“It’s nothing I haven’t seen before. I was in the delivery room when Tara was born.”
“Yes, but it was your wife and your baby. I’m nobody to you.”
Jared had stopped at a traffic light, and at this he turned his head. The expression in his eyes made hers widen. “Cassie, the one thing you could never be to me is nobody. Now, stop arguing, and let me drive. I’m sticking with you until the end.”
When the light turned green, he punched the gas, and since another contraction hit at the same time, Cassie didn’t bother to argue anymore. Jared didn’t speak either, which left her with nothing to do but gasp through the pain. After she rode out the wave, she could then make out bits of conversation between Juliet and Amelia.
“How soon after the last one?” Juliet asked.
“Short enough that I’m thinking Cassie is going to be one of those blessed women who gives birth in a few hours,” Amelia answered. “I’m guessing she’s been in labor for some time, maybe even as far back as yesterday. She’s been complaining about back aches.”
“Oh, that’s what I had,” Juliet said. “I had back labor for days.”
“Mine struck right in the groin,” another woman in the back said. “Like getting punched in the hoo hah. Worst thing I’ve ever felt.”
A third woman added her two cents. “I was in labor for twenty hours. It felt like I was trying to pass a bowling ball out of bottle opening. Ghastly pain, even with the epidural.”
“Talk to me about having a C-section,” yet another woman chimed in. “You think it’s going to be better until the anesthesia wears off. I had my insides removed and then put back in.”
The women continued to try and one-up each other in the I-endured-the-worst-birthing-experience-ever until Cassie thought she might lose her mind.
“Ladies…stop!” Cassie cried. “I’m freaking out here. Please, no more horror stories.”
“Oh sorry,” woman number two called back.
Juliet reached across the seat and gripped Cassie’s shoulder. “You’ll be fine, sweetie. We all survived it, and so will you.”
Number three in the way back had to add her two cents. “And once you hold your baby, you won’t even remember the pain.”
Clearly, the last claim had to be a lie as the women had just spent the entire trip reliving their labor in vivid detail. In any case, Jared made another hairpin turn into the hospital parking lot and then squealed to a stop at the front door.
Rick and Henry went to help her out of the bus, but somehow Jared beat them to it. “I’ve got her,” he said, shouldering them out of the way.
Once her feet hit the ground, everything seemed to happen at warp speed, especially once Layla’s grandmother arrived. It was like royalty descending, and Cassie had suddenly become the Crown Princess. Two nurses met her at the door with a wheelchair, and they took her up to the maternity ward. A middle-aged, balding man dressed in scrubs was waiting for them at the elevator.
“Hi, I’m Doctor Elliott. You’re Cassie Stevens?”
“Yes.”
“You must be the woman who decided to give birth at our Nativity play. Never mirrored the story quite so closely before.”
“Trust me, I’m well aware of every irony about this vacation,” Cassie said. “If this baby wasn’t coming four weeks early, I might laugh, but all I can be right now is frightened.”
The doctor’s attitude transformed immediately. “How far along are you?”
“Thirty-five weeks.”
The doctor took her hand. “All right, let’s get you hooked up to monitors and run a few tests to see how you and the baby are doing.”
Now that the pain had eased for a moment, all Cassie could think about were the host of problems associated with premature infants. “Please don’t let anything happen to my baby,” she said, clenching his hand back. “She’s all I have.”
Dr. Elliott gave her a calm, I’ve-got-this smile. “We’re going to take good care of you and your baby.” He glanced at the waiting nurse. “Take her to room three.”
Jared stepped up to follow. The doctor glanced at him and nodded. “You the father?”
“No,” Cassie answered.
“Yes,” he said at the same time.
The doctor arched both brows. “Okay….”
Cassie might have put up an argument, except another contraction hit. “Silver bells!”
“We really need to move now, Miss Stevens,” Dr. Elliott said, his tone growing more urgent.
