Page 31 of An Alaskan Twin Surprise (Home to Owl Creek 2)

“I think it does, Gabriel,” she answered with a smile.

He let out a triumphant sound that woke Neil up from his nap.

“What’s going on? Is everything all right?” Neil asked, sitting straight up and wiping sleep from his eyes.

Helene patted her son on the shoulder. “Everything is wonderful, son. We’re just celebrating my new lease on life.”

Gabriel felt overjoyed for Helene. And for Rachel, as well. This news would bring her such a sense of relief. Although he cared about Helene’s welfare, Gabriel knew he was invested largely due to Rachel. After all this time, her happiness still meant the world to him.

When they arrived in Owl Creek, Gabriel drove Helene and Neil back home. He went inside briefly to help bring Helene’s belongings in the house. It was possible he also wanted to get a glimpse of Rachel and test the waters between them after the kiss they had shared last night. It had been an impulsive act on both of their parts. Twenty-four hours later he was still kicking himself for it. He’d crossed an invisible line in the sand. She had already knocked his heart around once before. He couldn’t open himself up to being hurt again.

Seeing Helene settled in on her love seat in the living room with her knitting basket beside her made him feel proud that he’d played a small part in her recovery. His heart had threatened to crack wide open when Lizzy and Faith nestled up on either side of her. It was awe-inspiring to bear witness to such abiding love.

When the twins stood at his feet with their arms outstretched toward him he felt a surge of protectiveness toward these two curly-headed toddlers, the likes of which he’d never felt before. These little brown-eyed charmers had quickly snuggled their way into his heart. They were so precious and innocent. He wanted to fight all of their battles for them. There wasn’t anything he wouldn’t do in this world to keep them safe and sound. The random thought startled him. He was getting in way over his head.

Coming face-to-face with Rachel had been a bit strained. They were like two teenagers fumbling around each other. It was as if neither one knew how to move forward after the kiss they’d shared. Did he dare bring it up? Or would that make things even more awkward between them? Helene had been shooting them a few curious glances as if she suspected something had shifted between them during her hospital stay. In the end, neither one of them had spoken to the other about the kiss. He imagined Rachel felt as troubled about it as he did.

Gabriel went home that night feeling more conflicted than ever about Rachel.

* * *

A few days had passed since Helene’s surgery. Neil had returned home to his busy life in Chicago and things were returning to normal. Helene seemed to be recuperating well. For now, she seemed to be simply enjoying quiet moments and being in the presence of Rachel, Faith and Lizzy. The playroom was almost finished. Gabriel looked around the area at what he’d accomplished. It was a beautiful room fit for two little princesses. All it needed was a few final touches. He felt a smile tugging at his lips just thinking about the twins running around this room chasing one another or playing with Legos or a dollhouse.

He was struggling a bit knowing he would no longer have any reason to come by the Marshalls’ home as frequently as he’d been doing. Now that Rachel and the visiting nurse were taking constant care of Helene, he really didn’t have to stop by and bring her groceries or other supplies. That knowledge didn’t sit well with him.

His cell phone buzzed insistently. With a groan he reached for it, his pulse quickening when he saw his mother’s number on the display. It wasn’t like her to call him during a work day. Normally she was too busy at Tea Time to talk. Immediately he wondere

d if something had happened to his dad.

“Hey, Mama. What’s going on? I’m actually working at the Marshalls’ house at the moment. Is anything wrong?” he asked, hoping everything was fine.

“Gabriel! I’m on my way to Tabitha’s house.” He could immediately detect the strain in her voice. “She’s all alone over there and having contractions that are pretty close together. Dr. Barnswell is with another patient near the mountains. I don’t think she’s going to make it back in time to help your sister.”

“I’ll be right there! I know someone who can help,” he said, cutting his mother off and ending the call. His mind was racing. Tabitha had lost another baby over a year ago during a very difficult delivery. He knew this was her worst-case scenario in terms of bringing this dearly cherished baby into the world.

He raced down the hall, following the din of voices leading him toward the living room.

When he reached the doorway the scene that greeted him was heartwarming. Three generations of Marshall females were in the room enjoying each other’s company. Rachel was taking her mother’s blood pressure while Lizzy and Faith were dancing to a cartoon on television.

“Mama, stop wiggling,” Rachel implored her. “I can’t get an accurate reading if you’re moving around.”

“I can’t help it,” Helene said with a giggle. “This kiddie music is catchy.”

Rachel chuckled and continued with the reading, nodding with satisfaction. “One hundred twenty over eighty. That’s really great.” He must have made a sound in the doorway because Rachel turned her gaze toward him.

He didn’t have time to waste. His sister needed assistance only Rachel could provide at the moment. He could only pray Tabitha would be able to hold on a little bit longer.

“Rachel. I hate to bother you, but something important has come up,” he called out across the room. “Can we talk for a minute?”

Rachel was at his side in a few easy strides, her pretty face creased with worry. “Is everything all right? You look a bit shaken.”

“I don’t think so. I just received a call from my mother. From the sounds of it, Tabitha is having contractions even though she’s not due for another few weeks. To make matters worse, Doc Barnswell isn’t available. I’m guessing she’s a nervous wreck.” His jaw clenched with emotion. “Tabitha and Gary lost a baby a year and a half ago. This is probably bringing back a lot of nightmares.”

“Oh no! Is she by herself?” Concern rang out in Rachel’s voice.

“Mama’s on her way over there, but Gary is out of town with his band.” He knew his brother-in-law would be beside himself when he got word about his wife going into labor. Gary had been doing as many gigs as he could in order to make as much money as possible before the baby arrived. That meant leaving Owl Creek and touring all over the southern portion of the state.

“How close are the contractions?” Rachel asked with a frown.

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