Silent Night

by Colleen Coble

  Mrs. Hastings sagged and Bree caught her. “Thank God, thank God,” the woman gasped. Tears pooled in her eyes. “I can’t believe she’s alive. Alive! I can’t begin to thank you.”

  Bree reached over and grabbed Lauri’s arm. “This is who found your daughter, Mrs. Hastings. She worked tirelessly to find out what had happened.”

  The woman grabbed Lauri and hugged her tightly. “Thank you.” Her voice was a choked whisper. “You brought my little girl home.”

  Over Mrs. Hastings’s shoulder, Kade saw Lauri’s eyes fill with tears. They’d all been changed by the experience, and Lauri most of all.

  Eight

  Light slanted through the window, glinting off the ice on Lake Superior. Bree rubbed her eyes, then sat up from where she’d fallen asleep on the sofa. What was wrong with her? Ever since they’d found Frannie two weeks ago, she’d been so tired. Cassie would be here tomorrow, and Bree had a million things to do.

  A horn honked outside, and she glanced at her watch. Her doctor’s appointment! Naomi was the one honking. Bree grabbed her coat and ran toward the door where she slipped her feet into her boots. “You can’t go,” she told Samson, who stared back at her reproachfully, his head on his cast. “Oh, all right. Come on. But you’ll have to stay in the car.”

  The dog limped around her feet, then trotted outside ahead of her. He was already used to dealing with the cast. She slogged through the snow to Naomi’s minivan, let Samson into the back, then practically fell into the seat beside Naomi. “Sorry. I fell asleep.” She buckled her seat belt.

  Naomi studied Bree’s face and frowned. “You look awful. If I didn’t know better, I’d think Kade gave you two black eyes.” Naomi slid the gear into Drive and drove onto the pavement. “I’m glad you’re going to the doctor today. I’m worried about you.”

  Bree leaned her head against the seat rest and smiled. “You and Kade are just alike. Worrywarts.”

  Naomi shrugged. “Guilty as charged. Have you heard from Lauri?”

  Bree couldn’t stop the smile from curving her lips. “She called last night. Her last class is tomorrow, and she offered to pick Cassie up from the airport on her way down.”

  “Full house for Christmas. It will be fun.” Naomi stopped in front of the doctor’s office. “I think I’ll take Samson to the park until you get back. Will you be okay or would you rather I went with you?”

  Samson’s ears perked at the word park. He pressed his nose against Bree’s neck and woofed. “Yeah.” She managed a small smile. “I think Samson’s all for it. Thanks, Naomi. For always being there for me.”

  She squeezed her friend’s hand, then got out and jogged into the building. The doctor had set up office in one of the old Victorian storefronts right downtown. It had been completely renovated and smelled of new carpet. She’d barely sat down when the nurse called her back.

  The nurse appeared to be about fifty with dark eyes and high cheekbones that betrayed her Ojibwa heritage. Her smile was warm. “Dr. Wilson thought we’d save time if we drew some blood and got a urine sample.”

  She directed Bree to the lab in the back of the building. Fifteen minutes later Bree made her way back to the front and was escorted to a waiting room. Though the doctor was the new GP in town, Bree had seen him several times and liked him well enough. He seemed quite competent. She perched on the paper-clad table in her paper dress and waited. The table wasn’t comfortable, but at least she could rest a little. Her lids were as heavy as the fog over the lake. She could almost curl up here and take a nap.

  The door opened, and Dr. Wilson stepped inside. In his midthirties, he always dressed in jeans and a flannel shirt with hiking boots. Not the typical doctor type. “Well, Bree, you look like something Samson dragged in from the yard.” He smiled at his own joke. “When you called, you said you wondered if you might have mono. Those tests are clear. It’s not mono.” His smile widened. “It’s something very different.”

  “Depression?” That was second on her list of suspects.

  His eyes sparkled, and he put his hand on her shoulder. “Nope. According to your urine test, you’re pregnant.”

  “What?” She leaped to her feet, then reached around to clutch the paper wrap to keep it from blowing up. “Wha—What did you say?”

  “Pregnant, as in, you’re going to have a baby.”

