Page 59 of A Moment In Time

Lainey had taken Elaina to the room permanently set up as a birthing suite for the women in town that didn’t want to deliver in Richfield. Or the ones who had to deliver due to weather or the ferry not running. As she was getting settled in, Corbyn took Paxton aside.

“How’re you doing?”

“Um…scared to death, actually.”

Corbyn smiled. “That’s good. I’d be worried if you weren’t.” He put a hand on Paxton’s shoulder. “I’m sorry you couldn’t make it to Richfield.”

“Honestly, I’m relieved. I’m glad you’re the one delivering my child.”

“I’m glad too. I’ll take good care of both of them.”

Paxton took a deep breath. “I know.”

“Okay, let’s go see where we’re at.”

Once they arrived at the clinic, things moved quickly and by two a.m. Raphael Greer Calaway was born. He was a big baby at almost eight pounds and Paxton was overwhelmed by the whole process. Corbyn and Lainey left them alone to bond with the newest member of the family.

Paxton kissed Elaina on the forehead. “You’re so amazing. How did you do that without losing your cool?”

She smiled. “I’m pretty sure I lost my cool near the end.”

Paxton flexed his right hand. “You did almost break my drink serving hand.”

She looked at the baby. “I can’t believe how beautiful he is.”

“He looks like you.”

She shook her head. “No. He looks like his father.”

“I know you don’t ever want to wear a cowboy hat. But my son is damn well going to wear one.”

“Of course,Cariño.I think it’s time we got Joaquin one as well. They are Calaways after all.”

“Yes, they are.” He touched the baby’s face. “I can’t stop looking at him. I’m afraid he’s going to disappear. That all this was just a dream.”

“It’s not a dream. He’s here to stay. Although you might wish he’d at least quiet down when he wakes up in the middle of the night multiple times.”

“I’m ready. And I’m going to cherish every night of no sleep. Every tantrum. Every moment. Mom has always told us how fast it goes by. I don’t want to miss any of it.”

Elaina patted the bed next to her and Paxton laid down and put his arm around her and Raphael. “I love you Elaina Quintero Calaway.”

“And I love you,mi amore.”

Sydney waited until the roads were plowed before she drove to the grocery store on Thursday morning. When she passed the newspaper office, she spotted Dale standing out front, looking forlorn. The lights were off and Gage’s truck wasn’t parked there. Even though Gage said he wasn’t going to show up early, he should’ve been there by now. It was publication day. He hadn’t missed one yet.

She parked her car and got out to talk to Dale. “Hi. Gage isn’t here yet?”

Dale was hunched over with his hands in his pockets, and his cheeks and nose were rosy from the cold. “No. I’ve been waiting about a half-hour. He said to be here at ten.”

Sydney still had a key to the front door, and she unlocked it. “Come inside. Do you know how to start a fire in the wood stove?”

“Yes, ma’am.”

“Will you do that and warm yourself up? I’ll call Gage and see when he’s coming in.”

Sydney took out her phone and dialed Gage’s number. It went directly to voicemail, which usually meant he had no service. With the weather, it wasn’t surprising. She thought for a moment. Paxton would know what time Gage left the bar, so she dialed Paxton’s number next. It rang, then went to voicemail. Again, this wasn’t too unusual. Paxton had a habit of leaving his phone at home. Or not charged. He wasn’t big on cell phones and had only recently gotten one. He often didn’t have it on him.

She sat at the desk. Tracking down Gage wasn’t going to be easy. Her next option was either Cooper or Cabe. They both lived near Gage and they probably went home at the same time. She decided to try Cooper first.

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