by Terri Reid
She was surprised to find Andy’s mom, Katie Brennan, standing on the porch. In the past few months, Katie and Mary had become good friends. Katie was wrapped in a camel-colored coat with a soft pink and lavender wool scarf layered around her neck. Her curly blonde hair poked out in wisps from the matching knitted cap and her usually sparkling blue eyes were filled with concern. She hadn’t been outside for very long, because her cheeks hadn’t reddened enough to cover the smattering of freckles across her cheeks. Mary knew she was the mother of six, but at this moment she could have been mistaken for a college coed.
“Mary, I have a huge favor to ask you,” she said, concern audible in her voice.
“Is everything okay?” Mary asked. “Is Andy...”
Katie smiled warmly. “No, everything’s fine with the children, thanks for worrying. But the favor has to do with Andy and Maggie.”
“Well, please, come in and tell me what you need,” Mary insisted.
“I hate to be a bother,” Katie replied.
“No, bother,” Mary said, guiding her into the house. “Can I get you some tea?”
Katie stopped when she saw the two men standing in the living room. “Oh, Ian and Bradley, I’m so sorry, I didn’t mean to interrupt,” she exclaimed.
“Katie you’re looking as pretty as a summer’s day,” Ian said. “Come in, we can make ourselves scarce if need be.”
“No, please don’t,” she said. “I’m asking Mary a favor, but I’m afraid it’s probably going to affect the two of you.”
“What do you need?” Bradley asked.
Katie took a deep breath. “We just got a call that Clifford’s mother, Andy’s grandmother, took a fall at the nursing home she’s been living in,” she explained. “They believe she’s broken her hip and they are taking her in to surgery tomorrow. She’s fairly frail and we’re concerned...”
Her voice cracked and she took a deep breath. “Well, we just don’t want her to be alone right now.”
“Of course not,” Mary said. “How can I help?”
“I’ve found a place for the older boys to stay,” she said. “But I need somewhere for Andy and Maggie to stay for at least a few days, and perhaps up to a week. I know they adore you and since the bus picks them up right in front of your house, I wondered...”
Mary smiled brightly. “Really?” she said, delighted. “You’d let me watch them for you?”
A shaky laugh burbled from Katie. “You obviously have no idea what you are getting yourself into,” she said. “But if they are with you, I know I wouldn’t have to worry about them at all.”
“Would it be better if Ian and I limited our time at Mary’s?” Bradley asked. “I don’t want them to feel uncomfortable.”
Katie laughed and shook her head. “You’ve become one of his heroes,” she replied. “If there were a Police Chief Alden action figure, I believe you would have even replaced Wolverine.”
“Big tall beast-like creature,” Mike whispered to those who could see him. “Yeah, I can see the resemblance.”
“And I do believe my Maggie has a crush on Ian,” she said.
He chuckled. “Aye, she’s a rare bonnie lassie,” he said. “She’ll be breaking hearts when she’s older.”
“Needless to say, I’d love to have them stay here,” Mary said. “And I promise to take good care of them.”
Katie shook her head. “I’m not worried about that. I’m worried about how much you’re going to spoil them while I’m away.”
Laughing, Mary shrugged her shoulders. “Well, you might have a little to worry on that count. But I’ll try not to spoil them too much. When do you want to bring them over?”
Hesitating for a moment, Katie said, “Well, if it isn’t too much of an imposition, I could bring them over now. We have to leave for the airport in the next couple of hours.”
“Now would be great,” Mary said. “Is there anything they shouldn’t eat? Anyone I should call if they get sick?”
“They’ll eat you out of house and home,” Katie said. “And don’t let them talk you into a diet of sweets and snacks.”
“Ach, no, they’ll have porridge for breakfast to get a good start of the day,” Ian said. “I’m sure the wee kiddies would enjoy that. And would you like us to prepare a lunch for them to bring to school? I could whip up some meat pies...”
