by Andrea Hurst
“What’s going on?” Jude whispered to Lily.
“Ian is packing.” Lily spoke softly so her daughter would not hear yet.
Jude’s face registered surprise. “For what?”
Lily ran a hand through her hair, trying to put a positive spin on the new development. “Well, the great news is that Ian won first place in the Artist of the Year holiday event in New York City.”
“And the bad?” Jude asked.
“He has to leave tomorrow to receive the award in person. It’s great press and exposure and an honor, but…” Lily stopped as the emotional impact hit her again that her husband was leaving for a few days, and right before Christmas.
“But what?” Jude asked.
“I’m afraid I’m feeling a bit sorry for myself that he won’t be here with our family during several holiday events and the inn still has guests for a few more days.”
Jude put her hand over Lily’s. “Ryan and I are here if you need anything. And I’m sure Betty and Shirley would be more than happy to help.”
Lily smiled at her wonderful friend. “Thank you.”
The sound of someone tapping the microphone on the stage quieted the noisy room. “Welcome all. I’m Rowena Williams and we have a wonderful holiday show today for the young and young at heart.”
A few laughs trickled around the tables.
“But first, everyone, please help yourselves to the delicious array of homemade baked goods so generously donated. There’s hot coffee and cocoa as well.”
After filling up their plates with cookies, holiday breads, and peppermint brownies, Lily’s group sat down to watch the show.
Shirley’s church choir was on first. Dressed in their red satin choir robes, the group had now added matching sparkly red and green scarves to their ensemble and taken their place on the stage. The piano player hit a few notes to start and the singing began.
Here we come a-caroling,
Among the leaves so green!
Here we come a-wandering,
So fair to be seen!
Lily remembered her grandmother, Maggie, baking in the kitchen and singing the old song when she was a young girl. How she’d loved helping Maggie cook in her warm, cozy kitchen, especially around the holidays.
Someone tapped Lily on the shoulder. She turned to see Ian standing there.
He gave her a big smile. “Thanks for saving me a seat,” he said as he sat between his two favorite girls.
“Daddy!” Gwyn said.
Ian put one arm around Lily and the other around Gwyn.
“Glad you made it,” Lily said.
He kissed her on the cheek and squeezed them both tight into a family hug. The carolers continued on.
Love and joy come to you,
And a merry Christmas too,
And we wish you, we wish you
A happy new year
Lily glanced at all the happy faces around her table and in the crowd. Some people sadly had no family to spend the holidays with, but on Madrona Island, everyone reached out and no one was forgotten.
⌘
After putting a very sleepy Gwyn to bed, Lily and Ian pulled out the gifts that still needed to be wrapped. Shiny wrapping paper and colorful bows covered the table. Some would go under the tree, but most would appear from Santa on Christmas morning. Lily remembered when she was little and no one was in the room, she’d sneak up to the tree, shake some of the presents, and try to figure out what was in them.
“She’s going to adore these little castle blocks,” Lily said.
Ian held up a box with a present he had picked out himself. “I bet the hand-painted teepee you made for her will be a favorite, if I do say so myself.”
He was such a good dad, Lily thought. That was why she was struggling so with him not being here for a few days so close to Christmas. His gifts were hidden throughout the house and she would wrap them after he left.
Lily admired the tea party set with pink roses on it. She imagined little parties with pink cream cheese tea sandwiches and lavender rose tea in the little pot. Having a little girl was very special. Another little boy would be nice, too. Perhaps next year when Gwyn started kindergarten.
Ian cut paper and wrapped it carefully around the box, taping it in place. “I got some good news while you were gone,” he said.
She looked up at him, waiting for him to continue.
“I got the last seat back on December 23rd on the same flight Luke and Kyla’s families are taking. I’ll park the van at the airport and drive everyone safely back here.”
