Another Man's Wife

by Rebecca Winters

  She heard a gurgling sound—and in the next instant, a newborn’s cry.

  “You’ve got a girl!”

  “A girl?” she squealed. “Oh—my baby girl!” Laurel’s voice rang out in pure joy.

  The doctor placed the baby on her stomach. The newborn might still be covered in amniotic fluid, but she was wailing at the top of her lungs.

  Laurel lifted her head a little. “Is she all right? Is my baby all right?” Her voice shook with fear and excitement.

  “She looks good.”

  The doctor cut the cord. One of the nurses started wiping off the wriggling baby, then wrapped her up and placed her in Laurel’s arms.

  “Oh, you’re beautiful!” She began to weep happy tears. “You’re perfect. She’s perfect! Oh, Dr. Steel, I’m so happy!”

  “I’m happy for you, Laurel.”

  The nurse smiled. “Congratulations. As soon as Dr. Duffy’s examined her, we’ll bring her right back.”

  Not long afterward, the doctor declared his job was done. “I’ll look in on you in the morning. Good night, Laurel.”

  Another nurse made her comfortable, then left the room, too. For the moment, Laurel was alone with her thoughts. Her eyelids fluttered closed.

  Our little girl is here, Scott. I promise she’ll always love you in her heart.

  Laurel had no idea how long she slept, but when she was aware of her surroundings again, Nate was standing by her bed.

  “Nate—I have a little girl!”

  His smile warmed her clear through. “I know.”

  “I want you to meet her. Don’t leave.”

  “I have no intention of going anywhere.” Compelled by a force he couldn’t resist, he lowered his head to kiss her moist eyelids, then her mouth. “Congratulations on your new daughter.”

  “We second that.”

  “Julie!” Laurel cried excitedly.

  To Nate’s consternation, he’d forgotten anyone else existed. With a sudden feeling of guilt he swung away from the bed to make room for them as they crowded around.

  “I have a little girl!”

  Brent leaned over to kiss her forehead. “We’ve already seen—and heard—her. There’s nothing wrong with her lungs.”

  Julie bent to hug her sister. “No matter how many times I tried to assure the boys, they were convinced we wouldn’t get you here in time, but it all turned out fine.”

  “Except for Nate’s family,” Laurel lamented. “I should’ve realized I was in labor before we left for Copper Mountain.”

  Nate shook his head. “Don’t give it a thought, Laurel. Dad and Rick have probably finished most of the food by now.”

  “I hope they’ll forgive me. I thought I’d strained my back.”

  “That’s where labor often starts,” Julie said. “I’ve called Mom. She’s thrilled with the news, and knowing her, she’s probably phoned the rest of the family by now.

  “Dad’s away on a business trip, but I’m sure he’ll be calling you soon. Unfortunately, Mom’s got a bad cold so she can’t fly out yet. She sends all her love and can’t wait to see her latest grandchild.”

  “Here you go, mommy.”

  Nate turned to see the nurse come in with a bundle in her arms.

  “She’s all cleaned up.” The nurse put the baby in the crook of Laurel’s arm. “She weighed in at seven pounds, one ounce, and measures nineteen inches. Dr. Duffy says she’s strong and healthy.”

  “Oh, my baby…”

  The next few minutes were a revelation to Nate as Laurel kissed and examined her daughter over and over again. “I think she looks like Dad, don’t you, Julie?”

  “A little through the chin. That’s a Nana Hayes chin. Her mouth resembles Mom’s.”

  “I think so, too, but the shape of her head reminds me of Wendell’s.”

  “Her eyes are a muddy color.”

  “They’ll probably go brown like Scott’s.”

  “She’s got Scott’s brown hair—what little there is of it.”

  “This could go on for hours,” Brent whispered in Nate’s ear. “How are you feeling?”

  “Like I’ve had the baby,” he confessed.

  “I know what you mean. My turn will be coming up again in about seven months’ time.”

  “Nate? Would you like to hold her?”

