“Billy. It’s going to be all right,” Eliza soothed. “Let me get my bag.” She rushed up the stairs. Grabbing her medical bag, she rushed back down, slipping into the coat Spencer held out.
“I’m ready, Billy. Let’s go.” She hurried out after him, with Rachel and Spencer following.
They stepped inside the cabin to find Bull nursing a cup of coffee while watching his children, Joshua and Chloe, and Spirit Bear. He nodded toward the bedroom. “Lydia is with Shining Star.”
Eliza stopped Billy when he started to walk into the bedroom. “Rachel and I will take good care of her. You should stay here with Bull and Spencer.”
“But…” His voice trailed off before he nodded. “All right.”
Lydia sat on the edge of the bed, holding Shining Star’s hand as the latest contraction slowed. Eliza could see the sheen of moisture on the young woman’s face. Setting down her bag, she took Lydia’s place.
“Everything is going to be all right. Try to relax.”
Shining Star nodded, though her features showed the exhaustion she felt.
Eliza washed her hands and examined Shining Star. The baby would be here soon.
Working swiftly, she guided Shining Star through the birth, encouraging her through the pain. Twice, Billy knocked on thedoor. Each time, Rachel spoke to him, confirming Shining Star was doing well and it wouldn’t be much longer.
As the baby finally emerged, Eliza’s breath caught in her throat. The umbilical cord was wrapped tightly around the newborn’s neck.
With expert hands, she unwound the cord and cleared the baby’s airways. A tense moment passed as she waited for the little one to draw breath. Then a weak but miraculous cry emerged, followed by a much more boisterous one.
“You have a son,” Eliza said softly.
She handed the baby to Rachel, who wiped a soft, damp cloth over his face. Wrapping him in a swaddling cloth, she placed the squalling infant into his mother’s waiting arms. Shining Star cooed to him, weeping with joy. Rachel then opened the door, signaling for Billy.
He rushed to the door, then stopped, looking at Eliza.
Eliza smiled wearily. “Mother and son are doing just fine.”
“A son…” Billy breathed out before kneeling beside the bed and taking his wife’s hand. As he gazed at his new family, Spencer strode over to Eliza.
“Seems you’ve worked another miracle.”
She nodded, filled with quiet wonder at the fragile tenacity of life.
Eliza and Spencer walked back toward the ranch house, neither feeling a need to rush. She took a deep breath, invigorated by the chilly air. She felt Spencer studying her.
“You look happy,” he remarked.
“I am. It’s been a good day.”
He nodded. “We’re lucky to have you here.”
She felt a rush of warmth at his words. When Eliza first arrived, she’d doubted this rustic town would ever feel likehome. To her surprise, the people had won her over with their generosity and spirit.
As they drew closer to the house, laughter drifted out to greet them. They stepped onto the porch and entered the house. Most of the adults were gathered in the living room, chatting amiably and sipping coffee. A few called out cheerful greetings to Eliza and Spencer.
Excusing herself, she found Ginny and Julia busy preparing supper. Ginny was kneading a large ball of dough, dusting it liberally with flour. Julia stood at the wood stove, tending to several bubbling pots and pans. Eliza inhaled the savory aromas of roast duck and split pea soup mingling in the air.
“Something sure smells good in here,” Eliza said as she entered the kitchen.
“Did Shining Star have her baby?” Julia asked.
“Yes, she did. A beautiful baby boy.”
Ginny looked up and smiled. “Wonderful. If you want to help, grab an apron, and we’ll put you to work.”
