A Truth Revealed (The Heart of Cheyenne #3)

Chapter 25

25

Laura closed the door to her father’s office and refused to set foot inside. She told Will that if any of the law officials needed entry there or elsewhere in the house, they were welcome, but she’d rather he handle their visits. She couldn’t bear to see where her father had died even though Etta had cleaned up the blood. Will promised her that either he or Edward would take care of everything.

It seemed like a bad dream to know that just a few months ago, Father had been her whole world. He had welcomed her home and seemed happy to have her close by. Now Laura realized it had all been lies. He hadn’t loved her. Hadn’t wanted her.

Now she understood why he truly sent her to boarding school and visited so seldom. At least he had loved her mother. Of that, there was no question. Laura tried to find comfort in that, but her pain refused to abate. Why couldn’t he have loved them both? After all, Laura was a part of her mother and the love they shared.

On Sunday, Will showed up to drive Laura to church. Curtis brought the carriage around while Will greeted her at the door.

“I really don’t want to go. Father was just killed yesterday. I’m sure folks are talking about it and will have so many questions.”

“Probably, but I’ll keep them away and protect you. That’s the job I have taken on—the one I want for the rest of my life.” He touched her cheek gently. “And you have friends there who love you. They’ll want to help you carry this burden.”

At church, they learned that Melody and Marybeth had both gone into labor. Faith Cooper delivered this news, as Granny Taylor was helping to attend Melody and Marybeth. The pastor led the congregation in prayers for both women, then gave a sermon on the rich man and Lazarus from the sixteenth chapter of Luke. By the time services ended, Laura was more than ready to return home. She didn’t want to answer questions about what had happened to her father, and she didn’t want to deal with the curious looks she got from those who didn’t know her well.

Will stayed at her side the entire time, shooing people away when they approached with questions. Faith Cooper came and embraced Laura. She had no questions, just words of love, and it touched Laura so much to know she cared.

“If you need me, you have only to send word. I’ll come and just sit with you if you’d like. I’ve hired a woman to help me at the boardinghouse, and she’s so capable I could leave her to manage the entire thing for a time.”

“Thank you, Faith. You are so kind, and I have no words for how much that means to me.” Laura felt her eyes dampen and did her best to fight back the tears.

“I know Granny feels the same way, although she’s a bit busy at the moment.” Faith smiled. “I can just see her running back and forth from each house to make sure those girls are well cared for.”

“Do you suppose I could be of any help to them?” Laura was surprised by her own question but pressed on. It was the right thing to do. “I have had some nursing training, and at college we had classes in midwifery.”

“You know, I would imagine you could be of service. Why don’t you go home and change, then make your way over? Seems to me having a trained nurse would be most useful.”

Laura nodded and looked to Will. “Let’s go, so I can help.”

He smiled. “Of course.”

Will had her back at the house in a matter of minutes. They hurried inside, and Laura was quick to take off her gloves and hat and leave them by the door.

“I’ll be down in just a minute.”

She hiked her skirt and raced up the steps in a most unladylike fashion, wondering if she’d shocked Will with her actions. She didn’t think that would even be possible. Will seemed to know her better than she did herself.

Etta appeared just as Laura was undoing the buttons of her jacket. Laura motioned her to come help. “I’m going to see if I can help at the Vogels’ or Deckers’. Both women are in labor.”

“How wonderful.” Etta helped her out of the jacket. “I’d be happy to come too, if you think I’d be needed.”

“Yes, that would be good. I have no idea if they have anyone besides Granny Taylor. I need my old black skirt and the dark green calico blouse.”

Etta had her dressed in a flash. Laura hurried back down the main stairs while Etta raced down the back staircase to collect supplies.

“We need to wait for Etta,” Laura told Will. “She’s going along to see if she can help as well.”

They found Granny upstairs at the Vogel residence. “Granny, we’re here to help,” Laura announced. “Etta and I both have midwife experience.”

“Praise God! Jed’s been driving me back and forth to see to Melody and Marybeth, but Edward doesn’t fare as well as Charlie. When I leave Marybeth, he just about wears a hole in the rug by their bed. Poor Marybeth can hardly rest for his questions about whether she’s all right. If you’d stay here, Laura, I’ll take Etta and go check on Melody,” the older woman suggested. “That way both women will have a woman with them who knows what to do.”

“I’d be happy to do that,” Laura replied, and Etta nodded her approval.

