by Reina Torres
“Ma’am?”
“Oh, I’m so sorry,” she winced and started to cry. “Did I hurt you?”
He managed to keep his free hand from rubbing at his arm. He’d have bruises later, but he wasn’t about to make the poor lady feel any worse than she obviously felt. “Fine. I’m fine,” he told her. “Would you have a cloth and pitcher of water somewhere?”
She pointed toward the wall. “There under the window.”
He held up his hands. “You stay right here. I’ll be back.”
Pushing up to his feet he stumbled over to the wall and picked up a towel from beside the basin and pitcher. He looked at the assembled items and then back at the woman on the floor. Delia McCain, he reminded himself.
Right.
Fine.
Hmmm.
Picking up the basin, with the pitcher still inside he held it with one arm wrapped around, tucking it up against his side. With the other hand he picked up as many cloths as were on the table and took the whole assemblage to the side of the makeshift pallet.
“If I’m a little ham-handed, I’d like to apologize first thing, because I’m sure I’m bound to mess something up.” He poured some water in the basin, gritting his teeth when it almost splashed over the edge. “Sorry.”
Delia laughed and winced, grabbing her middle. “No… No need to apologize.”
“I’m sure,” he barreled on, “your husband will be here any moment.”
She smiled as Ellis wrung out a cloth and gently reached out to dab it against the side of her face. “Thank you,” she sighed and closed her eyes.
They saw the screen on the door hanging at an angle, the top edge of the hole looked like it had been cut, the rest of the damage looked as though it had been torn.
Ransom jumped down from the wagon and then stumbled up the stairs. He almost ducked through the cut in the screen when someone called out. “I unlocked the door.”
Taking the knob in his hand he wrenched it open and darted into the room. Levi helped his wife down, but Virginia wasn’t planning to wait. Leaving her basket in the bed of the wagon, she managed to turn around and try to use the bottom of her shoe to find the wooden lip along the bottom of the wagon’s side.
She felt something under her sole and leaned back to put some weight on it and slipped. Someone caught her about the waist and lowered her down to the ground. With a hurried thank you, she turned around and gave Levi a nod before chasing after Olivia up the stairs.
Virginia caught the edge of the door before it could close and found herself inside the snug cottage, giving her eyes a moment to adjust to the lengthening shadows inside. Olivia knelt on the floor of the living area and Virginia could see Delia’s face, framed by sweat-curled hair.
“How long,” Olivia asked, “has she been in labor?”
Delia tried to crane her neck to see the clock perched on a side table, but from the angle of her head and the grimace on her face, Virginia could only assume that her friend couldn’t see the time. Without thinking about her place in all of this, Virginia commented on the time and then moved closer ready to do whatever Olivia needed her to do.
When she stepped up to Olivia’s shoulder she was shocked to see who was kneeling by Delia’s side. “Ellis?” His smile was a little crooked, the color in his cheeks high and deep. “What are you doing here?”
“That’s what I’d like to know.” Ransom stepped around behind Ellis and grabbed a handful of his collar. “Are you the one that threatened that man?”
“Yes and no,” Ellis began, his words sputtering a little, “I needed someone to go for help and the man didn’t seem too interested in helping. He didn’t move his feet until I waved the knife at him.”
“If you’ve done anything to Delia or our baby, I’ll see to it that you’ll be back behind bars before you can-”
“Ransom, stop- oh! Please, stop!” Delia was struggling to sit up and Virginia took the place that Ellis had just vacated and copied Olivia’s movements and actions as if she had become a mirrored version of the woman.
Looking up at her husband, the laboring woman gave him a look that Virginia could almost feel landing on herself.
“He heard me calling for help. He used the knife to cut through the screen and help. This pallet, the cool water cloth you saw on my forehead? Those were his work.” Her breath escaped past her lips. “He sent for help. Please, Ransom, leave the man alone, maybe find it in your heart to apologize for his rough treatment.
“And now, I have two of my friends here to help me, I think… I know I can do this.”
