Embracing, Katie couldn’t believe how much her life had changed since arriving in Marietta. She had found the relationship she’d always wanted with her sister and knew, no matter what happened with Scott, she’d found her place. Of course, she wanted Scott more than anything and the more she thought of the vehemence with which he’d proclaimed his innocence regarding bedding Charlotte, the more she dared hope.

  Feeling light enough to fly, Katie stepped back. Her smile froze when she saw the stricken look on Jillian’s face.

  “What?”

  She followed her sister’s gaze down to the dirt floor and the expanding puddle that crept from the hem of Jillian’s skirt.

  “I think my water just broke.”

  Katie’s heart fell to her toes and stayed there. It was as though it was as afraid of what was to come as she was.

  “Your water can’t break, you said it would be another week!”

  Jillian’s face twisted. “Looks like I was wrong.”

  “Wrong!” Katie squealed. Sweat broke out along her brow, between her breasts. She looked to the ground and her stomach rolled. How could there be so much water?

  Jerking her gaze away, her eyes fell on the tack room. Saddles! She’d saddle Ranger and fetch the midwife. Yes, that was the thing to do. She breathed a little easier now. The midwife would know what to do. Katie wouldn’t have to do this on her own.

  Jillian moaned and doubled over. Katie thought she might swoon but she grabbed Jillian’s arm and supported her as she breathed. “What do I do? What do we do? I don’t know what to do!”

  After what felt an eternity, Jillian straightened. Her face was pale again but her eyes were clear and focused. Good. One of them didn’t appear to be losing their mind.

  “Help me inside. I’ll need to change out of these clothes.”

  “I’ll help you inside but Annabelle can help you change. I’ll get the midwife or doctor or whoever else and—”

  “Katie, there’s no time.”

  Oh, God, someone was going to have to hold her up pretty soon. “What do you mean there’s no time?”

  “I’m going to need you here.”

  “Then we’ll send Annabelle.”

  Jillian shook her head and started shuffling down the aisle. As Jillian was still clutching her arm, Katie had no choice but to follow. Annabelle was inside washing the eggs when they came in the porch.

  “Annabelle, can you warm a pot of water?”

  The girl’s eyes went wide. “Are you having the baby, Mama?”

  Jillian smiled. How could she smile at a time like this?

  “Yes, Button, and we’re going to need some warm water. And clean towels.”

  Annabelle nodded, gently set the egg she’d been washing into the bowl with the others, before hurrying into the kitchen to get the water heating.

  Katie and Jillian started up the stairs. Half way up Jillian doubled over again. She dug one hand into Katie’s forearm; the other clutched the railing. Though Katie didn’t double over, she found her herself panting alongside her sister. When it was over, they were breathless but Katie didn’t hesitate in getting them moving. That baby was not going to come into this world on the steps!

  She helped Jillian change into a clean chemise, something that could be lifted easily out of the way and changed after. While Jillian suffered through another contraction, Katie struggled not to panic. Her hands shook as she spread some of the towels Annabelle had brought across the mattress.

  Katie had cared for her ailing mother but it had been different. The woman had been sickly and it had only been a matter of time. But women were known to die in childbirth and Katie didn’t want to lose Jillian. Not only was she was all the family Katie had left, but they were finally friends.

  Once Jillian was in bed, propped by every pillow Katie had Annabelle fetch, Jillian sent the girl downstairs for a bowl of cold water and a cloth.

  “And a glass of water too, please,” she added before the girl scurried from the room.

  “Jillian, I don’t know what to do.”

  “There’s a notebook on the dresser, get it.”

  She wasn’t sure what good that would do but she grabbed the book.

  “Annabelle’s mother was a midwife and she kept excellent notes,” Jillian explained. “I’ve read through that book hundreds of times over the past few months to prepare myself.”

  Katie gawked. “You want me to deliver a baby from notes?”

  For the first time since her water broke worry filled Jillian’s eyes. “I know what’s going to happen and as much as I can I’ll help you.” Her voice cracked. “I’m scared too, Katie, and I need your help.”

