“C-contractions?” she sputtered. “Are you in labor?”
Sara sighed. “That’s what I’m trying to figure out.”
Julia wracked her brain for the facts she’d read in Sara’s pregnancy book. “Uh, are they regular? How long have you been having them?”
“About five minutes apart and since around six this morning.”
Julia gasped. “Have you called Brian yet?”
She shook her head. “What if it’s not the real thing? I’d feel pretty silly.”
“You’d feel even sillier having your baby in the kitchen!” She grabbed the phone and dialed Brian’s cell number. When she heard his voice, she said, “Your wife’s in labor. I suggest you get home.” Without waiting for a response, she disconnected the call. Her mind raced until she noticed her own breathing becoming irregular.
Sara looked at her with concern. “Relax and have a seat, Julia. They say first labors are notoriously long and drawn out.”
Amazed at Sara’s calmness, Julia began to pace around the room. “Is your bag packed?”
She nodded.
“Are you pre-registered at the hospital?”
“Yes.”
“Do you have enough gas in your car to get to the hospital?”
“I have no idea,” Sara said with asperity.
“Oh, where’s Brian?” Julia exclaimed. At that moment, there was a knock on the front door. “It’s about time!”
She hurried to the door and swung it open. Marc! She stared at him, both overwhelmed by his presence and the fact that she’d missed him desperately. “You’re not Brian.”
“Not the last time I looked,” said Marc, entering the house. “Is there a problem?”
“Sara is having the baby.”
“Right now?”
Julia took a deep breath. “No, not right now, at least she can’t until Brian gets here. Where could he be?” She led him into the kitchen. He greeted Sara and asked if there was anything he could do.
Smiling, she shook her head. “I’m fine.”
“At least come and sit down,” Julia hustled her into the sitting room and brought over a footstool for her feet. “Can I get you anything else?” Sara closed her eyes and leaned her head against the back of the couch. Marc urged Julia out of the room.
“Let her rest. She needs to conserve her energy,” he said, keeping his voice low.
“I know that!”
Twenty minutes later, Brian walked through the back door. “Where’s my wife?”
“In your room.”
“I appreciate the mild way you broke the news to me, Julia.”
“Sorry, I was a bit overwrought,” she said, irritated with her erratic behavior.
Marc led her into the living room and gently pushed her down onto the couch. He settled next to her, fixing her with a bemused smile.
“What’s taking them so long?” she said. “They should be on their way to the hospital by now.”
“Don’t worry.”
Julia pinned him with a look. “Easy for you to say.”
Finally, Brian came into the living room. “We’ve spoken to the doctor and she said to come on in. Julia, I would appreciate it if you could make some phone calls for me. And Marc, could you please close up the house?”
“Of course. Anything else?”
A nervous grin creased Brian’s features. “I wouldn’t mind your prayers.”
“You got it.”
After leaving directions for Marc to close up the B & B to new visitors, the expectant couple left. The house suddenly seemed deserted. Julia started to rise from the couch, but Marc took hold of her hand. His grip was warm and firm.
“First, let’s pray.” He bowed his head and offered up a tender prayer of supplication for Sara and her baby’s safe delivery. Julia’s eyes were moist when he said amen and released her hand.
Marc left to put up the No Vacancy sign and made sure the house was secure while Julia made phone calls from a pre-written list. With that complete, she went into the kitchen to finish preparing the dinner Sara had started. She would put it in the freezer for them to eat later. Marc soon joined her, and together, they worked in silence. Julia, too tense for conversation, was thankful she had something to do to keep her hands busy. She suspected she’d be wringing them without a task.
An hour later, a casserole sat cooling on the counter. Julia bit her lip with worry now that she had nothing else to do. “How do you think Sara is doing?”
“Give the hospital a call and find out.”
Julia made the call, willing herself to calm down. After she got off the phone, she twisted her hands together.