Olivia gripped Delia’s hand and gave it a squeeze. “We will, my dear. Knowing how strong you are, we’ll have no trouble at all, I’m sure of it.” Turning to look over her shoulder, Olivia gave her husband an encouraging smile. “Gentlemen, there are a few things that I will need…”
As Olivia rattled off the list of things and where they could be found in the house, Levi started to move toward the door, but Ransom remained in place, holding Ellis’ collar twisted in his hand. Ellis, which was only a benefit for him, tried to remain as motionless as possible.
“You too, Ransom.” Olivia’s tone was soft and gentle as if she was speaking to a close member of the family on a matter of great importance, and Virginia realized that she was. The McCains were family to the Hawkins’ and this was just another reason why she knew this was another reason she felt so at home there.
“Go with Levi and Ellis,” Olivia nodded at Ransom, smiling to try and calm him down, “leave Delia with me and Virginia. She’ll be fine until you return.”
Virginia knew the very moment Ransom decided to listen to Olivia’s request. She saw him release Ellis’ collar as a strange half-smile appeared on his face. He looked at Delia and smiled, earning a smile from his wife as well.
“Go,” Delia told him, “if Olivia says we’ll need those things, then we will.”
Ransom nodded. “We’ll be back soon.”
When the men left the room, the screen door’s frame slammed closed with a bang, leaving the three women chuckling quietly until Delia’s mouth fell open on a moan. “It’s staring again.”
Virginia looked at Olivia and the older woman smiled brightly. “It seems like this baby is ready to meet Mama.”
“What?” Delia turned and looked at Virginia and Olivia in turn. “What does that mean? My mother told me that with each of us she was in labor for more than a whole day. Every single time.”
“Why don’t we discuss this a little later,” Olivia was trying to reassure both women, “the first thing we need to do is to get you ready to bring this baby into the world.”
As Olivia bent down over Delia’s prone body, Virginia felt a shudder of excitement pass through her. When they were done with this, Delia would hold her baby in her arms. It was a moment that she was looking forward to with every beat of her heart.
Chapter 12
As they waited outside on the porch, Levi was the easiest amongst the three men. Ransom, usually reserved in his manner moved as if he was confused. Starting and stopping his steps off and on. Starting when the air was silent and stopping when he heard Delia cry out or moan. Ellis sat on the railing waiting for news.
Ransom McCain wasn’t someone who cared much for him, but he felt for the man. It was easy to see how much he loved his wife, how worried he was.
And Ellis was stunned when his thoughts put himself in Ransom’s boots.
What would it be like as a nervous husband, waiting for the news that his wife had delivered their child? A first child?
How had his life changed in the short time that he’d been back amongst the living outside of Blackwell?
His ears caught hold of Mrs. Hawkins speaking inside, encouraging Delia with softly spoken words. And he heard Virginia, urging Delia on to be strong and think about holding her baby in her arms.
He watched Ransom turn as another breathless cry tore through the near silence of the street.
“Almost there… almost t
here…”
“I can’t… I’m so tired-”
“Just a little bit more,” Virginia’s voice lent him a bit of calm, “just a little bit more. Here, hold my hand. Hold my-”
Another heavy groan preceded a pain-filled shout pushed through the air and Ransom rushed at the door. “Delia! Delia-”
Ellis squeezed in between him and the door.
Ransom’s hand fisted in Ellis’ shirt. “Get out of my way.”
Levi clapped a hand on Ransom’s shoulder. “Now, son, you need to calm down.”
“I need to get in there.” He leaned forward, and Ellis felt the fabric of his shirt bite him at his sides and under his arms as every inch of extra fabric or give was twisted under Ransom’s hand.
“I know you’re scared.” Ellis swallowed hard as Ransom’s gaze fell heavily on his face. “I would be too. I’m sure that you don’t like seeing Delia worried or sad, so knowing she’s in pain must be torture.”
More air rushed into his lungs as Ransom eased up on his shirt. “I did this to her.”