  Katie wiped her mouth. God, this was really happening. She sucked in a breath and slowly let it out. She’d rather be robbed again then do what was coming. But it was going to be all right; she refused to accept the alternative.

  Opening the book, Katie prayed the baby wouldn’t come faster than she could read.

  Scott couldn’t have asked for a better day to be on horseback. Blue sky without the blemish of clouds, just enough breeze to make the leaves flutter, and the smell of pine trees spicing the air. Not far away, Wade and Shane slapped their coiled ropes against their chapped-covered thighs and gave the occasional shout to keep the herd moving. Riding through coulees and across mountain streams, the group of cowboys pushed the cattle up the mountain.

  Spending long hours in the saddle wasn’t anything new to Scott and while he was enjoying every minute, his thoughts kept straying to Katie. He’d always thought nothing could beat this view but all he had to do was picture Katie next to him riding Ranger to know he’d been wrong.

  It wasn’t only the picture she’d make either. He wanted to hear her voice, her boundless questions. She’d have barrels of them and he wished she were there to ask them. He liked when she turned to him for answers. Oh, hell, who was he kidding? He liked everything about her.

  He’d been hurt yesterday when she’d thought the worst of him but he’d come to understand given the little she knew about him that her assumptions were justified. Instead of being understanding, instead of giving her space, he’d pushed. Just as he’d pushed the marriage.

  He tipped his head down. Everything he’d told himself he’d done for Katie, he’d really done for himself. He’d forced the marriage to ease his conscience. He’d run to Charlotte seeking guidance, telling himself if he could only sort through his fears he’d be a better husband to Katie. Instead, he should have realized he just needed to confide in his wife. He shouldn’t have needed Charlotte to tell him that.

  And as soon as he got back to the Triple P, he’d ask Katie to hear him out. If she still wasn’t ready to listen, he’d wait until she was. It was the least he owed her.

  “You about done woolgathering?” Wade asked.

  Scott looked up. They’d reached their destination. While the herd feasted on the thick grass, cowboys hobbled horses and dug into saddlebags for the sandwiches, cookies, and jerky the women had packed for their meal. Stomach growling, Scott dug out his lunch and the canteen of water he’d filled at the last stream. He took a spot with the others along the ridge where he could eat while taking in the panoramic view.

  As it had been hours since breakfast, there wasn’t a lot of talking until they’d taken the edge off their hunger. For Scott, that was after two of his thick, ham sandwiches, three strips of jerky, and all of his oatmeal cookies.

  “You guys mind if we head back before the others?” Wade asked. “I don’t like being this far from Jillian for any longer than I have to be, not with her time getting closer.”

  Scott came to his feet. Leaving sooner suited him fine. With any luck, he and Katie could settle things today and then maybe tonight...

  “What are you grinning about?” Shane grumbled.

  “Same thing you’d be grinning about if you had a woman waiting for you at home.” Scott needled.

  “From the looks of things, even if she were waiting for him he wouldn’t know what to do with her but make her mad.” Wade chuckled.

  They hadn’t had much opportunity to tease Shane on the ride up the mountain. Not only didn’t they want to embarrass him in front of the others but Shane had been busy. Besides driving cattle, he’d also been looking for any sign those coach robbers might be hiding out in the hills. He’d found the remnants of one old campfire but had judged by the tracks it was weeks old and likely not them.

  However, going back down the mountain without the others or Shane being distracted? Scott chuckled. God, it was going to be fun!

  Under the black rim of his hat, Shane scowled. “You know, some of us are happy as bachelors.”

  “Sure.” Wade slapped him on the back. “Until your hand gets sore.” Laughing, he jumped out of Shane’s reach. “I’ll go tell Ma and James we’re leaving.”

  Despite their teasing and good-natured badgering, they didn’t get anything else out of Shane as they made their way down the mountain. Eventually talking stopped altogether because they were each lost in their own thoughts. Clearly, Wade’s mind was as much on Jillian as Scott’s was on Katie. Scott didn’t doubt Shane’s was on Silver either as the scowl had yet to leave his face. Or, as Scott had heard Wade tease Annabelle when she’d pouted too long, Shane’s face had simply frozen that way.