“They said Sara’s still in early labor, but I’m going over to the hospital. I’ll go stir-crazy waiting around here.” She looked at Marc properly for the first time since he’d arrived. “Oh, were you planning on staying here tonight?”
“Yes, I had planned to go up to the mountains in the morning, but if you don’t mind, I’ll go with you to the hospital.” He crooked a smile at her. “You need someone to keep you down to earth.”
Julia resisted a sudden urge to cry. “Very funny.”
***
The waiting area in the maternity department was empty when they arrived. Julia paced back and forth while Marc flipped through a dog-eared magazine. She didn’t know if she was more worried about Sara or about her confusion concerning Marc.
“Sit down, Julia. You’ll wear yourself out, and it’s likely to be a long night.”
“I’m fine.”
“Maybe so, but you’re creating a wind with all that moving around.”
“I can’t help it. I’m so…nervous.”
“Childbirth is a natural process and Sara has access to excellent medical care, so don’t worry.”
She shot him an impatient look. “Spoken like a man.”
Marc shrugged and returned his attention to the magazine. Julia became annoyed by his nonchalant attitude. Natural process, indeed! “How easy it is for you to sit there relaxing, when you’re not the one in pain.”
“You’re not either,” he said with maddening reason.
Julia crossed her arms and resumed pacing.
Marc tossed the magazine onto an end table. “Julia, come here.”
Glancing over at him, she saw him patting the cushion of the couch. Holding her breath, she walked over and sank onto the couch next to him. He stretched out his arm behind her and drew her against his side.
“Lean on me and try to relax.”
At first Julia sat stiffly, but soon the feelings awakened by his nearness had her melting into his side. Anxiety over Sara was replaced with treacherous, languorous sensations coursing through her body from the warmth and firmness of his frame.
Julia wondered which was worse; stressing over her sister-in-law or dealing with the heart-rending realization she was falling hard for the man next to her. She closed her eyes and released a shaky breath. Marc’s arm tightened around her. I could really get used to this.
***
An hour later, Hattie and her husband Robert entered the waiting area.
“Any news?” asked Hattie as she sat down in a chair opposite Julia.
“Not yet,” said Julia, suddenly wondering what Hattie thought about the way she was glued to Marc’s side. But Hattie seemed as worried as Julia had been earlier. She wandered around the room for a while before her husband coaxed her back to her chair. After a few minutes of hand wringing, she pulled out a crochet needle and some pastel yarn.
“I’ve already made one baby blanket, but I might as well start another,” she said with a nervous laugh.
Julia attempted an understanding smile while her mind was somewhere else. Marc’s fingers traced lazy circles on her arm, wiping away any coherent thoughts.
Robert went on a coffee run. They made light conversation as each sipped, as if it would make time pass more quickly. Then he went to buy sandwiches as dinner time came and went. The hours stretched and slowed until she felt he
r lids growing heavy.
Brian suddenly walked into the room. Julia sat up. Marc grabbed her hand.
“It’s a boy!” he said, bedraggled and harried, but beaming.
After a flurry of congratulations, they had to wait another hour before they were allowed to see the baby. At long last, with Marc still holding onto her hand, she followed Robert and Hattie to Sara’s room.
Sara sat up in bed, looking both radiant and exhausted at the same time. In her arms she held a little bundle wrapped tightly in a blanket. Brian introduced their new son. “Alan Jared Farris.”
After they all washed their hands, Julia stepped back to allow Hattie and Robert a chance to hold the baby first. Hattie accepted the baby from Sara’s arms. Tears ran down her cheeks as she cooed and cuddled him.
Conversation rose and fell around Julia. She felt detached from everything, yet was aware of Marc’s quiet gaze upon her. What was he thinking about?
Finally, Hattie handed him to Julia. Focusing on the baby, she took him into her arms. My nephew. She admired the puckered little face exposed by the blanket. A brand new life. A fresh start. Wow. Julia tore her attention from the baby and glanced at her sister-in-law. “You did good, Sara.”
