by Sue MacKay
‘Thirty weeks? You’re sure? Sorry, of course you are. Damn it. Why would Matthew have said nearly eight months?’ Jess would’ve sworn long and loud if it weren’t the most unprofessional thing to do.
‘To cover the fact he shouldn’t have taken Lily away at all.’ The other midwife didn’t sound surprised.
‘He’s brought his wife to a place where there’s no well-equipped hospital or any highly qualified obstetricians and paediatricians.’ All because he’d wanted to go to a family wedding. The closest hospital by road was Nelson, a good two hours away. Now what? She had to call one of the local doctors. At least she knew where they all were. At the post-wedding brunch. She needed help fast. And probably a rescue helicopter. Those guys would have Lily in Nelson with every chance of saving her baby’s life in a lot less time than any other form of transport.
Lily groaned her way through a contraction. It would only get worse very soon, Jess thought after another examination of Lily. ‘Your baby has definitely decided on Golden Bay for its showdown.’ But she’d do her damnedest to change that. ‘Do you know if you’re having a boy or a girl?’
‘A girl,’ Matthew answered.
A discreet knock at the door had her spinning around to see what her next crisis was. Another patient was not on her agenda.
Heat slammed into her tummy. ‘Jackson?’ Yes, please, thank you. ‘Come in.’ Perfect timing. ‘What brought you here?’
‘Mum’s truck.’ He grinned. ‘When she told me why you’d phoned I thought I’d drop by and say hi.’
‘I’m really glad you did.’ Then Matthew glared at her and Jackson so she quickly made the introductions.
‘Good. A doctor is exactly what we need,’ the guy had the temerity to say straight to her face.
Lily would’ve had any number of those if only they’d stayed in Christchurch. ‘Lily, Matthew, I need to talk to Dr Wilson. We’ll be right back.’
She dragged Jackson out of the room before anyone had time to utter a word. Her hand held a bunch of his very expensive shirt, the likes of which wasn’t usually seen around Takaka. In other circumstances, she’d have been pulling that gorgeous mouth down closer so she could kiss him hard and long. But today wasn’t her lucky day. ‘I know you don’t start covering for Grady for a few more days so I can phone Mike or Roz, but I’d like some assistance here.’ She quickly ran through all the details the midwife had given her. ‘I think it would be best if the rescue helicopter is called. I do not want to risk that baby’s life.’
‘I’m with you.’ Jackson caught her hand to his chest as she let go of his shirt. ‘The baby will need all the support it can get right from the moment it appears.’
‘She. It’s a girl.’ Jess spread her fingers across the chest that only hours ago she’d been kissing. ‘You need to make the call. I’m not authorised to except in exceptional circumstances.’ Which this could arguably be.
‘No problem. I’ll examine Lily first and then I’ll know what I’m talking about when I phone the rescue service. Can you get me the number? And the midwife’s? I’d like to talk to her, too.’ His green gaze was steady. ‘I’m not undermining you, Jess. I prefer first-hand information, that’s all. Especially since it’s been a while since I delivered a baby.’
The relief that he was sharing the burden swamped her, although she knew it shouldn’t. She had experience in difficult deliveries, though always in places where back-up was on hand. ‘Not a problem, I assure you.’ She turned to head for her patient. ‘Come on, we’ll talk to those two again. Together.’
Jackson still held her hand, tugged her back against him. ‘I had a great time.’ His lips brushed hers. ‘Thank you.’
You and me both. But she couldn’t tell him because of the sudden blockage in her throat and the pounding in her ears. So she blinked and smiled and then made her way into see Lily.
* * *
Jackson made the phone calls and returned to check on baby Carter’s progress. He was angry.
Breathe deep, in one two, out one two.
This mother and baby should not be here, jeopardising their chances of a good outcome. His hands fisted.
In one two. Out one two.
Sure, everything could work out perfectly, but at thirty weeks the baby would still need an incubator and special care. The father was a moron. Especially considering the fact their last baby had died. How did Jess remain so calm? Maybe she’d had time to settle down and get on with what mattered most, appearing confident in the current situation and ignoring the if-only’s. ‘Lily, you’re going to Nelson Hospital to have this baby. It’s too early for us to be bringing her into the world here.’ His tone was too harsh.