  Well, the sheriff would have to figure it out on his own. Scott sure as hell wasn’t in any position to offer advice on women. Not when his own wasn’t speaking to him. Temporarily, as he knew what it would take to rectify the problem and was prepared to do it. He cast a sidelong glance at Shane and shook his head. Silver was a hell of a woman, even if Scott had only ever felt friendship toward to her. Still, it was only a matter of time until a man turned her head in another direction. He hoped Shane came to his senses before then.

  They were almost at the junction of the road where Shane would continue on to Marietta and Wade and Scott would veer off toward the Triple P when Wade let out a frustrated curse.

  “What?” Shane asked. He looked around as though expecting trouble.

  “Dammit, Ma made some raisin bread and told me she’d set aside a few loaves for us. I was supposed to stop at the house and get them on our way home.”

  “Raisin bread?” Scott’s mouth salivated. He’d never had raisin bread before coming to the Triple P but he’d since developed an affinity for it. “I’ll go back and get it.”

  Wade shook his head. “Nah, I’ll go. Won’t take that long. Besides, if you go it’ll be all gone by the time you get to the ranch.”

  Shane laughed. “That sounds about right.”

  “Hey, it’s near supper time. I’m hungry.”

  “You’re always hungry,” Shane and Wade said together.

  Since there was no disputing that, Scott didn’t bother commenting. Wade bid Shane goodnight, turned his chestnut stallion around and galloped back toward his mother’s place. At the twisted pine tree, Scott and Shane parted ways. Anxious to get home and finally settle things with Katie, Scott nudged Chancy into a run.

  He pulled on the reins when he spied Katie sitting on the steps of the front porch, her face buried in her hands. He was out of the saddle and striding for the porch before Chancy had come to a complete stop.

  “Katie?”

  Her hands fell to her lap. She looked a little dazed when she raised her eyes to his. Ah, hell.

  “I’m sorry. I know I’ve made some stupid mistakes and ordered you about where I should have—”

  “It’s a girl.”

  Because he hadn’t even been sure if she’d talk to him at all and he’d expected if she did it would be about Charlotte, it took a moment for him to realize she was speaking of something else altogether.

  “Jillian? She had the baby? Today?” He grinned. Well, hot damn.

  “About an hour ago. And they’re both fine, thank God.”

  He looked toward the door. “Is the midwife with her?”

  Katie scoffed. “She was never here, neither was the doctor. By the time Jillian’s water broke there wasn’t time to fetch either. She and I delivered it together.”

  His jaw fell. “You delivered it?”

  Katie’s laugh was a little wild. “I had notes.”

  “Notes?” He examined her a little closer. “Are you all right?”

  “I will be,” she answered and rose to her feet. “Though I suspect I’ll be reliving this day for some time yet.”

  He shook his head. “You really delivered it?”

  “Not because I wanted to, believe me.” She shuddered. “But, thankfully, Wade’s first wife had a book of notes and between them and Jillian’s knowledge of birthing animals, I managed.”

  Managed? Hell, in her shoes, he’d have been on the floor out cold. He’d never been more proud of anyone in his life.

  “Katie, I’d really like to explain why I—”

  But his wife shook her head. “Please don’t, Scott. I can’t take any more emotion right now.”

  No, of course she couldn’t. It was clear she was still reeling. Well, he’d give her a little time. Truly, it was the least he owed her.

  “I’ll just go tend Chancy, then. It don’t feel right if I see the baby before Wade does.”

  He finished quickly, didn’t linger over the task as he usually did. Katie was still sitting on the porch steps when he returned.

  “Mind if I join you?” he asked.

  She could have refused him. In fact, he expected her to. But instead, she nodded and when he sat close to her, she didn’t slide away from him.

  Chapter Fifteen

  “Wade!” Scott hollered, when his friend would have ridden right past the porch without seeing them.

  Wade’s gaze whipped round. Spotting Scott, he yanked on the reins. His face went ashen. “Jillian?”

  “She’s fine.” He hastened to reassure. “Come see.” He gestured.

