The Rancher's Southern Belle

by Leanne Burroughs

  Kat looked at her, safely ensconced in Luke’s arms. “So it is your turn now, huh, little sis?”

  She shifted her gaze to Luke. “I will take good care of her. Just like she did me a few months ago when I had Hannah. In just a few hours you should be a proud new papa.”

  “Should I send someone to fetch Doc?”

  Kat frowned. “I don’t think so.” She watched Maddie. “Is anything wrong?”

  Maddie shrugged. “I do not know. It just seems like it is too intense too soon. But then I have never been on this side of a birthing before.” She smiled, her arms wrapped loosely around Luke’s neck.

  Kat thought a minute and said, “I still think we will be okay once the aunts get here,” at the same time Luke said, “I am sending Troy to fetch Doc.”

  Kat moved up the steps. “Well, the first thing we need to do is stop talking and get Maddie settled into a bed.”

  She headed for their room, then stopped. “Your room or one of the guest rooms?”

  That surprised Luke. Why wouldn’t they go to their room? “Our room.”

  “Okay, then give me just a minute. I want to strip the bedding off it so it does not get ruined. I’ll fetch the old blankets Maddie and I already found and lay those on top of your mattress. Tell me where your oil slicker is, and I’ll put that beneath the old blankets.”

  “Inside the closet in the room where I first stayed when we got home.”

  She detoured and grabbed it then entered his bedroom. She kept walking while Luke followed. “Maddie, has your water broken yet?”

  Maddie started laughing. “Finally someone around here asks an inappropriate question!” She quickly sobered as another pain hit. “In answer to your question, no not yet.”

  Kat pulled the blankets and comforter from the bed. “Luke, set Maddie on her feet.”

  “But she—”

  “No buts. If her pains are coming quickly, I need her up and moving around.”

  “Why?”

  “In hopes her water will break.”

  His brows dipped as he pondered that. “It is best if it does that while she is standin’?”

  Kat stopped mid-move and gawked at Luke as if he’d just gone out of his mind. “Of course, you goose. I don’t want her drenching the bed if we can help it.” Shaking her head, she went back to stripping the bed. “Men! Be right back. I am just gonna go grab those blankets.”

  The aunts rushed in a while after Kat and Luke had gotten Maddie comfortably situated in the bed. Or as comfortable as she could be in her condition. She smiled at them. “Welcome to our party.”

  Both aunts rushed to give her a hug and she gave each a kiss on their wrinkled cheeks. “Everything will be just fine now, dearie,” Aunt Mary assured while Aunt Lola tried to shoo Luke out of the room.

  “Let us do our women’s work now. You wait outside.”

  “But I want to—”

  “Wait outside.” For a slender woman, Lola had a mighty push.

  Maddie’s screams started almost as soon as he left. Try as she might, she couldn’t stop them. Through the door, she heard him call out, “I am sendin’ for Doc!”

  Surely she wouldn’t need the doc. Luke was just being cautious. Or simply being a worried husband.

  Hours later, Doc finally arrived. Light had faded outside and the oil lamp cast uneven shadows across the floor. By then even Kat and the aunts were getting concerned. Kat had come and gone to her house several times so she could nurse baby Hannah.

  “Sorry I am late, folks. Was out on a call out at the Royce’s. Had to set their son’s broken arm. Lad fell out of a tree.”

  He looked toward the bed. “No babe yet?” He frowned, then tried to tease. “Now Maddie, you should know all about this birthin’ thing better than anyone. Don’t need you havin’ any complications on us.”

  He reached in his pocket for his timepiece. “How long you been havin’ contractions now?”

  “Forever.” She moaned as a contraction hit her and closed her eyes in a vain attempt to stay her tears.

  Doc observed his pocket watch, then looked up as her contraction ended. “That one lasted a good long time. Now, let’s try for something not quite as vague as ‘forever.’ What time did they start?”

  She tried to moisten her lips. “My back hurt all day yesterday. Pains started in the middle of the night, but they were not bad. The bad ones started a little while before Luke came home for dinner. They came on with a vengeance.”

