by Karen Noland
They walked a short distance in silence, drinking in the peaceful beauty, then stopped at the top of the rise and stood bathed in the radiant glow of the rising sun.
“Kate,” Luke hesitated before continuing, “I’m not a perfect men. You know the sins of my past, yet still you accept me.”
“Yes, of course B“ Kate started. Luke laid a gentle finger on her lips.
“Let me finish, please?” he asked, taking both of her hands in his.
Kate nodded, her heart pounding.
“I feel a love for you that denies explanation. I believe the Lord must have brought me here even through the circumstances of my sins. I am so sorry for the hurt that I have caused. If there is any way that you can find forgiveness in your heart, accept me for who I am now,” Luke paused, his green eyes dark with emotion. Taking a deep breath, he continued, “Kate, would you be my wife?”
Searching his face, Kate could find only love there. Sending up a silent prayer, she sought God’s will once again. The words of Proverbs 13:12 filled her mind: Hope deferred maketh the heart sick: but when the desire cometh, it is a tree of life. Here was her hope and her desire, a life with a man committed to God and to her. Unable to speak for the tightening in her throat, she nodded, tears of joy marring her vision as his lips claimed hers in a kiss that consumed her. She answered his passion, enveloped within his strong embrace, her desires matching his. He covered her face in sweet kisses.
“Kate, oh, Kate how I love you,” he whispered against her ear. “As God is my witness, I promise to love, honor and protect you, always.”
Drawing back, she tilted her head to gaze into his eyes, and she knew that he meant those words.
***
Feeding tinder to the small flame trying to ignite the logs beneath the huge black iron kettle in the yard, Kate could still feel the tender promises Luke had made early that morning. The emotions taking root and growing strong within her heart were new as supple green saplings. She wanted to nourish them and see the love emerge in glorious growth like a new spring.
The fire caught, crackling flames leapt forth. Kate jumped back. Even now the radiant heat of a fire brought fear with the memories. Rubbing unconsciously at the scars beneath her sleeves, she went in to help Jo carry out the laundry.
“You seem awfully happy today, momma, for laundry day,” Jo said as they piled sheets and petticoats, pants and shirts together on the kitchen floor.
“I am. It’s the very first day of a whole new life, Jo!”
“Why?”
“You’ll see,” Kate replied smiling. She wanted to wait until Luke was there before telling Jo the good news. He had ridden on to check the herds and fence lines while Kate had returned to the house to see to Jo and the laundry. Then he would be joining Jake and Jonathan harvesting the oats. Chances were, he wouldn’t be back before supper, but the peace Kate felt didn’t require his physical presence. The knowledge of his love ran deep within her.
Jo shrugged, and continued sorting. “I can carry this pile out, it’s not too big,” she said, completely hidden behind a mountain of sheets, only her legs peeking out below.
Kate laughed, “Let me take some of that, why don’t you? We can make as many trips as we need.”
They spent the morning hours boiling, scrubbing with soft lye soap, and rinsing clothes until their arms ached and they were both soaked through. Everywhere they looked clothes fluttered in the light breeze, hung to dry on lines, rails and any other available space.
“I’d say we deserve a break right about now. How about some lunch?” Kate asked.
“But there’s still those sheets to hang, momma.”
“I can do that after we eat. I want you to take a basket up to Nana and check on her,” Kate said. “Why don’t you slip into something dry while I make lunch.”
“Yes, ma’am,” Jo replied running into the house.
Kate went in the kitchen and made some sandwiches, packing one away in the basket along with herbs for more tea and the rest of the apple tart still covered in the pantry. Jo returned neatly dressed once again. They ate their lunch and talked of everything and nothing as mothers and daughters are inclined to do on special days.
“Why don’t you take your slate and a couple of books with you,” Kate suggested handing the basket to Jo. “You can stay and read with Nana, or just keep her company. I’m sure she’d like that. It may be awfully lonely for her there.”
“All right. Maybe I can take my doll and we can have a tea party?” Jo asked, the doll already tucked firmly under her arm.
“That sounds wonderful,” Kate acquiesced. “I’ll try to come down a little later to see Nana. Bye now.” Kate kissed Jo on the forehead.
