by Tessa Layne
“Stop this.” She gave herself a stern shake. Buttercup needed her total concentration. There would be time for more tears later.
As they approached the river, Hope pulled Buttercup to a halt. The river was icy, but not iced over. She’d brought Buttercup this far the other day and they’d practiced crossing the creek, but there hadn’t been ice in the river then. Taking a deep breath, she urged the horse forward.
Buttercup moved, but faltered as the first chunk of ice brushed her fetlocks. Hope rubbed her neck, cooing to her. “Easy, girl. I know I’m asking a lot of you. It will be over in a second.” The ice stung Hope’s face, and she patted the horse again, gently urging her on. “C’mon baby, just a few more steps.”
Buttercup moved forward then stopped again, snorting as another chunk of ice brushed past. Hope didn’t want the horse to spook. Buttercup was smart. She’d figure out that the ice wouldn’t hurt her, but it also wasn’t healthy for the horse to stand in the ice-cold creek for very long. Not in these conditions. Squeezing her legs, Hope asked Buttercup to move. This time she moved ahead, lunging for the far bank, nearly unseating Hope in the process.
Hope pulled her up on the far shore and rubbed her neck, trying to help Buttercup calm. “Good girl. Good job, honey. Just another mile or so. Think you can do that?”
A gust of icy rain battered them, setting the branches creaking eerily. If this kept up much longer, trees would go down all over. She assumed the Big House had a back-up generator. A lot of ranches in the area did, but that didn’t mean Maddie knew how to start it. Hope cursed herself. It hadn’t occurred to her to bring a flashlight. She knew the woods well enough that even in the pitch dark she could navigate them. But with the ice as an added obstacle, getting up through the creek bottom would be treacherous. They’d just have to try their best and hope for a little luck.
Hope encouraged Buttercup to move and loosely held the reins, giving the horse freedom to move slowly through the uneven ground. Trees crackled all around them, sending additional ice raining down. She did her best to soothe the horse as they moved forward and haltingly made their way through the trees to higher ground.
SNAP
The sound registered too late as a large branch crashed down through the trees, knocking down more dead branches as it ricocheted and nearly landed on top of them. Buttercup whinnied and reared, then bucked her hind legs and sent Hope flying. She hit the ground hard, the air leaving her body in a single oomph, as she did her best to brace her fall.
Buttercup bolted through the trees.
“Shit.” Hope cried out through frustrated tears. “Goddamn motherfucker. Buttercup!” She yelled through the storm, but the wind devoured her voice. The horse was gone. Maybe even gone for good. “Goddammit.” Hope pounded the icy ground with a fist. It had been stupid to try, and now not only was she stuck trying to slip and slide the mile or so up the hill to the Big House, but she’d potentially undone all her hard work with Buttercup. Maybe even lost her forever.
Hope surveyed the downed branch in front of her. They’d been lucky they hadn’t been right under it. A branch that big could have easily broken her shoulder, or worse, injured the horse. She needed to get out of the bottomland as fast as her legs could carry her. Bringing herself to her knees, she stood, took a step and promptly fell again, this time bumping her head. Grateful for her helmet, she rolled to her knees and crawled toward a cedar, using the branches to pull herself up. Even though it was more dangerous, there were spots under some trees, namely the cedars, that were less exposed and might offer better traction. God help her, if she had to crawl to the Big House, she’d do it.
CHAPTER 27
By the time Hope struggled up the front steps of the Big House, her teeth were chattering.
She pounded on the door, and a moment later Maddie opened it, face pinched with worry. “Ohmygod I’ve been so worried.” She pulled Hope inside and shut the door.
Jamey appeared behind Maddie, eyes wide. “Lordy, Hope. You look like a drowned rat. What in the hell happened? More importantly, are you ready to deliver a baby?”
Hope’s gaze flew to Maddie’s belly. “Oh dear, are you in labor?”
Maddie gave her a nervous smile and nodded. “Don’t panic. I’ve already talked to the midwife. My contractions are ten minutes apart right now. Chances are, nothing will happen today, and hopefully the roads will be clear this afternoon.”