  “That’s impossible.” Her pulse throbbed against her ribs. Did she dare hope?

  His brows raised, and his pale-blue eyes sparkled. “Hmm, well, I could explain the birds and the bees to you but I don’t think that’s quite what you meant.” His grin widened. “I thought you’d be happy about this, Bree.”

  Her spirit welled up within her, even as her eyes burned. “You’re sure? I—I don’t want to get my hopes up. Or Kade’s.”

  “I’m sure. In fact, let me have them run an HCG level on some of that blood. That will tell us a lot. Hang on a minute.” He exited the room.

  Bree gulped in air. She stood and paced. “Don’t get your hopes up,” she muttered to herself.

  The door opened and the doctor stepped back inside. “I’ll have those tests in a few minutes. In the meantime, let’s do an exam.”

  Bree shut her eyes while he examined her. Please, please, God.

  “Hmm,” Dr. Wilson said. “I don’t think we have to wait on those tests. You’re definitely pregnant. I’d say about three months along. When was your last period?”

  Her eyes flew open, and she stared into his smiling face. “September, but it was very light. No doubts?”

  “Nope.” He grabbed her hand and helped her sit up. “That explains your fatigue. Any morning sickness?”

  “A little queasiness, but I . . . thought it was stress.” She couldn’t hold the smile back any longer. Or the tears. “I can’t wait to tell Kade.” The sobs building in her throat choked her. “Thank you so much, Doctor. When will we know if everything is going to be okay? If I’ll keep this baby? I lost the last one so early, though. Surely being this far along is much better. I can’t believe I didn’t recognize the symptoms, but now that I know, it makes perfect sense.”

  “I think I’ll put you on a bit of progesterone. It will help ensure things stay good. But if you’ve made it this far, I don’t think you’ll need it. It won’t hurt, though.” He looked up when another nurse, this one a young blonde, poked her head in and held out a paper. He took the test results and scanned them. “Your HCG levels are good and high. I’d say we can be quite optimistic.”

  She put her hands to her cheeks. “I can’t believe it.”

  “I’d advise you to see your obstetrician in Houghton since you lost the last baby. Just send me a birth announcement.” He winked, then left the room.

  Bree put her palms on her hot cheeks. A baby! She leaped from the table and twirled around the room.

  “I’m going to have a baby!” she yelled to no one in particular.

  Kade frowned when he realized the lights were off in the house. Bree must still be at the doctor’s, but her appointment had been hours ago. He wished she’d let him go along. She was more likely not to tell the doctor how bad she’d been feeling.

  Samson met him at the door. Kade sniffed the aromas in the air as he stomped the snow from his feet, then rubbed Samson’s head. “Smells like herring. Your mom hates herring.” He kicked off his boots and followed the delicious scent.

  His first impression of the house had been wrong. It wasn’t dark. Candles flickered on the table and the fireplace mantel. “Bree?”

  Wearing a dark-green dress and heels, she appeared in the doorway from the kitchen. Her red hair was in soft curls around her heart-shaped face, and her smile lit up the room with no need of the candles. The silver tray in her hand held what looked like a treat he hadn’t had in ages.

  He could barely tear his gaze away from his wife, but she held up the tray, obviously expecting a
comment. “Is that nakkikääröt?” The sausage rolls were one of his favorites. “And I could swear I smell herring.”

  “Right on both counts.” She came toward him and extended the tray. “They’re still hot.”

  He picked one up. “Oh, ouch, you weren’t kidding.” He blew on it, then took a bite. The flavors hit his tongue and he nearly groaned. “Where’s Dave?”

  “At Naomi’s.” She was still smiling.

  He gobbled the last of the food. “What did the doctor say? Has he given you some magic medicine to cure you?”

  She put the tray on the table. “This is a condition we’ll have to live with for a while.”

  He stilled. “Is it serious?” Fear grabbed him by the throat and wouldn’t let go.

  Her smile was playful. “It depends on what you mean by serious. It’s going to disrupt our lives. Neither of us will likely get any sleep for months.”

  He studied her face. “Spill it, Green Eyes. What’s wrong with you? It can’t be too bad with that smile on your face.”