“They usually bring a lunch from home, but they can eat lunch at school if you’d rather not,” Katie said. “And I’ll bring over a list of emergency numbers and a letter giving you medical power of attorney in case there’s an emergency and you can’t get in touch with us.”
“I’m sure everything will be fine,” Bradley said. “Mary is not only great with the kids; she was also trained as an emergency responder through the Chicago Police Department. She’s probably better trained than most EMTs.”
Katie released a slow breath. “I didn’t know that,” she said. “And, I have to say, it eases my mind even more.”
“I’ll get the other guest room ready,” Mary said. “It has a full sized bed and a trundle bed too. Will that work?”
“Oh, yes, that will be perfect,” she said. “I know that Andy is going to be fine, but Maggie is a little nervous when she’s away from home. Being close to her brother will help quite a bit. Thank you, Mary. I can’t tell you how much this means to me.”
“No need to thank me,” Mary said. “I was just looking for something to keep me occupied for a little while. This is a heaven sent blessing.”
Katie walked to the door and let herself out. “Well, hopefully by the end of the week, you’ll still think they were sent from heaven rather than somewhere else.”
Chapter Nine
Twelve year-old Andy Brennan and his eight year-old sister, Maggie, were almost as thrilled as Mary when they arrived at her home less than fifteen minutes later.
“Guess what Mary?” Andy said, his eyes sparkling with pleasure. “I get to stay at your house for...”
He glanced over to his mother for confirmation.
“A few days,” Katie said.
He nodded. “A few days... or maybe a week... or maybe even a year.”
“I know,” Mary said. “I’m pretty excited about it.”
“Is he staying here too?” Maggie asked, pointing shyly at Ian.
Squatting down next to her, Ian winked at her. “Aye, I’m staying here too,” he said. “Is that fine with you, or would you be throwing me out in the street this cold winter night?”
She giggled and pressed herself against her mother’s leg. “He’s the one,” she whispered to her mother.
Katie’s eyes grew round with understanding and then she nodded and grinned. “Well, of course, that makes perfect sense,” she said. “Did you want to tell him or shall we keep it a secret?”
Maggie peeked out from behind the shelter of her mother and smiled at Ian. “I’m going to marry you when I grow up.”
Pressing a hand to his heart, Ian smiled softly at her. “Well, now, that’s the nicest thing someone’s said to me in a long time. I suppose I should visit with your father, just to ask his permission before we get married.”
Maggie nodded. “Yes, that’s the way polite gentlemens do it.”
“Aye, that’s exactly right,” Ian replied. “I suppose we should wait until you’re at least twelve or so. What do you think?”
Sighing, Maggie shook her head. “My daddy says I can’t date until I’m twenty-four. That’s pretty far away.”
Ian grinned. “Well, I don’t blame your da in the least,” he agreed. “If you were my daughter, I’d make you wait until you were thirty.”
Katie placed a light hand on Maggie’s head and gently stroked her hair. “Maggie’s father is a little protective of his only daughter,” Katie said with a smile. “Although with so many big brothers, I don’t think he has much to worry about.”
“My brothers were the main reason I didn’t date much in high school,” Mary said. “The other boys were too afraid of the wrath of th
e O’Reillys.”
Bradley grinned and placed his arm around Mary’s shoulders. “Another reason I’m grateful she has big brothers.”
Katie looked up and laughed. “Ah, I see how it is,” she said. “How long have you two been dating?”
Mary thought for a moment and then shook her head slightly. “Well, actually, Bradley and I have never gone on an actual date.”
Looking down at her, Bradley shook his head. “That can’t be right,” he said. “What about...”
He thought for a moment and finally sighed. “Well, da..., I mean, darn, you’re right. We’ve never had an actual date.”
“Gentlemens take girls on dates,” Maggie said.
Bradley grinned down at Maggie. “You are absolutely right, young lady,” he replied. “It seems that I have quite a few gentlemen tasks to take care of.”
Maggie giggled. “You’re funny.”
“Aye, he is at that,” Ian agreed with a grin. “You wonder what Mary sees in him.”
