by JoAnn Durgin
“Captain,” she whispered, lifting her lips to his. “The things you say. Kiss me again, please.”
“It’s my great honor.”
Loving the gleam in her eyes, Sam lowered his head. As he settled into the kiss, he knew something else. He’d be walking her home very soon. He was only a man, after all, and so very human.
Chapter 32
♥
Saturday Morning, June 16, 1962
The phone rang again for the third time in two minutes, so it must be important. Thoughts of her parents immediately popped into Sarah’s mind. What if her father had suffered a second heart attack while he was away from home? The day before Father’s Day, no less. That thought sent another pang through her entire body.
Lord, let them be safe.
She was the one who always told her mother and sister to think positively, so she needed to follow her own advice.
Dad’s fine. He has to be.
“Do you want me to get the phone?” Sam called from where he was painting the side wall of the kitchen.
“No, I’ll get it. Thanks.” After wiping her hands on a nearby rag as the phone continued to ring, Sarah lifted the olive green receiver from the wall. She made a mental note to order a new phone in a neutral, non-ugly color.
“Jordan residence. This is Sarah.”
“Sarah, this is Danny Marcum.” Sarah could hear him panting between words. “Jewell’s in labor.”
“That’s wonderful! Thank you for letting me know. We’ll be praying—”
“I can’t get hold of Doc Meriweather, and Jewell’s contractions are coming fast and furious now. Doc Hastings won’t be here until next week, so I was hoping you could come and help us.”
Where could Doc be? Fear coursed through Sarah and she hoped he wasn’t off on a bender somewhere. No time to find him now. This being Jewell’s third child, the baby could come quickly. From what she knew, her other two pregnancies had been routine and resulted in easy, natural deliveries. Sarah prayed that’d be the case this third time around.
“How far apart are the contractions?” She chewed her thumbnail.
“Five or six minutes apart, best as I can tell. I don’t want to take the chance of drivin’ her over to the hospital in Springhaven. That’d take time I don’t think she’s got. Jewell’s scared. We both are. I don’t know who else to ask, and we figured since you’re planning to go to nursing school, you might know what to do. Please, Sarah. I’m begging you.”
“Of course, Danny.” She struggled to stay calm and not sound equally desperate. “Don’t worry. Everything will be fine. Jewell’s pregnancy has been smooth with no complications, right?”
“Yeah, and she’s full-term.” She heard the relief in Danny’s voice. “Doc Meriweather said the baby’s in the right position. Least that’s what he said when we saw him last week.”
“All very good signs,” Sarah said. “Okay, Danny. Sit tight, okay? I’m on my way.” She frowned as she hung up the phone. Sit tight? What a ridiculous thing to say. As if they’d be out touring the countryside.
Concern etched Sam’s features. “What’s up?” He put his paint roller in the drip pan and replaced the lid on the can of yellow paint on the floor beside him.
“Jewell Marcum is about to give birth. Doc’s not around and Danny’s asked for my help. Can you drive me over to their house?”
“Sure, but shouldn’t we change our clothes first?”
At first, his words didn’t compute. “What?”
Sam gestured to his paint-splattered shorts and T-shirt. “Fresh paint. Turpentine. Strong fumes.”
“You’re probably right. We should both change.” She eyed him up and down. “Let me grab some of Dad’s things for you.”
He raised a skeptical brow. “No offense, but your dad’s clothes would swim on me. I’ll run home and be back to get you in five minutes. Promise,” he called to her over one shoulder as he rushed through the living room. The screen door banged behind him.
After telling Tess, Charlie and the others working in the living room what was happening and asking them to pray, Sarah flew into the bedroom. She tugged her shirt over her head in one swift motion and kicked off her shoes. Unzipping her jeans, she wiggled out of them and left them with the shirt in a heap on the floor. She ran to the dresser and pulled out a pair of khaki shorts and a clean pink T-shirt. After retying the laces on her tennis shoes, she tucked her house key into her pocket and ran through the house and out the front door. Behind her, Sarah heard Tess call to her that they’d be praying.
