Blaines wager, p.2
Blaine's Wager, page 2
Watching through the open doorway as Caleb and Blaine tossed water at each other, Nate shoved thoughts of the mystery woman aside. Whatever was going on in his friend’s life, it was none of his business. For that, he was thankful.
Conviction
“Lia, your order for Brodie’s table is ready.”
Permilia Jacobs blew an errant strand of hair from in front of her eyes, picking up three plates filled with potatoes, roast, and carrots. She knew Brodie MacLaren and the two deputies with him liked their meals hot. She didn’t plan to disappoint them.
“Here you are, gentlemen.” Setting the plates down, she took a careful look at Brodie’s face, a pasty mixture of white and green. “Are you all right, Sheriff?”
Sam Covington, Brodie’s brother-in-law and fellow lawman, barked out a laugh. “We just took Maggie to Doc Vickery.”
“He threw me out.” Brodie’s broken expression made Lia want to wrap her arms around the stoic lawman.
“Doc didn’t actually toss you out. He strongly suggested we take you for a drink or food.” Seth Montero raised a brow, glancing at Lia. “I voted for drinks, but these two thought food would be best.”
Lia grinned. “And they’re right. The sheriff will need all the strength he can get once the baby comes.”
She watched Brodie’s throat work, a grimace on his face as he stared down at the food. “Would you like something else to eat, Sheriff? We have chicken soup, or the cook could make you some gruel.”
Seth’s brows furrowed. “Gruel?”
Holding up a hand, Brodie shook his head. “Nae. No soup or gruel for me, lass. If I can’t be swallowing meat, I’ll not be eating.”
Seth looked up at Lia. “Gruel?”
“A thin porridge.” When his expression didn’t change, Lia pursed her lips. “You boil water or milk and add oats or wheat.”
His eyes widened. “For feeding babies and old folks, right?”
Brodie glared at him, spearing a piece of roast and sticking it into his mouth. Chewing still came hard, though. The last image he had was of Maggie, her face red, forehead beaded with sweat, hands clutching her stomach. Pushing his plate away, he shoved back his chair.
“Oh no, you don’t.” Sam grabbed his arm. “Doc Vickery said he’d send word as soon as the baby comes. And Jinny is there with Maggie.” Mentioning Brodie’s sister calmed him a bit.
Seth snickered. “Don’t make us lock you in the jail, Sheriff.”
“This is not anything like when Colin and Sarah had Grant,” Brodie grumbled, settling down in the chair.
“Grant was born at home, with all the women around to help. As I recall, Colin was with the men downstairs.” Sam picked up his coffee, blowing across the top before taking a sip.
“They let him upstairs just before Grant was born.” Brodie scrubbed a shaky hand down his face. Gripping the arms of the chair, he willed himself to take deep breaths. “Sam, you have a son. How long will this take?”
The amusement on Sam’s face faded at the thought of how Robbie came into the world. “If you remember, I wasn’t there.”
Closing his eyes, Brodie nodded. “Aye. Sorry, lad.”
The gloomy expression left Sam’s gaze, replaced with understanding. “It will take as long as it takes. Jinny is there. You know she’ll come get you as soon as the baby arrives.”
“Some babies take an hour or two, others five times that long. I’ve seen some cause misery for two days before deciding to join the world.”
Three pairs of eyes locked on Lia.
“You’ve helped with births?” Brodie asked.
Not realizing what she’d revealed until he called her on it, she nodded. “I have. Where I lived before there were many births…and deaths.”
“You were a midwife?”
Licking her lips, she nodded at Brodie.
“And where was that, lass?”
Lia’s heart stilled. She couldn’t reveal more about her past, especially to a lawman. Swallowing, she cleared her throat, desperate to think of a way out of telling the truth.
Jinny came rushing through the door of the restaurant. “Brodie!” She dashed to their table. “You must come now.”
Standing, his expression tight, he pushed the chair back so hard it tipped over. “Is Maggie all right?”
Gulping, Jinny’s frightened gaze met her brother’s. “The lass is bleeding. Both Doc Vickery and Doc Tilden are with her.”
Brodie clutched her arm. “The bairn?”