“I’m sure Kyla and Luke will be grateful,” Lily said. All she could think of was how very close to Christmas his return would be, but at least it was only for a couple of days. But with the weather and holiday traffic… She pushed the worry from her mind. Her mother would arrive soon, and it would all work out.
The cute hand-knitted baby slippers for the new baby were next on the wrap list, followed by a new sweater for Grandpa John. They were buying for the kids only, but of course family received gifts as well. She let her mind wander to her to-do list. Tomorrow after Ian left, they would bake cookies for the dogs’ stockings. She had a recipe to make them in the shape of candy canes and freeze them after. The thought of dogs brought back her promise to Gwyn. A puppy.
“Ian,” she said. “Santa promised Gwyn a puppy.”
His boyish smile warmed her heart. “I got it covered. With all that's been happening, I forgot to tell you. One of the volunteers at the shelter showed me a new litter of golden retriever mix puppies they had there. They’re still nursing and getting the shots and everything, but they will be ready for Christmas. She gave me first pick.”
“A boy or a girl?” Lily asked.
“A sweet little girl. Gwyn can name her. I’ll pick her up on Christmas Eve before they close early.”
Lily made a mental note to put puppy pick-up on her calendar. A new little furry addition to the family.
Ian stood and walked over to the doorway leading into the parlor. He reached out his arms to her, and under the mistletoe he embraced her in a warm kiss.
⌘
Kyla looked at the calendar. She was a few days past her due date and so uncomfortable she could barely sleep. The doctor told her everything looked well, and her mom and grandmother were arriving in just two more days. She could hardly wait to see their faces and throw her arms around them, if her belly didn’t get in the way. Maybe they would make it on time for the delivery after all. It had gotten to be a joke between Kyla and Luke how many times she had cleaned up the baby’s room. She had to laugh at herself. But what else was there to do?
She picked up her phone and called her mother’s home in New York.
Grandma Mona answered on the first ring. “Any news?”
“No baby yet,” Kyla said.
“She’ll come when she’s ready.”
Her grandmother seemed so sure it was a girl, but Kyla had no idea or preference either way. Healthy was the most important.
“You still think it's a girl, I see.”
Her grandmother laughed. “We’ll see.”
“You’re probably right. You should see me. I’m as big as a house and can’t sleep at all.”
“Very common, my dear. Are you resting? Drinking your pregnancy tea?”
Kyla sighed. “Yes, every day. I’ve watched every Christmas movie ever made.”
“Good. We’ll be there very soon and can’t wait to meet the little one too.”
Kyla’s mother chimed in on the other phone line. “How’s my girl?”
“Hi, Mom. We’re all fine. And some good news. Ian’s going to be in New York and flying home on the same flight as you both. He has his van at the Seattle airport and will drive you right to the inn.”
“That is wonderful,” her grandmother said. “It will make everything so much easier and faster.”
Her mother continued. “Let’s hope this big cold front the weatherman is predicting passes us by before we head out t
o the airport.”
A shadow crossed over Kyla’s vision and a quick picture of icy snow blowing sideways flashed in her mind.
“All will be well,” her grandmother said firmly.
Kyla pulled herself together. Her grandmother was a wise woman, and her words rang true. “I can’t wait to see you both.”
“We’re all packed,” her mother said. “And wait until you see the beautiful baby keepsake book I found you.”
“Thanks, Mom. We don’t have one of those yet.” Kyla imagined the baby almost getting lost in its room full of toys, gifts, stuffed animals, colorful mobiles, and décor. “At this rate, you might get here right when she’s born.”
“Do you think it's a girl?” her mother asked.
Kyla thought a moment. It has just slipped out of her mouth. “Grandma thinks so.”
Her mom giggled. “We’ll know soon enough.”
