short legs,” Daisy sniffs as she falls in behind them. Delaney giggles and Anika smiles down at her. They stop outside a door and Glenn takes a deep breath before opening the door.
Sue Ward sits propped up in a dimly lit bedroom with her black hair around her shoulders. Her chocolate eyes stand out against the blue pallor of her skin. Glenn walks over to the window holding the baby and opens the curtain allowing the sunset to cast a golden light on everything. Sue’s rapid breathing indicates the struggle she is having just to breathe. Despite her condition, she smiles when she sees the family.
Dr. Parker steps away from Sue and touches Glenn's shoulder as he passes.
“Clara and I will be on our way home. I will come tomorrow to drop off Anika's things and check in on Sue.” Clara hugs Anika before Josiah leaves and Anika isn't sure how she feels about being left with virtual strangers.
“Sue, I’m not sure this is a good idea,” Glenn starts to say, but she is intent on Anika.
“Glenn, I'd love some tea. I …” she gasps, “have plenty of company until you return.” Glenn pats Allen and turns away from his wife with a frown. He offers the baby to Anika, and he immediately starts rooting against her dress and fussing loudly. Quinton picks up on his brother's fussing, and both boys are soon screaming together. Glenn leaves to get her tea and stops outside the door to listen.
Anika smiles and sits in the rocking chair beside the bed. Daisy offers her a blanket and Sue holds her breath as Anika removes the top of her dress revealing a worn camisole covering the bruises. Daisy props a pillow under her arm and hands the baby to her. Allen settles, and within seconds he latches on. The moment Allen stops screaming, Quinton calms down as if he knows he will be next.
Silence fills the room, and everyone sits in the peace that feeding them brings.
“I'm Anika Coltrane, and this is my daughter, Delaney.” Anika smiles at Sue and runs a loving hand over Allen's dark hair.
“It’s lovely… to… meet… you,” Sue pants. Tears fill her eyes as she watches this stranger give life to her sons.
Delaney crowds close to her Mother and smiles at the baby, “Poor lambs are hungry again, right Mama?” The awkwardness fades away as the women laugh.
“Newborns eat every few hours, well, at least you did,” she says touching Delaney on the nose. She switches sides and struggles to keep some of her body covered while feeding the baby. Daisy offers to help.
“Your dress is nice, but it is not good for nursing,” Daisy says. A blanket is placed over her shoulder to give her privacy and Allen is set against her skin. He immediately starts rooting and grunting before latching on.
“We shall have to remedy that soon,” Daisy says with a nod of determination. Delaney goes still and stares at her mother as Allen latches on to feed.
“Allen, right?” Anika asks Sue.
“Yes, they look almost… identical, but he is bigger and has a dimple on his chin.”
Delaney leans over her mother’s shoulder to watch. Allen is drinking greedily and grunting. Delaney giggles. “He sounds like a little piggy. Does it hurt, Mama?” She asks softly.
Anika is quick to reassure her. “With the first child, it did, because I didn't know what I was doing. I learned quickly. You were a great teacher, and now it actually feels good. If I don't feed every few hours it becomes painful,” Anika explains.
“Oh, that’s not good.” She says staring at the infant in fascination. “Did Rosie look like this, Mama?” Anika looks up swiftly and nods no.
Glenn is just about to go downstairs when Delaney asks the question. He leans in closer to the door in the hallway to hear the answer.
“She was much smaller than this love. That’s why she couldn’t stay, but you understand she’s in Heaven now. There is no pain in Heaven, only love.”
“But Daddy is there, and he liked to give you pain, Mama. Will he hurt Rosie?” Anika struggles not to cry, but she knows this is important. She ignores the women in the room and answers the best way she can.
“No, because Daddy's heart has been healed, Delaney. All his pain and anger are gone now. The Bible says that God doesn't allow us to be hurt in heaven.” Delaney isn't convinced, but she accepts the answer for now.
Glenn wipes away a tear as he struggles with the how’s and why’s of this situation they find themselves in. Anger is boiling just beneath the fear, hurt and pain. Unable to stand it he storms off to make tea.
“Delaney, would you like to help me bake some cookies?” Daisy asks.
“Can I Mama?” Delaney asks.
“Yes, Angel. Thank you, Daisy.” Anika watches her daughter run over to Sue and touch her hand.
“Goodbye Mrs. Sue,” she says. Sue smiles and grips her hand.
“Thank you… for sharing your Mama, Delaney.”
Delaney shrugs and says, “My Mama is the best.”
Daisy places Allen beside his mother and hands Quinton to Anika before she guides her from the room. A tentative hand touches his, and he grips her finger tightly causing Sue to smile.
Anika clears her throat as she avoids Sue's eyes. “My husband was damaged after the war. Whiskey, lager, moonshine any kind of alcohol became his refuge, instead of me. I tried to be what he needed, but it only angered him more. He left us with next to nothing, and I would like to get Delaney away from the bad memories and give us time to heal.”
Sue smiles at this young woman who has seen so much loss and suffering but still manages to put her daughter’s needs before her own. Just as she did for their sons, her heart whispers.
Glenn returns with tea and is about to knock only to stop at Sue’s words.
“I prayed for you, Anika. I prayed, and I held on…” she draws in a deep breath, “because I know that God doesn't allow pain without reason.” Tears flow freely now, and she is gasping for breath as she watches another woman feed her son.
“Don’t try to speak, Sue, I will go get Glenn.” Sue shakes her head no and wipes at her eyes as Anika stands up and moves towards her.
“Let me… tell you.” Panting, she pushes herself forward, desperate to be heard. “I didn’t know…”
“You didn’t know what, Sue?” Anika asks.
“I didn’t know that he would take your daughter to save my sons… forgive me,” she pleads.
The teacups shutter on the tray as the gravity of her words strikes Glenn in his heart. He leans back against the hallway wall and bows his head in horror.
Anika lays Quinton on the bed, buttons her dress and takes Sue's hand. “No. Rosie died because my husband savagely beat me. I was too weak to save her, but you fought and saved them. Your boys are a gift. Look at them, Sue.”
