Grace: A Christmas Sisters of the Heart Novel

by Shelley Shepard Gray

  “What?”

  He looked so stricken, so bummed, she couldn’t tease him any longer. “My boyfriend’s name is Zack Littleton. He works for the state highway patrol and lives in Louisville, Kentucky. And just for the record, he’s a really nice guy. I can’t imagine what my life would be if he hadn’t stepped into it.”

  “I can’t imagine, either.” When she reached for his hand, he took it, curving his fingers around her own as if they were the most precious thing he had held.

  After a moment, Zack very gently, very carefully, brought her knuckles to his lips. He barely kissed them, but the sensation caused a buzz of awareness through her body. Leah had shared far more intimate kisses that had affected her not near as much.

  “Hearing what you said, it made my day.”

  Leah looked at their joined fingers. Thought about how comforted she felt. How safe and special.

  Oh, she felt so lucky. “When you say things like that, I hardly mind the snow at all.”

  She knew God had pulled them together. She knew he was watching them from afar, guiding them, watching over them.

  Oh, at that moment, she felt like the luckiest woman in the world. Right there, in a snowstorm in the middle of the night.

  On Christmas Eve.

  Chapter 20

  December 24, 10:00 A.M.

  Melody was in labor. A few hours after she’d told Katie good night and fell asleep, the pains had intensified. Now she knew without a doubt that she’d been experiencing labor pains for quite a while.

  She’d been pacing the room, trying to pretend the pains were going to vanish soon, when her water broke. Now she knew she had no choice but to face reality. She was going to have a baby soon, and she was going to have to tell the Brennemans.

  As she walked to the kitchen, another band of pain gripped her hard. Closing her eyes, Melody leaned against the wall and breathed slowly. She had learned that the pain eased somewhat if she didn’t fight it so much.

  As soon as the contraction subsided, she opened her eyes … and found Levi by her side. “I was walking by when I saw you standing here,” he said by way of explanation. “Melody, are you all right?”

  “As well as I can be. The baby is on its way.” She exhaled as the pain dissipated.

  Concern and relief flashed across his features, then were replaced by sheer horror. “We need to get you out of here. You must go to the hospital.”

  “I don’t know if that’s possible. The storm is fierce outside.”

  “Perhaps it’s not that bad.”

  She almost smiled when an answering knock of wind slammed against the windows. The winter storm had arrived with a vengeance, and seemed certain to hold them hostage. “I think it is.”

  Tenderly, he brushed the back of two fingers along her cheek. “Let’s hope not.”

  She felt strengthened by his touch. By his concern. So glad he hadn’t shied away, she said, “This sounds strange, but I’m glad you’re at the inn, too. I feel better when you’re nearby.”

  For a moment, Levi looked ready to run—ready to escape—but then some inner resolve rushed through him. “If you need me, then of course I’ll be here for you.”

  “Danke.”

  “All right, then. Let’s go tell everyone else.” He wrapped a reassuring arm around her shoulders and led her into the kitchen. “Everyone, Melody here is going to have a baby.” His words were jerky. Stilted.

  Melody almost smiled. She knew he was naerfich—nervous. She knew her being in labor brought back difficult memories. But here he was, doing the best he could.

  He really was a kind man, she thought … just as another contraction came.

  From across the room, Katie watched Melody’s eyes close in pain and felt her stomach sink to the floor. “Melody?” she cried out. “When did everything start? Just a few hours ago you seemed fine.”

  “I’ve been trying to ignore the pains, I’m afraid.” Visibly shaken, Melody licked her lips and tried again. “I don’t think they’re going to stop.”

  “Then I guess you’ll be havin’ a baby here,” her mother said matter-of-factly.

  Turning to her mother, Katie silently pleaded for her to take charge. “Mamm?”

  But her mother had already rushed forward. “I think we will need to get you settled into bed, dear,” she told Melody as she pulled her from Levi’s side and guided her to the hall. “It’s going to be a long day.”

  Without a word, Levi turned on his heel and left.

