Page 61 of One Sultry Summer

“Well, I’m glad I didn’t hear the entire message you left and drove here. Now you won’t have to ride alone.” I squeezed her hand as we made our way to the parking garage. I unlocked the doors and Valerie helped Emily into her car seat and helped her buckle up.

We got in, adjusted our seat belts, and I leaned over and placed a light kiss on her lips. I turned on the ignition andLet’s Get Marriedby Dan & Shay was playing on the stereo speakers. We both turned to see each other’s expression and knew it was a sign.

I would marry her tomorrow if she was interested in an elopement. However, I figured she would want a wedding, so we had a lot todiscuss about planning it. But for now, I will enjoy the fact that she said yes. She has a lot of things she’s giving up being with me.

On our drive back, we spoke of things we both liked for a wedding. From music, to flowers, to having it out doors or at a church. Nothing was off the table, and we agreed on most of the items.

Emily had ideas as well. She asked for the wedding to be in September when the temperatures were much cooler. She thought the backyard was big enough. We decided to go over all the suggestions again once we got home.

Valerie finally told me about her previous workday with her boss and how they had accomplished a lot. She was with the understanding that her stay was going to be extended. Plus, they talked about opening a satellite office.

She was worried about overstaying her welcome at the inn and was thinking of looking at renting an apartment. It was something we’dhave to work out. I couldn’t see her renting when she could stay with us.

The only thing was figuring out how to discuss it with Emily. I didn’t want to make her feel uncomfortable with the situation. But as my mother would say, we’ll cross that bridge when we come to it. Valerie squeezed my leg.

“Are you okay?”

“I’m good.” I placed my hand on hers. We had a few miles until we reached the city limits of Skybrook. I had a deep love for the woman next to me and I was ready to let everyone know how much she means to me.

I looked in the rearview mirror as Emily became very quiet. Her head was tilted to the side, and she was in a deep sleep. “Hey, what do you think about going out dancing tonight?”

“You want me to try dancing again?”

“Yup. I think I can get my mom and dad to watch Em tonight. Plus, it’s been a while since we’ve spent time together.”

A smile stretched across her face. “I’d like that.”

I’m looking forward to dancing together and spending the rest of my life with Valerie. There’s nothing I want more than to treat her like a princess if she’d allow me. Tomorrow, I plan on going shopping for the perfect engagement ring and placing it on her finger.

We passed the sign welcoming us to Skybrook. Who knows what lies ahead of us? What I realize at this very moment is that embracing the future means getting comfortable with the unknown. Letting go of the past can be tough, but it’s often necessary for growth.

I have to think of it as stepping out of my comfort zone from a familiar room, into a bright, exciting hallway. There might be some uncertainty, but also so much potential waiting to be discovered. It’s all part of the journey of life, and my happiness with Valerie and Emily.

Epilogue

Five Years Later

Valerie Woods

As I slide my butt down in the seat to get comfortable, the pain radiates across my back. I blow out a breath and hope the contractions will ease up soon. Ahead of us is a police escort making way for us to maneuver through city traffic. As we run through the stop lights, I’m reminded of the chaos and loss from the tornado that descended upon the town. There was so much destruction; my friends came to help with relief efforts.

The first time our city was bombarded with out-of-town people, I remember it like it was yesterday. It was when Layla’s husband, CameronShaw, came here for a book signing appearance a few weeks before they got hitched. He aimed to raise awareness of the impact of tornadoes on small towns and to support the restoration of our library. Drones of people came in to have him sign their Pierce Stone novels. Abby was amazed to learn that I knew her favorite author.

Another contraction began, and my Lamaze breathing techniques had kicked in naturally. The police escort wasn’t crucial to us getting to the hospital. However, Wyatt demanded that we reach our destination quickly and safely, especially given my current situation. I wasn’t going to argue with him since I was going to deliver at our new state-of-the-art hospital, which opened a year ago. I was proud to be a part of the team that made building the hospital possible.

We passed the town square, and to calm my mind and drown out the sound of the police siren, I thought back to mine and Wyatt’s firstkiss as we stood in the pouring rain. I also reflected on Rae’s benefit concert in the square, and our small town was once again filled with crowds.

After several years, my friend Rae McCarthy released a single for the first time. She volunteered to perform at the concert out of kindness and dedication to helping the community, without requesting payment. The venue raised significant funds and brought much needed hope to many. Rae’s generosity inspired others to contribute, making the relief efforts a success.

“Val, you need to let me know how close those contractions are. I don’t want to have to deliver the baby in the truck.”

“Wyatt. It wouldn’t be the first time.” I tried to smile, but the contractions were getting harder and closer together. “Besides, who else can say they delivered their own baby?” I panted in between contractions. Then Wyatt pulled intothe hospital parking lot and drove over the speed bump too fast. “Wyatt, honey. Calm down!” His tires screeched as he came to a complete stop in front of the emergency room. He jumped out, came around, and helped me out of the truck and into a wheelchair, where a hospital staff member was waiting for us.

As the elevator doors opened to the maternity ward, you could hear a woman screaming in agony. Her screams reverberated down the hallway and sounded as if she were having an exorcism performed. I was definitely calmer and more composed compared to her. My last baby was delivered without an epidural on the side of the highway. This time I’m not freaking out, or screaming unnecessarily, maybe because I know what to expect.

They were quick to change me into a dressing gown. The pressure on my abdomen didn’t let up. I heard the woman down the hall wail like a banshee. “Gosh, she must be close to delivery,”I remarked to the nurse assisting me getting into bed. She laughed. “Nope, she’s barely five centimeters. She’s got a while to go.”

I was hooked up to several pieces of medical equipment. An electronic fetal monitor for the baby’s heart rate and contractions. Then a blood pressure cuff was wrapped around my arm. I was surprised that Wyatt stood by and didn’t try to order anyone around. “So, how far apart are the contractions?”

---