  Brent flashed Nate an amused smile. “We’d both like the privilege, Laurel. We’ve been waiting patiently.” He nodded to him. “Sit down, Nate, and I’ll hand her to you.”

  Laurel’s brother-in-law obviously understood. This was a whole new experience for Nate, who was still feeling a little weak, a little overwhelmed—and terrified of hurting the baby. But after Brent had placed her in his arms, it felt so right he was astounded.

  One look into her adorable face and his heart melted.

  “Who do you think she looks like?”

  All he could see through the mist was Laurel. “You.”

  “I agree,” Brent murmured. “She’s going to be a knockout, just like her mom.”

  As if in response to the comment, the baby yawned, and both men chuckled. Nate studied her tiny fingers. She was tiny, yet complete. Perfect.

  “I hate to break in on all this happiness, but it’s time for everyone to leave so we can help the new mom start to nurse. You can come back in a couple of hours.”

  Nate didn’t want to go, but he had no choice. After kissing the baby’s soft cheek, he stood up and reluctantly handed her to the nurse.

  “Please come back,” Laurel whispered to him.

  Maybe Nate just imagined the ache in her voice.

  “He’s going home with us,” Brent declared. “After we’ve eaten, we’ll return with the boys so they can see their new cousin. One look at her and they won’t mind that she’s a girl. By the time you come home from the hospital, they’ll be fighting over who gets to hold her.”

  If Nate had anything to say about it, he’d be part of that fight.

  Brent’s comments produced laughter from both women.

  LAUREL WATCHED Nate’s retreating figure, then she turned toward the nurse who was cuddling the baby.

  “Before I do anything else, I have to call my in-laws. My husband was killed seven months ago. This grandchild is going to mean the world to them.”

  Laurel knew Julie would’ve told their mother not to say anything to the Pierces until Laurel had called them herself.

  Was it only this morning she’d kissed them goodbye?

  “I’ll be back in ten minutes.”

  The second the nurse departed, Laurel reached for the phone. She dialed nine for an outside number, then placed a credit card call.

  After three rings, someone picked up. “Pierces’.”

  “Wendell?”

  “Lori Lou! We phoned you as soon as we got home, but there was no answer.” She heard him call out to her mother-in-law.

  “Hi, Laurel,” Reba joined in on another extension. “We got here safe and sound.”

  “That’s good to hear. The reason you couldn’t reach me was that I went into labor. I’m in the hospital.” She heard gasps. “You have a beautiful little granddaughter, seven pounds, one ounce, and nineteen inches long. She’s got Scott’s eyes. I’ve decided to name her Rebecca, after you.”

  Long ago, that was one of the names she and Scott had discussed if ever they were lucky enough to conceive a daughter.

  For the next minute all she heard on the other end of the phone was tears and sniffles. “I’m so delighted, I don’t know what to say, dear.”

  Just be happy, Reba. Please be happy.

  “If only we’d flown home tomorrow instead of this morning.”

  “I know, Wendell. The timing is terrible, but I’ve found out babies don’t worry about things like that. Just remember I’ll be flying out to Philadelphia three weeks sooner than expected.”

  I don’t know how I’m going to stand leaving Nate. If he’s still in Colorado by then…

  “Send us pictures.”

  “
Brent’s coming back with the family in a little while.” She closed her eyes tightly, praying Nate would be with him. “I’m sure he’ll bring the camera. I’ll ask him to scan some pictures and e-mail them to both families.”

  “We can’t wait to see her.”

  “Neither can I. They’ll be bringing her from the nursery in a minute so I can start to nurse her.”

  “You sound wonderful, dear.”

  “I feel wonderful.”

  “Scott should’ve been there.”

  “I’d like to believe he was,” Laurel whispered.

  She heard the door open.

  “I’ve got to hang up now. Talk to you soon.”

  “Take care, dear. We’ll call you tomorrow.”

  IT WAS ONE in the morning when Nate returned to the house. Not wanting to wake anyone, he climbed the stairs as quietly as he could. Once in his room he stripped, then stepped into the shower.