“The laddie is fine. Gwen is with him.”
Gwen Acheson worked at Buckie’s Castle, a saloon in Conviction known for offering full drinks and beautiful women. Before being accepted to work as Doc Vickery’s nurse, she’d initiated many young men on how to pleasure a woman—Colin, Quinn, Brodie, and Blaine being a few of them. The irony wasn’t lost on Brodie.
“I’ve got to get to her.” He grabbed his hat and sprinted out the door, Jinny a few paces behind.
Seth watched them go before looking at Sam. “I’ll wait back at the jail.”
Nodding, Sam reached into his pocket, pulling out enough money to cover all their meals. “This should take care of it.”
Taking the money, Lia touched his arm. “Will you let me know what happens with Maggie?”
He glanced around the restaurant, seeing it almost empty. “Joe might let you come to the clinic. The docs might appreciate you being there.”
Shaking her head, Lia backed away. “Oh, no. They wouldn’t need help from me.”
Spotting Joe across the room, Sam walked around Lia and right up to him. “Doc Vickery needs Lia’s help at the clinic. Can you spare her for bit?” He winced at stretching the truth, telling himself it was for a good reason.
Joe’s brows shot up, then lowered, noticing the number of empty tables. “Sure, Sam. It’s not too busy tonight.”
Shaking his hand, Sam returned to Lia. “Come on. Joe’s fine with you being gone for a while.”
“But—”
“Please, Lia. Vickery and Tilden are exceptional doctors. The fact you know Maggie and have had some good experience isn’t going to hurt.”
Letting out a shaky breath, she nodded. “If you think it might help her.”
“We won’t know until you get there, will we?”
Chapter Two
Brodie paced the length of the small waiting room, his gaze darting between the closed door, where Maggie hovered between life and death, and Gwen, who sat in a chair, rocking his baby boy. Twice, he’d tried to enter the room to be with his wife. Each time, Hugh Tilden took him by the arm, leading him back to the front area. The sight of Maggie’s pale face and dull eyes stabbed through him, a memory he’d never be able to remove.
“How is she?” Sam stepped next to Brodie while Lia stood at the open door to the clinic, her gaze fixed on the baby in Gwen’s arms.
Threading a hand through his hair, his features creased with worry, eyes stormy. “Ach. They won’t let me see her.” He whirled toward the door of the examination room. “Maggie’s in there and I’ve no idea if she’ll live or die.”
Sam placed a hand on his shoulder. “They’re doing all they can, Brodie.”
“What if it’s not enough?” His eyes filled with pain, voice breaking. “What if I lose the lass?”
Turning toward Lia, Sam nodded at the closed door. “Maybe they’ll let Lia help. She’s had some experience and knows Maggie.”
Brodie’s gaze shot to hers. “Would you give it a try, lass?”
Lia didn’t feel worthy, yet couldn’t ignore the pleading look in his eyes. “I’m not sure what I can do that the doctors can’t.”
Walking to her, Brodie took her hand. “They won’t let me in there. You can be with her, hold her hand…talk to her.” He glanced at the closed door, then back at Lia. “I’d be grateful, lass.”
She didn’t have it in her to refuse. “All right.” Lia moved next to Gwen. “Do you think they’ll let me in?”
Holding the baby close to her chest, Gwen met her gaze. “If you’ve had some experience, they might welcome another woman in there. This is the first time I’ve helped with a birth, so I have little to offer.”
Biting her lip, Lia sent an anxious look at Brodie. “It would only be to comfort Maggie.”
Gwen gave her a grim smile. “All you can do is try, Lia.”
Sucking in a breath, she nodded, then stepped to the door and knocked.
When the door opened, she looked past Doc Tilden to see Maggie’s pasty features. “Is there something you want, Miss Jacobs?”
Swallowing, she nodded. “I’ve had some experience as a midwife. Perhaps I could stay with Maggie.”
He stepped aside. “Come in.” Hugh Tilden spared a glance at Brodie before closing the door. “We’ve slowed the bleeding, but it hasn’t stopped. I’d appreciate it if you’d talk to her. Maybe she’ll respond to you.”