  Leaving Katie to stare at Anna and Winnie. “This makes me a nervous wreck,” Katie confided. “I don’t know anyone besides Rebekeh who’s had a baby at home recently. And she, of course, can’t be here because she can’t travel for hours in the bad weather.”

  “We’ll get through it,” Winnie said as optimistic as ever. “I mean, Melody will.”

  “Perhaps we could get to the hospital, somehow? It is light now …”

  “Have you looked outside, Katie? It’s sleeting and snowing. We can’t take a horse out in this. They’ll break their legs.”

  “Perhaps the ambulance? We should call.”

  “The phone lines are down,” Anna said quietly. “Henry said most likely the weight of the ice pulled them down. I’m afraid we’re on our own.”

  Winnie reached out and grasped her hand. “Katie, what is wrong?”

  “I don’t know. I feel so helpless. I feel like we should be doing everything we can for that poor girl and we’re not.”

  “There’s nothing wrong with worrying, but that’s not what she needs right now. We need to think positively. Altogether, we’ll be able to help Melody, jah? Our families are wonderful-gut at helping each other out in difficult situations.” After giving Katie another reassuring hug, Winnie took her hand. “Come, now. Let’s go see what your mother needs from us.”

  Holding hands, they walked into Melody’s room and saw her mamm standing by the girl’s side, looking as calm and serene as ever. Seeing her mother’s expression, remembering how nervous and excited she’d been—and most of all, recalling how Jonathan’s tenderness had made Eli’s birth one of the most perfect moments of her life—Katie pulled herself together.

  Her mother looked at her with a new respect. “Katie, sit with Melody for a bit, would ya? Winnie, I’m going to need your help to get sheets and such.”

  “Of course,” Katie said as Winnie and her mother left the room. Pasting a smile on her face, she rushed forward. “Oh, Melody, just think, soon you’ll be holding your babe.”

  “I’m scared.”

  “I know, but you have to relax,” she murmured, remembering just how she’d felt when she had been in labor with Eli. “It’s time to be brave, yes?”

  Slowly, Melody nodded. “Jah. I’ll try.”

  Katie was just about to ask if Melody had any questions when Jonathan appeared at the door. His face was as pale as she’d ever seen it. “Jonathan?”

  He didn’t spare a look Melody’s way. “It’s Eli, Katie.”

  “What … what’s wrong?”

  “He’s not breathing too well. His fever’s spiked again, and he’s all wheezy and barky.”

  “Barky?” She’d never heard of such a term.

  “Your father thinks he has the croup,” he said, his voice urgent. “He’s holding him now … but we need you.”

  With the door wide open, Katie could hear Eli’s wail. Every feeling within pushed her to leave that very second.

  But duty called, too. This woman, a girl really, was about to give birth. And she was completely alone. So alone that she’d traveled to their inn for Christmas. How could she leave her? Katie bit her lip as she turned to the girl.

  But before she could think of anything to say, Melody motioned her away. “Go. Eli needs you.”

  “I’ll just go check on him for a moment. I’ll be back—”

  “I’ll be fine.”

  Katie edged away. “My mamm will be in soon.”

  Melody nodded, opened her mouth, hesitated for
a moment, then blurted, “Katie, would you see if maybe Levi could sit in here with me for a spell?”

  Katie tried to hide her surprise. Rarely did men visit a birthing room. And never had she heard of a man visiting who wasn’t a husband.

  But, perhaps, in a strange way it all made sense. These were unusual circumstances. “Of course. I’ll go get him now.”

  She rushed out of the room to find Anna heating a bottle for Eli. By her side were Hannah and Mary, each looking more scared than the other. “Mamm!” Hannah cried. “Our baby is sick.”

  “I know. Where is he?”

  “Daed took Eli up to the shower. He said sometimes the steam helps,” Mary supplied.

  “Anna, could you bring that up when it’s ready?”

  “I’ll send it with Mary and then go sit with Melody. She shouldn’t be alone.”

  Katie halted. “Oh, I almost forgot. She asked for Levi. Where is he?”