In one two. Out one two.
‘I’m not driving Lily over that awful hill in her condition. It was uncomfortable enough for her on Friday and she wasn’t in labour then.’ Matthew stared at Jackson as though it was his fault they were dealing with this here and now.
Jackson ground his teeth and fought for control. Losing his temper would do absolutely nothing to help. Finally, on a very deep, indrawn breath, he managed to explain without showing his anger. ‘The rescue helicopter will be here in approximately one hour. Jessica, where do they land?’
‘In the paddock out the back of the medical centre. I’ll go and see if there are any sheep that need shifting. Matthew, you can give me a hand.’ Jess winked at Jackson before she led the startled man out the door.
‘Go, Jess.’ Jackson grinned to himself, his anger easing off quicker than usual. Starting an examination of Lily, he talked to her all the while, explaining what was happening. And calmed down further. These sudden anger spurts were disturbing. He was usually known for his cool, calm manner in any crisis and he’d hoped taking time away from his job would fix the problem. It seemed he was wrong or maybe just impatient.
‘Will my baby be all right?’ Lily asked through an onset of tears.
He would not promise anything. ‘We’ll do everything we can towards that outcome.’
The tears flowed harder. ‘I didn’t want to come to the wedding but Matthew insisted. He can be very determined.’
Try selfish and stubborn. ‘We can’t change the fact that you’re in Golden Bay at the moment so let’s concentrate on keeping baby safe.’
‘Grr. Ahhh.’ Lily’s face screwed up with pain as another contraction tore through her.
Jackson reached for a flailing hand, held it tightly. The contractions were coming faster. All he could do was prepare for the birth and hope like hell the emergency crew would get here first. How fast could they spin those rotors? Where was Jess? She’d be more at ease with the situation than him. It’s what she did, bringing babies into the world. Admittedly not usually this early or with this much danger of things going horribly wrong, but she was still more used to the birthing process.
‘Hey, how are we doing?’ A sweet voice answered his silent pleas. Jess had returned, dissolving the last of the tension gripping him.
Stepping away from the bed and closer to this delightful woman who seemed to have a way about her that quickly relaxed him, he murmured, ‘Remind me to buy you another bottle of champagne when this is over.’
The fudge-coloured eyes that turned to him were twinkling. Her citrus tang wafted in the air when she leaned close to whisper, ‘I might need some of that brunch first. My energy levels need rebuilding.’
Jess would drive him crazy with need if he wasn’t careful. And did that matter? Of course it did. Didn’t it? He’d hate to hurt her in any way. ‘You’ll have to wait. How was that paddock? Any sheep?’
‘Nope, all clear. The windsock is hardly moving so the landing should be straightforward. How’s Lily doing?’
‘Starting to panic. And who can blame her?’
Jess crossed to the woman. ‘We’re all set for that helicopter, Lily. Ever bee
n in one before?’
‘N-no. I—I don’t like flying.’
Jackson groaned quietly. This day was going from bad to worse for the woman. ‘They’re quite different to being in a plane. Perfectly safe. The pilot will probably go around the coastline instead of over the hill so you won’t be too far above ground level.’
Jess added, ‘This is definitely the best way to keep your baby safe. Now, with the next contraction I want you to stand. You might find it easier to deal with the pain.’
Lily’s smile was strained as she clambered off the bed. ‘Thank you. I know you’re trying your best. I’ll be okay.’ Then all talk stopped as she went through another contraction.
This time Matthew held her as she draped herself over him and hung on. ‘You’re doing great, Lily.’
Finally, just when Jackson thought they’d be delivering Baby Carter in the medical centre the steady thwup-thwup of the helicopter approaching reached them inside the hot and stuffy room. ‘Here we go. Your ride has arrived, Lily,’ he said needlessly.
