Newlywed Christmas (Brides of Juniper Junction Book 4) Page 10

  She blew out her breath and as another contraction started she sang to distract herself from the pain and from her fear. Outside, the wind whipped against the windows. Please hurry, Cal.

  Suddenly there was wetness on the mattress beneath her. Oh lord. She pulled back the blankets and tried to get a look, though it was difficult considering her large belly. Using her hand, she felt the damp sheets.

  Her water had broken.

  The contractions intensified and sweat broke out over her brow.

  Oh lord. Where was Cal?

  "The doctor went out to Windy River yesterday afternoon and I haven't seen him since. One of the men out there injured his leg and the doctor usually stays and has dinner with Mr. Conners. I'm guessing the storm kept him there overnight," Donna, Dr. Granger's housekeeper said.

  Any other time, Cal would have been amused by the older woman's appearance as she stood in the doorway with her nightcap on and a heavy quilt around her shoulders, but finding out the doctor was unavailable was no laughing matter.

  No, not at all.

  "Is there something I can help you with?" she asked.

  "No, ma'am," he answered, touching the brim of his hat. "I'm sorry for waking you and I'm sure you're getting cold. When you see the doctor, though, please ask him to come to my house right away. My wife seems to be in labor."

  "Oh," her face brightened, "how wonderful."

  "I'd feel better if the doctor was there."

  "Childbirth's a natural thing. I'm sure Tassie'll do just fine. But you'd best get on back home. I'll send Dr. Granger as soon as I see him." She glanced in the direction of Windy River Ranch. "Winter ain't the best time to have a baby, though."

  I'll keep that in mind, Cal thought as he bid her goodnight and hurried back to his house, his mind racing. He'd actually assisted the doctor a couple of times when there were emergency births, but he never expected he'd be delivering his own baby.

  He tucked his head down into the collar of his coat and rushed home. One way or another, he'd make sure nothing happened to his family.

  Tassie's moans of pain reached his ears before he even opened the front door of the house. It tore at his heart to hear her in such agony. As he took off his coat and hat and tossed them aside, he said a silent prayer for guidance and help.

  When he entered the bedroom, Tassie had her back against the headboard and her knees were bent. Her beautiful hair clung to her forehead as she sweated and groaned through the contractions.

  "Wh-where's the doctor?" she said between groans. He knelt next to her and held her hand. Her grip was impressive and he tried not to wince.

  "He's out at Windy River. Can't get there because of the snow. It's just you and me."

  She shrieked and it sort of echoed the way he felt too. But it would do no good for both of them to panic, so he did his best to stay calm. "You know, I've actually helped Doc deliver a couple of babies, so I'm sure it'll be fine. Donna said she'd send him over as soon as he got home."

  "B-but that could be hours from now," she wailed. "I-I don't think this baby is going to wait that long."

  Cal pried his hand out of hers and positioned himself to examine her progress then stepped back with surprise. "I-I think I see a head," he said.

  And in what felt like just a few seconds, the baby slipped out and laid on the bed. Cal stared for a split second, then grabbed a towel and wiped the baby off and used twine to cut the umbilical cord and tie it off, just the way he'd seen the doctor do. Thank goodness he'd at least had some experience with that. He wrapped the baby in a clean towel and handed it to Tassie.

  "It's a boy. A beautiful baby boy."

  He thought his heart might explode with love and pride.

  Chapter 8

  POSEY AND JAKE

  “He’s beautiful, Tassie,” Posey said as she gazed down into the cradle holding Tassie’s son, Johnny.

  Tassie’s whole face shone with happiness. “Oh, Posey, I never knew I could love anyone this much. Even more than I love Cal. And every day, I love him more.”

  “I’m happy for you, Tassie. And Cal. He’s one proud papa.” Posey continued to look at the newborn.

  “Have you seen Lizzie and baby Daniel?” Tassie asked, pouring a cup of coffee for Posey, though Posey waved her off.