Kyla said her goodbyes, leaned back onto the couch, and closed her eyes. Her mind wandered to Luke down in the tasting room. The closer to Christmas it got, the busier they were. Luke had hired a new young man to process mail orders, especially for the lavender chocolate cabernet truffles that seemed to become popular worldwide. Kyla wished she could help more. She didn’t have to worry about Tea & Comfort, her own shop in town, because Becca was doing such a great job running it in Kyla’s absence. Becca had become indispensable, especially now that the truffles were a sellout success. Everything was running fine without her. Relax, relax, she told herself as she drifted into a light afternoon sleep.
She awoke abruptly to severe cramping in her lower abdomen. Kyla took a few deep breaths and waited for it to pass. She reached for her cell phone and timed the next probable contraction. It lasted thirty seconds. Long enough to scare her. It could be a Braxton Hicks contraction, but two in a row close together was enough to take action. She tapped Luke’s number. He answered immediately.
“Contractions,” she said. “Come now.”
Next she pressed Lily’s number and filled her in. The prearranged plan was that Lily would reach Jude and they would meet her at the hospital. Kyla hated to pull Jude from the busy café. At least Lily had closed the inn starting today, and both friends had babysitter backups on alert. Her abdomen tightened and so did her heart. With a high-risk pregnancy, every minute counted.
Luke rushed into the room, his eyes wide. “Are you…?”
Kyla stood, her hospital bag in her hand. “Yes!”
He fumbled for his keys. “I’ll get the car and let the hospital know we’re coming.”
“Luke,” she called after him. “Drive carefully.” The pain was subsiding since she had stood up, but she wasn’t taking any chances.
A minute later he helped her out to the car and tried to get the seatbelt around her.
Kyla rolled her eyes but tried to stay calm. Luke was nervous enough for both of them.
Luke drove swiftly up the highway to the hospital. The minute they pulled in, Kyla’s contractions stopped. She wanted to tell Luke to take her home, but better safe than sorry. Then another one hit and she was glad they had come.
Once inside, she was rushed in for an exam and they asked Luke to stay in the waiting room until they assessed her progress. Kyla waved and blew a kiss to Luke as they wheeled her into the maternity sweet.
⌘
Lily picked up Jude in record time and made it to the hospital, parked, and found the waiting room for maternity within a few minutes. His face pale and drawn, Luke was pacing the floor. Lily gave him a big hug. “How is she doing?”
“I don’t know yet,” he said. “She was in a lot of pain and then it stopped.”
“Could be false labor,” Jude said, “but she is overdue.”
Luke nodded. “Don’t know,” was all he said. Then he continued to pace.
Jude and Lily took a seat next to an older woman knitting what looked like a baby blanket.
“First time dad?” she asked, nodding at Luke.
“He is,” Lily said.
“You can always spot them,” the woman said. She pointed to a young man, sitting leisurely in a chair, reading a magazine. “That’s my son-in-law. This is his fourth baby.”
“Congratulations,” Jude said. “What a beautiful blanket you’re making for the baby.”
“I’ve made too many to count now,” said the woman. “But I’m not complaining.”
The woman went back to knitting. Jude motioned for Luke to come join them. He dropped into a chair beside them.
“How long do you think it will take until we hear something?” he asked.
Jude patted his hand. “I’m sure they’ll bring you right in after they determine if she’s in labor and stable.”
Luke placed his face in his hands. “Maybe having a baby was too risky in her condition.” He looked up. “She told me everything about Lupus and pregnancy, but her doctor felt she was strong enough.”
“And she is,” Lily said. “Inside and out. This is a great hospital. I had Gwyn here. They’ll take good care of her.”
Lily took a deep, calming breath. They’d all been worried about Kyla, but there was no sense focusing on that now. Doctors were being summoned over the intercom and nurses came and went.
“Have you two decided on a name?” Lily asked, trying to redirect his thoughts from the worry at hand.
“We’ve narrowed it down a bit,” Luke said.
“When I was pregnant with Christopher,” Jude said, “we didn’t pick a name until we saw his sweet face for the first time.”
Luke listened but his eyes frequently strayed to the door where they’d taken Kyla.
