We open our eyes, and I notice a yellow flicker outside the window. Jenna looks to me, and I gesture for her to be still while I sneak forward. Just as I reach the door and turn the knob, I feel resistance on the other side.
I hold the knob with all my cookie infused energy. “Someone’s trying to come in.”
A deep voice interrupts. “Jenna, it’s Ben. Let me in.”
I loosen my grip and allow the men to enter. Ben looks right past me and races to the couch, where he pulls Jenna into an embrace. Wayne steps inside wearing a windbreaker and holding an industrial flashlight in hand.
Ben stands. “Thank God you two are okay.”
Jenna’s crying so hard she can’t speak, so he sits next to her and holds her hand.
Wayne turns off the flashlight. “We had to take two of Will’s ATV’s because they can drive through anything. Ben was smart and packed the chainsaw. We had to cut our way here.”
“Thanks for the rescue. Didn’t they need you at work?”
He nods. “I’m not on the schedule, but I called and offered to look for lost hikers and campers. I didn’t know you two were here until I was at the store making sure Ben and everyone inside was okay. First sign of light I’m going in the chopper to look for people.”
Jenna maneuvers herself so she can stand. “Let’s get going. I want civilization.”
Wayne looks to Ben, who turns to his wife. “Sweetheart, we can’t leave now. It’s too dark.”
She laughs, but it’s shaky and high-pitched, her eyes wide. “Well, tell the baby.”
Ben pales and I’m pretty sure if Wayne had not reached out to steady me, I’d be on the floor.
“You guys, my water just broke.”
Chapter Thirty-Two
The first thing I do is look at the floor where Jenna stands. “Okay, that’s going to need a scrubbing.”
She puts her hands on her hips. “Not funny.”
Ben starts pacing. “Wayne, we have to get her out of here.”
Wayne puts the flashlight down and saunters over. “Let’s see what’s going on before we panic.”
I look at Wayne. “Too late.”
Jenna takes a deep breath. “What do you need from me?”
His voice stays steady. “Go to the bathroom and check for more fluid. Let me know what color you see. If you have a feminine product you can use, do that, to catch any further liquids.”
Jenna shuffles away, with Ben close behind. She stops and turns to him. “I can do this part alone.”
He nods and re-joins Wayne and me. “Tell me they’re going to be okay.”
Wayne taps Ben’s arm. “They will. My guess is she’s one of the ten percent that has the water break, and then labor. That could start now, or in hours. She hasn’t shown any signs other than the fluid. If that’s the case, it’s the best situation given the circumstances.”
Hearing Wayne transition to work mode raises my heartbeat.
Jenna returns as if it was any other trip to the bathroom. “Clear color.”
Wayne smiles. “That’s what I wanted to hear. Are you feeling any contractions?”
She shakes her head. “Nothing new. I’ve had Braxton Hicks for a few days, but that’s all they are.”
Wayne glances at each of us. “Okay. The plan is stay here until daybreak. I’ll radio the health center if I can reach them, and make sure once we’re out of the woods that Jenna has a ride ready to transport her.”
His plan sounds good to me, and Jenna nods, slipping her hand in Ben’s. He stares at the floor.
“Ben, if I had any concerns, I’d tell you.”
Jenna smiles. “Thanks, Wayne. I’m nervous, but not because we’re stuck in a cabin. It’s more of an, ‘Oh my goodness, we’re going to have a baby!’”
Ben looks up. “I don’t think I’m going to get any sleep tonight.”
Three hours later, Jenna’s still traveling to the bathroom to change products, but insists she feels fine. Ben leans up against the couch, unwilling to leave her side. Wayne and I sit at the kitchen table, a flashlight our ambience.
Wayne stifles a yawn.
“Take the loft. There’s a mattress there. You need the sleep. Each hour that passes means active labor is closer. We need you to be on your ‘A’ game.”
He opens his mouth, but closes it. Then speaks. “You’re handling this crisis well, Trish. You’ve come a long way since that race at Indian Lake.”
I chuckle, trying to keep my voice low in case the parents-to-be are able to fall asleep. “That feels like years ago, not months. I confess, God’s done a big change in my life lately.”