Everyone had heard the aircraft and Matthew had gone to watch the landing. Jackson followed him out and once the rotors had stopped spinning he strode across to meet the paramedic and paediatrician as they disembarked and began unloading equipment.
‘Glad to see that incubator.’ He nodded towards the interior of the craft. ‘You might be needing it.’
‘Baby’s that close?’ the man who’d introduced himself as Patrick asked. His arm badge read ‘Advanced Paramedic’.
‘The mother has the urge to push. But I’m hoping she can hold off for a bit longer.’
‘Let’s take a look before we decide how to run with it. I don’t fancy a birth in mid-air.’
In the end, Baby Carter made their minds up for them. She arrived in a hurry, sliding out into the bright light of the world, a tiny baby that barely filled Jackson’s hand. Handing her carefully to Jess, he concentrated on repairing a tear that Lily had received during the birth.
Matthew stood to one side, stunned at the unfolding events. ‘Is Lily okay? What about my daughter? Is she going to make it? At least she cried. That’s got to be good, doesn’t it?’
The last baby didn’t cry? Jackson looked up and locked gazes with Matthew. ‘The baby’s breathing normally, and Lily’s going to be fine. Have you decided on a name for your daughter?’
‘Yes, but we were afraid to mention it until we knew if she’d be all right.’ Matthew’s eyes shifted to the right, where his daughter was being attached to monitors inside the incubator. ‘Alice Rose,’ he whispered, and brushed the back of his hand over his face.
‘Alice Rose Carter.’ Jess spared the man a sympathetic glance. ‘I like it. Pretty. And so is she. Come over here and see for yourself.’
The paediatrician continued adjusting equipment as he explained, ‘Alice Rose is very small, as to be expected. At thirty weeks her lungs aren’t fully developed so this machine will help her breathe until she grows some. But...’ the man looked directly at Matthew ‘...everything so far shows she’s looking to be in good shape despite her early arrival. I’m not saying you’re out of trouble yet. There are a lot of things to watch out for, but one step at a time, eh?’
Matthew blinked, swiped at his face again and stepped closer to his daughter. ‘Hello, Alice. I’m your daddy.’ Then he sniffed hard.
Jess handed the guy a box of tissues. ‘Hey, Daddy, blow your nose away from your baby.’ She said it in such a soft tone that Jackson knew she’d forgiven the guy for being rather highhanded earlier. ‘You’re going to have to learn to be very careful around Alice Rose for a long time to come.’
Jackson helped Lily into a sitting position. ‘I’m so sorry you can’t hold your daughter yet.’ That had to be devastating for any new mother. During many long phone calls last year Sasha had often told him that she could barely wait for Melanie to be placed in her arms and to be able to give her that very first kiss. Lily and Matthew weren’t going to have that for a while.
‘I’m grateful she’s doing all right so far. Not like last time. We knew straight away little Molly wouldn’t make it.’ Lily’s bottom lip trembled. ‘No. I’m lying. I want to hold her so much it hurts. By the time I do she won’t be a newborn.’ The tears flowed, pouring down her cheeks to soak into the hospital gown that she still wore.
‘You’re going to need to head across to Nelson as soon as possible,’ Jackson told her, shifting the subject to more practical matters. ‘There’s a shower next door, if you want to clean up first.’
‘Thank you. It all seems surreal. I’ve just been through childbirth and there’s no baby in my arms to show for it.’ Tears sparkled out of her tired eyes as she gathered up her clothes and headed towards the bathroom.
His heart squeezed. For this couple who’d blown into their lives that morning with a monumental problem? Or could there be more to his emotional reaction? Since the attack he’d never quite known where his emotions were taking him, they were so out of whack. Coming home had added to his unrest. Having spent so many years being thankful that he’d escaped Golden Bay, it was difficult to understand why regrets were now filtering through his long-held beliefs.
He’d never really given much thought to having a family of his own. It wasn’t that he didn’t want one. It was just a thought that had been on the back burner while he established his career and got over his distrust of women enough to get to really know them. Then his career had grown into a two-headed monster, leaving him little time to develop anything remotely like a relationship. The women who’d passed through his life hadn’t changed that opinion. Probably because he’d chosen women who wouldn’t want to wreck their careers or their figures by having children. He’d chosen women who wouldn’t lie to him or about him.