  Hitching a towel around his hips, he decided he was too exhausted to shave. After brushing his teeth, he went back to the room. Before he climbed into bed, he reached for the shirt he’d draped over the chair. In the pocket was a picture of Laurel and the baby. He studied it.

  Mike and his dad had brought cameras to the hospital. Mike’s was a Polaroid. He’d used up two packets of film.

  Mike had been kind enough to offer Nate a photograph—the one of Laurel wearing the lei. She’d wanted it preserved on film before it wilted.

  “What have you got there, son?”

  Surprised his father was still up, he turned to Clint, who stood in the doorway, wearing his old striped bathrobe.

  “Laurel had a seven-pound girl today. I saw her in labor, and then a few hours later, there she was holding this perfect little baby. It was the most incredible experience of my life.”

  “Better than your first solo flight in an F-16?” Rick had just wandered into the room wearing the bottom half of his sweats.

  “Nothing could compare to the birth of a baby,” he said in a serious voice. “Nothing…”

  “Is that my hotshot brother talking?” Rick asked as he walked over to look at the picture.

  “He’s right, Rick. Every man should be so lucky as to have that experience.” His father drew closer to take a peek. “The daughter resembles her mother. They’re both beautiful. Pam will have to see this picture.”

  “Laurel wants you to know she feels terrible about ruining dinner. I tried to assure her it didn’t matter, but she made me promise to convey her apologies.”

  “Tell her we’ll try it again when she’s up and around.”

  “I already did.”

  His father gave him a thorough scrutiny. “You look more exhausted than the woman in this picture. Better go to bed before you topple over. See you in the morning.”

  “Good night, Dad.”

  When he left the room, Nate turned to his brother. “Has he heard from Pam yet?”

  “No, and the longer he has to wait, the more I’m thinking it’s bad news about her cousin. I know more than one driver who’s faced similar injuries. It’s hell on earth to lose a leg.”

  “Maybe you ought to be thankful it hasn’t happened to you yet.”

  “If that’s your unsubtle way of telling me to find something else to do with my life, the line forms behind Dad.”

  He stared his brother down. “Can you blame him after losing Mom?”

  Rick looked shocked. “I thought you were in my corner.”

  “I am. But a baby was born today.” He paused to swallow. “Because of Scott’s career, he was killed. He never got a chance to see his wife give birth or hold his child.” Nate shook his head. “What you and I do for a living can wipe a man out in seconds.”

  Judging by his frown, Rick didn’t want to hear it.

  “You had to be there. When I saw Laurel’s joy as she held her daughter in her arms, I knew what Mom and Dad felt when we were born. Since that moment I’ve asked myself how our parents were able to accept our careers without suffering a nervous breakdown.”

  “Don’t forget they placed themselves in danger every time they ran a race.”

  “True. But in comparison, you have to admit that strapping ourselves into a race car or the cockpit of a jet increases the danger by quantum leaps. Besides, they were in their early twenties when they gave up competing and settled down. I’m beginning to wonder if Dad didn’t get married again to provide an emotional buffer, especially as he gets older.”

  Rick blinked. “You think he’s been suffering anxiety about us all these years and never let on?”

  “I don’t know. Without Mom, maybe he just couldn’t handle it. Let’s face it. You and I haven’t exactly hung around Copper Mountain for the last ten years giving them grandchildren.”

  “Well, if they were truly bothered, they never said a word,” his brother challenged.

  “Sorry, Rick. I didn’t mean to put you on the defensive. Today was…an incredible experience for me.”

  “That’s because you’re in love with Laurel.”

  Nate’s head reared back. The blood pounded in his ears.

  “I think you’ve been in love with her for a long time.”

  “Shut up, Rick.”

  “No way. Mom and Dad used to ask me why I thought your relationships with women never went anywhere. I had a hunch but I never told them because I didn’t have actual proof.”

  “What the hell are you talking about?” Nate lashed out.

  “Nine years ago, Spade introduced you to his wife. The three of you spent a day together. Do you want to know why I remember an insignificant piece of information like that?”