Wayne rests his elbows on the wooden table. “I’d love to hear more.”
His velvety voice sends shivers through me. “I finally have peace. I’m not worried about everything like I used to be. Ed Sterling was supposed to call weeks ago, and I’ve heard nothing. I’m okay with it, knowing it’s all in God’s timing.”
The light hits Wayne’s eyelashes just right. “That’s great. I know direction for your career has been a priority for you.”
I close my eyes, knowing he’s right, and it played a part in our demise. “The real quest has been surrendering my dreams for God’s plans. With that, I’m okay with whatever comes next. Even if I take over the department store.”
Slowly, Wayne’s hand inches across the table. “Can I ask a question?”
I swallow hard. “Sure.”
“Do you miss us?”
He asks in such a low, romantic voice I nearly forget we’re stuck in the woods with Ben and Jenna and her leaking pregnancy water. His calloused hand finds mine and I squeeze.
“I do. I’m sorry I acted so crazy and didn’t listen to you.”
Wayne leaves the chair and is suddenly kneeling next to me, his hand on my hair, his thumb caressing my cheek. “I apologize for not being more sensitive. I realize now how deeply hurt you were returning here, and scared for the future. I didn’t make things easier.”
My throat feels like I ate a package of crackers and washed it down with peanut butter. “It’s okay.”
Wayne leans in, his chest against mine as his lips find mine. The kiss is short, because I remember Jenna and Ben are mere feet away.
He moves back, and stands. “I think the loft is a good idea. Is that okay?”
“Yeah, probably for the best. I’ll find a chair.”
Wayne starts for the stairs. “Wake me if anything changes.”
Sleep is non-existent as I listen to what I assume is Jenna’s snoring and more trees falling around us. When the first birds start to chirp, I stretch and try to stand. Floor creaks echo throughout the downstairs from the loft.
Wayne climbs down the knotty pine steps. “Everyone okay?”
Ben stands, moving his neck back and forth, making cracking noises as he does. “I think she slept.”
Jenna groans and attempts to sit up. “Can we go now?”
Wayne nods. “Yes. How are you feeling?”
Jenna places her hands on her stomach. “I didn’t sleep. I was counting.”
Ben furrows his brow. “What? Why were you doing that?”
She bites her lip and closes her eyes for a moment. “Counting time in-between contractions.”
Chapter Thirty-Three
Three days later, I walk into the Gloversville maternity nursing station and greet Stephanie, the nurse on duty. “Any news yet? Are we even sure there’s a baby in there?”
The thirty-something woman with curly black hair laughs. “No baby yet.”
Ben rounds a corner looking disheveled with a four-day beard growth and bloodshot eyes. “Trish. You’ve been here every day. You’re a good friend.”
I give him a quick hug. “After riding through the forest on those vehicles with Jenna having contractions, I feel like we’re all going to be best friends.”
He chuckles and runs a hand through his hair. “Good point. Doctor took her off Pitocin for good. She’s still at 3cm. They’re getting the surge
ry team ready for a C-section.”
“Wow. How’s Jenna?”
“Tired. Ready to meet our baby. I want a quick cup of coffee before they take her. Are you staying?”
Wayne’s on duty, so I don’t have anything going on. The college girls have the store open. Mom and Dad are back at the office. “Sure. Want anything?”
He nods. “Could you call Pastor and Brooke? They visited yesterday and I promised to call with any updates.”
“Absolutely. I’ll be praying.”
Ben flashes a grin. “Thanks, Trish.”
I take a seat in the waiting room and sign-in with the hospital WI-FI. The microburst is the lead story in all news outlets based in the Adirondacks. The event so rare in the season and path, yet no fatalities. Sara let the Speculator Falls residents know that most of the tree damage was confined to the forest. I haven’t stopped counting my blessings since we left the woods.
Wayne’s woodsy cologne enters the waiting room before he does. He wastes no time walking over and giving me a quick kiss on the mouth. “I thought I’d find you here. I just finished a transport, and need to drive back. I do have news.”