“Bye, momma,” Jo called, skipping down the lane.
Kate sighed watching her daughter disappear from sight. She was growing up so very fast, it wouldn’t be long before she was a young woman. Kate wondered what Jo’s reaction would be to the news of Luke becoming her step-father. She was sure Jo would be thrilled, knowing how she felt about Luke already. Kate smiled and turned back to the last of the laundry to be hung.
Wrestling with the last wet sheet, still dripping and making puddles of mud in the dust at her feet, Kate was startled by the sound of galloping hoofbeats growing ever nearer. Trying to keep the wringing mass of muslin out of the dirt, she tossed it up on the rail, heedless of where it landed.
Aaron Hall rode into the yard on his old brown mare. The horse was covered in foamy sweat, her sides heaved as Aaron pulled her to a stop. “Miz Shaughnessey, ya gotta come quick. Ma sent me to fetch you. The baby’s coming, and something’s terrible wrong.”
Kate’s mind whirled. Greta had never had problems before, but every pregnancy was different, and her age could cause complications. “Aaron, do you know if the doc’s in Fallis?”
“No, but I’m gonna go see if I can find him.”
“Your mare’s done in. Go put your saddle on that bay in the corral by the barn. He’ll take good care of you. I’ll get my things and be on my way to your place as fast as I can.”
“Yes, ma’am,” Aaron said wheeling his mare around and heading to the barn.
Kate ran in the house, changed out of the suds soaked clothes she wore into a riding skirt and shirtwaist. Filling her bag with everything she could possibly need, she dashed off a note to explain her disappearance, anchoring it to the kitchen table beneath the lamp. Kate saw Aaron through the window as he rode by on the bay heading at full speed for Fallis.
Hawk waited near the garden, tied loosely to the low branch of a tree, still saddled since Kate had planned to ride her later to the harvest, taking food and water to the men. Shaking her head, she decided the men would have to fend for themselves as Greta needed her more. Kate strapped her bags behind the cantle, tightened the girth, and swung herself into the saddle. A quick squeeze with her knees, and the mare picked up a fast trot. Reaching the main road they turned south toward the Hall’s place.
The first several miles of the journey were over a well-traveled road. Kate paced the mare, alternating between a trot and a lope for much of the distance, slowing to a walk when she felt the mare tiring, then urging her on again in her haste to reach Greta in time. Nearing the turn off to the Hall’s homestead, Kate watched for the path she knew led to the southwest. The sun was beginning to sink slowly toward the western horizon by the time she saw the marker she had been looking for.
Breathing a sigh of relief, she headed the weary mare down the narrow trail grown over with trees. The passage through the dense growth kept the pair to a slower pace. It was nearly half an hour before the cabin came into sight. Emerging from the woods, Kate urged the mare into a lope. Arriving in the yard, Kate was met by Ross and Jeremy.
“I’ll take your horse, Miz Shaughnessey, ma says to hurry,” Ross said, taking the reins as Kate dismounted.
Nodding to Ross, Kate unstrapped her bag from behind the saddle, and followed Jeremy into the dimly lit cabin. As her eyes adjusted f
rom the bright afternoon light without, Kate saw Kathy Hall sitting near the large stone fire place holding a whimpering infant, rocking it to and fro, humming a lullaby to calm the baby’s fretting.
“Kathy? Where’s....” Kate started.
“Kate, I thought you’d never get here, hurry, please,” called Greta appearing from the bedroom.
“Greta, but I thought B“ Kate said in bewilderment.
“Oh! You thought I was having my baby.” Greta said, realization dawning on her face. “Dear, no, I had my beautiful little girl three weeks ago now, never a problem, you know me. It’s Annie, she’s bad off, and I’m worried.”
Kate’s heart stopped for one paralyzing instant. Annie. Luke’s baby. God, give me the strength to see this through, she prayed. Following Greta into the dark room, she saw a woman in agonized silence, eyes closed, jaws clenched against the pain. Her hands clutched the sheets, knuckles white. Annie’s body relaxed as the contraction eased.
“Annie,” Greta spoke softly. “Annie, this is Kate. She’s come to help you through this.”