  “No, thank you. Coffee isn’t sitting too well with me these days.” She tried not to pull a face, but she’d gone from eating everything that wasn’t nailed down early in her pregnancy to some late term nausea. “Yes, I visited with Lizzie and Daniel, she calls him Danny. He’s beautiful and she is thrilled to be a mama. Just like you are.”

  “And just like you will be,” Tassie said.

  “I suppose so,” Posey said, trying to keep her voice upbeat.

  “You don’t think you’ll like being a mother?” Tassie asked, shocked.

  “Oh no, it’s not that. I don’t want anything more. But,” Posey looked away and then glanced back at Tassie, “I-I’m scared. What if something goes wrong? Did I tell you Jake was a thirteen-pound baby? And look how big I am. I haven’t seen my feet since September!”

  Tassie reached over and patted Posey’s hand. “I was scared too, but it all worked out just fine. I’m not going to lie, it hurt. The pain was almost unbearable, but now I hardly even remember it, I’m just so excited that my baby is here.”

  “And right in time for Christmas.”

  “Yes, that makes it even more special.”

  “I really wanted to have my baby by Christmas,” Posey said. “I’m not sure why I’m so sad that it hasn’t happened yet. I guess I sort of wanted to have a Christmas baby.”

  “There’s still time,” Tassie said. “Tomorrow is Christmas Eve.”

  “Merry Christmas, Jake. And give Posey my best too,” Mrs. Blake said as Jake left the general store. He’d picked up a Christmas gift for Posey as well as a few supplies and was heading home to spend Christmas Eve with his very pregnant wife.

  It was just after noon but all the shops in town, as well as Windy River ranch, would be closing up soon so the folks of Juniper Junction could enjoy Christmas.

  Jake was excited for Christmas, but also a bit apprehensive. Tassie and Lizzie had given birth in the last few days. Posey’s time had to be close.

  Cal and Matt had both told him how helpless they’d felt while their wives were in labor. Jake had no idea what to expect, but feeling helpless was not something he looked forward to. Maybe it would be different with Posey.

  That wasn’t his only worry. Posey was just an itty bitty thing. And he was about the largest man around. Much as they looked like a mismatch, he knew Posey was the perfect wife for him.

  But what if the baby was huge like him?

  Childbirth could be dangerous. For the baby and the mother.

  He shook his head. No, he would not allow himself such thoughts. Tomorrow was Christmas and if Posey felt well enough, they’d go to church in the morning and see all their friends. Wish them all a Merry Christmas and then go home for a quiet afternoon together. Mrs. Campbell and Mrs. Blake had already promised to bring over food for their holiday meal, though their larder already bulged with gifts from well-meaning neighbors.

  As his home came into view, he picked up his pace, eager to be with his little Posey.

  Opening the door, he called for her but she didn’t answer. Likely she was napping. Despite her protestations, she needed much more rest than she’d been getting, even now that she’d stopped working at the post office.

  He felt a little bad about that. She loved her job. Maybe they could work something out in a few weeks so she could go back.

  After putting away his purchases and placing his wrapped gift for Posey under the Christmas tree, he went to check on her.

  Instead of finding his wife slumbering peacefully she was standing and holding on to the headboard, grimacing. He rushed to her.

  “Posey, honey, what’s happening? Is the baby coming?”

  When her gaze met his, the fear in her eyes pierce
d to his core. “I-I’m not sure,” she whispered. “It hurts.”

  Tenderly he wiped her hair back from her face. “What can I do for you? Should I go and get Dr. Granger?”

  She nodded. “I think you better.” She paused and then said, “Oh Jake, I’m scared.”

  “Don’t you fret,” he said. “It will all be fine. You just wait and see. I’m sorry to leave you, but I’m going for Dr. Granger.”

  A wave of pain must have passed over her because she grimaced again and squeezed the headboard while panting hard. Once it passed, she nodded at him and he rushed from the house.

  A couple people called out to him as he ran down the street to Dr. Granger’s but Jake ignored them. His Posey was in pain and that’s all he could think about.

  Charging into Dr. Granger’s house without knocking he found the doctor enjoying coffee and Christmas cookies. Jake put a stop to that.