I put my phone on the end table. “About Jenna?”
He shakes his head. “I wish. Work.”
Curiosity spikes. “What’s going on?”
“Brad and Jill were fired. Turns out Jill was my partner because she and Brad were both found negligent of duty. They were sneaking off instead of working. They were written up but given another chance. When the storm hit, Brad was on duty and they called Jill in when I let them know I was stuck in the forest. They were found on a road with tree damage. Instead of calling it in for the road crew or trying to chainsaw through, they used it as a private place to drink and be ‘chummy.’”
Color me sad. Not. “Wow. That’s pretty selfish. That means more work for you, right?” I reach for his hand.
Wayne nods. “Don’t worry, I’ll make sure we have plenty of time together. You won’t even have to faint.” He kisses my hand and stands. “I hate to say it, but I have to go back. I’ll pray for Jenna as I drive. She’s a strong one, that’s for sure.”
I rise and kiss his cheek, but he turns so that our lips touch. “I wish you didn’t have to go.”
“Me too. The good news is neither of us are going anywhere. I should be off Sunday. Noah wants to grill and have you over.”
It’s a beautiful image. Wayne, Noah, and me. “It’s a date.”
He leaves one quick peck on the cheek and walks to the door before turning to me. “Trish, I love you.”
My heart receives his declaration as I choke up. “I love you, too.”
.***
An hour later, Sara, Meg, Kyle, Pastor Reynolds and Brooke join me in the waiting room. Sara lifts her knitting needles out of her bag and goes to work while Meg wears out the carpet with her pacing.
Kyle reaches for a magazine at the end table close to me. “I heard you were caught up in the microburst.”
I search his eyes for any hint of mockery or manipulation. “We were, but thankfully, the only damage was to an ATV. Any worry we had about Jenna having the baby at the cabin is a joke now.”
His laugh is soft. “I guess. She could be in the Guinness Book of Records.”
Before I can respond, Ben rushes in, panting. “Boy! It’s a boy!”
Meg squeals and runs to Kyle, who opens his arms for a warm hug.
Pastor Reynolds raises his hands in a praise gesture. “Wonderful news. Congratulations.”
Brooke stands. “What’s his name? Is Jenna okay?”
Ben nods, takes a tissue from the coffee table and dabs his eyes. “They’re both perfect. I’m a dad. I can’t believe it.”
I put my hands on my hips. “So, what’s his name?”
He laughs. “Sorry, I’m a mess. His name is John Bivins Regan.”
Sara puts her hands to her mouth for a moment. “Ben, what a way to honor your grandfather.”
He walks over to her. “We didn’t even have to think about what to name a son. I hope we raise John as well as my parents, as you and Grandpa raised me.”
She pats his shoulder. “You will.”
Ben jogs to the door. “The doctor said she can have two visitors. Grandma? Meg?”
Sara smiles. “Oh, dear, you and Meg can go in. I’m here all day. I can go whenever.”
He looks to his sister-in-law. “Meg, Kyle? Would you like to see John?”
Meg’s eyes brighten as she holds Kyle’s arm. “We’d love to.”
.***
While the Regan family recovers and gets to know each other, everyone at church talks about Jenna and the baby before service. Shirley acts as Jenna’s publicist and shares with Mabel John’s weight, length, and how his first bath went.
Wayne elbows my side. “You’d think she’s the grandmother.”
“In a way, she kind of is. I never took advantage of the perks of the senior center job. Jenna’s able to have grandparents galore there. With the baby, she’s never going to have a second to herself.”
After worship and announcements, Pastor Reynolds places his Bible on the pulpit. “I promise, I wrote this message before Jenna went into labor. It’s about finishing strong.”
Everyone giggles. Wayne opens up his Bible and gets out a pencil, scribbling on the note section of his bulletin. He nudges me, and I glance at the paper.
We’re going to finish strong. I love you.
Be still my heart.
Later that afternoon, Wayne’s grilling steaks for us. Noah’s girlfriend, Olivia, wearing her charm bracelet, joins us. As we gather around the picnic table with corn on the cob, tossed salad, and baked potatoes, my phone rings.