Laura looked at Edward, who seemed fit to be tied. “Will can even keep Edward occupied.” She smiled at Will. “Maybe you two could play a game of checkers or something.”

“Granny, are you sure she’s doing all right?” Edward asked, not seeming to hear the mention of checkers.

“She’s doing very well. Better than many women I’ve tended,” Granny replied, giving Edward a pat on the shoulder. “Now, you go keep Will company, and, Laura, come with me.”

They went to the bedroom where Marybeth was laboring. “She’s still got a ways to go. Melody is progressing a little faster, and I need to get back to her,” Granny told Laura. She went to check Marybeth and show Laura the progress.

“I know exactly what to do. I helped attend a delivery when I was back at the college.”

Granny nodded and looked to Marybeth. “How are the pains?”

“Persistent. How’s Edward doing?”

“As expected. He’s terrified, and I’ve not been able to calm him much.”

“Poor man,” Marybeth said, shaking her head. “I know this is his worst nightmare, whereas it’s my happiest dream. I’m glad you suggested we send Carrie to play with the neighbors. Mrs. Greeley said she’d keep Carrie all night if need be. I know Carrie won’t mind that. They have a new litter of puppies to play with.”

Laura admired the woman for her concern about everyone else, even while enduring labor. She hoped one day the same could be said of her if she had a child.

“I’m going to go see Melody, but Laura is going to stay with you. She’s fully trained and probably better at this than I am,” Granny said. “She knows all the new and modern ways of dealing with childbirth.”

Laura moved closer to the head of the bed while Etta stayed by the door. “I think your old tried-and-true methods are perfect, Granny.”

The older woman covered Marybeth and nodded. “Well, they’ve served me well in over fifty deliveries through all these years. Now, you keep doing what you’re supposed to, Marybeth, and I’ll get back as soon as possible. Try to rest as much as you can in between contractions.”

“I will, Granny. Why don’t you send Edward in to see me? I want to reassure him as best I can.”

“I’ll do that.” Granny took up her bag and headed out the door. Etta followed after her.

It was only a matter of seconds before Edward was in the open doorway. “Are you all right?”

“I’m doing fine, my love. Please try not to fret so much. I know you’re worried, but my delivery is nothing like Janey’s, and everything is going very well.”

Edward moved to the bedside and took hold of her hand. “I can’t help my fears. I keep praying and asking the Lord to help me through, but I prayed when it was Janey in the bed too.”

Marybeth smiled. “All we can do is trust that God has this, Edward. Worrying won’t change a thing. Just know that I love you and am happier than I’ve ever been. I wouldn’t change a single thing.”

His worried expression softened. “I know. I love you too. I just don’t think I could bear losing you.”

“You aren’t going to lose me.” She grimaced and let go of his hand to grab her swollen abdomen. “Contraction.”

Edward frowned and looked to Laura. Laura smiled. “Everything is fine. Why don’t you go back out and keep Will company? He knows very little about these things and probably wonders what’s happening. We’ll be just fine here.”

“Go on,” Marybeth managed to say between clenched teeth.

Edward headed for the door. He paused only a moment to give her one more glance. “I’ll be here if you need me.”

Laura went to the door. “She’ll be just fine. Try to rest. Once this baby gets here, you’re both going to be busy.”

Edward left, and Laura returned to Marybeth, who was still breathing heavily. “When I helped with one of the deliveries, the mother said the Lord’s Prayer with each contraction. She said it helped with the pain. I don’t know if it really does, but I figure anything is worth trying.”

Perspiration beaded on Marybeth’s forehead, and Laura took up a wet cloth to wipe it away.

“I was ... with ... my stepmother ... when she had Carrie.” Marybeth writhed as if trying to escape the pain.

“I remember you telling me that Carrie was actually your little sister but had only ever known you as mother.”

“Yes ... my stepmother died shortly ... after her ... birth.” A moan escaped her lips. “I’m trying so hard ... to be ... quiet. Edward...”

“That’s all right, Marybeth. I understand. I know he’s very worried.”

Marybeth met Laura’s gaze and nodded. From her expression, Laura could tell the pain was worse than ever.

“Something is happening,” Marybeth said. “I feel like I must push.”

“Let me check and see.” Laura moved the covers away. The baby had indeed progressed much quicker than she or Granny had expected. “Yes, you are very close to delivering. Did Granny explain what we’re going to do?”

“Yes, she told me a great deal.” Another moan rose up, and Marybeth clasped her hands over her mouth.