Lord, it’s you and me. I need you beside me. Please guide me every step of the way.
♥
True to his word, Sam pulled the truck in front of the house within a few seconds of her darting outside. “Do you know what to do?”
She hopped inside the truck and slammed the door as he drove away from the curb. “Haven’t a clue,” she muttered. “Thanks for the vote of confidence.”
“I didn’t mean it that way. I was only asking a question.”
Sarah frowned. Why was she being snippy with him? “Sorry. I don’t mean to be sarcastic.” She chewed on her thumbnail again. “Where’s Volvo today? Not up for company?”
“Volvo’s in the garage. It was easier to bring the truck since Dad doesn’t need it today.” Sarah felt his gaze on her but avoided looking at him. “You ask me, I think your sarcasm is your defense mechanism.”
“Is that right?” She leaned against the passenger door, crossed her arms and stared at him, unsure whether to laugh or throw something. Unfortunately, she had nothing at her ready disposal to use as a projectile. Joseph Lewis always kept the truck in immaculate condition, which was to his credit.
“If you can get over yourself for a few hours,” she said, “the simple fact of the matter is that Danny called me, and—with God’s help—I’m going to do everything in my power to make sure this baby is delivered healthy.”
With a nod, appearing more serious, Sam gunned the truck around the corner onto Main Street.
“Slow down,” she cautioned. “You don’t want to get a ticket in front of the bank. Being pulled over in front of your place of business? That’d be real smart.”
“Emergency situations sometimes call for it. Tommy would cut me a break.”
She sank farther down into the seat. “So you’re not above bribing the law? Good to know, I have to say.”
“No. More like Tommy’s a good guy. He’d do the same for anyone speeding to the aid of a woman in the throes of labor.” His brow creased. “That’s what it’s called, right? The throes of—”
“Yes, that’s what it’s called.” She suppressed a grin.
“God sure knew what He was doing in terms of women being the child-bearers.”
“I agree,” she said. “Contrary to what some believe, I don’t think it’s a curse. It’s an honor and privilege. For one thing, God certainly knew men couldn’t handle the pain.”
He chuckled. “How many children do you want?”
“I have you, so my quota’s currently full, thank you.”
Sam’s laugh was hearty. “I guess I deserved that one.” He reached for her hand, and she immediately gave it to him. Sarah’s pulse raced, wondering what she’d find when they reached Jewell. Shouldn’t be long now.
Glancing out the front window, Sarah’s eyes widened in horror as she spied a red ball rolling into the street. Usually a running child followed a rolling ball. “Sam,” she said, putting her hand on his arm. From the corner of her eye, she caught a flash of blue on the right and fast approaching the street.
“Sam! Stop!” Sarah waved her hand to the front window as the ball rolled in front of the truck. Her heart pounded so hard she felt the blood rush to her head.
Slamming on the brakes, Sam threw his arm across her, preventing her from flying forward. At the same time, Sarah put her foot on the dashboard and pushed against the force. A second later, slumped back against the seat, she breathed heavily. Dazed, she watche
d as Jeff Arnold’s dad yelled for his son to stay put and darted into the street to retrieve the ball.
“Sorry about that, Captain Lewis! Thanks for stopping,” he called as he ran back to the sidewalk and grabbed hold of his young son’s hand.
“Don’t mention it.” Sam blew out a sigh and turned to her. “Are you okay?”
“I will be.” She was still shaking. “Thanks for protecting me. Again. I might have gone. . .” No need to state the obvious. Especially with Sam, he knew firsthand the potential dangers and consequences. Without Sam’s strength and quick move to protect her, she could have flown through the front windshield.
“You were right to tell me to slow down, and I should have listened.” Crossing his arms on the steering wheel, Sam lowered his head. “Seems God had the same thought.”
She put her hand on his upper arm, giving him a light squeeze. “You had no way of knowing that would happen. Jeff’s okay, and that’s the main thing. Hopefully, he’ll learn a valuable lesson.”