“No one can help me.” Annie’s voice was barely audible. Her eyes fixed straight ahead, acknowledging no one.
Greta looked at Kate helplessly.
“Why don’t you go tend to your own baby, Greta,” Kate said. “You look exhausted, I can take care of Annie now.”
“All right,” Greta said with a sigh. “There’s water in the basin there and more heating on the stove, clean towels and everything else you might need.”
“We’ll be fine. I’ll call you if I need anything.”
“I’ll send Kathy in with a lamp in a little while. Dark comes early now,” Greta said as she left, closing the door behind her.
Crossing to the bed, Kate reached for Annie’s hand. The pulse was fast but steady, her hand warm, offering no resistance. Suddenly the hand clamped down on Kate’s as another spasm racked the already tired body. Sweat ran down Annie’s temples, soaking the thick auburn hair, and drenching the thin muslin gown she wore. She made no sound, though her body was tense, fighting the paroxysm of torture that spread through her.
A minute later the pain subsiding, her body relaxed, and she began to breathe again. Kate took the damp rag from the basin, bathing Annie’s forehead as she whispered soothing words.
“Annie, listen to me. The next time a contraction comes, you need to breathe, breathe hard and fast, it will help the pain not to be so bad,” Kate said. “This baby needs you to help it, not fight it. Do you understand me?”
Listless green eyes glanced in Kate’s direction. “Why?” she whispered.
Taking a deep breath, Kate said, “Whatever you may think, whatever your pain, this child is a gift, it belongs to God, and He has seen fit to give it into your care.”
For the first time since Kate had entered the room, a spark of life seemed to ignite the pain racked body on the bed. “A gift?” Annie spat out. “More like a curse.”
Kate’s heart ached for this woman, as she realized the pain she felt was far deeper than the physical torment her body endured. “Annie, there is no sin in this life that God cannot forgive. You are blessed with a husband who loves you, and who loves this child, no matter the origins.”
Annie’s eyes held Kate’s, “How do you....” the question was obliterated in a scream of pain as Annie grabbed Kate’s arm.
“Breathe, Annie, breathe,” Kate commanded, gripping her hands in support.
Annie’s eyes flew open, staring at Kate with hope, “God forgive me,” she gasped, “Help me, save my baby, please.” She drew in deep ragged breaths as the spasm began to subside.
Uncertain whether Annie pled with God or with her, Kate resolved to do everything within her power to save both mother and child. “Annie, I’m going to check and see how you are progressing,” Kate said. “I’ll try not to hurt you, but I need to do this, okay?”
Annie nodded.
Laying aside the muslin sheet, Kate began a brief examination, feeling for the baby’s head and position. “Annie, the baby isn’t laying the way he should. It’s not too bad, but that’s why it seems to hurt so much. He’s lying face up and I need to get him face down. I’m going to try to get the baby to turn after the next contraction.”
Fear shone in Annie’s green eyes. “Is he going to be all right?” she asked, her voice hoarse from fatigue.
“If we can get him to turn over, I think he’ll just slip right out,” Kate said, wiping her hands on a coarse towel.
“Oh, oh, here comes the next one!” an agonized wail escaped Annie’s lips before she clamped her jaw shut.
“Breath, Annie, come on, you can do it!”
Annie gasped at the pain, then began breathing in shallow rapid bursts until the contraction subsided.
“Hold on now, honey,” Kate said working rapidly to turn the infant within the womb. “There, I think that’s better. How do you feel now?”
“Scared,” Annie said, her eyes wide. “Where’s Michael?” she asked looking beyond Kate.
“His father’s gone to fetch him,” Greta’s voice came from the door. She entered and set a lamp on the table near the bed. “How is she doing, Kate?”
“I think we’re almost there. Can you stay to help now?”
“Of course,” Greta answered. “Just let me get the water,
“Annie, with the next pain, I want you to bear down as hard as you can. Do you understand?”
Annie nodded. Kate could see the toll the exhaustion was taking written clearly in Annie’s features. “You’re almost through now. This baby will be here real soon,” Kate said, hoping that she was right. Greta returned carrying a basin of warm water and several more clean towels.