Jared marched right into the delivery room as if he belonged there, and since Cassie had gone from worried to terrified, she didn’t have the strength to object anymore. As the labor wore on, she was glad he’d bullied his way in. His quiet strength gave her the will to keep pushing. She did cry and curse, including many creative ways to kill Matt Vincent. Dismemberment, hanging, firing squad, thrown in a pit of hungry lions, buried with snakes.
Through it all, Jared squeezed her hand and wiped her brow, keeping up a continuous chant. “You’re doing great…Keep pushing…Breath Cassie…You’re so brave.”
Cassie gripped his hand for all she was worth. “Sorry if I’m breaking every bone in your hand.”
He gave her a sweet smile. “It’s okay, I’ll heal.”
“I can’t believe you’re doing this for me.”
“I wouldn’t be anywhere else right now.”
She gazed at him, overwhelmed that a virtual stranger was doing more for her than her own family. More than Matt ever had or likely would.
“I wish you were this baby’s father.”
Another wave struck, but through the agony she thought she heard him say… “So do I.”
Then the litany in her ear began again.
“You can do this…Come on honey…Keep going. That’s it. You’ve got this.”
After the wave subsided somewhat, Cassie slumped back, sobbing in relief and exhaustion. “I don’t think I have this at all,” she wailed. “I’ve screwed everything up so far. People tried to warn me about Matt, but I wouldn’t listen. They said I shouldn’t travel so close to my due date, but I ignored them. I’m the worst mother ever!”
“No, you’re not.” Jared kissed her. “You came to Shellwater Key for a reason, and now I know why.”
“Great, maybe you can tell me.”
“To marry me.” His eyes blazed with intensity as he squeezed her hand.
Maybe pain had addled her brain and she was hallucinating. “What?”
“I love you Cassie, and I want you.”
“Are you insane?”
“No, I’ve never been more clear.”
“Nobody proposes in a delivery room.” A contraction swamped her, stronger than any before. “Oh Christmas tree!”
The doctor glanced up at them. All Cassie could see was his eyes above the surgical mask, but somehow she could tell he was laughing. “Maybe you two could sort out your marital situation later.” He dipped his chin down. “Right now we have to concentrate on delivering this baby.”
Amelia’s prediction that the labor would go fast was accurate, just like her declaration that the baby would come early. Four hours later, at thirteen minutes before midnight on Christmas Eve, a baby’s lusty cry filled the delivery room.
“She’s here. Our girl is here,” Jared said, tears filling his eyes. “You did it.”
“We did it.” She took his hand and brought it to her lips. “I couldn’t have done this without you.”
“Any time.” He kissed her. “You’re amazing, you know that?”
“Want to meet your daughter?” a nurse said, as she brought the baby over.
Like Cassie would ever say no. Sweaty, exhausted, and yet overflowing with some kind of super human endorphins, she held out her arms as the nurse laid the baby on her chest. Baby Girl Stevens was red all over, still goopy, and wailing like an air raid siren. Her little fists flailed at the world as if she were already fighting for her place in life.
Cassie wept as a powerful, all-consum
ing, love swept through her. She was a mother. This innocent girl was now counting on her to provide everything…and she would. Her little girl would never want for anything. She would always feel loved and wanted, despite the circumstances of her birth.
For the first time, Cassie experienced overwhelming gratitude toward Matt. Yes, he’d turned out to be a world-class jerk, but he’d given her the greatest gift imaginable. He’d given her pure joy.
Jared reached to take the baby’s clenched fist. “She’s beautiful, Cassie.”
“She’s the most amazing thing I’ve ever seen,” Cassie said, gazing at her daughter. “And I finally have a name for her.”
“What?”
“Joy…Joy Ellen.”
“It’s perfect.” He stroked the baby’s cheek, and she twisted her mouth in his direction. “Hello, Joy.”
She looked up at her impromptu coach. “Thank you again for being here for me.”
“I told you, I wouldn’t have been anywhere else, and I meant it.”
“I know. I also want you to know that I won’t hold you to that proposal.”
