Come to the Lake

by Macarthur, Autumn

  When Maddie crashed, as she surely would, it would not be pretty.

  Marching over to the window, Claire snatched up the tree ornament Maddie bent to reach and shook her head reprovingly. “Leave that, Mads. Please go rest. I’ll sort the mess out. We’re almost due to close the store, anyway. When it reopens, Christmas will have been and gone.”

  Maddie pretended to grimace. “I love you dearly, bestie, but no need to fuss over me. I’m fine.” Then contradicting her words, her breath caught, and she rested a hand on her belly. A minute passed before she spoke again. “Oh my, that one was a doozy. But I am fine. Truly.”

  She might claim to be fine, but Claire’s concern for her didn’t let up. Unease tightened her chest and cramped her tummy. Maddie’s contractions were getting more frequent. And stronger. “Do you think you should call your OB again?”

  “Nah.” Her friend laughed. “I know what he’d say. Practice contractions. I had them when I saw him last week. And I had them for weeks and weeks with Jacob. Three times, I got all excited thinking this was it, real labor at last. But when I went to the hospital, they just said no progress and sent me home again. Then I went so far overdue, I had to be induced. And then they made me have the C-section.”

  All Claire could do was nod. Maddie had way more experience with this than she did. Experience with a happier ending than hers. Maybe the hospital would have sent her home, too, if she and Karl had made it there in one piece. “Okay. You know your body best. But I wish you’d rest and let me tidy up. I still can’t help worrying about you.”

  Maddie snorted and pointed to the mess. “You should worry more about how you’ll stop your classroom from looking like this next year when Matthew Mullins starts kindergarten.”

  Righting the big glitter-covered reindeer lying on its side, Claire managed to summon a grin. “Easy. I’ll make sure there are no reindeer in the classroom. And I won’t be distracted by Christmas shopping, like Becky was, or by helping other customers, like I was.”

  She’d been kept running since she arrived right after lunch, fetching turkeys and other preordered food from the walk-in fridge, so she hadn’t been able to stop the kids from destroying Maddie’s display. Matthew’s mom hadn’t even noticed her four-year-old galloping the reindeer up and down the window, kicking up the fake snow as he went, and eighteen-month-old Charlotte busily pulling ornaments off the tree.

  “True. And maybe you’re the teensiest bit better at the gentle art of disciplining kids.”

  Claire shrugged, fighting off yet again the thought of how unfair it was she’d never have children of her own. “It’s easier when they’re other people’s children. And it is part of my job. I’m sure being a mom is just as challenging as teaching.”

  Not that she knew. Not that she would ever know.

  Spending such big chunks of her time with Maddie over the past few days raised memories she didn’t want to revisit, gave her nightmares about things she never wanted to think about again. Things that woke her sweating and trembling. Soon she’d get them pushed down hard and bottled up again.

  It’s just, she knew too well what could go wrong, even at thirty-six weeks when the baby was no longer considered a preemie. So, of course, she fussed over Maddie.

  Which reminded her… “Now, about that rest.” Gently but firmly, she steered her friend to the staircase and pointed upstairs. Go, now.” She used her best classroom discipline voice.

  Maddie just laughed. “Yes, Ms. Robinson.” She perfectly mimicked the singsong tones the kids used. At least she hauled herself up a few steps before turning back. “Though now I’m so pregnant, I kinda wish I hadn’t insisted we moved back into the upstairs living quarters where I grew up.”

  “Go!” Claire pointed upstairs again. “I can manage down here.”

  With a resigned grimace, her friend plodded upstairs.

  Though knowing Maddie, probably not to rest. Chances were, she’d start baking a pie, then remember more presents for Jacob she needed to wrap and find a mobile for the baby’s bedroom she simply had to hang.

  Lord, I really hope You hear my prayer just this once. Keep Maddie and her baby safe. Don’t let anything go wrong. Please?

  She might not have stopped praying yet, but that didn’t mean she’d waste a second waiting for an answer. Getting the mess cleared up so Maddie didn’t do it herself when she came back down gave her a far more practical way to help. The last ornament clipped into place on the tree as heavy steps thudded on the wide porch.