  Like Scott had done at first, Wade didn’t bother tying his horse. Whiskey was as well-trained as Chancy and he’d meander to the corral and wait patiently to be unsaddled.

  “She’s okay?” he asked again.

  Scott slapped Wade on the back. “I won’t wreck the surprise.”

  Although Scott already knew it was a girl, he couldn’t deny he was excited to see Wade’s new daughter for himself. He’d never seen a newborn before and knowing she was Wade’s and Jillian’s, he already loved her. He couldn’t wait to see her.

  He followed Wade into the room. It was quiet as a church, with only the sounds of breathing filling the space. Katie, who’d gone back in not long ago and stood with Annabelle at Jillian’s bedside, stepped away to make room for Wade.

  Wade’s gaze landed on Jillian and the bundle she held wrapped in a pink blanket. His face went soft as butter.

  “It’s a girl?”

  Jillian, glowing as only a new mother must be able to, nodded. “Come see her.”

  Wade’s gaze was only for Jillian and his daughter and Scott allowed them that moment. Wade’s finger seemed especially large as it stroked his baby daughter’s cheek.

  “She’s beautiful.” Then he leaned forward and placed a tender kiss on Jillian’s lips. “Thank you.”

  “I have a sister, Papa,” Annabelle declared. She had yet to move too far from Jillian’s side but she too had scooted aside when her pa stepped into the room.

  “So you do,” he said and pulled his eldest into his arms. He kissed the top of her head. “And you’ll make the best big sister, won’t you?”

  “Scott, come see her,” Jillian said.

  Suddenly anxious, Scott crept over.

  Jillian laughed. “You don’t need to tiptoe. You won’t wake her.”

  Nevertheless, Scott approached cautiously and, once at the side of the bed, looked down on the tiny person cradled in the crook of Jillian’s arm.

  She was pink, and small and angelic. Scott’s heart simply turned over. “She’s perfect,” he said, his voice hushed. “What will you name her?”

  Jillian looked from him to Katie. A tear slipped down the new mother’s cheek. “Her name is Katherine, after her aunt.”

  Katie’s eyes filled. Tears slipped down her cheeks as well.

  “Oh, Jillian.” She wept. “Are you sure?”

  “I’ve never been surer of anything.”

  Scott had to admit his own eyes were damp when Katie returned to Jillian’s side and the sisters embraced. Katie kissed her little niece on the forehead, then did the same for Annabelle. For Wade, she rose up on her toes and kissed his cheek before once again letting him move closer to his wife.

  Watching Wade tuck Annabelle against his side while he looked down on his wife and newborn daughter, love simply pouring from him. Scott wanted nothing less for himself.

  “Katie.” Scott held out his hand. “Will you join me?”

  Warmth flowed up his arm and wrapped around his heart when she crossed the room and put her hand in his. He closed the bedroom quietly behind them and reluctantly relinquished Katie’s hand as he followed her down the stairs and outside.

  She stood at the porch railing, waiting for his direction. Her pretty, green eyes gave away nothing but at least they held no hostility. Clearly, she was ready to hear him out. Nerves quivered in his stomach but not because he was scared, rather because what came next was important and he didn’t want to ruin it. Or worse, hurt her more than he already had.

  He swung his hat off his head, tried to ruffle away the worst of his hat hair. “I’d like the chance to explain myself, if you’re willing, but I’d rather do it where we can have some privacy. We could go to your bunkhouse, or mine, or down by the river. We could go for a ride into the hills.” He shrugged. “Makes no difference to me. You choose.”

  “A walk would be nice.”

  Scott tossed his hat onto the swing and for the second time held out his hand. She licked her lips, wiped her palm on her skirt, then again put her hand in his. They didn’t talk much on the way to the river. Scott was more than happy just to have her at his side, her arm brushing his.

  In the distance, their cows were little more than black blemishes on the lush foothills. The sun was warm yet and the wind, as it usually did this time of day, had settled down. Her skirt brushed his pants, swished through the grass. A lonely hawk soared above. Stands of cottonwoods and aspens cast long shadows as they walked toward the Yellowstone River.

 

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26