“She did great,” Brian said. “There’s no way I could’ve gone through that!”
“I didn’t have a choice,” Sara said with a laugh. “Besides, he’s worth it.”
“What are the stats?” Marc asked.
“Eight pounds, fourteen ounces. And he’s twenty inches long,” said Brian with a proud smile.
“His size must have something to do with all those late night snacks I indulged in,” Sara said ruefully.
Julia cradled the baby. “He seems awfully light to me. And look at all that dark hair! I guess we know who has the stronger genes in the family.”
Sara gave a shrug and smiled. “What can I say?”
She rocked her nephew gently as he gazed up at her with calm, alert eyes. “I’m your Auntie Jules and I’m going to spoil you rotten,” she whispered. When she stroked the little hand that peeked out of the folds of the blanket, his tiny fingers wrapped around her own. Blinking away the moisture in her eyes, she swallowed, afraid if she lost control now, there’d be no stopping. “I suppose I should share you with someone else.”
“Marc?” Brian asked.
“I’d love to.” Marc received the baby from Julia, tucking him snugly in his arms. He seemed completely at ease as he talked with Brian and Sara. Julia’s earlier assumption that he was father material was confirmed. It was obvious he was a natural.
When Alan started to fuss, he handed him back to Sara.
“I think he might be hungry,” Sara said. It was their cue to leave.
“Congratulations you two.” Julia hugged her brother tight and bussed Sara’s cheek.
Marc shook Brian’s hand. “Let us know if you need anything.”
“Actually, everything’s been arranged ahead of time and Hattie will take up any slack. But thanks for offering.”
Brian sent a meaningful look to Marc, which puzzled her. Julia didn’t speak as they left Sara’s room ahead of Robert and Hattie. Marc caught her hand in his. She didn’t resist.
The drive back to the B & B passed in silence. Julia felt frail, as if a wrong move might shatter her. It had to be due to fatigue from the long wait, along with all the turbulent emotions she experienced with the man next to her. She kept her face turned toward the window, only vaguely aware of the moon-washed landscape stretching to the silhouetted mountains.
Her thoughts drifted to her first marriage. If things had worked out, she could’ve been a parent to say, an eleven-year-old child by now. So many wasted years. Julia closed her eyes and scolded herself for dwelling on the impossible.
When they pulled into the driveway of the B & B, all she wanted was to fall into bed and sleep. After heading inside the main house, Julia didn’t bother to turn on any lights. She stood in front of the bay window with her arms wrapped around herself, staring out at the moonlit landscape. What do I want? And why does it matter? I already have everything I really need.
She heard Marc locking the front door, heard his steps as he came up behind her. After a moment, he slid his arms around her waist. Julia relaxed against him, placing her hands over his. She didn’t want to try to understand what was happening between them and what it might mean—she only wanted to savor his warmth and presence. If only they could remain this way without questions, without repercussions.
Marc’s breath tickled the inside curve of her neck. His arms tightened around her. Julia knew his gesture of comfort was deepening into something more. Her heart thundered when he slowly turned her to face him.
The sound of a car pulling into the drive intruded. Marc glanced out the window with a sigh. “Hattie’s here.” He grazed her jaw with his fingers and gave her a tired smile. “Tomorrow there won’t be any interruptions.” The husky note in his voice sent chills up her arm.
He disappeared up the stairs just as Hattie let herself in the front door. She greeted Julia.
“Are you still up? Brian asked me to pick up some things for Sara since she’s staying at the hospital for a couple of days. Isn’t that baby just the cutest thing? My word, you look tired. Why don’t you run off to bed and I’ll lock up when I leave.”
Julia managed a bewildered nod, and thanked Hattie before heading out to the cottage.
Chapter Fourteen
Morning sunlight streamed through the window, right into Julia’s eyes. With a groan, she squeezed them shut and buried her face into her pillow.