I stare at the screen, not answering.
Wayne looks over from the grill. “Who is it?”
“Ed Sterling.”
Noah listens to another ring before he swings his arms. “Answer it, Trish! You’ve been waiting for that guy to call for like, ever.”
Right. I need to actually swipe to answer, not just stare. “Hello, Mr. Sterling?”
His tenor voice comes through clearly. “Miss Maxwell, I owe you an apology.”
“You do?”
He clears his throat. “Yes. First, for calling on a Sunday. I never received your phone message from a month ago. I don’t know what happened, but when my secretary heard me mention your name, she asked if I called you back. I had no idea. I wanted to call Monday, but with the latest news, I thought I’d call sooner.”
I look at Wayne and shrug. “It’s okay. I assumed you weren’t interested in my work.”
“Quite the contrary. I have a business acquaintance that you know, Kyle Swarthmore, and he was raving about you during a meeting. He told me you were even setting up store front displays in Lake Schroon. Lake Placid. Saranac Lake. That’s impressive.”
I cough as soon as I hear Kyle’s kind gesture, but recover. Miracles never cease. “Thank you, sir.”
“It sounds like you have a lot more experience, and that was a concern before. We also received news today regarding funds.”
My hands are so wet I almost drop my cell. “Really?”
“We received a grant notice, and it’s one we hoped would come through so we could partner with you. We’re also writing one now for emergency storm relief. Although your area in Speculator Falls wasn’t hard hit in business areas, not everywhere in the Adirondacks can say the same. We hope additional funds can be used to beautify the business districts affected by the storms.”
I turn away from Noah because he’s making dramatic gestures with his arms and face trying to get me to laugh. That kid.
“That’s great, Mr. Sterling. May I ask what this has to do with me?”
“I can’t promise beyond a year, but we have the money in place to give you a small salary and monies for supplies if you’re interested in working through the Greater Adirondack Chamber.”
It takes everything not to jump up and down and scream. “That’s
wonderful! I would love it.”
“Excellent. I won’t tie up anymore of your Sunday, but call me tomorrow morning at the office. Let’s get moving right away.”
Chapter Thirty-Four
The church gym air conditioning doesn’t help much as Wayne and I get our activity tracker steps in while decorating for Dad’s retirement party. The red, white, and blue balloon arch gives a patriotic flair even though it’s July 5th.
Wayne balances his side of the arch. “How many people are coming?”
I wipe my brow with my arm. “I have 122 RSVP’s.”
He pauses. “Wow. I hope Wendy made enough potato salad.”
“That’s the least of my worries. I rented extra chairs and they aren’t here yet. Sara’s baking the cake but it’s so humid, I wonder if the icing will melt.”
Wayne steps back and strides over to me. He holds out a hand and lifts me up and into his embrace. “Trish, it’s going to be an amazing day. Your parents are healthy and now have time to travel, volunteer, do whatever they want. They aren’t going to focus on party basics.” He kisses me several times before we indulge in one longer kiss.
Will opens the doors. “Chairs are here.”
I break off the kiss, but give my man a wink. “Thanks, Will. We’ll be right there to unload.”
After we arrange the chairs, Sara arrives with the cake. Wendy and her sons bring in the catered food. Preparations go so fast I don’t have time to change before guests start to arrive.
Shirley’s the first, and she brings a gift bag. “Trish, you look like Cinderella before Prince Charming.”
I bite my lip. My senior friend will never be at a loss for words.
Wayne glances at the clock. “Go in the ladies room and change. Your parents aren’t here yet. Noah and I can handle greetings.”
I pause, but Shirley tilts her head in the direction of the bathroom. “Okay. Knock on the door if any of the village board members arrive. I have special seating for them.”
Ten minutes later, I walk out with a dusty rose sundress on and my hair fresh with beachy curl spray. I balance my trek in high heels across the gym floor as honeysuckle perfume surrounds me. Just as I find Wayne, Noah cups his hands together.
Engaged: Surrendering the Future (Surrendering Time Book 3) Page 16