“Let’s hope so.” Someone honked from the vehicle behind them. With a frown, Sam lifted his head and straightened in the seat before continuing down the street at a snail’s pace. The muscles in his jaw flexed when the person behind them honked again. “Did that numbskull not see what could have happened back there? Good thing for him I don’t recognize him.”
Sam didn’t know everyone in town since he’d been gone so many years. Sarah refrained from glancing out the back window. Better that way in case she knew the numbskull. She preferred to think the best of people until they proved otherwise.
Leaning her elbow on the open window ledge, she stared at the passing houses and the residents of Rockbridge working in their yards. The day was warm and beads of perspiration dotted her forehead that had as much to do with nerves as the actual temperature. As Sam drove them toward the outskirts of town where Jewell and Danny lived, Sarah told Sam about Doc Meriweather’s disappearing act. From the tightness of his jaw, Sam must suspect the same thing she did: Doc had gone off on a drinking binge.
Sam fisted his hand on the steering wheel. “The man’s a licensed practitioner of medicine. If he wasn’t already retiring, I’d bring him up on charges.”
Sarah put her hand on his arm again as he turned onto the street where the Marcums lived. “I feel the same way, but our anger at Doc isn’t going to help us right now. We’ve already had one wake-up call today. I think we should pray, okay?”
“You’re right.” Although he still sounded disgruntled, Sam reached for her hand as soon as he pulled to the curb in front of the Marcum house. She held on tight and said a quick prayer.
“Amen. Let’s go.” Not waiting on formality, Sarah threw open the door and slid down from the truck.
“You couldn’t wait five seconds?” Sam called after her.
She rolled her eyes but didn’t have time to deal with the man’s ego. “I appreciate your gentlemanly ways under normal circumstances,” she said over her shoulder, “but time could be of the essence here. You’ll get over it.” Running to the front door, she knocked lightly. She elevated her voice and spoke through the screen door. “Danny! It’s me, Sarah. Sam’s with me.”
“Come on in. We’re in the bedroom!” Danny called to her. “First room on the left.”
Entering the house, following Danny’s direction, Sarah prayed their two small children weren’t in the house. “Where are Nell and Scott?”
“With my mom in Houston,” Jewell rasped as she entered the bedroom. “She came and got the kids last week.” Sweat dotted the expectant mother’s face and she was flushed. Danny sat on the bed beside her, holding his wife’s hand. Jewell gave her a wan smile. “My water broke and the contractions are four minutes apart now.” Her gaze moved to Sam standing in the doorway.
“Sam’s here to help, if that’s okay.”
“Fine.” Rising from the bed, Danny offered his hand to Sam. “Did you learn how to birth babies overseas, Captain Lewis?”
Sam cracked a small smile. “Can’t say that I did. This is a first, but Sarah will take good care of you. She’s in charge.” To Sarah’s surprise, his cheeks flushed. “I’ll, um, step out in the hall. Let me know what you need.”
Jewell’s face contorted and she grunted. “I think I’m gonna need to push soon.”
“Danny, I’ll need a few clean towels,” Sarah said, setting the process in motion. “We’ll also need scissors and some type of cording. You’ll need to sterilize them first.”
The poor guy looked petrified. “How do you reckon I do that?”
“We’ll boil them in hot water for a few minutes.” Sam put one hand on Danny’s shoulder and guided him from the room. “Let’s get a pot of water on the stove and then go find those things.”
“I’ll only be gone a couple of minutes,” Danny said to Jewell before following Sam into the hallway.
“It’s okay, sweetie. Just do what Sarah says.”
“I need to scrub my hands and arms.” Sarah glanced around the bedroom. “Where’s the nearest bathroom?”
“Over there.” Jewell angled her head to the right. “It’s our private bath.”
“Great. Be right back.” Turning on the warm water, quietly singing “Trust and Obey” all the while, Sarah lathered the soap, taking extra care to scrub in between her fingers and beneath the fingernails. Finished, she air dried her hands, wringing them as she walked back into the bedroom.
“I heard you singing in there,” Jewell said. “It was comforting.”
Sarah rearranged the pillows and settled Jewell on them. “Sam would disagree, but thank you.”