Hope shook her head. “I don’t want to scare you, Maddie, but the storm’s not letting up. It’s worse now than when I left the barn.”
Jamey lifted her chin. “We’ve got to get you out of those clothes, Hope. Tell us what happened.”
“Branch nearly took us out. Horse spooked and bolted. I had to walk, well, scramble. I’m worried we’re going to lose power.”
“Well it’s a good thing I have the potbelly stove roaring in the kitchen and a pot of bison stew simmering.” Jamey rubbed her hands together gleefully. “It’s like a good ’ole Nor’easter. We’ve got blankets, wine, and marshmallows. We’ll be fine.”
An expression of concern flashed across Maddie’s face as her hand tightened across her belly. “What if we can’t get out?”
“Let us worry about that Maddie,” Hope reassured her. “You’re going to be just fine.” She might know absolutely nothing about delivering babies, but rule number one when dealing with a foaling mare was to keep the mama calm. She guessed it worked the same with human mamas. “Now where can I dump these clothes?”
“There’s a utility room in the basement. Hang your wet stuff there, and then you can borrow some of my pre-baby clothes,” Maddie waved a hand in the direction of the basement door. “My leggings will be like high waters on you, but they’ll stretch, and I have some oversized sweaters, or you can grab a flannel shirt from Blake’s side of the closet.”
“Why don’t I grab some clothes for you and meet you downstairs?” Jamey offered.
Hope nodded and hurried to the basement, stripping off layers as she went. A few minutes later, she emerged wearing a pair of Maddie’s leggings that fitted her like capris, a big flannel shirt belonging to Blake, and a pair of fuzzy wool socks. While downstairs, she’d explained to Jamey the importance of keeping Maddie calm at all costs. “Does anyone know what time it is?”
“About six,” Maddie answered from the stove, where she was ladling soup into a mug for Hope.
“Have you guys slept at all?”
Jamey’s bright curls shook with her head. “Some. Maddie’s water broke about three? Contractions started about an hour later?”
Maddie handed Hope the mug and a spoon.
Hope put her face over the mug, letting the steam warm her, and inhaled. “That smells like heaven, Jamey.”
“Family recipe modified for bison,” she grinned. “You won’t find better.”
Hope took a gulp, scalding her tongue, but she didn’t care. She was chilled to the bone. “If you guys aren’t up for sleeping, let’s watch a movie.”
Maddie shook her head, looking a little agitated and leaning over the back of a chair. “I don’t think I could sit down right now. I’m feeling… uncomfortable.” Her eyes squinted shut and she blew out. After a moment she opened them, blue eyes filled with worry. “I think we need to call the midwife again. They’re getting closer together. Also, Jamey, there’s a brown paper package in our bedroom, can you put it in the oven at two-hundred degrees?”
“On it.” Jamey sped out of the kitchen.
“What’s that for?” Hope asked, overcome with curiosity.
“Sterilizing and warming the blankets and sheets.”
“You were planning on having the baby here?”
Maddie glared at her. “Look at where we live, Hope. The closest birth center is in Manhattan over an hour away. One of the birth center midwives lives halfway between here and there. We planned for the birth center, but wanted to be prepared at home just in case.”
Of course she had. This was Maddie they were talking about. Always o
ver prepared and queen of contingency plans.
“Now,” Maddie waved a hand at the table. “Would you please hand me the phone?”
Hope complied and moved to help Jamey while Maddie spoke with the midwife. She lowered her voice. “Do you think Maddie’s going to have the baby here?”
“I think it’s possible. I don’t think it’s safe to drive her. Just look at how much you slipped outside.”
“I think we should call Parker,”
“Your cousin, the medic?”
Hope nodded.
“He’s good. His crew came when I hurt my eyes.”
“I’m sure all the paramedics know how to deliver babies.”
Jamey shrugged. “Worth a try. Do you have his number?”
“Yeah, I’ll text him. If she gets close, I’m sure he can pop over and help us out.”