“If it’s a boy…”
Before he could finish his sentence, the doors flew open and their doctor walked in. Lily tried to read the expression on his face.
Luke leapt up. “Is she all right?”
“Absolutely,” the doctor said. His warm smile was very reassuring. “As soon as we brought her back, all of the contractions stopped. Not so very uncommon. It’s what we call false labor. No progression toward birth at this time.”
“Can we see her?” Luke asked.
“In a minute,” the doctor said. “She’s getting dressed and will be right out. You can all go home and enjoy your evening.”
Jude stood. “Any special instructions?” she asked.
“Just for her to rest and relax. Sometimes first babies are late. The best news is her blood pressure is stable and her vitals look good.”
Lily noticed Luke’s shoulders visibly relax. “And we’ll be here if she needs anything,” she added.
“Sorry for all the fuss over nothing,” Kyla said as she was brought out in a wheelchair.
“No problem,” Lily and Jude echoed.
Luke frowned at the wheelchair. “Can you walk?”
“Of course,” she said. “Hospital policy.”
He reached down and gently hugged his wife. “Let’s get you home.”
Jude stepped in beside them. “How about we join you for a little while?”
Lily chimed in. “The kids are with babysitters. Jude and I can pick up some light supper, bring it by, and visit a little.”
“I would love that,” Kyla said. “I’m afraid the couch and the TV have been my best friends for too long.”
They thanked the doctor again.
“Don't worry,” he said. “That baby will come soon, and I’ll be right here waiting, day or night.”
⌘
Back at Kyla’s house, Jude and Lily set out cream of potato soup, spinach salad, and still-warm-from-the-oven honey wheat bread they’d picked up from Island Thyme Café. Jude appreciated Ryan having everything packed and ready when they got there. She’d called to let him know everything was fine and the first thing he had asked was what he could do. She loved the man more every day.
“Smells good,” Kyla said. “And after that little adventure, I’m pretty hungry.”
Everyone gathered around the table, including Bailey, who sat patiently at Kyla
’s feet and thumped his tail in anticipation.
“So, Luke was just about to tell us the baby names you’re considering. How about it?” Lily asked.
Kyla smiled over to Luke.
“Well,” he said hesitantly, “if it's a boy, we’re considering Matthew or Sean. And if it's a girl, Briana or Hope.”
“I love the name Hope,” Lily said.
“Me too,” Jude chimed in.
“Does that mean you both think I’m having a girl?” Kyla asked.
Lily smiled. “Fifty-fifty chance.”
They all laughed. Jude could feel relief spread across the table as they talked about baby sleeping schedules, feedings, and cute antics.
After dinner, Kyla offered to give her friends a tour of the baby’s room. The three friends walked upstairs and admired the room.
“I had a mobile just like this for Gwyn,” Lily said. “If it is a girl and you need anything, let me know.”
“Or a baby boy with me,” Jude chimed in. “I won’t be having any more babies at my age.”
Kyla pointed over to a bookcase. “Luke built this. He sanded and painted wooden wine crates and then added a few decals.”
Jude ran her hand along the surface of the wood. “He did a fine job. And you have quite the collection of children’s books lining the shelves.”
“I loved reading when I was little.” Kyla waved her hand across the room. “I couldn’t resist all the cute little things. Look at the faux bear rug. How could I pass that up?”
In the corner of the room was a plush rocker with blankets folded across the back. Jude noted how perfect it would be for nursing the new little one. Baskets of stuffed animals and shelves full of little animal planters and toys assured the baby would not lack for anything.
“Look at this closet with all the little clothes hanging color-coordinated,” Lily said. “And these tiny baby booties.”
Kyla shrugged. “I had to keep busy doing something. And this will be the first grandchild on both sides of the family. Packages arrive on a daily basis. Onesies, socks, hats, full outfits, and they’re bringing more when they come for Christmas.”