He stared down at her evenly. “Cassie, I wasn’t joking.”
“No, I think you were overwhelmed with the situation,” she said. “We both were. I never should have said I wished you were this baby’s father.”
“That’s not why I proposed,” he said, stroking her hair. “I said I love you, and I meant that, too.”
“You can’t possibly love me after only three days.”
“Why not?”
How could he even ask that? “Because it’s crazy and stupid and…” She shook her head. “I’m too exhausted to come up with all the reasons right now, but there are a lot.”
“Okay, we need to finish up here and then get this little lady to a recovery room,” the doctor said.
Jared firmed his lips. “I’ll take this up with you later.” He stepped back, but nothing in his posture said he was giving up. “I’ll go let the others know about Joy.”
“The others?”
“Everyone is waiting to hear the news. They’re all outside, even the other passengers from the bus.”
Jared went out into the hall. Cassie was eventually taken to a room and not long after, Amelia, Juliet, Rick, and Henry came in to “coo and aww” over the baby.
Amelia gave her a hug. “Cassie, you look wonderful and Baby Girl—”
“Joy,” she said. “Her name is Joy.”
She grinned. “Joy…is beautiful.”
“She’s right,” Juliet said. “Your girl might rival my kids and grandkids for the cutest baby I’ve ever seen.”
“Now, honey, that sounds like a back-handed compliment,” Rick admonished as he kissed Cassie’s cheek. “You go on believing Joy is the most beautiful baby ever born.”
Cassie giggled. “I will.”
Henry presented her with a huge vase filled with pink roses and topped off with three ‘Baby Girl’ balloons.
“Oh, you didn’t have to do that,” Cassie said.
“I’m the King, and it’s my duty to present gifts to the princess,” he said, with an indulgent chuckle. “I couldn’t get my hands on gold at such short notice, and I’m afraid frankincense and myrrh are not easy to come by these days, so flowers will have to do.”
“That’s so sweet.”
“I also called my closest dealership, and they’re sending over a car seat,” Henry said. “It should be here by the time you leave the hospital.”
“Oh, now I can’t—”
“No arguing. As King, my word is law,” he said. “I’m sure you have a car seat at home, but not here. We had a promotion with a giveaway a few months ago and ended up with extras.”
“Thank you,” Cassie put her head back and closed her eyes. “Really, thank you all.”
“I think Cassie needs to rest now,” Jared said from the back of the room.
“Oh, of course,” Amelia said. “You must be exhausted.”
Juliet hugged her again. “We’ll see you later, honey. Rest up now.”
“Thank you all for staying,” Cassie said, including the men in her grateful smile.
“We weren’t about to leave you alone,” Henry said. “Your baby has sort of become our baby now.”
“Yeah, we only have grandsons,” Rick said. “I’m looking forward to an honorary granddaughter I can spoil.”
“Thank you,” Cassie said, through a gasping sob, overwhelmed again by the fact that these strangers cared more for her than her own family.
Her new family left the room, but Jared lingered. “I’ll let you get some sleep. I want to give Tara a call, too. I’m sure she’ll want to know about Joy.” Jared put his hand on the door, but hesitated before opening it. “I meant what I said before…and I’m going to prove it to you.”
Prove it? What did that mean?
Chapter 7
Amelia Lamb drove Cassie back to the inn when she and the baby were released from the hospital the day after Christmas.
Jared Latham did not show up. He hadn’t made an appearance since the birth. Since his sworn statement to “prove” that he’d been sincere when he’d blurted out a proposal. That he loved her.
She should have known good sense would prevail once the emotional drama surrounding Joy’s delivery wore off. Right now, he was probably grateful that Cassie had kept her head and refused. Why else would he stay away?
Still…he could have taken the time to show up and inquire about her health. She had just given birth after all. He’d been in the room, acting all weepy-eyed and sweet. Then he’d pulled a disappearing act, leaving her to spend Christmas Day alone.
Okay, she hadn’t exactly been alone. In fact, her room had rivaled an actual inn for the number of visitors.