  She took his hand and guided it to her belly. “What do you want more than anything, Kade?”

  He searched her clear green eyes, those eyes he loved so much. “You, Bree. Always you.”

  “Other than that. What would make our life complete?” Her gaze grew sober, and she pressed his hand harder against the soft mound of her belly.

  He could have sworn his heart stopped in his chest, that he forgot to draw in air as her meaning sank in. “You don’t mean . . . ,” he whispered.

  She nodded. “A baby, Kade. We’re going to have a baby.”

  He whooped and lifted her in his arms. Samson barked and chased them as he whirled her around the room. Both of them laughing, laughing until the tears ran.

  Nine

  All was ready for the evening festivities as Bree glanced around the room. The evergreen tree touched the high ceilings in the lighthouse living room, and hundreds of twinkling white lights lifted her mood to the sky. The strong scent of pine mingled with that of the pumpkin-spice candles flickering on the fireplace mantel.

  The clock on the mantel sounded seven, and she looked out the window where the lamplight glimmered on the snow. No sign of them yet.

  Kade finished connecting the iPod, and Christmas music began to spill from the speakers. “You’re antsy.” His grin told her he was too.

  Davy was on the floor with his head on Samson’s flank. Four-year-old Zoe had her head on Samson’s other side. Anu, Bree’s first husband’s mother, was helping Hilary put the finishing touches on dinner. They’d insisted on cooking tonight. Mason had been called out on a car accident, but he was due to arrive shortly as well.

  “Lauri texted me that Cassie had arrived,” Davy said.

  “When was that?” Bree asked.

  “About an hour ago, I think.” He came to a seated position. “Can we open a present tonight? Just one? It’s only a day early.”

  A smile curved her lips. “Maybe.”

  He leaped to his feet and threw his arms around her waist. “Thanks, Mom!”

  She debated giving him the present before the girls got in, then Samson lifted his head and jumped up. He padded toward the door.

  “They’re here,” Kade said.

  Her pulse jumped in her throat when she saw Cassie’s familiar tangle of shoulder-length curls. Bree flung open the door and stepped into the cold wind when Cassie reached the porch.

  Cassie returned Bree’s exuberant embrace. “I’ve missed you!”

  A lump lodged in Bree’s throat, and she stepped back and stared at her sister. “You are blooming. Washington must agree with you. Come in. Samson will be disappointed you didn’t bring his buddy Bubbles.”

  Cassie followed her inside. “I thought about it, but it’s a long flight, and he was happy staying with my roommate.” She sniffed the air, then smiled. “Anu’s pulla?”

  Bree linked arms with her sister. “Piles of it. All yeasty and warm right from the oven. And her pancakes for breakfast. She’s promised to come over early.”

  “Is she here now?”

  “She’s in the kitchen with Hilary and the gang.” Over her sister’s shoulder, Bree saw Lauri’s smile dim. “Zoe is in the living room.”

  Lauri straightened but her smile was more of a grimace. Bree knew Lauri would bolt if she could. Seeing the child she’d given up for adoption was always painful.

  “Look who’s here,” Bree announced when they reached the living room.

  Davy leaped to his feet and rushed to Cassie. His green eyes were flashing with excitement “Aunt Cassie, did you bring me a new airplane for Christmas?”

  Bree put her hand on her son’s head. “David Robert, you know better than to ask for gifts.”

  Cassie had started the boy’s obsession with small airplanes two years ago at Christmas, and Bree suspected one of the boxes Kade was carrying in from the trunk held another of his favorites. She had to admit she was eager to see what else Cassie had brought. She thought of the most unusual gifts.

  Davy ducked his head. “Sorry.”

  Cassie smiled and hugged him. “You’ll know tomorrow.”

  Hilary appeared in the doorway. She wore her blond hair looser and softer now, in waves around her face. Her feet were bare, and her tender smile lingered on her daughter.

  Her smiles came easily now, and one popped into place when she saw Cassie. It faltered only a little when she spied Lauri. “I thought you two had arrived. Mother is dying to see you both. We’ve got fresh coffee on. If you ask nicely, Mother might let you have some pulla before dinner.”