  “I’ll find him for you,” Anna said. “Now, go on. Go to your baby.”

  Katie didn’t wait another moment.

  Chapter 21

  December 24, 11:00 A.M.

  “Levi, thank heavens I found you,” Anna said as soon as she entered the hearth room.

  When the storm had gotten worse, Levi had donned gloves and gone outside to help Henry and Sam carry in more wood. He’d been more than happy to do the chore. He was eager to be as busy as possible so he wouldn’t think about Melody being in labor … or stew on memories of Christmases past. “I’ve been out in the barn with your husband. Chopping wood.”

  “Levi, Melody asked for you.”

  Everything inside of him stilled. “But she’s in labor.”

  “I know that. However, she asked for you.”

  He shook his head. Please God, he prayed. Please don’t ask this of me. “I wouldn’t be much good in there.”

  “But she asked for you.”

  “Anna, I cannot.”

  Eyes blazing, she marched forward, giving him the first glimpse of how she must have been in her former life, when she was English. “I don’t care who or what you think she needs. The fact of the matter is she has asked for you. Go in there and sit with her.”

  Images of Rosanna crying as the pains got unbearable flashed in his head. Of him sitting by her side, completely helpless. Of the blood. Of the loss. “You don’t understand—”

  Right before his eyes, Anna’s temper broke. “Levi Bender, you listen to me. There. Is. No. One. Else. My nephew is terribly sick. My father-in-law, Jonathan, and Katie are with him. Henry has to now take care of the animals. My two nieces are in their rooms crying, and Winnie has her hands full with them. Finally, my mother and I are trying to get the phone to work and prepare the house. Besides … Melody asked for you.”

  “Anna, if I could …”

  She gripped his hand so hard, he felt centerations from her short nails dig into his skin. “I promise you, you can. I believe in you.” More quietly, she added, “And God does, too.” Looking completely exasperated, she looked up to him. “Please don’t think you came here to the inn by chance. Our Lord wanted you here for a reason. Perhaps it is for Melody? Perhaps it is for yourself? Now, go. Please, Levi. Please.”

  He knew she was right. “All right. I’ll go now.”

  She sighed in relief. “Melody’s still in her room,” Anna murmured before darting away.

  Feeling like a sleepwalker, Levi left the hearth room and crossed into the kitchen. All the time, he thought about Anna’s remarks.

  Thought about the Lord and His wishes. And his earlier conversation with Mr. Brenneman.

  For so long, he’d pushed God away. He had never understood why Rosanna had to die. He’d never understood why she’d had to suffer so much.

  Perhaps when he arrived in heaven and talked with the Lord, he’d learn the reasons. But for now, he followed Anna’s words and shook off the last of his doubts and burdens.

  When he stepped through the corridor to Melody’s room, he felt as composed and in control as he’d ever been.

  Both Mrs. Brenneman and Melody looked up when he entered the room. Mrs. Brenneman’s face showed relief.

  But all he really could see was Melody. Slowly, her lips curved as he approached her bedside. “You’re here.”

  “I am.” Sitting down in the chair the innkeeper had just vacated, he reached for her hand. Held it gently between his own. “I’m here, and I won’t leave you.”

  The smile she gave him was so full of hope, so sincere, so strong in her belief in him, that it took his breath away. God was with them—His presence so strong that Levi felt it as a tangible thing.

  Everything, somehow, was going to be all right.

  December 24, 3:00 P.M.

  “Are we there yet?” Leah asked Zack, in a dumb attempt to lighten the mood.

  “I wish. The visibility is really getting bad out here.”

  She looked at the glowing Garmin he had attached to his windshield. By its estimation, they would arrive at the inn within the hour; but it had been indicating that for the last two. A little surge of nervousness fluttered in her stomach again. Through their whole journey, Officer Zack Littleton had displayed nothing but relaxed ease. Very little on the road seemed to faze him.

  But over the last hour, he seemed to be getting more and more tense. “Is there anything I can do?”

  Hardly daring to do more than glance her way, he shook his head. “No, I’m just ready to get there. You know?”

