Labor of Love

by Mary Manners

  “I can imagine.” Addy covered her mouth lightly with her palm as a wave of pain washed over her heart. “Oh, my…how very, terribly awful.”

  “Regardless of whether or not you agree with Lindy’s love for riding, you can’t turn back time, Sam. None of us can. And you can only stifle a person’s dreams for so long.” Jace shoved the food around his plate. “Whether you’re ready or not, Lindy will grow up and start making her own decisions. The safest route—at least as far as riding is concerned—is with one of us keeping a close eye on her and teaching her the proper way to handle things. Candice gave her a good, strong foundation, and that will go a long way to ensuring her safety. She doesn’t have to compete away from home; I agree with you one-hundred percent in that arena. Lindy just wants to ride. Nothing is ever guaranteed and we both know—we all know—that life can change in with the blink of an eye. But I give you my word—”

  “I hear you, Jace, and your word means everything to me. I know you’ll stand by it; you always have. So, I promise I’ll think about it.”

  “OK, then. That’s good enough for me.” Jace slid his gaze Addy’s way as he took her hand. “What about you, Addy? Will you think about things, too?”

  11

  Addy snapped a few photos as she made her way over the ridge toward the Baldwin Ranch a few weeks later. The weather was perfect; a slight breeze carried the scent of autumn leaves that tumbled along the pasture from an outcropping of oaks along the creek bed. The Texas Gold Columbine had come into full bloom, adding a splash of color that was next-to-impossible to resist.

  Garrett was back in school for nearly two weeks now with no further incidents. Addy had spent a good hour with the principal on the first morning of his return, getting to the bottom of things and discussing the concerns both Sam and Garrett had shared with her. So far everything seemed to be running smoothly; Addy had yet to receive the call of doom from Atascosa County Middle School. She’d slipped her cell phone into the camera case along with a pair of lenses, though, just in case she was needed.

  The Fall Harvest carnival was slated to take place tomorrow and Addy had agreed to let Jace escort her. Hot coals fanned in her belly when she realized it was too late to back out. Would he still want to see her when he learned the truth about the situation she’d recently found herself mired in?

  Tears stung Addy’s eyes. She’d prayed to God for relief, and things had only taken a turn for the worse. Yes, Garrett had finally settled in here; he and Lindy spent time together in the evenings after their homework was finished, riding the pasture and helping with chores.

  Carol Baldwin had shared recipes with Addy and taught her a bit about sewing. They’d chatted together a few afternoons while making aprons for the carnival in the hope that their handiwork might help raise a bit of money for the sponsored groups.

  And Addy’s time with Jace grew more wonderful at every turn. He proved to be slow-to-anger, impossibly tender with his words and actions, and above all…trustworthy. Addy wondered just how long it might take him to kiss her…and realized she wanted that progression in their relationship just as much as Jace seemed to.

  Everything was perfect…except it wasn’t—not at all.

  The stinging tears spilled over as Addy rounded a curve and the sprawling farmhouse that formed the seat of the Baldwin ranch came into view. The porch was wide, sweeping, and just begging for someone to settle into one of the wicker chairs for a little conversation and a tall glass of sweet tea. She should pause to snap a photo before continuing on but she just couldn’t summon the energy. She needed a shoulder to cry on and a few words of wisdom.

  Just when Addy thought everything was coming to rights, the house of cards toppled over once again.

  Charlie ambled over to give her a friendly nudge. Unlike the other livestock slated to be bred, the growing calf was allowed free rein of the front yard. The entire Baldwin family had taken a liking to the sweet animal, including Jace, though he was loath to admit it.

  Jace…what would he think when he heard the news? Addy had to tell him; he’d figure it out on his own soon enough. Better to come straight from her lips than from gossip…or any other way.

  Help me, Lord…

  ****

  Voices drifted to greet Jace as he climbed the back steps of the porch toward the huge country kitchen where his mom enjoyed spending the bulk of her time. Whether whipping up a hearty, home-cooked meal that often proved to be a favorite of the work crew, or handcrafting hand-sewn aprons and other kitchen essentials for the small business she’d ventured into with a couple of the other ladies from church, she kept busy.