But honestly? He wasn’t against a relationship where he settled down with someone special. The problem was, he couldn’t see it working in the centre of Hong Kong surrounded by high-rises and very little green space. As that city was where his life came together, where he was the man he’d strived so hard to become, he could see that there’d be no children in his life for a long while.
He looked around and found Jess regarding him from under lowered eyelids. Could she read him? Did she know that if he ever changed his mind she might be the one woman he’d be interested in? Get a grip, Jackson. Until last night he wouldn’t even have had these thoughts. One very exciting and enjoyable night in the arms of Jessica Baxter and he was getting some very weird ideas.
Because, love or hate Golden Bay, there was a lot to be said for the outdoors lifestyle and bringing up kids in this district. The district where his career would fizzle out with the lack of hospitals and emergency centres.
CHAPTER FOUR
THE HELICOPTER LIFTED off the paddock, the wind it created whipping at Jess’s clothes, moulding her shirt against her breasts. ‘Right, I’d better go and pick up Nicholas. I promised he would get to see Sasha and Grady before they left on their honeymoon.’ Jess glanced at her watch. ‘Brunch is probably well and truly wrapped up by now.’
Jackson’s gaze was on her breasts. ‘What did you say?’ he almost shouted.
She grinned. Deafened by the aircraft or distracted by her boobs? ‘I need to collect Nicholas. And hopefully catch Sasha and Grady before they leave.’
Jackson finally lifted his head enough to meet her gaze. ‘Okay.’ He tossed his keys up and down in his left hand. ‘I don’t think they were heading off until about one. Their flight leaves Nelson at four and they’re staying overnight in Auckland.’
‘Two weeks in Fiji sounds sublime.’ Jess sighed wistfully and headed inside.
‘Not just Fiji, but Tokariki Island. Tiny place, catering for only a few couples at a time. Heaven.’ Jackson grinned at her as he strode alongside, sending those butterflies in her stomach on another of their merry dances.
/> ‘You are so mean. I’d love to go to the Islands.’ With a hot man. Not that it was ever going to happen. She was a mother with a four-year-old who needed her more than anyone. ‘Let’s get out of here before the bell rings and we’re stuck fixing cuts and scrapes for the rest of the day.’ Leading by example, she turned off the lights and headed for the outside door.
‘Can I come with you to pick up your son?’
Jess stopped her mad dash for freedom and spun round to come chest to chest with Jackson. He’d startled her with his simple request, and judging by the look of surprise in his eyes he’d startled himself as well. ‘Did I hear right? You want to share a tiny car with a loud, boisterous little boy who talks nonstop, never letting anyone else get a word in?’
She waited for him to back off fast. But instead he nodded. ‘Guess I do. Is Nicholas really that noisy?’
Laughter rolled up her throat. ‘Oh, boy. You have no idea.’ This would test their burgeoning friendship. Her son was no angel. In fact, she had to admit he was getting very much out of control and she didn’t know what to do about it. Loving him to bits meant saying no which didn’t come easily for her.
But one day soon she was going to have to grow a backbone when it came to Nicholas or they were in for a very rocky ride as he grew up. It was just that she needed to lavish him with love, show him how much he mattered to her. She would not become her parents, throwing money at every situation when more often than not a hug would have sufficed. No. Nicholas would always know how much she cared about him. Always.
A big, warm and strong hand cupped her chin, tilted her head back so that she stared into Jackson’s green gaze. ‘Jess? Where have you gone? Something up?’
With an abrupt shake of her head she stepped away from that hand and those all-seeing eyes. It would be too easy to lean into him, burden him with her problems. That would certainly put the kibosh on getting to know him better. He’d suddenly have so much to do she’d not even see his delectable butt departing for all the dust he’d raise on the way out. She mightn’t be sophisticated but she knew the rules. She’d invented some of them.