Wait. Something momentous happened last night. And Sara had her baby. Julia opened her eyes and prayed a prayer of thanks that all had gone well with the delivery.
Marc. Had his words been a dream? No interruptions. What does that mean?
Julia scrambled out of bed and hurried for the shower. Afterward, she dressed in a sleeveless white eyelet dress. Twisting her freshly dried hair up onto her head, she pinned it loosely into place, leaving several curls free to frame her face. A knock sounded at the door just as she finished applying a touch of makeup. Her heart roaring in her ears, she grabbed her espadrilles and walked barefoot across the room.
When she opened the door, Marc took in her form, lingering on her painted toenails. When he looked back up, she saw a glint of amusement in his eyes. Julia couldn’t remember when he’d looked more handsome. He wore espresso colored jeans, and a white-banded collar shirt with a nubby brown vest. The sleeves of his shirt were rolled up, exposing the dark skin of his forearms.
When she was done staring, Julia realized he was waiting for her to put on her shoes. Embarrassed to be caught acting like a silly teenager, she slipped on her shoes and tied the ribbons. “Good morning.”
“Good morning, Julia.”
Needing support, she leaned against the door frame, waiting to see what Marc would do. With a hooded gaze and a languid smile, he held out his hand, banishing her reservations. She put her hand in his and together they walked to his truck.
Julia assumed they were going to Portland, but she didn’t care as long as they were together. The scenery, brilliant from the glow of late summer sunlight, had chased all of last night’s shadows away. Everything seemed so different, almost dream-like. Julia leaned back in the seat, her fingers loosely tangled with Marc’s.
At his apartment, she followed him up the stairway, aware of the now-familiar pleasant smell of the old building. Julia heard the muted sounds of a television from an apartment nearby as she waited for him to unlock his door.
As soon as they were inside, Marc pushed the door closed with his foot. She looked up at him, dazed and half-afraid, and dropped her purse onto the chair near the door. His hands went to her waist and he tugged her close, lowering his mouth to hers. His kiss was sweet and drugging, slowly deepening when she responded in kind—culminating weeks of unrealized longing.
Marc removed the pins from her hair and let it spill around her sh
oulders. Tangling his fingers in the strands, he kissed her eyelids, jaw, and throat before returning to her lips. Her breathing was ragged by the time he drew her against his chest, resting his chin on her head. She felt the racing of his heart beneath her cheek, rivaling the speed of her own.
Julia closed her eyes, breathing in his scent, hardly able to believe this moment had come to pass. Marc stroked her hair while her head still spun from the intensity of his touch. Is this love? Or just chemistry? She held him tighter.
“What are you thinking about?”
She tilted her face up to him, longing to discern his feelings from his eyes. They were liquid, so dark—and unrevealing. “You.”
“What about me?”
She smiled. “I was thinking wow.”
“That’s funny. I was thinking the same thing.” He returned her smile. “You want to know what else I was thinking?”
“What?”
“That I’d like to do that again.”
“Oh,” she whispered. His lips moved over hers, his kisses more devastating than the first time.
Finally Marc pulled away, looking rather disheveled. “Julia,” he growled, “We need a cerebral diversion. What’s the capital of Indiana?”
She stared up at him in a dazed way. “I don’t know and I don’t care,” she said breathlessly.
“Tell me a state capital you do know, and stop looking at me like that.”
“Like what?”
Marc disentangled himself from her arms. “I think it’s time we had some fresh air.”
Stifling the sudden urge to giggle, Julia nodded, and went into the bathroom to fix her hair. A few minutes later, they were driving through the city streets.
Her fingers rested in Marc's as he maneuvered through the traffic. He looked over at her. “I started to worry the windows of my apartment were getting steamed up.”
Julia’s face grew warm, causing him to laugh and kiss the back of her hand.
She struggled for composure. “Are we going anywhere in particular?”
Lights and Shadows (Oregon In Love) Page 10