Maddie put down her phone. “Midwife’s on her way. See? Everything’s going to be fine.” She smiled, but it didn’t quite reach her eyes.
“Aww, Maddie Jane,” Hope crossed the room and wrapped her in a hug. “You’re gonna be just fine. We’re here with you, and you’re gonna bring an amazing baby into the world.”
Maddie leaned into her and let out a shuddering sigh. At the same time, Hope felt her belly tighten. Placing her hand on Maddie’s belly, she marveled at the strength she felt emanating from under her hand. She glanced quickly at her cousin. Maddie’s eyes were shut. “Another?”
Maddie nodded once, and as the muscle under Hope’s hand relaxed, she opened her eyes, releasing a breath. This time, Maddie’s smile reached her eyes. “Thank you for coming. I’m so glad you’re here. I don’t think I could do this by myself.”
“I’d do it again in a heartbeat.” Minus the loss of Buttercup would be nice. But Maddie was far more important than a horse and a contest. Nevertheless, Hope’s chest constricted with worry for Buttercup. And burned with regret at the thought of not having a chance at the purse.
The lights flickered off. Along with the fridge. Flared again, then died. The house was silent except for the crack of logs in the Franklin stove.
“Power’s out,” Jamey stated brightly.
The women looked at each other, then promptly burst out laughing.
“I’m having a baby,” Maddie laughed, wiping tears from her eyes. “The men are stuck in Manhattan, and we’re having an epic storm.”
Hope’s sides hurt from the laughter. “I lost my horse, and my shot at twenty-five thousand dollars.”
“That’s it, ladies. These things only happen in threes. Only up from here.” Jamey grabbed the soup pot from the kitchen stove and brought it to the woodburning stove. “I’ll keep the fire going. We can finish the soup for breakfast, and I’ll make hot chocolate.” She bent and peered into the fire. “If I let the fire die a bit, I could even cook a pizza.”
Maddie rolled her eyes. “Leave it to Jamey to make an adventure out of this.”
“That’s me,” she grinned back. “Everybody’s friend in a crisis.”
One of the phones on the table buzzed. Jamey popped up, checked it, and handed it to Maddie.
“Amy?” Maddie’s eyes grew wide, then furrowed with concern as she listened. “Are you okay?”
The blood began to buzz in Hope’s ears. The look on Maddie’s face was not good.
Maddie ducked her head. “Of course. No one could have predicted this weather. Well, they did, but no one believed it,” she gave a nervous little laugh. “Can I put you on speaker?” Maddie braced herself on the table and hit the speaker button. She motioned Hope and Jamey over. “It’s my midwife. Amy, you’re on.”
A voice crackled into the air. “Hi Jamey. Hi Hope. I’m Amy.”
After pleasantries were exchanged, Amy’s voice grew serious. “So Maddie is in what’s called active labor. In a first baby this could last eight hours or longer. But each baby is different, so you’ll have to pay attention.”
Hope and Jamey looked at each other, confused. “Why are you telling us this?” Jamey asked.
“Because I’m going to need you two to help Maddie. I spun into a ditch. I’m okay, but I’m stuck. The roads are impassible between Manhattan and Prairie.”
Maddie gasped in dismay. “You mean the men won’t get back here either?”
Amy’s voice was sympathetic. “There are trees and power lines down all over. It’s treacherous out here.”
“What do we need to do, Amy?” Hope tried to keep the tremor of fear out of her voice. At the very least, she needed to stay calm for Maddie. Even if she was scared shitless.
“If I was there, I’d do a check to see how far she’s dilated, but all I want you to do is keep Maddie upright, and most importantly, calm and comfortable. Her body will tell her what to do. I don’t want to worry you. I could be out of a ditch and to you in three or four hours if the ice turns to rain. I’ll do my best.”
“My cousin is a paramedic here,” Hope mentioned. Parker would know what to do. Heck, he’s probably even delivered a baby. “Should we call him?”
“If she feels pushy, sure. Maybe they’re better equipped to drive on ice.”
Jamey gave Hope a strange look and mouthed feels pushy? Hope shrugged.