  Ryan? Her misbehaving heart jumped in her chest.

  No, no, no! She did not want that joyful little skip of anticipation at the thought of seeing him when he brought Jacob back. His mom loved minding kids when any parent needed some time out. She’d like nothing better than for Ryan to give her grandchildren of her own to fuss over.

  Claire skated away from that uncomfortable thought, fast.

  Anyway, it wasn’t him. When she glanced up, Leroy Schaefer’s bulky form filled the doorframe. As he ambled into the store, the bell over his head jangling, and she gave him a wave.

  “Hi, Leroy! I’ll go fetch your order now.” After doing this for hours, she knew the routine.

  She breathed a sigh of relief as she dumped the last of the Christmas turkeys into the oversized carrier Leroy held. With four children plus other family there for the holidays, he’d ordered one that won the prize for the largest. Even Leroy oofed when he hefted the bag.

  “Hope Sarah can fit this in the oven!” The big man grinned. “Now, say, what are you and Maddie doing tomorrow? You’re more than welcome to join us, young Jacob, too. Always room for more guests at our table.”

  “Thank you, you’re kind to ask.” Claire managed a smile. Like everyone in Sunset Point, he meant well and his neighborly spirit was real. “Brad called earlier. He’s on his way home, though he won’t arrive till late tonight. I’ll stay with Maddie until he gets here. Tomorrow, they’ll be with Liz and Hiram all day.”

  “Good to hear Brad could get away so they could have Christmas together. That’s an answer to prayer, I’m sure.”

  Somehow, she restrained a doubtful snort. Answers had been in short supply for her. Seemed she was somehow outside the favored circle of believers God heard.

  Thankfully, Leroy didn’t appear to notice she hadn’t mentioned what her plans were. Now was probably not the moment to declare she wanted nothing more than a day alone tomorrow with nothing to do. No fancy dinner to cook and no dishes to wash.

  Picking up the carrier, Leroy headed home. Once the stomp of his boots on the porch faded away, Claire sagged across the counter. How such a small community could keep a store so busy, she didn’t know.

  Everyone had visited today, so maybe she could close the store a little early. She plodded to the doors and peered through the thick glass. Despite the softly falling snow making the frozen lake and its mountain backdrop look like a scene from a corny greeting card, peace and goodwill or joy to the world were nowhere near appearing on her wish list.

  More like getting a good night’s sleep and hitting the erase button on parts of her brain.

  Much as she wanted to turn the open sign over to closed, she’d better not. No knowing who might need some more wrapping paper. Or an extra can of cranberry sauce. Though she had zero Christmas spirit, she’d hate to ruin anyone else’s day by closing too soon.

  A firm tread on the porch alerted her to put on her happy face as if she didn’t have a care in the world.

  This time, it was Ryan, laughing with Jacob as he brushed snow from the boy’s coat before opening the door. From the amount of snow, Jacob hadn’t simply been walking home as it fell, he’d been rolling in it, too. His upturned face glowed. If they were strangers and she didn’t know better, she’d assume they were father and son.

  Regret stabbed through her, painful and sharp-edged with rage.

  Why, God? Why put a man like Ryan in my life when I’m so wrong for him? It’s so unfair. What did I do to deserve what h
appened? Up until then, I did everything right. Went to church, prayed, read my Bible, waited till after marriage for anything more than kissing. I never once doubted. I still do all that. But now, I have plenty of doubts. Maybe, more doubts than faith.

  As usual, God didn’t reply. He hadn’t when she’d complained to Him before. Hadn’t when she’d begged Him for His help. So she didn’t expect Him to now, either. Maybe He wasn’t even there at all, just a made-up story, like babies coming from the cabbage patch. A bolt of lightning striking her down would be better than being ignored.

  Swallowing her anger, pretending everything was fine and dandy, as she’d done so many times since the accident, she straightened and assumed a cheery grin before Ryan pushed the door open.

  Jacob ran into the store, speed and volume turned to high. “Hi, Ms. Robinson. Mommy, I’m hoo–ome. Where are you? I’ve got loads to tell you!”