  “Posey needs you, Doc.”

  “Is she in labor? How often is she having contractions?” The doctor held up a plate of cookies to offer one to Jake who simply folded his arms over his chest and glared in response.

  “I get the message,” Dr. Granger said, getting up from his seat. “Donna,” he called out to his housekeeper, “I’ll be at Jake and Posey’s. Don’t hold dinner for me.”

  When they got outside, Dr. Granger sent Jake to get Mrs. Blake while he went to see to Posey.

  The general store had closed just after Jake left earlier. He tried the door, but unlike Dr. Granger, the Blakes locked their doors, so he pounded until finally Mr. Blake opened the door, giving Jake a look that did not convey holiday cheer.

  “Need Mrs. Blake. Doc says so. Baby’s coming.”

  For a fleeting moment Mr. Blake looked as though he might object, but apparently he thought better of it and opened the door for Jake to come in. “I’ll get my wife.”

  “Tell her to hurry. Please.” Jake’s heart pounded so hard in his chest, it hurt. It took all his strength not to turn into a raving lunatic to get help for his wife. His sweet Posey.

  Fortunately, Mrs. Blake came out quickly, wrapping her shawl around her flour covered apron. She’d been baking. “Sorry for interrupting your Christmas Eve.”

  She touched his arm and gave him an encouraging smile. “Plenty of time left for Christmas Eve. Let’s go take care of Posey.”

  Unlike when he’d returned earlier and thought Posey might be napping because the house was so quiet, this time, her shouts could be heard on the street and a couple of neighbors had come out to see what was going on.

  However, once they saw Jake’s determined look as well as Mrs. Blake, everyone knew she assisted Dr. Granger with babies, they figured it out and went back inside.

  Good thing. Jake wasn’t in the mood for chit chat.

  Once they were inside, he headed for the stairs. Again Mrs. Blake put her hand on his arm. “Best for you to stay down here, Jake. I’ll go see how things are going and come and tell you as soon as I can.”

  He opened his mouth to protest but she was already on her way up the stairs and then he heard the lock on the door click into place.

  Locked out of his own bedroom. Now he’d seen everything.

  But he also knew he ought to listen to her. She knew what she was doing and all he knew was that Posey said she was scared.

  So was he.

  He paced around the house for a few minutes, but between his large strides and the small rooms of the house, it didn’t really work off much of his nervous energy. He sat down and picked up a book, but couldn’t concentrate, not when he could hear his wife groaning.

  Finally, Dr. Granger came down to talk to him. His face looked serious. Much too serious.

  “Posey’s having a little trouble with the baby.”

  “He’s too big, isn't he? I knew it. It’s all my fault.” Jake clenched his fists.

  “It’s no one’s fault, Jake,” the doctor said. “But it might be a little while before the baby gets here. It would be better if you went somewhere else.”

  Jake grabbed the doctor by the shirt and shoved him up against the wall. “What are you talking about?” He dropped the doctor and charged for the staircase. “I want to see Posey.”

  Dr. Granger recovered faster than Jake expected and took hold of the back of his shirt as another one of Posey’s cries of agony reverberated through the house. The doctor turned Jake around to face him.

  “This could be dangerous, Jake. For Posey and the baby.”

  Jake gaped at the doctor for a moment. “No. You have to save them. Save them both.”

  “That’s my plan, Jake. But you need to leave. Posey’s worried about you. She doesn’t want you to know how much it hurts. I think if I can tell her that you’re not in the house, she’ll be able to focus and we can get your baby here.”

  It took a moment for all of that to sink in. “Fine.” Jake moved away from the doctor and grabbed his coat and hat. Before he stepped out the door, he turned back to Dr. Granger. “Don’t you let anything happen to my Posey. You hear me?”

  His voice sounded weak and scared, but he didn’t care. He was desperate.

  “I hear you, Jake.”

  All around town he could see and hear people gathered in their homes as the sun started to set on Christmas Eve. There were plenty of folks he could visit to pass the time, but Jake knew he’d be terrible company. He’d nearly punched the doctor, for heaven’s sake.

