Well I've come to the end of my story. I especially want to thank flabirder Aussie Fan Adam's Gal islaboe
CocoRocksNappy51 debbie55 EllieJo65 Linda Weir C. Adamsbabygirl EllieJo65
seawitchnanand Lajoci for your continued support, your kind reviews and well wishes. And Fanclaire for following my other stories recently. I cannot thank you all so much.
Chapter 30
John and Rachel arrived bearing gifts.
"Ellen has made a few things for the baby, including a christening robe." Ellen said as she handed over the parcel to Abby.
"Oh, Rachel," Abby cried, as she held up the christening robe. "Look Adam, isn't it just beautiful?"
"Ellen has done us proud. She is certainly a talented seamstress." He praised.
"She certainly is. I knew you would like it."
"Come on Abby, open the other ones," John encouraged.
"Adam, you open one of the others, please." Abby wanted Adam to be involved with all of this too. "And Beth and Mags can open up the others."
Once all were opened and admired, Mags ran upstairs to fetch her gift, much to Adam's displeasure. But for once he let it pass. She returned holding a wrapped parcel too.
Handing it over to her Mamma she said, "for my baby brother or sister."
"Oh, Mags, sweetheart, you finished it. I can't wait to see it." She quickly opened it and found the completed quilt for the crib. "Oh my, Mags, that is beautiful."
Adam smiled and kissed Mags on the cheek. "A wonderful achievement, sweetheart. Thank you."
Then Beth, not wanting to be left out turned around to the credenza and opened one of the drawers and brought out her book of stories which was inside an envelope.
"My contribution to this celebration." She handed it over to her daddy.
"What's this, sweetheart?" He asked, knowing it was the story she had been writing.
"It's a few short stories you can read to the baby."
"Well, Beth, that's just lovely. I didn't know you were writing stories for the baby." Abby looked in wonderment at the pages Adam was holding. "I think we ought to get these papers bound just like it was a book. I could draw a picture to put on the front cover. Would you like that Beth?"
"What a wonderful idea." Adam said in agreement.
"Yes please. That sounds just grand. Thank you."
"I can't wait to start reading your stories. We can all be together with Baby in its crib with the quilt on top and then start reading your stories to the baby. What do you say?" Adam asked.
"I just love that idea," Abby said. Then she kissed everyone in thanks for their gifts.
"Missy Abby," Su Li called. "Lunch is ready."
"Thank you, Su Li," said Adam. "We'll be right there. Come on, let's all sit at the table and enjoy our lunch."
There were a lot of conversations going on around the table. While the ladies and girls were talking together, Adam and John were discussing his work at The Dickensian.
"All I've done so far is ready the ground for planting crops," John informed Adam.
"What crops are you planning?" Adam asked.
"Corn, of course, and potatoes. Then all kinds of beans. Tomatoes, peppers and fruit. All kinds of berries. We'll buy our eggs from Sam. Maybe start a small pig farm. They eat about anything. We'll buy all our other needs."
"Then I would like to order you some fruit trees, apple and pear to start with." Adam offered.
"Adam, you don't need to do that. I will build up as we go along. And don't forget I can still do some work for you when extra help is needed."
"Oh, I'll not forget that John. I'm so happy that you will have a good future and a lot of happiness with Rachel. She is a good person." He whispered the last, not wanting to embarrass Rachel.
"I know this." John beamed when he said this.
"Are we all ready for some dessert?" Abby interrupted the talking.
"Yes, sweetheart. What are we having."
"Just fruit and ice-cream. Didn't think we'd need anything too taxing following our lunch." Abby told them. "Don't want everyone falling asleep this afternoon. There was general laughter at that.
Once lunch was finished and Su Li thanked for all her efforts, they went into the large room by the fire to have their tea and coffee. The girls were eager to go outside to the barn to check on all the horses, so as soon as the coffee was drunk Adam and John went with the girls leaving Abby and Rachel to chat.
"How have you been Abby?" Concern showing in her question.
"Oh, fine really. Just hard getting around. So glad Su Li is here, such a godsend." And then with a sigh Abby continued, "But Adam, he's such a worrier over me. Keeps asking if everything is okay and do I need anything. AND making sure I'm not doing anything I shouldn't. It's getting on my nerves, all this attention."