  “Up here, Peanut.” Maddie’s voice floated down the stairs, a little frayed around the edges.

  “Ryan showed me how to play the bestest game. It’s called Animal Snap. He even gave me the cards to play with. I’ll teach it to you — then you can play too.” He charged up the stairs, talking all the way.

  Ryan quirked an eyebrow and chuckled. “Maddie’s in for a treat.”

  Oddly shy with him these last few days, and careful not to show any sign of how she really felt, Claire fiddled with the candy display to avoid meeting his intent tawny gaze.

  “Yep, she is.” No need to restrain her snort now. “She’ll love you for teaching him that game. The only thing better would be giving the kid a drum set for Christmas.”

  He grinned. “How did you guess what I have for him? I figured it’s a gift that keeps on giving.”

  “Wow, so thoughtful!” He had to be joking. She hoped. Her eye roll should tell him what she thought of that. “She’d hand it straight back to you. Such a wonderful gift should be kept at your place for whenever you or your mom have him visit.”

  “Hmm, on second thoughts…”

  “Right. They’re often wise.” She glanced at the big clock on the wall. Maddie better have rested while she could. If not, she’d lost her chance for sure. Something about her friend’s reply to Jacob escalated the unease tugging at Claire all day.

  “Want me to mind the shop for you?” As if she’d spoken out loud, Ryan offered exactly what she wanted.

  “Please. It’s not quite time to close up yet, but I’d like to go check on Maddie.” Worrying over nothing. This was simply to reassure herself, not because she actually thought anything was wrong.

  If she kept repeating that, maybe she’d believe it.

  “Sure, no problem. I’ll stay as long as you like and help close up, too.” So easygoing. Nothing was ever a problem for Ryan.

  If she really answered honestly, her answer would be, “Stay a lifetime.”

  Best to give the not-quite-honest answer, instead. “Just long enough to make sure she’s okay. Thanks.”

  The less time she spent in his presence, the easier it was to keep her distance. To ensure they never as much as accidentally brushed fingertips. No matter what everyone else in Sunset Point seemed to think, she wasn’t the woman Ryan deserved.

  If only her heart and her hormones didn’t react quite so enthusiastically to him. Another cosmic joke God played on her.

  Before she’d taken two steps, a deep guttural moan echoed from upstairs. A sound she recognized from all the birthing videos she’d watched in Lamaze.

  “Is Maddie okay?” Concern sharpened Ryan’s voice.

  Throat tight with terror, Claire froze for a split second before common sense kicked in. “Lock up now, then come upstairs to look after Jacob. Call the hospital. Tell them Maddie’s baby isn’t waiting, and she’s booked for a C-section next week. She needs an ambulance.”

  Without waiting for his response, she took the stairs two at a time. She could trust he’d do whatever was needed. The question was, could she?

  In the family bathroom, Maddie stood in a puddle of clear fluid, shaking her head, surprise and disbelief clouding her eyes. “I thought I needed to go to the bathroom. But I think my waters broke.”

  “Guess those aren’t just practice contractions. Ryan’s calling for an ambulance.” Claire smiled, pretending a breezy confidence she didn’t feel. Fear shuddered through her.

  So much could go wrong. Prenatal classes and a first-aid certificate weren’t enough preparation to help her friend. Especially a friend who might not be able to deliver naturally. There’d have to be a good reason her OB didn’t want her to try for a VBAC.

  Then Maddie again loosed that primal, instinctive groan as the next contraction hit, breathing fast and hard. “Oh, oh, oh. The baby’s coming. I can feel it.”

  “It’s okay. You’re doing fine.” Soothing reassurance Claire hoped was true, even as her heart pounded louder than her words.

  With only the smallest break, another contraction came. And another. This baby really wasn’t waiting. The ambulance would take an hour to get here. They’d be too late.

  Claire grabbed a clean towel ready to catch the baby who might arrive in the next few contractions.

  Fear gripped her, driving her to pray like she hadn’t prayed since that night five years ago.

  Please, Lord, help me here. I don’t know what to do, and I really can’t manage this one on my own. I couldn’t bear another baby dying. Or another best friend. Don’t let Brad or Maddie have to go through what You let happen to me. Please?