  So he just walked and walked. Anything to pass the time.

  But it was cold. He wouldn’t be any use to Posey or the baby if he got sick.

  The church. He could see it in the distance and knew it would be open since Christmas Eve services were planned for later that night, to welcome Christmas.

  Jake slipped inside and moved close to the stove to warm up. He wasn’t sure how long he’d been wandering around town. He wasn’t sure of anything, his mind was in such turmoil. He ought to be home, with Posey, taking care of her.

  He didn’t care what the doctor said, as soon as he’d warmed up a bit, he’d head home and set Dr. Granger straight on a few things.

  While he stood there, he noticed a set of carved figures near the altar and went to examine them.

  A nativity scene.

  Of course, he’d seen such depictions before. But this time something made him look more closely.

  Mary and Joseph. Making the trip to Bethlehem. Waiting for a baby. No room at the inn.

  He stared at Joseph. Had he been scared? As scared as Jake?

  There at the altar, Jake got down on his knees and started to whisper.

  “Lord,” he said, “it’s me, Jake. I know you don’t see me much here at church and I’m not so good at praying. I don’t have a lot of fancy words. And I’ve got a temper sometimes, but only when people don’t treat my Posey right. Well, I’m here because I’m scared. I don’t deserve to ask for anything, but I’m gonna ask anyway. Please, Lord. I don’t know what I’d do without Posey. Please, I’m begging. Don’t let anything happen to her. Or the baby.”

  He paused for a moment.

  “Amen.”

  In the silence of the small church, a bit of peace entered his heart.

  Night was falling when Jake got back to his house. He noticed the silence as he stood on the porch and his heart raced. If Posey wasn’t in pain any more…

  He charged inside and took the stairs two at a time. He was prepared to knock down the bedroom door if it was locked but fortunately it swung open just as he reached the top of the stairs.

  Dr. Granger greeted him with a smile. “Welcome home, pa.”

  The doctor stepped out of the way and Jake saw Posey. His beautiful, sweet, brave Posey sitting up in bed with a bundle in her arms.

  “I’m not sure what happened,” Dr. Granger said, “but things took a big turn a few minutes ago and the baby and mother are doing great.”

  Jake walked toward the bed almost reverently and then knelt down next to his wife. “Posey, how are you feeling? Are you in p
ain?”

  Her smile lit up the whole room. “No pain at all, Jake. Look,” she held the baby up for him to see. “Isn’t she beautiful? The most beautiful baby in the whole world.”

  Reaching out a finger he stroked the soft hair on his baby’s head. A little girl.

  Jake gazed heavenward. “Thank you.”

  Then he looked at his beloved wife. “She’s beautiful. Just like her mama.”

  She stroked a hand through his hair. “Merry Christmas, Jake.”

  “Merry Christmas, Posey.”

  ~THE END~

  * * *

  Want to read Tassie and Cal’s story? Click here for Cowboy’s Law

  Want to read Posie and Jake’s story? Click here for Cowboy’s Orders

  Want to read Lizzie and Matt’s story? Click here for Cowboy’s Rules

  Want to read Minnie and Roy’s story? Click here for Cowboy’s Demands

  Keep scrolling to read the novella Home for Christmas (Josie and Clinton’s story) —>

  Home for Christmas

  Dear Readers,

  Home for Christmas first appeared in Once Upon A Christmas Wedding in 2019. This was my very first Juniper Junction story and where I got the inspiration for the series. Enjoy!

  Celeste

  Chapter 1

  Juniper Junction, Wyoming Territory

  1884

  Six Months Until Christmas

  The breath hitched in Josie Lawson’s chest as she stared down into the corral at the Juniper County fair. Her fiancé, Clinton Ramsey, sat astride his horse, Dead Eye, waiting his turn. He glanced up at Josie, easily finding her in the crowd on the makeshift bleachers, and gave her a wink. She blushed and returned his smile, though she wished he’d concentrate on the task at hand instead of flirting with her. Much was riding on the next few seconds.