Page 32 of An Alaskan Twin Surprise (Home to Owl Creek 2)

He ran a shaky hand over his face. “Mama didn’t say, but it sounded like she was in a bit of discomfort.” He paused for a moment, hoping he wasn’t overstepping. “Do you think you could go over to the house and help her out?”

Rachel responded without hesitation. “Of course I can. I’m a nurse. It’s what I’m trained for,” she reassured him. “It sounds like there isn’t a moment to waste.” She looked at her watch then back at him. “Mama is too weak to watch the girls by herself. If you could stay here and wait for Sydney to arrive, I’ll head over to Tabitha’s house and check in. It’s possible it’s false labor. Women get Braxton-Hicks contractions all the time without being in labor.”

Gabriel simply nodded. He didn’t know a thing about it, but he trusted Rachel’s vast knowledge on the subject. All he wanted was for his sister to safely deliver her child.

“We’ll be fine,” Helene called out from her chair, clearly having heard their conversation. “You need to get going, Rachel, before Tabitha delivers the baby all by her lonesome.”

“She’s right. I should leave now.” Rachel reached down and picked up her medical bag and stuffed the blood pressure cuff inside. She grabbed her purse and keys from the table, then rushed toward the hall closet and pulled out her navy-colored winter parka. After tugging on her boots, Rachel quickly made her way to the door.

“I’ll get there as soon as I can,” Gabriel said, holding Faith on one hip and Lizzy on the other. “Tell Tabitha to hang in there!”

“I will,” she answered before rushing outside. He watched through the window as she drove away with wheels spewing snow and ice. Although his nerves were on edge due to the unfolding situation, Gabriel felt a sense of relief in knowing Rachel was on her way to his sister’s home. If anyone could guide Tabitha through what might be a tricky delivery, it was Rachel.

He just prayed his niece or nephew could wait until Rachel arrived to come into the world.

* * *

It took Rachel ten minutes flat to reach Tabitha’s woodland home. Nestled near the edge of a heavily forested area, the log cabin home was charming and rustic. Smoke furled from the chimney, creating a charming scene. On numerous occasions she had been a guest at this very home, back when she’d been Gabriel’s fiancée. She had always been made to feel like a welcomed guest within those walls. Being here felt a little surreal. She hadn’t seen Tabitha for more than three years. For all she knew, Gabriel’s sister wouldn’t want to accept help from the woman who’d walked out on her baby brother.

Rachel rapped hard on the door before turning the knob and entering when she didn’t hear anyone responding. She didn’t have to go far before she heard Tabitha’s low moans and saw Iris placing a damp cloth on her daughter’s forehead. Tabitha was lying on the couch in the living room with pillows behind her back lending her support.

“Oh, Rachel. Thank the Lord you’re here,” Iris said when she saw her entering the room. She let out a sound of relief and stepped aside so Rachel could get closer to her daughter. Rachel pushed aside all the issues standing between her and Iris. At the moment it was all about Tabitha and her baby.

She knelt down beside the couch and held Tabitha’s hand. “Gabriel sent me. He thought I might be of some help. How are you doing, Tabitha?”

“I’m all right.” She winced as pain racked her body. Tabitha bore a striking resemblance to Gabriel. They’d always favored each other with their warm brown skin and dimples. Rachel had a soft space in her heart for the woman who had almost been her sister-in-law.

“Another contraction?” Rachel asked. “Let’s start timing them and then I’ll examine you.” She was certain Tabitha was in the middle of labor. This wasn’t any false alarm. Part of her job would be to keep the expectant mother calm and focused on the hard work ahead.

“Sounds good.” Tabitha shot her a weak smile. “I can’t believe we’re seeing each other after all this time under these circumstances,” she said, her breathing sounding labored. “I’m so grateful you came.”

“You’re welcome. Don’t worry, Tabitha. I’ve done this a time or two. You’re in good hands.” She could see the look of panic on the woman’s face. It wasn’t easy to stay calm when you’d already lost a baby. Her examination revealed Tabitha was well on her way to delivering her baby. Rachel would do everything in her power to make sure the mom-to-be felt safe and empowered during labor.

Rachel turned around to address Iris. “Could you get me some clean towels and bring me a pair of clean scissors? If you could put the scissors in boiling water for a few minutes that would be great.”

“I-Is the baby coming?” Iris asked, wringing her hands. For the first time since she’d known her, Iris looked completely ill at ease. Rachel didn’t quite recognize the person standing before her. Up to this point, Gabriel’s mother had always made her feel as if she was invincible.

“It won’t be long now,” she answered, smiling at Tabitha.

“It feels like the contractions are ge

tting stronger,” Tabitha said, groaning. “I’m scared. It’s all happening so fast.”

“Just breathe into them when you feel them coming,” Rachel instructed. “You’re almost ready to push. That’s when the good stuff starts to happen,” she said, keeping her voice upbeat. “In no time at all you’ll be holding your baby in your arms.”

“I can’t believe Gary’s going to miss this,” Tabitha said, clearly agitated by the realization that her husband wasn’t going to make it back to Owl Creek in time.

“Don’t dwell on it. He’ll have the rest of his life to be there for his child. That’s what is most important.”

By this time Iris had returned with the supplies, which she set down on the coffee table next to Rachel. Things began to move quickly once Rachel timed the contractions at three-minute intervals and Tabitha’s water broke. Tabitha gave a huge effort, and after half a dozen pushes, Rachel was reaching for the baby, who let out a tremendous cry as it came into the world.

“It’s a boy, Tabitha!” Rachel turned to Iris. “Would you like to cut your grandson’s umbilical cord?”

“A boy!” Tabitha cried out. “Go on, Mama. Do it for Gary since he isn’t here to do it himself.”

Iris looked uncertain but after Tabitha’s urging she proceeded to cut the cord, grinning with joy as soon as she’d done it. “Welcome to the world, grandson,” she cooed, smiling down on the baby. “You’re one incredible blessing from above.”

Rachel quickly wrapped the baby in a blanket and placed him in Tabitha’s waiting arms. The new mother looked down at her baby with an enraptured expression on her face.

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