“Figured we could use these,” she said, placing her burden on the floor near the foot of the bed.
“Good, thank you, Greta,” Kate said, watching Annie’s tired features. Greta went to Annie’s side taking her hand, and stroking her feverish brow. A spasm of pain racked the tired woman, “Push now, Annie, push.” Kate said.
“Ow, I can’t do it, I can’t,” she screamed.
“Yes, you can, now push! Annie, I can see the baby’s head, push.”
Kate could see Annie’s grip tighten even harder on Greta’s hand. Her eyes pressed shut, every muscle taut and straining against the agony she felt. The pain subsided and Annie gasped for breath.
“It’s going to start again right away, Annie, take a deep breath,” Kate encouraged.
Annie complied breathing rapidly, then drawing a great breath as the pain came roaring again.
“Now, Annie, use the pain, push!”
The baby’s head appeared again, this time emerging from the womb in one great effort. Another brief respite and the next contraction delivered first one shoulder and then the second. The tension in Kate’s shoulders and back began to ease slightly even as her hands trembled feeling the new life. She worked to clear the baby’s tiny airways even before the final push delivered the precious infant into her waiting hands. Oh, bless you, Lord, thank you, Kate voiced her silent prayer, tears of relief flooding her eyes.
“A girl, it’s a girl, a beautiful, perfect little girl,” Kate said wrapping the baby in a towel.
“A girl? I want to see my baby,” Annie whispered hoarsely.
Tears flowing freely down her cheeks, Kate looked at the precious child in her arms, then handed the infant to Annie, praying that Annie would accept and love the child, and as God commanded, would put her sin behind her and remember it no more. The look of wonderment that crossed Annie’s tired features made Kate’s heart soar. This child would be loved and cherished, she could see it in the mother’s eyes as surely as she could hear it in Annie’s voice when at last she spoke.
“Oh, my daughter, you are beautiful,” Annie whispered, closing her eyes and rocking gently, holding the baby close to her breast. A slow smile curved the corners of her mouth, her features softened, and a look of peace settled over Annie’s face.
“Oh, Annie, I�
�m so happy for you,” Greta said. “Why don’t you let me get her cleaned up? You can rest for a bit, get cleaned up yourself, and then she’ll probably be wanting to eat.” Greta took the infant, her own face glowing with a grandmother’s special joy. “Do you have a name for her yet?”
“Amanda. If it’s all right with Michael, that is.” Annie said.
“It’s fine with me,” came a voice from the front room, deep with emotion.
“Michael,” Annie exclaimed weakly.
“You just stay put, young man, until I have your wife looking decent for you!” Kate called, hurrying to put Annie to rights. She bathed her with the warm, soothing water, dressed her in a fresh gown and brushed the damp auburn hair. Greta washed the tiny girl and wrapped her in a soft cotton blanket. As Greta handed the baby to her mother, Kate opened the door to admit the anxious husband.
“Annie?” Michael asked, crossing to her bedside.
Annie said nothing, her tender gaze falling on their daughter. Looking up, her eyes shimmered with unshed tears.
“She’s beautiful, our daughter,” Michael whispered, “Amanda,” reverence filled his voice. A sense of awe crossed his handsome face as he beheld his wife and their child.
Kate motioned to Greta, and they slipped out of the room, closing the door as they left.
“I swear, I have never seen a woman that fearful of havin’ a youngun before,” Greta said as the door latched softly behind them. “I do believe that’s the first time I’ve seen her smile in all the weeks she’s been here.”
“Well, she’s going to be just fine now,” Kate answered. “And you have a beautiful granddaughter. But I haven’t even gotten a chance to see your new little girl!”
Kathy handed the small bundle of sleeping baby to Kate. “Here you take a turn, I’ve got to get dinner on anyhow,” Kathy said.
Kate looked down into the sleeping face. A stray wisp of dark hair peeked from beneath the blanket, curling perfectly on a pale ivory forehead. Her small mouth was the color of wild pink roses, and lay like an exquisite bow beneath a little button nose. “Oh, Greta, she’s absolutely breathtaking. What’s her name?”
