Texas Christmas

by Holly Castillo

  Olivia groaned low as they settled her onto the bed. Regardless of how Gabby felt at the moment, they needed each other to help Olivia. Because whether she wanted it or not, her baby was about to enter the world.

  With Olivia as comfortable as possible on the bed, Luke quickly washed his hands and watched Gabby as she dried them. At first she was only looking at his hands, but she must have sensed his intense gaze, for her eyes looked up at him.

  He smiled down at her, loving the beauty of the eyes that stared back up at him. “Are you ready for this?” he asked so softly no one else could hear.

  She smiled back at him. “I don’t think I’m the one who needs to be ready. She still seems to be in denial.”

  He glanced over at Olivia who was telling Cade to make sure everyone made it to midnight mass. “No, it doesn’t seem she’s accepted it yet. But it’s going to be a reality she’s going to have to face quite quickly.”

  Gabby nodded. “I’m glad you are with me.”

  “There isn’t any other place I’d rather be.” God, he wanted to kiss her right then and there. He wanted to beg her to forgive him for being a fool the previous night and not declaring his love for her. And he wanted to ask her to spend the rest of her life at his side, completing him—making him whole.

  Olivia moaned low and her hands grabbed her belly. Gabby turned to Cade and began to gently usher him out of the room. “I need to be with her. I need to help her,” he argued.

  Gabby sighed as she looked up at him. “It may be a while, and we need her to focus. When it is getting time for her to birth, I will call for you. Will that be okay?”

  Cade hesitated, looking over at Olivia. But she waved her hand at him, essentially shooing him out of the room. He shook his head and looked back down at Gabby. “Take care of her for me, please.”

  “We will,” Gabby answered, and gently closed the door behind him.

  She and Luke immediately went into action. Luke began to feel the abdomen while Gabby removed Olivia’s undergarments and examined her. When she peered up from under Olivia’s skirt her eyes met Luke’s and he knew she had discovered the same as he.

  “The babe is still facing the wrong way.”

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  “We have to turn the babe. We have to.”

  Luke looked incredulous. “Do you realize what you are talking about doing?”

  Gabby was doing her best to remain calm for Olivia’s sake. “Yes, I know what I’m talking about. I did it once with my mother and it saved the babe and the babe’s mother. We must try it.”

  “It is going to be horribly painful for her.”

  “The alternatives are even worse,” Gabby said with determination, rolling up the sleeves of her dress.

  Finally, Luke nodded at her, and she went to Olivia’s side, gently pushing her hair off her sweaty forehead. Gabby spoke quietly but firmly. “Olivia, I need you to focus on what I’m going to say.”

  Olivia was breathing heavily as she lifted her eyes up to Gabby’s. “What is it, Gabby? You’re scaring me.”

  “No, no. It is nothing to be afraid of. But the babe is facing the wrong direction. The feet are where the head should be. Now, we are going to try and turn the babe in your stomach. It is going to be painful, so I need you to be strong.”

  “How are you going to turn it?” Olivia asked, her eyes huge in her face.

  “Don’t worry about that part. Just stay strong for me. And resist the urge to push. I know that is what you feel like doing, but you must resist.”

  Gabby kissed her on the forehead, then turned back to Luke, doing her best not to show her own fear and worry. Dear God, help us, please!

  Luke nodded to her and they leaned over Olivia’s body and locked their arms together tightly around her belly. Holding as firmly as possible, they began to twist, moving their arms around her belly.

  Olivia cried out initially, then held her breath as they continued to turn. When they stopped she gasped for breath, tears rolling down her cheeks. She was panting for air, watching both of them with fear in her eyes. “Did it work?”

  Luke and Gabby looked at each other, a half smile on their lips. “The babe started to move,” Gabby answered her. “We’ll have to do it again a few more times, but we are making progress.”

  Olivia nodded, though the tears were still flowing down her cheeks. Together they locked arms again and began to turn and Olivia groaned low and deep, but to Gabby’s joy she felt the babe turning slowly within their arms.

