Page 72 of The Cowboy Takes A Bride

Jace laughed and nudged her shoulder. “That desperate, are you? I’ll call her now if you want.”

Meredith shook her head.

“What’s the matter then?” He searched her face, before realization dawned. “Christ, now?” He jumped from the fence, tossing the thermos into the snow, spilling coffee everywhere.

“I think we have a little time. It’s just my water.” She let him lift her off the fence. “We can stay and watch the sunset.”

“You’re crazy woman,” Jace said, swinging her up in his arms and trotting off.

“I can walk,” she said between laughs. “Put me down. You’re going to shake this kid out of me.”

Jace stopped short and eased her to her feet. “Are you sure you’re okay to walk?”

“No, but it’s way more comfortable than having you jostle me home.” She grabbed her belly and grimaced.

“Stay here. I’ll get the truck and come get you.” He jogged off.

Meredith continued to walk. She was not about to be left in a field to birth her child like a cow. No matter how much a cowboy her husband was. She was a hundred yards from the house when he brought the truck to a screeching halt beside her. He ran around the truck and opened the passenger door, ushering her in.

“We’ll make it to town in no time,” he assured her and peeled out.

“Let’s hope so,” she said, and between contractions called the doctor then his mother.

The thirty-minute ride to town took fifteen, and three hours later Wesley Jace Shepard was born. Mother and baby weredoing well. Wesley’s father passed out immediately after he cut the cord.

It was another tradition they would add to their family.

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