“Maddie has a brown paper package with sheets. If you haven’t already, put it in the oven at two-hundred degrees.”
“Already did that,” Jamey answered. “But our power just went out.”
“Do you have a back-up generator?”
“We do,” answered Maddie, looking up. “But I don’t have the first idea about how to turn it on.”
“Can anyone help you?”
“I can call my dad,” Hope offered. “I’m sure he’d know how to run it. I think we have one for our barn.”
“Paramedics or the fire department might know too,” Jamey added. “They know everything.”
“We’ll try and get it running, Amy,” said Maddie before bracing herself on the back of the chair and taking a deep breath.
Hope watched in awe as Maddie shut her eyes and breathed. She’d always known Maddie was tough. But seeing her stay calm and focused on each contraction was inspiring. How many generations of Sinclaire women had labored in this house, just like Maddie was doing now? By candlelight, with no electricity? She’d never given it much thought before, but babies came with or without the best laid plans. She thought of her own ancestors, traveling west by covered wagon. Had any of the Hansen women delivered a baby in the back of a Prairie Schooner? She wouldn’t be surprised.
“Hope, did you get that?” Jamey asked, concern in her eyes.
“Come again, Amy?”
“If Maddie gets the urge to push, get me on the phone. In Maddie’s emergency bag there should be alcohol wipes and surgical gloves. Before you touch her or the baby, wash your hands, use the alcohol wipes, and then put on the gloves. You don’t want to introduce any bacteria.”
A jolt of fear punched Hope in the gut. Were they really going to help Maddie deliver a baby?
God, she hoped Parker could get here. She wasn’t sure she could do this.
CHAPTER 28
“Do you want to get us killed, man? Slow the fuck down,” Brodie barked. “You’re driving like Jamey.”
Ben chuckled. Jamey drove Brodie’s truck like a bat out of hell. But Blake had been going out of his mind for the last two days while they were stuck in Manhattan and Maddie was stranded at the Big House in labor.
Blake gunned the accelerator as they sped down the road that led to the ranch turnoff. What a difference twenty-four hours made. The temperatures had risen to thirty-five and the ice melted, clearing the roads, but leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. Half the state had no power. In all, the storm had dropped a half-inch of ice. More in some areas. The drive back from Manhattan had taken more than three hours thanks to detours due to wrecks, downed power lines, or trees. It would take a week, maybe longer, to clean it all up, provided the weather stayed calm.
“Dammit, I don’t want Warren to meet my son be
fore I do,” Blake growled, gripping the steering wheel.
Brodie snorted. “Calm the fuck down, man. I don’t care how bad Warren wants to meet his grandson, there’s no way Maddie lets him see the baby before you do.”
“We’re almost home,” Ben clutched the back of the seat as Blake turned them hard onto the long drive up to the Big House. “No need to kill us before we get there.”
Jamey waited for them on the porch, a delighted grin on her face. “C’mon you slowpokes. We’ve been waiting all morning, and Warren’s been wearing a hole in the floorboards with his pacing.”
Brodie launched himself out of the truck and hopped up the steps, spinning Jamey in his arms. “God, I missed you.” He tightened his grip on her and shamelessly kissed her.
A pang of envy curled through Ben. If things had gone differently, Hope would be on the porch waiting for him too, but she was conspicuously absent.
Blake slammed the truck door shut, and without a word made a beeline for the front door, not even sparing Jamey and Brodie a glance.
Ben took his time exiting the truck, gathering everyone’s bags, and slowly making his way inside. Jamey caught his arm at the door. “Hope was great yesterday, we couldn’t have done it without her.”
His throat grew tight. “I’m glad,” he said gruffly, not trusting himself to speak.
Jamey continued. “Parker got here in the nick of time, but Hope never faltered and helped Maddie stay calm.” She shot a look at Brodie. “And you, sir. If we ever have children, you’re not allowed to go anywhere within a month of the birth, you hear?”
Brodie chuckled and pulled her close. “Understood.”
Ben smothered a groan. “Take your reunion elsewhere, you lovebirds. You’re gonna be married in, what – five days?”