Her little band of Nativity players had come with Christmas presents for her and the baby. The ladies from the bus came by with gifts, too, as did Gabrielle, Inez, and Jesús. Her other guests included Jared’s parents, Emma Bertram and Reece, Layla McCarthy and Grayson, and Layla’s grandmother. Noah Johnson – someone she’d spoken to for less than five minutes – also put in an appearance. The minister from the church, Caleb Montgomery, had come with his wife, Janie. Everyone except the one person she most wanted to see.
Darn him for making her look forward to seeing him again. For making her care and begin to hope that…
Stupid. She knew better than to hope for the impossible anymore. She was alone with her baby and needed to get used to that fact.
Alone except for the fantastic Amelia. She’d been giving Cassie a crash course in Baby 101, along with Juliet. Amelia had helped Cassie learn how to breastfeed, the best burping techniques, and the art of swaddling. Now, she’d come to take the leap from the hospital to the real world. Well, as real as Cassie’s world could be when she was away from home.
Cassie secured the baby in the car seat with Amelia’s help, and then they started off toward the inn.
“I guess Jared was too busy taking care of things to come to the hospital,” Cassie said, trying to sound casual.
“Oh, he’s been busy all right,” Amelia said with a smile. “You wouldn’t believe how much activity has gone on in the last couple of days.”
Cassie bit her lip. “Stupid…” she muttered.
“What?” Amelia asked. “Who’s stupid?”
“Me, I thought Jared…” She turned her head toward the window. “Well, it doesn’t matter what I thought.”
Amelia patted Cassie’s knee. “Wait a few minutes before you pronounce judgment on Jared Latham. He might surprise you.”
“What does that mean?”
“Just that…wait and see.”
A few minutes later, they arrived at the inn. Two bunches of pink balloons festooned the front gate.
“Oh look what you all did!” Cassie cried, sitting up so she could see everything.
“There was no we involved in any of this.” Amelia winked, and her smile grew. “Only one.”
“One?”
“What show?”
Amelia kissed her cheek. “The ‘Cassie Gets Everything She Ever Dreamed’ show.”
They turned the corner to the walkway, and Cassie gasped. Pink rose petals were strewn along the path all the way up the stairs. The reindeer now sported pink Santa hats, and the wreaths had baby booties entwined amongst the red ribbons. Even the Santa butler had gotten in on the act as he held a basket filled with pink flowers.
Amelia swung the doors open to reveal a reception line of people. They erupted into muted applause for the sake of the slumbering baby. A pink carpet with more rose petals had been laid out from the entry all the way through the lobby. A new Christmas tree with pink ribbons, silver baby spoons, and rattles took up an entire corner, and hung over the check-in desk was a huge “Welcome Home Joy” banner.
Tara came forward, with a large, pink teddy bear. “Miss Cassie, I was so sad I couldn’t come to the hospital, but I was at my mom’s yesterday. I can’t believe the baby came on Christmas Eve. That’s so cool!”
Jared’s daughter had wanted to come, but the man himself hadn’t bothered.
Cassie leaned down so young girl could see the baby. “Aw, she’s so cute and tiny,” Tara said. “Is her name really Joy?”
“I thought it was fitting for a Christmas Eve baby,” Cassie said. “Joy Ellen. Joy because she made me so happy on Christmas Eve…and Ellen was my—”
“…Her mother’s name.”
Cassie gasped again, and she spun around as a tall man with salt-and-pepper hair stepped out from behind the knot of people.
She stared at him in amazement. “Daddy?”
“Hello sweetheart.”
“What are you doing here?” she asked, blinking in case she was hallucinating again.
Dan Stevens was real all right. He hurried toward her, with tears in his eyes. “I’m where I should have been this Christmas. When I heard, I took the first flight out.”
“How did you hear?” Cassie hadn’t been brave enough to call her family and face their indifference.
Falling For You At Christmas: Shellwater Key Tale Page 9