  Nate’s face started to prickle with heat.

  “You came home that next weekend in a foul mood. I’d just won my first important race. I felt like celebrating and talked you into going to the Cowboy Bar in Vale for a few beers.

  “But you didn’t order beer. You ordered whiskey. That’s when I knew something was really wrong. You drank enough to make even my tough older brother break down.

  “By the time I’d hustled you out of there and into the car, you were sobbing. You kept saying you’d done the worst thing a guy could do to his closest friend.” Rick shook his head. “You scared me when you said that. I asked what it was and you finally said, ‘I’ve fallen for Spade’s wife, Rick. I can’t ever be around her again. What in God’s name am I going to do?’”

  Nate groaned. That night had always been a blur to him.

  “I assumed your feelings for her would pass. Over the years I thought they had. You never talked about her again. But now that I look back, you always did have an excuse when the folks suggested you invite the Pierces for a holiday. When any of us visited you overseas, you always made sure it didn’t include Spade or his wife.

  “You couldn’t even bring yourself to fly to Philadelphia after Mom’s funeral to pay your final respects.

  “It’s all fitting together now. Your anger at seeing her in Breckenridge with Brent, discovering she was pregnant.

  “You weren’t just upset for Spade because you thought she’d betrayed him. The truth is, you felt betrayed—because you’ve been in love with her all these years.

  “God knows you did everything in your power not to act on your feelings. Now it seems He’s seen fit to reward you by placing Laurel in your path.”

  “Her being in Colorado at the same time as me is strictly coincidental!”

  “Maybe,” Rick murmured. “But since the night she saw you on the dance floor, she’s come after you three times of her own free will. Is that coincidence too?

  “Sweet dreams, Nate.”

  CHAPTER ELEVEN

  AFTER THE 11:00 a.m. class for nursing mothers on Monday morning, Laurel asked the nurse who’d wheeled her back to her room to wait ten minutes before bringing in the baby. She had a vital call to make first.

  As soon as the nurse disappeared out the door, Laurel reached for the receiver to phone her sister.

  Last night Nate had gone
home while she was asleep. The next time she’d awakened, it was three in the morning and the nurse had brought her a hungry, fussy baby to nurse.

  Julie had warned her that, at first, the nursing experience could be frustrating for both mother and baby, but with a little patience it would become both natural and easy. The class instructor had said the same thing to the group of exhausted women who’d just given birth.

  She’d also driven home the fact that nursing was a time of bonding, when the mother’s whole being was intent on her child, as it should be. The nurse’s comment had made Laurel feel guilty, since Nate was never out of her mind, not for one single second.

  What if all the attention he’d lavished on her since the encounter in Breckenridge had been his way of being there for her because Scott couldn’t?

  Would a man go that far for his friend?

  Looking back now, she felt as if she’d practically forced Nate to be there with her. The poor man had been placed in a position where it would have been impossible to say no.

  The chaste kiss he’d given her yesterday had felt like a benediction. Laurel had wanted it to be more, to mean more. It’d been an effort to hold back certain words she hadn’t dared say unless she knew he wanted to hear them.

  What if he didn’t?

  Was it another woman’s words he craved? A woman from his past who’d hurt him? Was that the reason he hadn’t married yet?

  If all this attention to Laurel was prompted by some kind of last-rites favor to his best friend’s widow, then Laurel needed to put a stop to it. She’d lived through one agony of loss. She’d never survive it a second time.

  “Julie!” She burst into tears as her sister walked into the room. “I was just phoning you. I’m so glad you’re here!” She hung up the receiver and reached out her arms.

  “What’s wrong? Don’t worry, your baby’s not going to starve to death. I promise she won’t.”

  Laurel sat back against the pillow and wiped her eyes on the sleeve of her nightgown. “The nursing’s coming along okay. That’s not why I’m upset.”

  “Then it’s Nate.” Her sister pulled up a chair next to the bed. “Has he said something about leaving Colorado?”