  Chapter 10

  Ryan wasted no time slamming the door sign to closed, clicking the lock, and then dialing 911 on his cellphone. Maybe better to make the call down here, so he didn’t upset Jacob with talk of an ambulance.

  He’d never been around a birth, but he’d seen enough TV shows to guess the frequent grunts and groans coming from upstairs meant Maddie’s baby wasn’t likely to stay put till Brad got back. And maybe, wouldn’t wait for the ambulance to arrive, either.

  Deliberately slowing his breathing, he took a second to pray as he waited for the emergency services to pick up. Far more useful than panicking.

  Lord, protect both mom and baby. And please, guide me in what to do, because I really have no idea!

  Of course, he didn’t know the answers to the questions the dispatcher asked him, apart from Maddie’s name, age, and address. And of course, the woman on the phone also assumed he was the baby’s father.

  “It’s okay. Just relax, Dad. Take your time. It’s unlikely to be an emergency. Most babies take longer to arrive than you think.”

  “I’m not the father. Just a friend of the family. I don’t know exactly when the baby is due, but she’s booked to go into the hospital for a C-section next week. And I don’t know how long she’s been in labor. Not long, I guess. I think maybe it just got started. But it sounds like she’s in strong labor.” His string of words rushed out fast. Somehow, he didn’t think they had as much time as the dispatcher thought.

  “Okay. Her being booked for a C-section does change things. Why not hand the phone over to the mom-to-be and let me talk to her.” Again that calm, artificially soothing voice. It made him want to grab the woman and shake her. Get her to send an ambulance, now.

  “I’ll take the phone to her.” He galloped upstairs and through into the private quarters. Jacob, sat cross-legged outside the closed bathroom door. Resting a comforting hand on the boy’s head, Ryan hesitantly knocked on the door. Making calls and doing practical stuff was one thing, but he really didn’t need to see what was going on in there. Jacob probably shouldn’t, either.

  Anxiety contorting his small face, Jacob jumped to his feet. “Is Mommy okay? I’m scared.”

  Ryan picked the boy up and gave what he hoped was a reassuring smile, though, truth be told, he was scared, too. “She’ll be fine, L’il’un. Looks like your Christmas baby could be arriving sooner than expected.”

  “Could I speak to the patient, please?” The dispatcher rasped from his ce
llphone, a lot less patient and soothing this time.

  He knocked again on the door. “The ambulance dispatcher wants to talk to Maddie.”

  “They’ll have to wait.” Claire’s response rose, clipped and sharp with tension.

  He passed that on to the dispatcher, a little more politely. “She’s in the bathroom. The friend with her says she can’t talk now. I’ll—”

  The mother of all groans from the bathroom stilled his words. As a series of loud sobbing breaths followed, he closed his eyes and prayed, incoherent and wordless.

  Claire’s voice sounded faintly. “Please, God. Please, God.” What she asked Him for, Ryan couldn’t guess.

  Trembling and sniffling, Jacob clung harder. “Mommy?”

  “It’s okay. God’s looking after your mommy. And so is Ms. Robinson.” He hugged the boy, hoping his attempts at reassurance worked better than the dispatcher’s had on him.

  In the silence, the air around them seemed to thicken, shimmering with the sense of something miraculous about to happen. He held his breath. After an endless moment, a newborn baby’s first cries rang out.

  Relief and joy surged through him, leaving him limp against the wall. He blinked back tears.

  Thank You, Lord, thank You!

  Hugging Jacob closer, he grinned at the kid. “That’s your new baby brother or sister.”

  “Wow.” Wide-eyed, Jacob breathed the word.

  Ryan lifted his cellphone. “You hear all that?”

  “I sure did.” The dispatcher chuckled. “Sounds like she won’t be needing that C-section next week. I’ve dispatched a vehicle. Now I need you to pass the phone to whoever is helping the mom, so I can provide guidance on what to do next.”

  He knocked again on the door, even more softly this time, and lowered his voice. “The ambulance is on its way, but the dispatcher wants to talk to you, Claire. Give some advice on what you should do.”