"He's just overly concerned and loves you very much. He just wants to make sure you have the best of pregnancies as possible. What does Dr Martin say?"
"He says everything is fine. He's coming out during the week to check on me. Said it wasn't wise to go into town to see him. That later stages one needed to be more careful."
"So is it still on for around the 20th April?"
"I hope so, or even sooner would be even better. Adam massages for ankles and feet. They seem to swell a lot. Doc Martin says that's normal because of the extra weight I'm carrying.
"Well it's not much longer to have to wait. Only two and half weeks to go." Rachel comforted. "Have you thought of names yet?"
"Well, I have, but we haven't discussed names together."
"Just make sure that when Dr Martin is called for I'm called for. I want to be here for you too."
"Yes, of course, Rachel. I want you here to celebrate our baby's birth." Then Abby smiled. "And don't forget, without your interference, this would not be happening."
"Who'd have thought it would turn out so well."
"And soon it will be your turn. John is a good man, Rachel. Your life too, is about to change for the better, what with John AND The Dickensian."
"Did Beth get her letter sent off to Mr Dickens?" Rachel asked.
"Yes, and Mags did one of her own too, plus my two paintings. They were all sent off in one parcel as soon as the weather began to change for the better."
"How about the paintings for Mr and Mrs Henderson?"
"I've finished one and have almost completed the other. I hope they will be pleased with them."
"I know they will. Your talent is amazing." Rachel said, proud of Abby's achievements in the art world. "And now you'll have to come up with a painting to cover Beth's book cover when it's completed."
"Yes, I think I already have an idea about that," Abby laughingly said.
"Maybe Beth will become into an authoress. She so loves books and I think inspired by Mr Dickens work."
"Yes, I think you're right." Abby nodded, thinking how wonderful that would be.
A little while later, the front door opened and the men and girls trouped in, the girls talking non-stop at what they had been doing.
"Rachel, I think it's time I took you home," John told her. "It still gets dark fairly early and I'd like to make sure you get home before it gets too dark."
"Alright, John. I'll just get my coat and hat and we'll be off."
Once they were dressed to travel home, Rachel turned to Abby and hugged her and kissed her cheek.
"Take care and don't forget what I said."
"I won't, couldn't do it without you. Bye Rachel, and you take care too."
"I will."
John shook hands with Adam, thanked him for the day and lunch and made his way out to the buggy, helped Rachel in and took off home. ….
Paul Martin came out to see Abby and told her he didn't think it would be as long away as the 20th April. His instructions were to take things easy and do the exercises he told her and Adam to do together. Abby had stressed she wanted Adam by her side when the time came and Paul agreed, though not at all happy with that arrangement. He was thinking of the blood pressure he could have caused if he refused her request. And since he knew Adam so well, he didn't think Adam being there would cause problems as far as the birth was concerned; would probably help Abby's delivery a little bit. He knew she needed Adam's strength to help her through. Paul spoke with Adam as he was leaving making him understand what he could expect at the birthing.
"Thanks Paul. I will be keeping my eye on Abby and she'll do as she's told. I will make sure of that." And as they were walking out he said, "One thing, Paul, Abby wants Rachel here too, so I'd be grateful when we call for you you'll bring Rachel with you."
"Yes, I already know. Rachel informed me after she visited here." Paul got in his buggy and waved as he left. "See you soon. Bye." …..
Then one fine morning not long after Dr Martin's visit, Abby was resting outside on the porch with her sketch book, when she suddenly stood up feeling strange, then her waters broke.
"Su Li," she called.
"Yes Missy Abby." She said as she arrived on the porch and could see Abby in a state. "What is wrong. Is baby coming?"
"Yes, I think so. My waters have just broke."
"Oh, then I go and ask hand to go town for Dr Paul and one more to go for Mr Adam. You stay right here. I'll be back to get you upstairs."
"Okay, Su Li, but be quick."
"Very quick. Baby not come straight away." Su Li ran across the yard to the bunkhouse and called for the hands who were there and instructed them to get Mr Adam and Dr Paul as the baby was coming.
Two hands rode out on their missions as Su Li and Abby made their way back in the house and upstairs.
"I get you changed into a nightdress and into bed," Su Li told her as they reached the bedroom.