  “Yes.” His voice was clipped; something was definitely bothering him. “Are you upset with me?”

  “Why would I be upset?”

  “Because somehow you got involved in this interminable drive.”

  Zack smiled at that. “If anything, I’m relieved that you found me. I would’ve been worried sick about you. I’m really glad you let me come with you.”

  “Glad? Well, that’s one way of putting it.”

  “Let’s talk about something else. When can I see you again?”

  Though she knew he had changed the topic to relieve their stress, Leah couldn’t help but feel a burst of hope. “Whenever you want.”

  “Let’s make plans. What are you doing for New Year’s?” There was a smile in his voice.

  “Actually, I don’t have plans yet.”

  “Then maybe you can make plans with me?”

  She was just about to tell him that she’d love to do that when his Garmin beeped. She looked at the map while the musical voice directed Zack to turn right in 1.2 miles.

  “Oh, thank you for that,” he said. “We must finally be close.”

  “You’re really anxious, aren’t you?”

  “It’s more than that,” he said slowly. “The fact is, we’re running low on gas and it’s pretty much a certainty that there won’t be a gas station anywhere for miles.”

  “Especially one that’s open on Christmas Eve,” Leah finished.

  As the Garmin sent out another notice, and Zack complied, turning right then sliding a bit as he righted himself, Leah checked the ETA again.

  Yet again, it said they were due to arrive in one hour.

  The knot in her stomach intensified.

  Chapter 22

  December 24, 5:00 P.M.

  If Melody had any of the books the counselor had given her about labor and delivery on hand, she knew she would have tried to set them on fire.

  Nowhere had she read about how incredibly long the birthing process would be. She was fairly certain they’d sugarcoated the pain as well.

  As the extreme discomfort of yet another contraction made her mind hazy, she vaguely recalled something about women asking for pain medication. Of course none of that was at the bed-and-breakfast, even if she wanted such a thing.

  As the latest cramp faded, she became aware once again of Levi sitting next to her. He’d been with her now for three hours—at her request.

  His face was grave with worry as he studied hers. “Another bad one?”

  They were all bad, b
ut she couldn’t tell him that. Levi was fighting his own distress and demons just by being in the room with her. “It wasn’t too terrible,” she lied. “Have I told you that your presence makes it all more bearable?”

  For the first time in hours, his expression softened. “Not in the last five minutes. I’m glad I can help.” His eyes clouded again. “Though, in truth, I’m not doing anything.”

  The fact that he was there was enough. “You are,” she said simply.

  Her door was closed for privacy. Every so often, Mrs. Brenneman came in, but her visits weren’t much of a comfort. The innkeeper was terribly worried. Her grandson’s breathing was still labored, and Katie was worried sick. In addition, their phone line was still out, so there was no way to call for help for any of them.

  Taking a horse and buggy out into the frigid weather when the sky was so dark was foolhardy, too. Especially on Christmas Eve.

  Christmas Eve!

  How easy it was to forget that such a momentous day was upon them. And how easy it was to imagine how lost and alone Mary must have felt.

  As if her body had needed the reminder, another pain gripped her tight.

  Levi leaned forward and wrapped an arm around her shoulders as she sat upright. “Easy now, Melody. Let the pain run its course. It’s easier if you don’t fight it.”

  “Like you would know,” she snapped.

  He had the nerve to grin. “Ah, I wondered if you’d ever get cross.”

  “It hurts, Levi.”

  “I know. But just breathe easy, yes?”

  As the pain eased away, she relaxed against him. He rubbed her shoulders. “Better?” he murmured.

  “Yes. Danke.” When she turned her head to meet his gaze, he blushed.

  Quickly, he dropped his hand. “I’m sorry. I wasn’t thinking. I had hoped the support would help …”

  “Levi, it did. I was glad for it.”

  “Good.”

  Melody felt a twinge of regret. He had to be tired. The right thing would be to let him leave … to swallow her fears and allow him his freedom. She would be all right. Surely, Mrs. Brenneman would come in again soon.