  Through the open expanse of windows in the breakfast nook, Jace caught sight of Addy at the modest, round wooden table, her palm wrapped around a coffee mug. His pulse kicked up a notch at the dark waves of hair that slipped over her brow to shield her eyes. He knew from experience those locks were soft and silky to the touch. He’d spent a month of Sundays sitting beside her in church, and enjoyed sharing meals in the fellowship hall on Wednesday evenings following a small-group Bible study they’d joined together. Addy’s laughter, a sound Jace was growing to love as much as the time he spent talking with her, warmed him to the core and gave him hope that good things were soon headed their way.

  Even Garrett seemed to be settling in. Jace and the boy had done a fine job getting along and even after Addy released Garrett from his grounding upon hearing his side of the story from the day of the fight, he’d continued to help Jace with chores around the ranch and had even rolled up his sleeves for a special project that Jace planned to reveal to Addy tomorrow afternoon before they left together to enjoy the carnival.

  Jace climbed to the top of the steps and was about to enter the kitchen through the rear screen door when the sound of sobs stilled his pulse. He eased to the left of the door and caught a glimpse of Addy’s tear-streaked face as she brushed strands of hair from her eyes.

  “I can’t believe this is happening. How will I tell Garrett…or, more importantly, Jace?”

  “Just like anything else—one word at a time, Addy. Start at the beginning and let’s play it through. Are you sure you’re right about this?”

  “One hundred percent.” She nodded profusely. “I’ve been feeling so listless and out-of-sorts the past few months. I’ve thought for a long time that it was, you know, due to Mack’s death and my worry over Garrett. But then a few days ago I became so dizzy that I stumbled down the stairs. If Garrett hadn’t been there to catch me, I might have gotten seriously hurt. He made me promise to see a doctor. He was so upset that it tore at my heart. So that’s when I called you for a referral. I went to see Doctor Jacobs this morning. He ran a few tests, and they all came back fine. So he said he wanted to check one more thing. I never imagined…” Tears fell anew as she sniffled. “The results came back before I left the office. Yes, I’m definitely pregnant, Carol—about four months along.”

  Pregnant…what?

  Jace stumbled back, catching himself on the porch rail. Addy was pregnant? How could this be?

  OK, he knew how it could be, but he didn’t know just how it could be.

  “I have to tell Jace, but I don’t know how. Soon I’ll be showing and then everyone will really have something to talk about. I don’t want him to learn about it that way.”

  “And he shouldn’t. Neither should Garrett. The information should come directly from you, Addy. But you already know that.”

  “I’m just so…scared. I was just beginning to have feelings for Jace—to really care about him. I didn’t think that was possible and then all of a sudden…wham!” The word caught on a sob. “Now it’s hopeless.”

  “Why do you say that, dear? Don’t you think you should at least break the news to Jace and let him decide—together with you, of course—where to go from there? As much as you care for him, I know he feels the same for you.”

  “Maybe he does now, but I can’t even hope his feelings will continue.” Tears spilled, splattering onto
the tabletop. “No, I can’t begin to hope. It’s impossible. Everything is such a mess again, and just when I was beginning to sort things out.”

  “Don’t fret, Addy. God’s hand is in this. I feel it in my heart. Give Jace a chance. Talk to him. This is a blessing. You’ll see.”

  “A blessing…do you really think so?”

  “I do. New life…this wonderful part of you and the love you shared with Mack…how can it be anything else? God has a plan, Addy. Trust Him in this and just let Him have His way.”

  “I can’t. I really should go now before Jace gets back from town. I don’t want him to see me like this. I need time.” The chair legs scraped against tile as Addy rose. “Will you tell him I just—tell him I can’t go to the carnival with him tomorrow?”

  “I’ll do no such thing, my dear. If that’s how you truly feel, you’ll have to break the news to Jace yourself.”

  “I will then.” She nodded stiffly as her shoulders trembled. “I must.”

