Page 42 of A Redemption Mountain Christmas
Eliza spun on her heel, calling to Rachel over her shoulder. “I’m going to Billy’s.”
She grabbed her bag and was out the door before Rachel could respond, Billy on her heels as she raced along the path to the small cabin he shared with his wife. Throwing open thedoor, she found Shining Star writhing on the bed, clutching her swollen belly and moaning.
She laid a soothing hand on the young woman’s shoulder. “I’m here now, it’s going to be all right,” she murmured.
Behind her, Billy hovered anxiously in the doorway as Eliza assessed his laboring wife, her experienced hands and eyes searching for clues to guide her next actions.
Rachel arrived moments later. She took in the scene with a glance—Shining Star crying out on the bed, Eliza bent over her in concentration, Billy’s worried face.
“Billy, let’s give them some room to work,” she said, steering Billy by the arm into the main room of the cabin. She settled him into a chair by the fireplace. Less than a minute later, he was up and pacing.
“Try to stay calm,” she soothed. “Eliza will take good care of Shining Star and the baby.”
Billy sat back down, his leg bouncing with nervous energy as his gaze kept darting to the bedroom door. “It’s too early. What if something’s wrong? I can’t lose them, I can’t…” His voice choked off.
Rachel clasped his shoulder. “You must have faith. Eliza is highly skilled, we’re blessed to have her.”
He dropped his head in his hands. “I know, I know. It’s just, she’s my whole world, Rachel.”
“I understand. But fretting yourself to pieces won’t help her now. Why don’t I make us some tea while we wait?”
Billy gave a jerky nod, lost in the tumult of his own worried thoughts as she moved around the familiar kitchen. The comforting ritual of preparing the tea soothed her own concern for her friend. Rachel had no doubt if Eliza needed her, she’d call out.
In a few minutes, she handed a steaming cup of tea to Billy. He wrapped his hands around it, taking a sip of the hot liquid.
“Thank you,” he said hoarsely.
They sat in silence for several long moments, the only sounds the ticking of the clock on the mantel and the occasional creak of a floorboard from the bedroom.
When the door opened, Eliza stepped out.
Billy shot to his feet. “How is she? The baby?”
She gave him a reassuring smile. “They’re fine. Shining Star did have some contractions, but upon examination, the baby is not ready to be born yet. It was false labor, nothing to be too concerned about.”
Billy sagged in relief. “Thank the Lord. Are they in any danger?”
“Not at all. The contractions are slowing and should stop completely soon. Shining Star needs rest now. I’ll check on her again tomorrow.”
As the women exited the cabin, fat snowflakes began drifting down. Spencer and a few other ranch hands hovered nearby, stamping their feet against the cold.
“Well?” Spencer asked. “How are they?”
Eliza explained the situation, leaving out private details. The men nodded, tension easing from their stances. The baby wasn’t coming yet after all.
As the men dispersed, Spencer met Eliza’s eyes. “Thank you, ma’am,” he said with quiet intensity. “We’re lucky to have you.”
Eliza felt her cheeks warm. “I’m happy I could help.”
Their gazes held a moment longer before Spencer strode off into the swirling snow. She let out a slow breath, heart fluttering. With a final glance back at the cabin, she headed to the house, the chill night air doing nothing to cool her lingering blush.
The next morning, Eliza visited Shining Star again and was pleased to find her recovering well. Billy was attentive but notsmothering, bringing his wife broth and extra blankets. Eliza made plans to check in every few days until the birth.
As she left the cabin, Spencer came around the corner, leading two horses. He touched the brim of his hat in greeting. “Morning. How’s your patient?”
“Doing well.” An awkward silence fell as she searched for something else to say. “Will you be working near the house today? I could bring you some coffee later.”
“Much obliged. I’ll be mending fences on the other side of the barn.” He walked away before she could respond.