Levi’s soft chuckle took some of the edge off the moment. “Having a baby is something that happens between two people. And Delia is in good hands with Olivia and they have Virginia to help. They’re doing everything they can and soon,” he waited for Ransom to turn his head and look him in the eye, “you’ll have your baby to hold in your arms.”
Some of the tension left Ransom’s shoulders and his free hand landed on the frame of the screened door as his head hung loosely from his neck. “It’s taking so long. I don’t know how much more of this I can take.”
As his hold eased up on Ellis’ shirt, the younger man could get more air in his lungs. “Don’t let her hear you.”
“What did you say?” Ransom pulled him up almost to the tips of his boots. “What?”
Ellis winced and tried to pull away from the other man. “She’s already scared, Mr. McCain and she was worried how upset you’d be when you heard she was laboring early. She was more worried about you than herself.” Ellis caught sight of Levi over Ransom’s shoulder and he saw the encouraging nod.
Levi took up the idea in his own way. “Take it from me, son, the best thing you can do for Delia now, is to give her your thoughts. The strength of your faith.”
Ellis felt his feet flat on the floor and let out a silent sigh of relief.
When Ransom took a step back from him, Ellis met his even-tempered gaze and waited.
And he held down the corners of his lips by sheer will alone when Ransom held out his hand.
Ellis only waited a second before he stuck his hand out to take hold and shake.
“Thank you,” Ransom started, “thank you for taking care of Delia. I don’t know what I’d have done if you hadn’t been walking by when she needed help.”
Ellis noticed the other man’s voice scratch in his throat and he saw the sparkle of tears in the other man’s eyes, but he didn’t say a thing besides the obvious truth. “You’re welcome, sir. Happy to help. Virginia considers your wife a friend, but regardless, I would be happy to help just to do it.”
Ransom gave his hand one more tight squeeze and let it go. “You’re a friend of ours now. Call me Ransom.”
Ellis tried not to stare too much or look like he was completely shocked. “Thank you.”
As they lowered their hands to their sides the air was rent with one more aching cry. Ellis felt his stomach clench as his gaze turned back to Ransom’s face, worried at what he might see.
And in the next heartbeat he felt a rush of relief as another cry pierced the air.
Ellis and Levi reached out to keep Ransom on his feet. Ellis staggered under the weight. The new father wasn’t much taller than he was, but he could feel the man’s muscled arm pressing heavily on his shoulder.
Ransom recovered soon enough, surprisingly when Olivia called out with a cheerful voice. “Ransom, come and meet your son.”
“A son.” He’d barely made any noise when he spoke, his voice was as soft as a prayer.
Levi clapped him on the shoulder. “Go in, son. See your boy.”
Ellis opened the screen, wincing as the torn screen almost brushed Ransom’s nose, but the other man didn’t seem to notice.
As soon as Ransom was seated beside his wife on the makeshift pallet, Olivia walked toward the door arm in arm with Virginia.
Ellis opened the door again and stood by as the two women exited the house with brilliant smiles on their faces. Blinking back tears, Virginia gave Ellis an excited look. “The baby is so adorable. The very image of his father!”
Olivia agreed. “Such a handsome little boy.” She loosened her hold on Virginia and stepped closer to her husband.
Levi wrapped an arm around his wife and tucked her up against his side, pride beaming on his face. “Delia was lucky to have you and Virginia by her side.”
Turning to look up at Levi, Olivia nodded. “I still need to help Delia change her clothes and the bedding and then Ransom can help me settle her in bed.”
Ellis watched Virginia try to rally her energy, but she was bone weary. He could see the shadows under her eyes. Saw the slight shake of her hand as she reached out to Olivia. “I can help you.”
“Oh no, dear.” Olivia stepped away from Levi and took hold of Virginia by the shoulders and pulled her in for a hug. “You need to go and sit down. Get something to eat and drink and take care of yourself. You’ve done more than enough today.”
“But,” she blinked back at her, “but you said there was more to do, and I want to help.”