  They had to lock their arms and turn the babe multiple times, and by the end, Olivia was crying loudly. But the babe was almost completely turned.

  Suddenly Olivia gasped and grabbed Gabby’s arm. “I think—I think something is happening.”

  Gabby quickly moved to look under the sheet she was using to give Olivia a feeling of modesty and saw that her water had broken. “It is nothing of concern. It is all part of the process. Don’t you remember this from when you had Doyle?”

  Olivia nodded slowly. “Yes, but that was two years ago. Everything feels new again!”

  Gabby laughed softly and patted her hand, trying to soothe her. “Everything is in the right place for the babe now. I know it hurt. You are so incredibly brave.”

  “I don’t feel very brave—oohhh...” she moaned low and squeezed her eyes tight. “Gabby,” she gasped after a few moments had passed. “Gabby, I feel like I should push.”

  “May I?” Luke asked Gabby, asking her permission to check Olivia. Gabby’s heart swelled. He was treating her as an equal, as someone he respected and trusted. They had come so far in just a few short weeks.

  She nodded to him and he peered beneath the sheet then looked back up at Gabby. “She’s ready.”

  Gabby went to the door to call for Cade, but he was already standing there, waiting. She laughed slightly at his worried expression. “It is all going to be just fine,” she reassured him. “But she needs you now.”

  He hurried into the room and went to Olivia’s side, grabbing her hand into his. She smiled at him. “You worry too much,” she whispered.

  He shook his head and kissed her cheek. “So what are you going to give me? Another boy? Or will it be a girl this time?”

  “You’re going to find out soon enough,” she said through clenched teeth as a contraction gripped her.

  “Okay, Olivia, the next time you feel that pain you need to push,” Luke said, his tone calm but firm.

  Olivia nodded, panting for air. “Try to breathe deeply,” Gabby said encouragingly. “It will make it easier.”

  Olivia tried to breathe deeper, but was interrupted by a low moan. “Okay, now’s the time to push,” Gabby said, standing on the opposite side of the bed from Cade. “You need to bear down and push,” she guided, supporting Olivia’s shoulders and encouraging her to put her whole body into pushing.

  Olivia drew a deep breath and very slowly released it, the entire time pushing down. When she had finished, she was once again gasping for air and covered in sweat. Gabby used one of the clean towels to wipe her forehead and neck.

  “You’re almost there, Olivia,” Luke said, popping his head up from under the sheet. “I can see the head.”

  Olivia smiled amid tears of relief and joy until another contraction grabbed her. Gabby once again supported her shoulders with Cade’s help and Olivia groaned low in her throat as she pushed.

  “That’s it, that’s it...just a little bit more, Olivia, just a little bit more.”

  Olivia pushed with all of her strength, her eyes closed tightly and her face the picture of pain and concentration at the same time. Gasping, she fell back on the bed. “Is it out yet?” she asked, her voice wavering with fatigue.

  “Almost. Gabby, will you come assist me?”

  Gabby knew Luke well enough to know that something wasn’t right. While his tone was calm and relaxed, she could hear the tension hidden in his voice. “Of course,” she said lightly, and quickly moved to join him and instantly saw the pro
blem.

  The babe’s head had made it through, but the cord was wrapped tightly around its neck, and the babe’s entire face was blue. “Okay, Olivia, I need you to push again.”

  “I can’t. I can’t anymore.”

  Gabby stuck her head up above the sheet. “You can, and you will. Where’s the stubborn woman I know and love?”

  Groaning, Olivia bore down again, and one of the babe’s shoulders came out, giving Gabby enough room to remove the cord. She instantly began rubbing the babe’s back vigorously, trying to revive it.

  Olivia moaned and pushed again. “Keep pushing, keep pushing,” Luke encouraged her while he supported the babe as Gabby continued trying to rub life back into the lifeless form. With a loud groan, Olivia pushed hard and the babe came free into their arms.

  Gabby took the baby and put her finger in the infant’s mouth, trying to be sure it was clear and free of anything that would prevent it from breathing. There was nothing there. Luke leaned over and placed his mouth over the infant’s nose and mouth and breathed into it. The babe’s chest and stomach rose, but still there was nothing.