“He’s the police chief,” Andy said, coming to the defense of his hero. “He gets the bad guys and he protects us.”
Katie wrapped her arm around Andy’s shoulders and pulled him to her, placing a kiss on the top of his head. “Yes, he does,” she agreed. “And while your father and I are out of town, I want you to listen to Chief Alden, as well as Mary and Ian. Do you understand?”
Squirming slightly, Andy nodded. “Yeah, mom, I understand,” he said. “Sides, if I was bad he could throw me in jail.”
Chuckling, Bradley winked at him. “I don’t think it will come to that,” he said. “Besides, Andy and I are a team, right?”
Andy grinned. “Right. I’m part of Chief Alden’s team. See mom.”
Hugging both of her children tightly, she nodded. “You both be good, okay?” she said, her voice cracking slightly.
“We will,” they promised together.
She kissed them, stood up and faced Mary. “Thank you,” she said, her eyes glistening with tears. “I can’t tell you...”
Mary stepped up and gave her a hug. “Don’t thank me again,” she said. “I am really going to enjoy having them stay with me. Now, go home, pack and don’t worry about anything.”
Katie stepped back, wiped her eyes and nodded.
“So, who wants to see where you’re going to sleep?” Ian asked, grabbing their suitcases.
“We do!” Maggie and Andy called, picking up their backpacks and starting towards the staircase.
“Don’t forget to say good-bye to your mother,” he reminded.
“Bye mom,” they called over their shoulders as they hurried up the stairs.
With a watery chuckle, she turned to Mary. “Well, I certainly hate these long emotional good-byes.”
Mary laughed. “It just shows they’re secure and happy,” she said. “Call me anytime you’d like.”
Katie nodded. “I will. Thank you.”
Once she left, Mary closed the door and turned to Bradley. “She’s a very nice lady.”
He nodded. “Yeah, and a great mom,” he agreed, and then paused for a moment. “I can’t believe we’ve never gone on a date.”
“I guess we’ve been too busy,” she said, watching him pull out his cell phone. “What are you...”
Her cell phone began to ring and she hurried across the room to answer it. “Mary O’Reilly,” she said.
“Hi Mary, it’s Bradley, Bradley Alden.”
She looked across the room, her phone held to her ear and grinned at him. “Oh, Bradley, I think I remember you. A tall fellow, right? Chief of Police?”
He lifted one eyebrow at her. “Thanks for remembering,” he said wryly. “I was just wondering if you would be willing to go out with me.”
“Like a stake out or something?” she asked.
“No, this would have nothing to do with crime fighting, ghosts or murderers,” he explained, “Just a fancy dinner somewhere quiet and romantic.”
“Quiet and romantic,” she repeated. “That’s sounds nice. I have this little black dress I’ve been dying to wear.”
“Um, could we have a date and not use the word ‘dying’?” he asked, and met her eyes across the room. “But the thought of you in a little black dress is quite...intriguing.”
She giggled. “Let me check my calendar.”
She put the phone down on the table, picked up a magazine, flipped through the pages for a moment and then tossed him a sassy look. Picking her phone back up, she grinned at him. “I’m afraid my schedule is pretty booked,” she teased, “What date where you considering?”
“Next Saturday?” he asked, leaning against the wall and watching her with amusement.
She walked over to the calendar on her kitchen wall. “Next Saturday, February 13th?” she asked, “The day before Valentine’s Day?”
He shrugged. “I figured a girl as pretty as you would already be busy on Valentine’s Day.”
“Oh, good answer,” she replied. “Yes, I think I’ll be free on Saturday.”
“Excellent,” he said, a slow smile spreading over his lips. “I’ll pick you up at 6:30.”
She smiled back at him. “I’ll be waiting.”
He hung up his phone, picked up his coat and walked over to the door. “I’ll call you in the morning.”
She leaned against the wall in the kitchen and nodded. “That would be nice.”
They both heard a crash from upstairs. Mary jumped and Bradley grinned.
“Good luck,” he said, slipping out the door.