  As Addy headed toward the door, Jace backpedaled along to the side of the house. This wasn’t the time—or the place—to confront her and share how he really felt. His mind reeled, and he struggled to wrap his brain around the thought.

  Addy’s pregnant. She’s going to have a baby—Mack’s baby.

  No, this wasn’t the time or place. He’d figure things out and have a talk with Addy soon enough.

  All in good time…

  12

  Jace ignored Addy’s phone calls and stayed away until the afternoon of the carnival. He knew that would squelch any opportunity she had of backing out on their date. He’d arranged things with Sam to get Garrett earlier that day and take him, along with Lindy, to help set up for the carnival so Jace might have a bit of time alone with Addy.

  He had things to say, and she was going to listen.

  Jace parked his truck alongside her sedan and climbed from the vehicle. He was ready when she rushed onto the porch to meet him.

  “Jace, I tried to call but you haven’t answered.” She crossed her arms, her gaze guarded. “I can’t—”

  “Come down from there, Addy, and walk with me.” Jace motioned for her to join him. “I have something to show you.”

  “I’m a mess.” She brushed lint from her jeans. “I’ve been unpacking those boxes that have been sitting for so many weeks. I’m not sure why, but I just felt that it was finally time.”

  “You look beautiful.” He stepped up to take her hand. “Walk with me.”

  She hesitated, pressing a palm to her belly. Jace followed the slender fingers and longed to do the same. Life grew there. He’d seen his share of births over his lifetime at the ranch—livestock and foals and even the occasional pup and barn cat. But human life…the miracle was beyond his comprehension.

  “Where are we going?”

  “To the barn, Addy. Garrett and I have been working on a project together, and I want to show you now.”

  “OK.”

  “Garrett meant to be here for the unveiling.” Jace sheltered Addy’s hand in his as she joined him at the foot of the stairs. “But Lindy asked him to help with a booth at the carnival.”

  “I know. It’s face painting and fake tattoos, so that ought to be pretty interesting.”

  Jace led Addy ’round the corner toward the barn’s entrance. “Close your eyes.”

  “I might fall.”

  “I won’t let you. Trust me, Addy.” Jace waited, tightening his grip on her hand to offer a sense of security as her eyes slipped closed. The scent of hay mingled with sweet, fresh-sawn lumber, enfolding them as one in a blanket that chased the fall chill from the air. “Now, take a few steps…just a few more...”

  Jace felt the rush of Addy’s pulse against his wrist as he guided her ever so gently to the east end of the barn where he and Garrett had spent the bulk of the past month creating the transformation. He paused, and then with the slightest murmur said, “Now, go ahead and open those pretty eyes of yours. Take a look…”

  She did his bidding, and her elated cry was all the thanks Jace needed. He grinned as she threw her arms around him.

  “A studio? You did this for me, Jace?”

  “Yes, Garrett and I did this…just for you.”

  An oversized drafting table formed the centerpiece of the room. Its surface would prove perfect for framing and matting. There were shelves and files and a corner desk where Addy could set up her laptop to scan through images and take her time making selections. Above, a skylight filtered natural sunlight to brighten and warm the space.

  “It’s beautiful, Jace. I love it.”

  “You’re beautiful, Addy.” He gathered her in. “And I love you.”

  Gently, Jace lowered his mouth to claim her lips with the slightest brush of his. He struggled to restrain himself—too much would only serve to frighten her.

  “I love you, Addy,” He repeated. “Remember that…always.”

  “You shouldn’t love me, Jace. It’s heartbreaking.”

  “I’ll take my chances.”

  ****

  Jace’s kiss lingered on Addy’s lips as they wound their way toward the face-painting booth to check on Garrett and Lindy. He’d been so sweet in his work on the studio, taking Addy by complete surprise with the project. She’d known he and Garrett had been busy working, but had no idea their efforts were for her alone.

  Now, Addy’s heart lay heavy with the burden of breaking her news to him.

  “Hey. Mom,” Garrett called as he waved them over. “You made it.”