  Gabby was beginning to feel desperate, but she knew she couldn’t give up. Not yet. Not with Olivia’s baby. She flipped the babe over onto its stomach and smacked its bottom hard. There was a pause, and then a faint cough, and then a wail that filled the room.

  Luke and Gabby looked at each other, both with tears in their eyes, and without hesitation kissed each other over the squalling baby. “I love you,” Gabby whispered, knowing there was nothing she could expect in return.

  “And I love you,” Luke said, staring into her eyes earnestly. “With all of my heart and soul.”

  “Is the baby all right?” Olivia asked, her voice trembling with fear and exhaustion.

  “Yes, yes, and she’s beautiful,” Gabby managed to answer, tearing her eyes away from Luke.

  “She? It’s a girl! Angel, you gave me a baby girl!” Cade’s enthusiasm was contagious, and they all laughed with joy.

  Luke was still smiling at Gabby. Her heart skipped a beat just looking at him. “Why don’t you clean up the new little princess and I’ll finish here with Olivia.”

  Gabby couldn’t resist leaning forward and kissing him again, then quickly stood and went to the table where she began to use the towels to wipe the baby clean and finally wrap it in a small, thick blanket. She turned and nearly squealed with surprise, as Cade was hovering right at her shoulder.

  “Everything is good with her? She’s healthy and has all her fingers and toes?”

  Gabby laughed softly and held the infant out to him. “She’s perfect, Cade. You two make some beautiful babies.”

  A happy tear rolled down his face as he turned to Olivia who was anxiously waiting to hold her little girl. Cade placed her in her arms and Olivia was overcome with tears. “I’ve been waiting to hold you,” she cooed to the infant.

  Gabby looked over at Luke and tried to imagine what their children would look like. She could only dream about what it would feel like to have their child placed in her arms after intense labor. She would probably feel similar to the way Olivia felt.

  Luke had finished tending to Olivia and stood, a wide grin on his face as he watched Cade and Olivia coo and whisper to their newest member of the family. Gabby watched Luke’s expression as Olivia looked up at Cade and whispered, “I love you,” and they kissed tenderly. Luke’s eyes turned to hers, and his smile broadened.

  He walked to her and dipped his hands in the basin of water, cleaning them thoroughly, then holding them out for Gabby to dry them. As she did he caught her hands and pulled her against him, lowering his head to hers and kissing her passionately, his lips moving urgently and demanding a response.

  She met it with eagerness, her hands tightening on his and pulling him even closer. She didn’t want the kiss to ever stop. She had never been happier in her life. He loved her. He truly loved her.

  Cade cleared his throat and they broke apart, and Gabby felt a blush heating her cheeks. “If you two love birds don’t mind, I’d like to take our new daughter out to meet the family and would be honored to have you join me.”

  Luke and Gabby smiled at the same time and nodded, and Luke stepped forward to open the door while Cade walked out, holding their precious bundle carefully in his arms. Gabby dashed over to Olivia and kissed her cheek. “You were amazing,” she said softly.

  “As were you. I know this wasn’t a simple birth. I owe so much to you and Luke.”

  Gabby shook her head, tears in her eyes. “You owe us nothing. We’re just grateful you let us be a part of this incredible moment in your life.”

  Olivia smiled. “So it seems you may be staying in San Antonio. I may actually get to see you more often.”

  Gabby hadn’t thought of that. Her heart leapt with joy. She would be moving back to San Antonio if she became Luke’s wife. If. She just needed him to ask the question. She gave Olivia another kiss on the cheek and squeezed her hands, her cheeks hurting from the smile on her face. Then she dashed out the door to join Cade as he introduced the newest family member to the household.

  Dominic had returned. He sat quietly by the hearth as the family crowded around Cade to see his little girl. But when Gabby and Luke entered the room he stood and approached them slowly.

  “May I speak to both of you in private?”

  Luke could feel Gabby’s gaze on him, but he didn’t take his eyes off of Dominic. “Let’s go to the front room,” Luke said, gesturing for Dominic to lead the way.