Olivia looked into her face with a grateful smile. “I’ve done this a few times, but this was your first time and I can see how tired you are.” She turned back to her husband. “Do you think you could walk her home while I see to Delia and the baby?”
“Ma’am?” Ellis swore he could see a glimmer of something in Olivia’s eyes. “Perhaps Mr. Hawkins should stay here with you. I think the McCains would feel comforted with your presence.”
Levi nodded. “You planning on walking Miss Halston home, Ellis?”
Ellis turned to look at Virginia, curious to see her reaction to the suggestion. She couldn’t quite meet his eyes, but she was smiling. He took that as a good sign. “Virginia?”
Slowly, she turned to look at him, her eyes bright and tired at the same time. “Yes, Ellis?”
“May I walk you home?” He stepped closer and held out his arm. “I can make you some tea.”
She drew in a deep breath and let it out in a sigh. “That sounds lovely.”
Olivia and Levi said their goodbyes and stepped into the McCain’s home leaving the young couple alone on the porch.
Virginia took his arm and followed him to the steps, taking each one step at a time. When they were finally down in the street, Virginia leaned closer to him and laid her head to the side until she placed her cheek on his shoulder.
“Are you too tired to walk, Virginia?”
She laughed and rolled her head, shaking it but not losing contact with his shoulder. “I feel like I should dance, but the town would think me mad.”
“You should dance when you want to. You should feel joy when it happens.” He looked down at her but couldn’t see beyond the mussed curls and the tip of her pert nose. “And you should have everything you dream of, Virginia.”
And I want to give it to you.
He kept that thought to himself.
Before he knew what she was doing, she stopped in the middle of the street and turned to look at him. “And what do you want, Ellis? What do you want to do with the rest of your life?”
“Aww, Virginia, I don’t have much in my mind at the present. My first plan is to keep my job for as long as Levi will keep me on. The money is good. It’s a big challenge and I wanted to prove myself.”
Ellis took a step down the street and they set a leisurely pace.
“I think you’ve proven yourself,” she nodded her head. “Levi certainly thinks so since he put you on the schedule.”<
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Ellis felt his chest puff up a little with pride. “You do?”
“I wouldn’t just say it to you if I didn’t believe it.”
Nodding, he smiled. “Good. I mean, thank you.” Goodness, he was so easily flustered by her. And he loved every minute. “And I wanted to tell you how much I admired what you did today.”
“Me?” She laughed, tilting her head back in a full laugh that seemed to reach the heavens. “I just followed instructions. Olivia kept both of us calm. She was like my father in a certain way. When he deals with criminals he’s all business. Matter of fact. Like he has a checklist in his head as he works.
“Olivia was like that. She was calm and sweet sometimes and then when she could see how terrified Delia was, she was straight and direct and told Delia everything would be all right and all she had to do was concentrate on what she wanted the most.” A little sniffle turned Ellis’ head and had him covering her hand on his arm with his other. “Delia said she wanted to hold her baby in her arms and that’s what she held onto through every pain and ever tear and when Olivia set the baby in her arms, you could tell that all of that pain and worry was gone. It was so beautiful.”
“Just like you.”
They stopped just shy of the steps up to the Marshal’s office and Virginia turned to look up at him, their hands still stacked atop each other’s on his arm. “Like me?”
Oh boy.
“Yeah,” he blew out a breath and gave her a hopeful smile, “of course like you. You’re beautiful, Virginia, so beautiful I can’t think straight around you sometimes.” He gasped in a breath, and turned away a little so he wouldn’t make her feel uncomfortable. “And I hope I’m not over-stepping by saying so. I guess I just couldn’t stop myself.”
“Ellis?”
He didn’t look up at first, but when he felt her squeeze his arm gently he gathered up the courage to meet her gaze.
She looked achingly beautiful as she smiled up at him. “Well, if that’s what you say when you lose control, I can tell you it’s not an unpleasant reaction. At least for me.”
