by E A Chance
Their small farm was in better condition than many of the surrounding ones, thanks to Thomas’ foresight. He’d had solar panels installed five months before the CME hit and had been smart enough to have his generator and inverter hardened. Adrian would have been impressed. That had limited electricity, but they had to be careful to regulate its use. After what Riley, Coop and Dashay had been through, even three-minute showers and hot meals were a luxury.
The farm had a large garden, chickens for eggs and meat, and even a milk cow. Kevin had arranged with a local cattle farmer to breed her, so they were expecting a calf any day. Coop shared his idea with Kevin and Thomas about adding horses, and they were already well into the planning stages. Once Uncle Mitch showed up with his horses and knowhow, they’d be set.
Marjory and Riley took care of the household chores and tended to Thomas, who was improving rapidly after his open-heart surgery. Coop had diagnosed a failed aortic valve that had caused further damage to his heart. They’d taken him to Denver for Coop to perform the surgery It had been nothing short of miraculous that Coop had found the replacement valve and medical equipment he needed for the surgery. Thomas had been home for a week and would be ready to return to work on the farm and treating the occasional patient before winter.
One dark spot in her return was the news that the home she and Zach had shared was destroyed in the CME. She’d insisted on Lily taking her to see it two weeks after she arrived home. Lily warned her it was a shocking sight, but Riley assured her after what she’d witnessed on her trek across the country, nothing could shock her. She’d been wrong. Natural gas explosions had decimated the entire neighborhood. Residents who survived had abandoned their homes and left the area desolate.
When Lily pulled into the driveway in front of what had been Riley’s home, she stared in stunned disbelief. Nothing remained but the charred foundation with weeds growing through the cracks.
She opened her car door, hoping to go search the rubble for anything of her former life that may have survived, but Lily put a hand on her arm to stop her.
“Don’t, Riley. Mom and I already tried. There’s nothing left.” Riley fell back against her seat filled with anger, loss, confusion. “I understand,” Lily said. “We’ve all lost so much, but they were just material possessions. We all still have what matters.”
“No, you don’t understand,” Riley whispered. “That house and everything in it were all I had left of Zach. It’s like he was just erased.”
“How can you say that? You have Julia, Emily, and Jared, the most important possessions Zach gave you.”
Riley squeezed Lily’s hand. “True. I was just hoping to salvage other reminders of our life together.”
“Mom has pictures, souvenirs you brought home for her and Dad from your travels. Zach isn’t erased. Leave this behind. You have Coop now and the baby coming. Focus on your future.”
“When did you become so wise?”
“It was bound to happen eventually,” Lily had said as she backed out of the driveway of Riley’s past to drive her home.
It had taken a few days for Riley to put the disturbing experience behind her, but her life was so full. She had little time to dwell on it.
As she continued to watch the children that afternoon, Emily spun Miles around, producing a round of giggles. Riley smiled to see the change in Emily. Marjory told Riley one day that Emily had gone from bossy and whiny lazybones to a take-charge, right hand young woman. She’d discovered that she loved gardening and tending to the chickens. She was working her way up to helping with the pigs. Lily commented more than once on how Emily stepped up when Thomas became ill.
Riley had misjudged Emily just as she had Julia and couldn’t have been prouder of her daughters. Jared was only seven, but even he had grown in more than just height. Riley hoped that now she was home, he could stop worrying about her and enjoy his childhood. Coop was going out of his way to make that happen.
Riley finished wiping the counters, then went out to join in the play while she could. All her time would be commandeered once the baby came. As she came out on the porch, she spotted movement on the far end of the drive coming up to the house. She gave a second look and realized it was a man riding a horse. She recognized the horse’s color and gait immediately and hurried down the steps as fast as she was able.
Conrad tugged on Biscuit’s reins to stop him, then climbed down from the saddle and gave Riley a hug. Not to be ignored, Biscuit gave a whiny of welcome and bobbed his head. Riley pressed her cheek against his and rubbed his neck. Emily picked Miles up and she and Jared ran to see what was happening.
Riley herded the children in front of Conrad, and said, “This is Mr. Elliot, and the horse is my good friend, Biscuit. He was one of Uncle Mitch’s horses. I never expected to see either of you again, especially after so long. How did you manage this?”
“Wasn’t easy,” Conrad said, “but I’m a man of my word.”
Emily stared wide-eyed at Biscuit. “You have a horse? We get to keep him?”
“You do,” Conrad said, “and he’s not just any horse. He’s a hero.”
“Hard to believe,” Riley said, “but I can’t wait to hear that story.”
Jared walked to Biscuit and patted his side. “Can I ride him?”
“Biscuit has come a long way and needs to rest now,” Conrad said, “but I’m sure your mom will let you ride him later.”
“First thing tomorrow,” Riley said. “I’m sure you need a rest, too, Conrad. Are you staying?”
“Just overnight if I may. Ian and Bailey are coming for me in the morning.”
“I know someone else who will be happy to see you. Dashay should be home from the hospital with Coop soon.”