  “Yes.” She leaned in to wrap her arms around him. “Thank you for my surprise. I love it, and you and Jace are such tricksters.”

  “I’m glad you like it, Mom.” He wiggled from her grasp as a pair of little girls approached with their mother. “Jace taught me a lot while we worked on it together. I think I can build something now, if I need to. Plus, it was a lot of fun.”

  “Good. Now I see you’ve got some customers…” She nodded toward the woman, who looked just a bit weary around the edges from a full day of high-octane excitement with her daughters. “We’ll catch up with you later.”

  “Sam said he’d drive me home so you and Jace don’t have to hang around until everything’s cleaned up here.”

  “We may take him up on it.” Addy placed a hand over her belly where waves of queasiness churned that she now knew without a doubt were the result of ebbing morning sickness.

  I’m pregnant…for real. There was no denying the small mound of mid-section that had seemed to pop out overnight. How will I break the news to Jace?

  “Let’s head over to the games.” Jace tugged at her hand, drawing her toward the make-shift midway where folding tables sported an assortment of challenges for anyone willing to fork over a few dollars and a bit of their pride.

  “I don’t know…” The aroma of pulled pork mingled with sickly-sweet cotton candy, sending Addy’s nausea into a tailspin. “Maybe this one that’s near the end of the line.”

  “Ring the bottle? That works for me.” Jace pulled his wallet from the back pocket of his jeans and gathered a few dollars which he handed to Mrs. Barnett, the game operator. “With a little help from above, I might win a teddy bear for the baby.”

  “For the…” His words registered, bringing tears to Addy’s eyes. “You know about the baby, Jace?”

  “Yes, I know.”

  “But how?”

  “I overheard you yesterday, talking things over with my mom.”

  “Oh…I’m so sorry, Jace.”

  “Why? You needn’t be sorry in the least, Addy. God has given you a child…life. And the way I see it, that’s a blessing. There’s no reason to worry or to doubt how I’ll feel about you now, because I love you, Addy. I love you. Nothing will diminish that—ever.”

  Jace drew her in and wrapped her in his arms, kissing the breath from her to drive the point home. Vaguely, she heard the cheers that rang up around them.

  Jace might take home a teddy bear, but Addy knew without
a doubt that she’d won the grand prize.

  Jace’s love…a family…and a renewed trust that God remained in control—all the time.

  Epilogue

  “A little to the left, Jace,” Addy laughed as she motioned for him to slide to the splash of sunlight that turned Texas Bluebonnets at the height of their mid-April bloom to a shimmer of blue-violet in the breeze. The blooms washed the pasture in the aroma of fresh-laundered linens and Addy inhaled the clean, mildly-sweet scent. She was home…finally and completely home. “That’s perfect, honey.”

  Jace jostled the baby gently, cradling her in his arms as Garrett eased in beside him. Mackayla was a beauty, and Addy would never grow weary of the vision she made when nestled in her daddy’s arms…in Jace’s strong and capable arms.

  “Come on, Mrs. Baldwin.” Jace grinned and his eyes twinkled, sending a flash of heat straight to Addy’s heart. “Our daughter is growing weary of this photo shoot.”

  “Me too, Mom,” Garrett chimed in. “Lindy’s gonna be here soon to take a trail ride with me. I have to change before we go.”

  “OK…just one more.” Addy snapped the shutter, capturing another still-shot of the family she loved more than life itself. Then she set the shutter delay and scurried over to join them.

  As she snuggled in beside Jace, her wedding ring caught the sunlight, refracting into a rainbow of color. Immediately, she thought of God’s promise—of all His promises—and a wave of warmth swept through her. She stroked Mackayla’s puckered cheek with the pad of her thumb, marveling at the new life, merely a few weeks old, and her love for Jace that had made this family complete. “She’s such a daddy’s girl.”

  Jace glanced up and his gaze captured Addy’s with a depth of love that stole her breath. “I love you, Addy Baldwin.”

  “And I love you, Jace, with every fiber of my heart.”