“I’ll do what I can.” Moving to the edge of the bed, she noted the ashen look on Maggie’s face, the dark red hair matted beneath her head, and her shallow breathing. Taking a hand in hers, she leaned down, her voice a mere whisper. “Maggie, it’s Lia. Can you hear me?” When she didn’t respond, Lia continued. “You’ve a beautiful baby boy. He has your fair complexion and Brodie’s dark hair. Gwen is with him.”
“Brodie…”
If Lia hadn’t been a few inches from Maggie’s face, she wouldn’t have heard the soft comment.
“He’s with your baby, Maggie. He wants to be in here with you, but the doctors thought it better for him to stay with the baby for now.” She squeezed Maggie’s hand. “The doctors need you to tell them if you’re in pain.” Lia glanced at them, then back at Maggie. “Are you in any pain?”
“Bro…die…”
The one broken word pierced Lia’s chest, making her throat constrict. Clearing it, she leaned closer. “He’ll be here as soon as he can, Maggie, then you can see your baby boy. He’s so beautiful. Have you decided on a name?”
A few moments passed before her lips moved. “Name…”
“That’s right. Do you know what you’ll name your baby, Maggie?” Lia did her best to recall the lessons other midwives had taught her about women after childbirth. Using their name helped keep them with you and not drift off.
“Shaun…”
Lia’s mouth curved into a smile as she squeezed her hand again. “Shaun is a perfect name.” She looked at Hugh Tilden, a brow arching.
“I think we have the bleeding stopped. Keep talking to her while Doctor Vickery and I clean up, then you can get Brodie and the baby.”
Lia continued to hold Maggie’s hand as she spoke about working at the Gold Dust, the interesting people she’d met, and her desire to learn more about nursing. At this, she noticed Hugh turn toward her.
“Are you interested in being a nurse, Lia?”
She felt her face flush at the question. Lia hadn’t spoken of her dream to anyone. “I know it’s a foolish thought, Doctor Tilden.”
“But it’s what you want, isn’t it?”
Letting out a shaky breath, she shrugged. “Since I was a young girl.”
He offered her an encouraging smile. “When you have time, we’ll have coffee at the Gold Dust and discuss that dream of yours.”
A ball of yearning constricted her throat. All Lia could do was nod, turning away so he wouldn’t see the moisture building in her eyes. “I’d like that, Doctor.”
“I believe we’re ready for Brodie and the baby. Would you mind getting them, Lia?”
“Not at all.” Squeezing Maggie’s hand once more, she straightened, a smile of hope and gratitude brightening her face. Stepping into the front, she walked up to Brodie. His gaze latched onto hers, fear still evident in his features.
“Is Maggie…is the lass…all right?” His voice broke on the last.
“She’s awake and asking for you, Sheriff. And you can take Shaun in with you.”
Confusion washed across his face before a relieved smile curved his lips. “Aye. I’ll be taking the wee bairn in with me.” Stepping next to Gwen, he took his son from her arms, cradling the tiny child to his large frame. Looking up, he didn’t bother hiding the sheen of tears in his eyes.
Waiting until he walked into the examination room and closed the door, Lia glanced between Sam and Gwen. “I believe Maggie’s going to be all right.”
Standing, Sam took a couple steps closer. “I never doubted you’d help get her through this, Lia. Why don’t you sit down and rest before going back to the Gold Dust?”
Swiping damp hair from her forehead, she shook her head. “I’d better get back. Joe was generous in letting me come here at all.”
Gwen pushed up from her seat, touching Lia’s arm. “You let Joe know he did a good thing, letting you come. I couldn’t watch the baby and help with Maggie at the same time.” She glanced at the closed door. “Brodie saved all his worry for his wife. He’s one of the most resilient men I’ve ever met, but when it comes to Maggie, well…” Gwen shook her head.
Sam’s eyes lit up. “He’s like most men when it comes to their wives.”
Lia couldn’t embrace the same thoughts. She’d never seen her father’s face soften or show a trace of love when he looked at her mother. The same as so many other families where she grew up, their bond had been built on mutual respect and similar goals. Love never played a role in their relationship. At least not from what Lia had ever seen.