  She quickly glanced to Aunt Lola. “Please go out and make sure Luke ate something.” Her voice was but a whisper.

  “I am sure food is the last thing on his mind right now, but if he gets hungry, he knows where it is,” Lola assured.

  As the hours slipped away, Maddie had glanced him a few times through the night as he’d come to their door to check on her even though the aunts wouldn’t let him inside. Her senses weren’t so dulled that she didn’t realize her tall, fearless husband had been white-faced and trembling. She’d never really considered how waiting for news of a birth took such a toll on a husband. Well, she’d seen it with other husbands but hadn’t really paid attention. Witnessing it on her own gave her the visual confirmation.

  Lola stepped over and patted her hand, smoothed a moist cloth over her head and forehead. Love shone in her eyes.

  Oh, that felt so good. Maddie’s whole body was drenched in sweat from her efforts. She reached up to smooth a tear from her cheek, but her arm was too weak and dropped back to the bed. Aunt Lola saw her action and brushed it away for her.

  Maddie leaned her head back against the pillow. She’d seen other women giving birth. Were her eyes as dark as theirs had been with pain? She didn’t want people looking at her and worrying.

  “She is getting mighty weak, Doc,” Lola said. “Her contractions are coming quick like, but nothing is happening.”

  Kat agreed. “She can hardly keep her head up when she tries to talk. Just like now.”

  Doc came over and felt her pulse. He scrunched up his face.

  “It is weak,” Lola confirmed, their heads bent toward each other as they conversed.

  “The poor dear’s chest is barely rising and falling anymore,” Mary added.

  He nodded. “Her strength is fading.”

  Yes, it was. She’d known she was nearly at the end of her strength for some time now. She’d miss everyone, but God was getting ready to take her home. Thanks to her wonderful family, she’d released the grudge she’d held against God and told Him she was sorry for her stubbornness. Although she’d never forget the horrors of what she’d seen during the war, He wasn’t to blame for it. Man was. How senseless she’d been to cut herself off from Him for such a long time.

  She knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that He cherished her. Was prepared to welcome her into His loving arms. Mama was in Heaven. Maddie looked forward to seeing her again. Right now it seemed as though she could feel the whisper of God’s presence to the center of her being. It comforted her.

  Somehow, though, she had to hold on long enough to deliver the baby. She had to give that last gift to Luke. He’d given her so much since she’d come here. A home. Security. Understanding—well most of the time. But most of all love.

  I love you, Luke. I hope in your heart you will know that forever. She’d like to tell him that personally, with one last hug and kiss, but she didn’t have the strength anymore.

  First stirrings of the birds in the trees greeted the dawn. The sun was just peeking over the horizon and still no baby as Luke stared out his front door, tears blurring his vision. Memories of her smile, her laugh, the time they had spent together had buffeted him all night. He was about to go out of his mind, his throat squeezing tight with grief.

  With fear.

  Outside the open door a bird sang a joyful song, welcoming the morning.

  Matthew had ridden out to be with him as soon as he got word. “I left Bob in charge since I didn’t know how long it would take.” He looked out the parlor window to
the rising sun. “Good thing I did. He has been a blessing for me when I need someone to fill in. Said that is usually just about enough ‘sheriffin’ for him and he is happy to head back to his farm.”

  From inside the bedroom, Maddie cried out. Only each time she yelled now, the sound was lighter. Surely she couldn’t take much more.

  Luke headed to the bedroom door and pushed it ajar—as he’d done so many times during the night. “Doc?” Desperation tinged his voice.

  The elderly man shook his head and approached. “Nothing. I simply don’t know what is wrong. The baby is not breach. But it is just not coming. I have to be honest, son. It is not looking good. If we lived in one of the big cities and I had access to one of the hospitals, I would actually consider performing what they call a cesarean at this point.”

  “What is that?”

  “Where I would cut her abdomen and take the baby out that way. It might be the only way to save them both at this point. But out here”—he motioned around him—“with no surgical implements, no sterile conditions, and no medicine to knock her out, I cannot even consider it.”