“Coward,” she called after him as she dashed towards the stairs and she was sure she heard him laughing on the other side of the door.
Chapter Ten
Lights were slipping past her and she felt like she was flying through the air. This is crazy, if I were flying, I’d be looking down, not up, she reasoned. Even Superman flies looking down.
“Doctor Rachael Lewis, ICU Stat,” a tinny voice cracked over the loud speaker.
Crap, I’m in a hospital, Mary thought, I hate hospitals.
She glanced to her side and saw doorways rushing past her, instead of overhead fluorescent lights. I’m on a gurney, she realized, going down a hallway at top speed. This is not a good thing.
Suddenly she was in pain. Sharp cramps had her tensing in agony. Her breath was coming out in gasps and her whole body hurt.
“Help me, please,” she gasped.
“She’s in transition,” she heard someone say.
Transition, she thought, shaking her head. No, you’re wrong, I can’t have a baby, I haven’t had sex yet.
Another pain hit. She screamed. Oh, it hurt so much. Sweat poured from her face. Her whole body shuddered as she tried to control the pain. Then once again, the pain faded for the time being.
“I can’t... I can’t have a baby,” Mary cried, trying to make them understand.
“Don’t worry, honey,” a comforting voice said. “We’re gonna help you deliver that baby.”
They wheeled her into a surgery room and lifted her up onto a bed. “Tell me, honey, how long have you been having these pains?” the nice voice said.
“I don’t know,” she said. “I didn’t know I was...”
A fresh wave a contractions hit again. Mary bit her lip hard enough for it to bleed in order to prevent herself from yelling.
“Oh, honey, if you want to scream, you just go ahead and scream,” the nice voice said.
“My baby,” she whimpered.
“Oh, I think your baby is gonna be fine,” she said. “She just got a little stuck, that’s all.”
Mary felt more pressure and took a deep breath.
“That’s it honey, take a couple more of those deep breaths.”
Suddenly she needed to push down. “Oh, there you go girl,” the voice said. “You know what to do.”
“Okay, now, that contraction’s over, so you take it easy for a few minutes.”
“Where’s Bradley?” Mary asked, looking around the stark white delivery room. “
I need to see Bradley.”
Suddenly Bradley was next to her. “Mary, what are you doing?”
“I’m having a baby,” she said. “Our baby.”
“But Mary, you can’t have a baby,” he said. “You can never have a baby.”
“No, owwwwwww,” she moaned as the next contraction hit.
She reached out for his hand, but it was too far away. “Bradley,” she cried. “Help me.”
“Honey, you need to concentrate on this baby,” the nice voice said. “It wants to be born right away.”
“Bradley,” she cried.
“Okay honey, bear down and push that baby out.”
Mary pushed down with all her might, felt the whoosh of the baby slip from her body. She heard the sound of her baby’s cry and tried to lift her arms to hold her.
“My baby,” she gasped, looking around to see her child.
A nurse held the swaddled child a few feet away. “I’m sorry Officer O’Reilly, you can’t have any children,” the nurse said.
“But, my baby,” Mary cried, trying to push herself off the table to reach her child.
“I’m sorry, Mary,” Bradley said, walking away with the nurse. “This is my baby, not yours.”
“Bradley,” she screamed, tears running down her face. “I want my baby. Give me my baby.”
“Sorry, Mary,” he said, fading into the bright light of the room. “Just a bad dream...”
“Mary, darling, you have to wake up,” Ian urged. “Come on, Mary. It’s just a bad dream.”
Mary opened her eyes. “Ian, the baby,” she said sitting up in her bed, her eyes searching widely around the room. “I can’t find the baby.”
“I know, darling,” he said, placing his hands on her shoulders. “We need to find the baby.”
She took a deep shuddering breath. “Will you help me?” she asked with a soft cry.
“Of course I will,” he soothed. “I need you to take a deep breath and close your eyes for just a moment first.”
“Then, we’ll find the baby?”
“Yes, darling, I promise,” he said.