“Let the sheriff and Maggie know how happy I am for them.” Without a backward glance, she stepped outside, walking up the boardwalk to the restaurant.
Lia slowed her pace, thinking of Blaine and allowing a brief wave of longing to wash over her. It always happened when she thought of him. The only man she’d ever permitted herself to feel a connection with, talk to without wondering about his motives. Something about him had broken down the barriers she’d built since leaving home at seventeen. The years on her own taught her men had a reason for everything they did. Few offered help without expecting something in return.
She’d never witnessed it in Blaine. Perhaps, if he’d come into her life sooner, maybe…
Lifting her chin, she pushed away the fantasy spinning inside her head each day since he’d left for Settlers Valley. If he ever visited Conviction, Lia hoped he’d think of her, maybe come into the Gold Dust for a meal. She filed the thought in a special corner of her mind, right next to her dream of someday becoming a nurse.
Highlander Ranch
Nate and Geneen rode next to each other as they approached the house, smiles on their faces. They’d ridden from Settlers Valley with news they couldn’t wait to share with Caleb and Heather. Stopping outside the barn, both slid to the ground, Nate taking the reins of the horses.
“You go on inside and give Heather the letter. I’ll take care of Nomad and Gypsy.”
She didn’t argue, dashing across the open space and up the steps to the porch. Opening the door, Geneen looked around.
“Heather!”
“I’m in the kitchen.”
Clutching the letter in her hand, Geneen moved through the house, entering the kitchen as Heather stirred a pot on the stove.
“I have news from Brodie.” She waved the letter in the air.
Glancing over her shoulder, Heather smiled. “What does the lad say?”
“Maggie had a baby boy!”
Dropping the spoon next to the stove, Heather squealed. “That’s grand news. What’s his name?” She moved next to Geneen.
“Shaun.”
Grabbing the letter from Geneen’s hand, she scanned it, her enthusiasm beginning to wane. “Maggie almost didn’t make it.” Heather looked at Geneen, concern combined with fear causing her voice to shake. “Brodie says the doctors had a hard time stopping the bleeding.”
Touching her arm, Geneen took the letter from her hand. “It doesn’t mean you’ll go through the same, Heather. Every birth is different.”
Reaching out, Heather steadied herself against the counter. “I know. It’s just…”
Geneen shifted to face her. “The letter is a reason to celebrate, not worry about what may or may not happen.”
Resting a hand on her protruding stomach, Heather nodded. “Ach. You’re right. If I’d known of the news earlier, I’d have made something special for dessert.”
“The baked apple pudding from last night will be fine.” Washing her hands, Geneen dried them as she looked out the window. “Where’s Caleb?”
“He’s working at Blaine’s with the men who arrived from Circle M. Caleb says the place is looking real good. This will probably be the last day he’ll have time to help them.”
“Smells good in here, ladies.” Nate moved behind Heather, looking over her shoulder. “Venison stew?”
“It is.”
Taking a fork off the counter, he moved it toward the pot. “Perhaps I should try some to make sure—”
Heather swatted his hand away. “You’ll be doing no such thing.”
Laughing, Nate stepped away. “Is Caleb still at Blaine’s?”
“Aye. He should be back anytime now. I told him to bring Blaine with him.”
Placing a kiss on Geneen’s cheek, he leaned against the counter. “It’s doubtful we’ll see Blaine for a while. He’s determined to work from sunup to sundown now that the men are here.”
“The lad will be needing more than three men for a spread that size. I thought the uncles would’ve sent more, or even had Fletcher or Bram come over.”
Nate pulled plates down from the cupboard, handing them to Geneen. “With Caleb and Blaine gone, I’m surprised they could spare even three, Heather. Blaine asked me to post notices in town for more help. He’s looking for at least three more men. Anyone interested is supposed to talk to me. So far, no one’s come by the jail. I even posted a notice at the docks in case anyone arriving by steamship is looking. Most of the men coming upriver head straight to the Acorn Gold Mine.”
Geneen walked back in from the dining room, taking the utensils Nate held out to her. “How long has it been posted?”
“A few days is all.”
“It takes time to get the word out, Nate. I’m guessing within a couple weeks, you’ll be sending more men out to see Blaine than he’ll need.”