“And I’m looking forward to seeing them, but first, Biscuit needs water and shade.”
Jared took hold of the reins, and said, “We have a pond by some trees. Can I take him, Mom?”
“Of course,” Riley said, surprised to see Jared so comfortable around Biscuit. “Emily, go with him.”
The children walked off with Biscuit, and Riley led Conrad to the house.
“You have a nice setup here,” he said. “I noticed the solar panels and can hear the generator.”
“We’re fortunate. Most of the families on surrounding farms weren’t as prepared, but they’re adjusting to nineteenth century life. We share what we can.”
Riley led him to the kitchen and motioned for him to sit at the table. She poured him a glass of water, then sat across from him.
He gulped the water down, then said, “Was this your home before the CME?”
She shook her head. “My parents bought this farm after my father retired from his medical practice. He says it was the smartest thing he ever did. We’re living here with them, my sister’s family, and of course, Dashay.” She was quiet for a moment. Gathering her courage to ask her question. “How’s Buck? Did he make it?”
Conrad’s face creased into a smile. “He’s too stubborn to die. He’s completely recovered, but he’s given up his border missions. He and Missy are supporting our efforts from this side of the fence, now. In fact, I heard they’re taking Adrian to Texas to find his family.”
Riley left out her breath. “Best news I’ve had in a while. Coop and Dashay will be thrilled to hear that. Can I ask why the president wanted to see Adrian when we arrived in Denver?”
“He’s given him a position as Chief National Scientific Advisor. Adrian’s in heaven, as I’m sure you can imagine. He’s planning to bring his family back to Denver once he finds them.”
“That’s wonderful. I hope he does. I saved the toughest question for last. Any progress on finding my daughter?”
Conrad lowered his head, which told Riley all she needed to know. “We’re not giving up. We have people searching for them and infiltrating internment camps all over the Midwest. It’s just a matter of time.”
“I have complete faith in you, especially after you got Biscuit back to me.”
“Great to see you,” Coop said. “And Biscuit’s back. You just made Riley’s year and our horse ranch is now off to a promising start.”
Dashay came in and shoved Coop out of her way. She grabbed Conrad and planted a kiss on him. “You’re a welcome sight. Please, tell me you’re staying.”
“How could I refuse after a welcome like that?”
Conrad joined the family at the firepit after Lily put miles to bed. Riley consented to let Emily and Jared stay up late since it was a special occasion. She thought she was the last one down from the house and was surprised that Coop was missing when she got there.
“Has anyone seen my husband?” she asked, before bothering to sit.
“He went to say goodnight to Biscuit,” Dashay said.
“Wonderful idea,” Riley said, and walked off to join Coop. She found him in the empty pen near the barn. She gave Biscuit a slice of apple and scratched behind his ears. “He needs a proper stable.”
Coop kissed her cheek, and said, “We weren’t planning on it this soon, but Kevin and I are drawing up the plans. He knows some builders that can help. I’ve missed this guy. Nice to have him home.”
Riley reached for Biscuit’s brush when she felt a trickle of water at her feet. “We have a problem, Coop. My water just broke.”
Coop put his hands on her shoulders. “Great! You’re sure?” When she nodded, he said, “Why is that a problem?”
“It’s too soon. My due date isn’t for another three weeks, minimum.”
She doubled over as the first contraction hit.
“Too soon or not, this baby’s coming. Can you get back to the house on your own while I let everyone know?”
She straightened when the pain subsided and started for the house. “Hurry,” she called over her shoulder.
They were racing to the hospital in Thomas’ old farm truck with Dashay fifteen minutes later. Riley had to remind Coop repeatedly between gasps to slow down. “I want to make it there in one piece. We have plenty of time.”
“We don’t know that. Your C-section isn’t scheduled for three weeks. “I’ll need to send someone for Dr. Whitney and hope she’d had time to find what she needs for the surgery.”
“I’m not the only woman having a baby around here,” Riley said. “They’ll be ready. I’m just grateful we’re not doing this in some field in the middle of nowhere.”
When Coop pulled into the circle drive in front of the ER, Riley was concerned to see that the only parts of the hospital with lights were the ER and ICU. Coop got out and grabbed a wheelchair for her, then pushed her to the reception desk.
“Why’s the power out, Mindy?” Coop asked the receptionist before she had a chance to greet them.
“Two of the generators went down just after sunset, Dr. Cooper. The mechanics are on it.”
Riley grabbed her belly and groaned. “What about the OB wing?”
“Also down, Dr. Poole, but we’ve got an OR setup next to the ICU.”
Coop rubbed his forehead and sighed. “Is Dr. Whitney on duty?” Mindy shook her head. “Is anyone in OB?”
She stared at him for a moment, looking too scared to answer. “Dr. Whitney was on a twenty-hour shift and just left. Dr. Morton, our only other OB/GYN hasn’t shown yet. Like I said, power’s out over there, but we don’t have any OB, anyway.”
“Let’s go at it this way. Which other surgeons are here?”
“Dr. Cameron.”
“Who’s Dr. Cameron?” Riley asked.