  Luke shuddered, then stood there in shock. “You are telling me she could die?” Raw anguish clawed ruthless talons across his heart.

  “There is always a chance of that in childbirth, son. Then again, tomorrow is not a foregone conclusion for anyone.”

  Luke shook his head. “No. I forbid it.”

  Doc’s sigh was heavy with despair. “It is not up to you, Luke. It is up to God. She is stable for now. All we can do is wait.”

  “Wait!” Luke shouted, his frustration finally exploding. The room seemed to shrink as misgivings pressed in around him, suffocating him. “All we have done is wait. A full day!”

  “I cannot help—”

  “No! I forbid it! Do you hear me?” Luke repeated and rushed past Doc to the bed. He crouched down beside it and pushed stray strands of hair off Maddie’s wet forehead.

  “Luke, you cannot stay in here,” Aunt Lola said.

  “Where is that written? Is it a law?” His voice rose as he strung together an impressive series of curse words. “Then have Matthew arrest me.” He motioned toward the door with his thumb and released a snort of exasperation. “He is out in the front parlor. If not, I am stayin’ right here and doin’ whatever I have to in order to help her. I am not lettin’ my wife die. Do. You. Hear. Me?” he grated out, pronouncing each word distinctly.

  Aunt Lola looked aghast. “Luke, there is no need for oaths,” she admonished. “You know how much Maddie hates swearing.

  Luke didn’t care. All that mattered now was Maddie getting better.

  Cradling her hand in his as if it were a priceless treasure, he gently stroked it. Stared at her as if he could forever imprint the memory of her on his heart. Pain left her face ashen. “Come on, darlin’. You can do this. I am right here now and I am not goin’ anywhere until you have our baby.” He shot a glare at everyone in the room. “Despite what anyone says.”

  When she’d first come out here he hadn’t thought she had it in her. She’d proved his every conception wrong. She’d been scared, determined, and stubborn. The last two attributes she’d needed to get through the adjustment of living in the West. And she’d turned his entire life upside down. Made him love her with every ounce of his being.

  At her next contraction she gripped his hand. Much weaker than it had been the day before.

  “Doc, you got to do somethin’. Please! I cannot lose her. I can’t!” He whispered the next words. “I love her too much.” He rubbed weary fingers over his eyes.

  Doc continually checked her progress, concern shadowing his face. About an hour later he let out an unexpected and unprofessional whoop. “Push, Maddie. On the next contraction, give it all you are worth. I see the baby’s head!”

  She opened her eyes with an effort and watched Luke. “Love you.” The words came out barely above a whisper, then she pushed to expel her baby and passed out.

  A strangled cry of pain and torment rent from Luke’s throat. He sat on the bed and gathered Maddie into his arms and rocked her, willing her to live. The pale cast of death hovered about her brow. “Please, no. Do not leave me!” He grieved for the time that might have been. All the years they’d never have.

  Doc patted his shoulder. “She is not gone, Luke. She lapsed into a coma. There is still hope. A very slim thread right now, but still hope.” He motioned for Luke to lay her down. “Let her rest now.”

  “No! I need to hold her.” Heart stricken, his eyes brimmed with tears as he cradled his nearly lifeless wife. He could do nothing but count minutes, each one an eternity.

  After cleaning up the beautiful little boy, Aunt Lola handed him to Luke. She caught him in a fierce hug. “Here. Hold your precious son instead.”

  His heart pounded in his chest as he lay Maddie down, then held this perfect miniature of himself and Maddie. God’s most perfect creation—a baby. Within a single heartbeat he realized how much he loved this child and would do everything—anything—in his power to protect him the rest of his life.

  Fear constricted his chest. How could he ever raise this child without Maddie? He couldn’t. Plain and simple, he knew he couldn’t. She’d entwined herself in his life too indelibly.

  His mind’s eye remembered her when they’d first met. She had been a lovely young girl then, but had been spoiled, conceited—not to mention headstrong and independent, which she often still was—thinking only of herself. In far too short a time, the woman that lay motionless before him had matured into the most loving, giving woman he knew.

