‘Time to cast off, Martha,’ I called out. ‘I can see the baby’s head.’ Joy and anticipation threatened to overwhelm me as I looked up at the mum-to-be. ‘We’re almost there, Lexi.’ I watched the baby make a quarter turn. ‘Yep. We’re definitely almost there.’
Martha worked her knitting needles at double speed.
Jake kept his eyes on the time.
‘One big push,’ Alex said.
Lexi steeled herself as another contraction began. The poor woman looked exhausted.
‘Push, push, push,’ Alex said.
Lexi gave everything she had and as I pulled the baby free, tears filled my eyes. ‘It’s a boy,’ I said, as he cried out.
A sob escaped Lexi’s mouth.
‘What time is it, Daddy?’ Alex asked.
‘12.01am,’ Jake said. He glanced around, his expression filled with pride and relief. ‘We have a Christmas Day baby.’
With nothing else to hand, I grabbed Julia’s angora scarf and ignoring her protests, used it to quickly dry the tiny bundle of joy, while Brian gathered the coats into a pile.
‘We need to cut the cord,’ Alex said.
Trying to recall every birthing scene I’d watched on television, I pulled out my scissors. Blanket complete, Martha handed me what was left of the ball of wool and I cut two strands. Tying one around the umbilical nearer to the baby and one towards the placenta, I looked to Jake. ‘Daddy.’ I held out the scissors for him to take. ‘Would you like to do the honours?’
His hands shook as he cut between the two ties.
Alex guided Lexi down so she could lean against Brian’s makeshift pillow and once she was settled, I passed her her son.
She unbuttoned her dress so he could lie on her chest, skin to skin.
‘You did it,’ Jake said, his voice choked. Wiping the tears in his eyes, he looked at Lexi with such awe.
She returned his gaze. ‘We did it.’ Her voice soft, she smiled as she patted the side of her seat so he could join her.
I felt Alex’s arm wrap around my shoulders, and as we both stood in admiration of the new family, I rested my head against his chest.
CHAPTER38
Ismiled as Martha helped Lexi wrap her baby in the blanket that I’d started and she had finished. She ran a finger down the baby’s cheek and squeezed the new mum’s hand. As she moved out of the way so Jake could retake his position, the train engine suddenly fired up.
‘Looks like we’re off,’ the conductor said.
‘At last,’ Julia said. ‘The quicker I’m out of this train, the better.’
The conductor placed a hand on Jake’s arm. ‘I’ll ring ahead again to double check the ambulance is ready and waiting for you.’
‘Thank you,’ Jake said. ‘That’s appreciated.’
‘Just so you know, it won’t take long. We’ll be there in a few minutes.’ The conductor hesitated and taking off his Santa hat, handed it to Jake. ‘A memento.’ He ran a hand through his hair to tidy it. ‘Something to give him when he’s older.’ Taking one last look at the newborn baby, the conductor let out a contented sigh. ‘This is definitely one for the record books.’ Pulling himself together, he headed off to the next carriage.
As a calmness settled around us, I watched Jake kiss first his child’s forehead, and then his wife’s. I couldn’t just see the love he had for his little family, as it permeated the air; I could feel it. He pushed Lexi’s damp fringe to one side, while she reached up and wiped away his tears of joy. Quietly envious of the bond they shared, I wondered if anyone would ever hold that much love in their heart for me.
As if he had read my mind and taken pity, Alex’s hand wrapped around mine.
‘Thank you,’ Lexi said, cradling her baby. ‘To all of you.’
Julia bristled. ‘No,thank you.’ She scowled. ‘For putting me off having children for life.’