“No one you want delivering this baby,” Dashay said. “Looks like it’s us, Coop.”
Riley felt another contraction coming on. She squeezed Dashay’s hand and breathed through it. When it passed, she said, “I don’t care who delivers this child, just get me an epidural.”
“Go to the temp OR, Dashay, and tell whoever you can find to get ready for an emergency C-section. I’ll find a room to prep Riley. Mindy, please tell me there are nurses on duty who can assist us.”
“Yes, Dr. Cooper. I’ll send them to you.”
Mindy got up and pushed her way through the ER doors while Coop wheeled Riley to an empty room near the ICU and Dashay ran to the OR. When they reached Riley’s room, Coop helped her undress and get into a gown. He got her situated on the bed and began going through storage drawers to find supplies he needed.
As Riley watched him rushing around the room, she said, “Have you ever performed a C-section, Coop?”
“Once, on an OB rotation, but I’ve assisted in a few, too. It’s a simple surgery.”
Riley was grateful for his confidence and the fact that he was one of the most skilled surgeons in the world. Three nurses rushed in and began poking her with needles and hooking her up to machines.
“Go scrub, Dr. Cooper,” one nurse said. “We’ll take care of your wife and baby.”
Coop stayed where he was, studying every move the nurses made.
She held her hand out to Coop. “Come here.” He stepped next to the bed and took her hand. “They know their jobs. Trust them and get ready to deliver your son. I’ll see you in a few minutes.” He kissed the back of her hand, but as he turned to leave, Riley felt a searing pain in her head and the room started spinning. “Something’s wrong, Coop. I don’t feel right. Take my pressure.”
The last thing she remembered before the room went dark was the look of fear in his eyes.
“Wake up,” Riley heard Coop say from what sounded like the far side of a tunnel. “You can’t hold your son until you wake up.”
A son. She’d been right. She had another son. She concentrated all her effort and forced her eyes to open. Coop stood above her with the goofiest grin she’d ever seen.
“Where’s my Xav?” she croaked.
He dropped into the chair beside her bed and wrapped her hand in his. “Dashay’s getting him ready to meet his mother, but we need to talk first.”
Riley tried to sit up, then remembered the C-section. “Is it the baby? Is he healthy?”
Coop’s voice caught before he could answer, and Riley grew more concerned. “He’s perfect. He’s tiny, but healthy and perfect. He has fiery red hair like his mommy.”
Riley relaxed and let out her breath. “What is it, then?”
“It’s about you. You had sudden onset eclampsia. Your pressure went through the roof.” His voice trembled when he said, “We almost lost you, babe. Most terrifying moments of my life. Now I understand why doctors should not operate on family members.”
That explains the blinding headache, she thought. “What’s my condition and prognosis?”
Coop ran his hand through his hair. “I had to perform a complete hysterectomy. I’m sorry, Riley, no more babies.”
Riley gave a quiet chuckle. “I have news for you. There never were going to be more babies. What else?”
“That was the worst of it, so I’m glad you took it so well. You’ll need time to recover. We’ve got your pressure down, so that’s good. You’ll be weak but back to normal in two months. Promise you’ll rest.”
“That’s not a problem. More time to spend with Xav.”
Dashay tapped on the door and came in carrying a little bundle swaddled in a green blanket. “Here’s your tiny little bruiser.” Coop took the baby and helped Riley settle him on her chest. “I’ll let you three to get acquainted,” she said and left them alone.
Riley peeled the blanket aside and peered into the face of her son. Coop had been right. He was tiny and perfect. She removed his knitted cap and smiled at his curly red hair. “He may be a redhead like me, but he’s an exact replica of his daddy.”
Coop leaned closer and gently brushed his finger on Xav’s cheek. “There’s nothing better than this. We have everything we need in the world.”
“Falling in love with you and having your son are more than I could have dreamed possible a year ago, but we don’t q
uite have everything. She’s out there, Coop. My Warrior Princess is still out there.”
“You know I love Julia like she’s my own daughter. When the time is right, we’ll do whatever it takes to bring her home. You have my promise. For now, we’ll rely on Mitch to keep her safe.”
Riley kissed the back of Coop’s hand, trusting his word. Xav gave a little squeak and opened his bright blue eyes. As hard as it was to be separated from Julia, not even knowing where she was, she had others counting on her more. She held Xav tighter and closed her eyes, ready to face whatever this new life had to bring.
The story continues!
Shattered Sunlight Series Book III
(Coming late spring 2021)
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Acknowledgments
Thank you to Joseph Nassise, my mentor/editor/Sensei and prolific NYT bestselling author, for his invaluable guidance and encouragement, and to my award-winning cover designer, Timothy Barber, for his immense talent and ability to see into my mind and create the covers I envision.
I’m grateful to my supportive and loving mom and sister who give their time, encouragement, and love in a never ending supply. Thank to all of the rest of my family, too, who are always so supportive and patient. Love you!
A special thanks to my husband for going with very little sleep for an entire weekend to help me meet my deadline! You’re the best and I couldn’t have done it without you!