  Lauri’s gaze lingered on Zoe.

  When Zoe saw she had Lauri’s attention, she twirled. “See my dress?” Red velvet swirled around her white tights.

  “Very pretty, Zoe,” Lauri said.

  The little girl preened, then plopped beside Samson and threw her arms around his neck. He licked her cheek and she giggled.

  Lauri followed Hilary to the kitchen. Bree went too with her arm locked in Cassie’s. The news was nearly ready to burst out of her. She didn’t know how she would be able to keep it in until they had dessert around the fireplace.

  Bree waited as Kade poked at the fire in the hearth until it was blazing. She glanced at her watch. Eight thirty. The adults had squeezed onto the sofa and every available chair while the children lounged on the floor with Zorro and Samson. Elvis crooned “On a Snowy Christmas Night” in the background.

  Bree’s heart swelled at the words of the song. “Give thanks for all you’ve been blessed with.” Her family was all here, the entire hodgepodge mix of Rob’s family and Kade’s, as well as her sister. They all made one whole. The group wouldn’t be complete without one another. She wouldn’t have changed a thing about her life in this one moment or these precious loved ones who brightened her life and accepted her for who she was.

  Through a mist of tears, her gaze found Kade’s. He looked a little teary-eyed himself, and she knew the words had impacted him as well.

  Hilary rose. “I think we can let the children have one special package each. Lauri, do you want to give your present? Your Uncle Mason and I have one for you, Dave.” She signaled to her husband who disappeared into the office, then reappeared with a huge grin and a red bicycle.

  Davy whooped and ran to hug his aunt and uncle. “Cool! It’s a ten-speed.”

  While he examined his new bike, Lauri rose and pulled a box from under the tree. Pink princess paper swathed it. She sat on the floor beside Zoe and handed it to the toddler.

  Zoe’s eyes were big. “A present!” She tore into the wrapping paper until the Cabbage Patch doll’s face appeared. When she struggled with the package, Lauri helped her.

  “Mama Lauri really wanted you to have it early,” Hilary said in a matter-of-fact voice. “You grew in her tummy until you were big enough to go
home with us to your special room. Thank her for your present.”

  The child stared at Lauri’s belly, then smiled. “Thank you, Mama Lauri.”

  Bree’s throat tightened at the expression on Lauri’s face, then mouthed, “Thank you” at her sister-in-law. Hilary had been right about this.

  She rose and grabbed the basket of small packages. “Kade and I have a special gift to give each of you. I want you to open them at the same time.”

  Kade stepped forward to help her pass around the small, gaily wrapped gifts. “Hang on, don’t open them until we tell you.” His voice trembled a little.

  Bree could barely stand the suspense. “Here is yours, Anu.” Kade handed out the other gifts.

  Dressed in a creamy gown overlaid with exquisite Finnish lace, Anu wore her fair hair high on her head in a coronet of braids and was always the lady. Anu’s gift was a bib that read I LOVE GRANDMA. Bree couldn’t wait for her to see it.

  Anu held up the bib. “Kulta, is this true?”

  “Our little one is due in July.” Bree went to her knees in front of Anu. Though nearly sixty, Anu’s shining hair held no trace of gray, and her face was as unlined as Bree’s. From the moment Bree had married Rob and became a Nicholls, Anu had claimed her as one of her own, and Bree loved her so much.

  Davy ripped his package open and lifted high a T-shirt that had BIG BROTHER on the back. “I’m getting a baby brother!” He leaped up and threw his arms around his mother, then raced to hug Kade.

  “It might be a baby sister,” Kade reminded him. “You already have Samson. He’s your baby brother.”

  The dog’s ears perked at the mention of his name. He pressed his head against Davy’s knee.

  “Samson’s my big brother,” Davy said. “He takes care of me. He takes care of everybody.” He touched Samson’s cast.

  Cassie’s and Lauri’s gifts were teddy bears wearing diapers that read BEST AUNT IN THE WORLD. Hilary’s gift was an AUNT coffee mug, and Mason’s was wool hunting socks with a baby on each sole. As each of them ripped into their gifts, the shock and amazement brought more tears to Bree’s eyes.