  The rest of the family was so caught up in the baby that they didn’t notice the three of them disappear into the other room, taking one of the lanterns with them. Luke watched Dominic cautiously. He didn’t know what to expect from the man.

  Once they were in the front room, Dominic turned to face them, his face expressionless. His eyes focused on Gabby first. “I didn’t know you before, but after meeting you—I find you special and unique, and I doubt there is another woman in the world like you. But I don’t love you. I don’t know that I’ll ever love a woman. I care for you, though, and I wish that would be enough for you, but I don’t think it will be.”

  His eyes turned to Luke. “You’ve been good to Gabby. And to me. Do you love her?”

  “Yes,” Luke said tightly, wondering at the game Dominic was playing.

  “Do you love him?” Dominic asked Gabby.

  “With all my heart,” Gabby said softly, looking over at Luke. Subconsciously, he reached out and took her hand into his.

  Dominic closed his eyes briefly. When they opened, there was disappointment on his face, but it soon vanished into the same guarded look he had worn before. “I did give Gabby the option to choose what was best for her. I had hoped for more time, but her heart already belongs to you. I could have years with her and it would never change how she feels. I won’t have a wife who longs for another man.”

  Gabby’s hand tightened in Luke’s hand. Dominic continued, “I’ve already spoken to Abuelo, and he agrees you would make a fitting husband for Gabby. If I must forfeit to someone, I am honored to forfeit to you.”

  Dominic held his hand out to Luke and Luke hesitated a moment before taking it in his and shaking it. “I wish the two of you the best of success,” he said. “I need to get back to my ranch.”

  “Surely you can stay for Christmas,” Gabby said, and Luke could tell she was trying to make him feel better about the decision he was making.

  Dominic shook his head. “I’ve made things awkward enough as it is. The best thing is for me to leave.”

  Luke had noticed that he was already dressed in his long duster and held his hat in his hands. He had already known he was going to walk away from Gabby, but had needed to hear for himself that Gabby couldn’t love him.

  He nodded to both of them and took off through the back door, leaving only a blast of cold air in his wake. Gabby looked at Luke with a half smile on her lips. “I feel sorry for him,” she said softly, “but I can’t h
elp but feel excited for us.”

  He smiled down at her and pulled her into an embrace. “What could you possibly be excited for, Vixen?”

  “Oh, I don’t know. I’m sure I’ll think of a good reason.” She smiled at him and he leaned down, tempted by the soft, pink lips that she had just licked. The kiss began gentle, then intensified as his hands roved over her back, pulling her closer and closer to him.

  “Ahem.” The sound of the male voice caused them to pull apart quickly, and whirl to face Abuelo. “I need to speak with this young man, Gabby. Go in the other room and enjoy Marisol. She is as precious as she is beautiful.”

  “Marisol? That’s the name they chose? Oh, how beautiful!” She looked back at Luke and he squeezed her hand gently, then released her. Hesitantly, she walked away from him, pausing at the door where her grandfather stood and looking at him for several moments, then she moved on into the other room.

  “It’s obvious she loves you very much,” her grandfather said, walking into the room further. He sat down at one of the tables, groaning softly as his knees and back popped and cracked at the movement. “It broke my heart when she moved to Corpus Christi with my son and his wife. She and Serena were the best of friends, and those two little girls lit up my world. Gabby was always the more level-headed of the two. Serena has always been our wild child. Still is.” He chuckled slightly and fished out his pipe. His old hands fumbled with the tobacco and match, but soon he was puffing contentedly on his pipe.

  “My Gabriella, though...she is quite extraordinary. She’s a constant ray of sunshine, always able to find the good in everyone. I thought the two of you were going to be like oil and water when you first met. But you both had to prove me wrong.”

  “Sir, I’ve never meant any disrespect...”

  Abuelo shook his head, waving his finger in the air. “No, no. You have never disrespected me. Or my wife. Or anyone in this family for that matter. Might explain why I like you. Do you remember our hunt the other day?”