  How could God take her from him when she’d transformed just like a beautiful flitting butterfly into the exact woman he needed. Her love was constant and unfailing, even though for so long he’d been too blind to see it. Heartache seized him.

  Doc hadn’t left Maddie’s side as he continued to deliver the afterbirth. Unfortunately, he couldn’t stanch the flow of blood. He’d kept his voice level and calm throughout the ordeal, no doubt to help everyone deal with the situation, but suddenly his voice rose. Urgency filled it. “There are complications! She is hemorrhaging. Quick. Grab clean towels. She is alive, but barely.” He reacted with lightning speed. To the aunts he shouted, “Get me all the clean rags you can. I have to pack her. Now!”

  The tension in the air as he worked was thick enough to be cut with an old-fashioned sword.

  As doc worked, he implored, “Come on now. Fight, young lady. Fight for all you are worth. We need you.”

  Over the long, sleepless hours of the night, no one left the room except for brief intervals. Matthew remained out in the parlor, taking over the job of pacing when Luke wasn’t out there doing it.

  If he were a drinking man, he’d pour himself a shot—or two or three—to calm his nerves. Then again, since Luke and Maddie kept no alcohol in the house, he was out of luck. No doubt there was plenty out in the bunkhouse, though.

  No, that wasn’t the answer. He’d made that mistake once before and wasn’t about to repeat it. He wasn’t fool enough to waste a God-given second chance.

  Now he maintained his solo vigil by the window. Behind him, a low fire glowed in the hearth. He shook his head over the unfairness of the situation—of the pain being caused his brother by the possible loss of the woman he loved—immediately regretting the action. He had a splitting headache. Massaging his fingers over his pulsing temple, he yawned.

  He’d sent Joe into town to check on Bob and see if there were any problems he had to return for.

  Jerked from his contemplations, he listened when Joe returned and told him, “Bob said to stay right where you are. Everything is under control.” He cut a surreptitious glance toward the bedroom. “How’s the missus doing?”

  “Not good, Joe. Not good.” He tried maintaining the calm he didn’t feel.

  “And the boss?”

  “Even worse.”

  The man nodded and turned to leave, the tic in his cheek barely perceptible. “Affear
ed o’ that. I’ll let the men know. We all’s been mighty worried.”

  Matt pinched the bridge of his nose, forcing himself to keep control of his emotions. As a Union officer, he was trained to keep his feelings regulated. As a sheriff, he had to maintain calm to keep all those around him safe. Most of all, his brother needed him to be strong.

  But a wellspring of emotions swirled through him. All he wanted to do was shout at the unfairness of the world. Once again tragedy threatened to rock his solid foundation. Memories he’d buried. Remembrances his family knew nothing about.

  The scars that couldn’t be seen haunted him the most.

  “Doc, what are we gonna do? Why won’t she wake up? She is staying unresponsive.” Luke still struggled with the hard truth that he could lose Maddie.

  “She i’s unconscious, son. Not just sleeping. It is called a coma. It was a hard birth. A really hard birth. She was too weak before the baby even came, and then with her losin’ so much blood afterwards, it was more than her body could take.”

  “Will she wake up?”

  Doc scratched his head, anxiety written into his pained expression. “I cannot give you an answer. I honestly don’t know. She’s tough, though. I believe she is lyin’ there fightin’ for all she’s worth.

  “You are all prayin’ people and it is up to God if He takes her home or leaves her with us to bless our lives a bit longer. If you have not already been doing so, I suggest you have some long conversations with the Almighty. I assure you I have been.”

  Frustrated and close to tears, Luke choked out, “So have I, Doc. So have I.” Everyone nodded agreement.

  Luke laid all his pride aside as he sat beside Maddie holding her hand, rubbing his thumb over the soft skin on the back of it.

  “Maddie, please. Please come back to me! I cain’t do this without you. I need you.” Then he whispered, “I love you.” He didn’t care who heard his declaration.

  With his eyes closed, he uttered a fervent prayer. Begged God not to take Maddie from him.