“He’s a good man.” Jewell shifted her position on the bed and grimaced. “Another contraction,” she managed between breaths.
Sarah helped her breathe through it and then grabbed a damp, cool washcloth from a bowl on the nightstand, pressing it on the other woman’s brow. “You’re doing great. Take a few more deep breaths.”
“I can tell Sam respects you, and he always speaks so highly of you.”
“We’ve been friends a long time.” Sarah lowered the washcloth into the bowl, swirling it, and then gently wrung out the excess water.
Jewell managed a small smile. “The best marriages start out that way. That’s what happened with me and Danny. He told me in fifth grade he was going to marry me one day. As you can tell, we’re following God’s command to be fruitful and multiply.” She leaned back on the pillows, breathing in deeply and then exhaling. Jewell closed her eyes and then reopened them a few seconds later. “Think you and Sam might get married? If you do, I’ll be there with bells on. Everybody’s rootin’ for you two to get together. You seem made for each other.”
“Sam and I haven’t been seeing each other long,” Sarah said. “Since I’m going to Austin, I’m not sure what’s going to happen. Only the Lord knows at this point, but I trust Him to guide us.” Although it was true, Sarah hoped she didn’t come across as holier-than-thou. Right, like she had all the answers. Needing to do something with her hands, she dipped the washcloth in the bowl of cool water again before pressing it over Jewell’s forehead and cheeks.
“That feels good. Thanks. Everyone can see how you and Sam only have eyes for each other, Sarah. You probably don’t even realize it, but that man’s face lights up the second you walk in a room. I’m sure that’s why he parks himself at the diner whenever he’s not workin’ at the bank.” Jewell stopped to breathe through another contraction.
Danny rushed around the corner and into the room with Sam on his heels. “Okay, I got all the stuff you asked for.”
“Thanks.” Sarah instructed Danny where to put the supplies and then asked him for a clean flat sheet and some more towels.
“I’ll get them, Danny.” Sam darted out of the room and was back in less than a minute. Handing over the towels and the sheet, he started to back out of the room. “Sarah, do you have a minute?”
She glanced at Jewell.
“Go ahead,” Jewell said. “Trust me, y
ou’ll hear me if I have a really strong contraction.”
“I’ll only be a minute,” Sarah promised as she followed Sam.
He turned to face her as soon as they’d moved out of the hallway and into the living room. “I’ll keep trying to call Doc Meriweather.”
“Thanks. That’s a good idea. Until then, let’s hope all those home births I witnessed in your garage will somehow help me in this situation.” Sarah shrugged and hoped the fact she was scared witless didn’t show. “Pretty much the same process, I imagine. Right?” Try as she might, her lower lip trembled.
“We did watch a lot of puppies and kittens being born, didn’t we?” Sam stepped close and covered her hands with his. “Pretty much the same process. Think of it that way and allow nature—and God—to take the natural course. I want to pray for you.”
Tears filled her eyes. “I’d really like that.” Sarah bowed her head as Sam offered his prayer to the Lord, asking for His mercy and grace on Jewell and her unborn child. He prayed for Danny to remain calm and guidance for Sarah as she assisted in the home birth.
“We know you know this child, Lord, and we ask that you bless his or her birth and bring this child safely into the world,” Sam said. “Wherever Doc is, heavenly Father, please keep him sober and bring him here safely, too. We ask these things in the precious name of your Son, Jesus. Amen.”
“Amen,” Sarah said, wiping away a tear.
Pulling her into his arms, Sam whispered, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.” He brushed a soft kiss on her forehead.
“Thank you, Sam.” Sarah squeezed his hands before releasing them.
His eyes met hers, and he tilted her chin. “You can do this, Tomboy.”
Sam’s faith in her meant so much. She only prayed Danny and Jewell’s trust in her wasn’t misplaced. No matter what, the Lord had brought her here. A rush of something—only the Lord knew, but energy, confidence, and a determined spirit—surged through her. As if the Lord whispered in her heart, You can do this, beloved daughter.