“It’s all right. You moan or cry out if need be. Edward will be just fine.”

Thirty minutes later, no one was hearing anything but the cries of a healthy baby boy. Laura worked quickly to clear his mouth and nose before plopping him in Marybeth’s arms. She tied off the umbilical cord near the boy’s belly and put another tight tie a few inches from that before taking scissors to cut the cord.

With the baby free, Laura brought a towel to wrap him and took him to where Granny had pitchers of water waiting and a basin for washing the infant. Laura marveled at the way the water seemed to calm the child. He looked up at her with wide blue eyes.

Behind her, someone knocked on the door. No doubt it was Edward. “Give us a few minutes, and you can come in,” she called.

She hurried to finish the baby’s bath, then wrapped him up without bothering to dress him.

“You’ve a fine little son,” she told Marybeth. “You hold him while I get you finished up. I have a feeling Edward isn’t going to wait for long.”

Marybeth laughed and cried at the same time. “No. I think he’s more than ready to greet his boy.”

With everything done for Marybeth that could be done, Laura asked Will to take her to Melody and Charlie’s house. They arrived to the sound of a baby’s cries, and Laura realized she was too late to help with this infant’s delivery.

They were ushered inside by Charlie, who looked rather pale and uncertain. “I don’t know what the baby is, but the lungs sound good.”

Laura laughed. “We’ve just come from Edward and Marybeth’s, where I helped her deliver a fine son.”

“A boy for Edward?” Charlie’s mouth broke into a huge grin. “Well, isn’t that grand?”

Laura moved past Charlie. “I’ll see if I can be of help with the babe. Where are they?”

“Upstairs and to the right,” Charlie instructed.

Laura followed the sound of Granny’s voice as she went on and on about the size of the baby compared to Melody’s petite frame.

“Why, he’s half grown,” Granny said as Laura entered the room.

“Another boy, Granny?” Laura asked, looking to where Etta was gathering up towels.

Granny looked surprised to see her. “Another?”

Laura couldn’t help but chuckle again. It was such a happy day. “Yes, Marybeth just delivered a healthy baby boy. They’re both resting well.” She moved closer and gazed down at the tiny woman holding her firstborn.

Melody looked up in wonder. “I told Marybeth we were having boys.”

“Yes, you did,” Granny agreed. “And you were obviously right. But none of us was expecting your baby to be this size. He must be at least ten pounds.”

“I’m guessing maybe even eleven or twelve.” Laura gently touched his cheek. “It is a wonder, what with you being so tiny.”

Granny nodded. “I was worried for a moment, but you know Melody. That girl is determined to do whatever she puts her mind to.”

Melody was so lost in examining her son that she didn’t even seem to hear. Granny nudged Laura. “I’m gonna have to put in a few stitches. Have you had experience with that?”

“No, but I’m happy to learn.”

Will brought Etta home, then drove Laura back to the house. They stood at the front door, still in awe of all that had happened that evening.

“Thank you for helping us. I wish I could invite you in, but it’s just me now. Everyone has gone home except Curtis. He lives in the carriage house, of course.”

“I don’t like you being all alone.”

“I hadn’t realized it until just now. Last night Etta stayed, and I was still so overwhelmed with all that had happened I didn’t even think of it. It’s hard to believe my father is dead.”

“I know.” Will touched her cheek. “It’ll be hard for a long time. At least it’s been that way for me.”

“I suppose I could ask Rosey to stay here at night.” Laura found it impossible to think clearly with him rubbing his thumb along her jawline.

“That would be good for at least a few days,” he said, taking Laura into his arms. “Look, I know so much has happened, but I was hoping you might have an answer to my proposal.”

“I think you already know the answer.”

“I think we should marry right away ... if that’s all right with you.”

She wrapped her arms around his neck. “Yes. Yes, I will marry you right away and go to the reservation and help you in whatever way I can. I was feeling sorry for myself that my father never loved me, but although he never cared, God has always been there and has always provided the love I longed for. Now He’s given me you as well. I don’t want to think about the past and what I didn’t have. Instead, I want to focus on the here and now and all that God has given to bless me.”

“I’m so glad to hear you say that. I feel the same way. In fact, I told myself the same thing. I don’t want to think about the past and the things I’ve lost. I just want to keep my attention on what God has for me right now, and that’s you.” He bent down until their lips were just inches apart. “May I kiss you?”

Laura nodded, and Will pressed his lips to hers.