"Will this take a long time, having a baby I mean?" She asked Su Li.
"I don't know Missy Abby. Sometime it short, sometime take long time. For you I hope short time."
"Well, we'll see, won't we."
"Yes, Missy Abby."
Once Abby was changed out of her clothes and into her nightdress, she lay down in the bed. "I hope Adam isn't too long."
"Mr Adam not far from home. He not always go far these days." She smiled at Abby and sat down on the side of the bed holding her hand.
"I'm so glad you're here, what would I do without you, Su Li?"
"Su Li, happy to be here with you and family. Make me feel like family too."
"I hope so, just like Hop Sing is at the Ponderosa." She squeezed Su Li's hand. Then began giving instructions. "Once Adam gets here he'll organise everything, but would you please organise the food side of things. Something simple, like stew which you can keep warm and sandwiches and coffee of course, as I'm sure most won't be too hungry today, worrying about me, I fear. Adam will arrange to get the girls over to the Ponderosa. Don't want them here until the baby is here."
"Evry thing be done as you ask. Missy Abby. Now you rest. You'll need all your strength soon. I will make you Hop Sing's special tea to help with pain."
"Thank you, Su Li." And with that Su Li left her as she could hear horses arriving outside.
Su Li was right when she said Adam wasn't far. He was dismounting as Su Li got to the door but he rushed through as the door opened and bumped into Su Li.
"Oh, sorry, Su Li. Miss Abby alright?"
"Yes, she fine and upstairs resting, just waiting for you. Dr Paul being summoned."
"Thank you, Su Li." And Adam was off up the stairs. He was grateful to see that Abby had dropped off to sleep. So he rushed back downstairs and called Su Li.
"Yes, Mr Adam," she called back as she appeared from the kitchen.
"Miss Abby is sleeping right now…"
"Good, she need much rest as possible."
"Yes. I have to go over to ask Hoss or Joe to pick the girls up from school and take them to stay at the Ponderosa until the baby is born."
"That just what Missy Abby told me. You go. I'll look after Missy Abby 'til you return."
"Thank you, Su Li. I shouldn't be too long. In the meantime, could you pack for the girls say, for two nights. Do you think two nights is enough?"
"Probably. I not be with a baby being born before." She admitted.
"Never mind, we'll play it by ear." Adam left her to it and began his journey to the Ponderosa. …
Later that day Abby had begun having contractions, but quite far apart. Dr Paul was there in attendance and confirmed it might be some time before the baby would be born, explaining that the contractions will eventually get much closer together. That would indicate it getting closer to the baby being born.
The girls were safely housed at the Ponderosa. Mags was not happy being there. She wanted to be at home with her Mamma and Daddy. Ben had tried to explain that babies take their time to come into the world and it would be a boring time for them to be waiting, because it could take all day and night for the baby to be born. Beth knew a little bit about babies being born but Mags was ignorant of the whole situation and was just anxious that it be a girl.
Back at Evergreens Abby was having contractions closer together now.
"Adam," Dr Martin said, "I think it time you leave us now. Rachel and I can manage."
"No, Paul," cried Abby. "I want Adam here with me. You promised. It's his baby too."
"Very well, Abby. Adam you sit with Abby, mop her brow, hold her hand."
"No problem with that." Adam easily accepted Paul's instructions, collected a bowl of cold water and a cloth and
positioned himself right next to Abby.
"It won't be too long now, Abby. Not the 20th as I previously estimated." Paul told her as Hop Sing entered with hot water and towels. "Thank you, Hop Sing, he said.
"Mista Ben and Mista John are downstairs helping Su Li. Mr Ben want to be the first to see his grandchild." Hop Sing informed him.
"I knew Pa wouldn't be far away." Adam told them. He was always there when all his grandchildren were born and…." Abby screamed just then with another contraction and squeezed Adam's hand. "That's right, just hold on to me, sweetheart, not much longer."
An hour later, 6 a.m., the baby arrived, crying its head offer. Paul asked Adam to cut the cord, he did so with pride. Rachel then took the baby to clean it up.
"Well done, my dear Abby. What a clever woman you are." He gave her a sweet kiss.
"What did we have, Adam." She asked, breathing heavily, as Adam cleansed her face with the cold cloth.
"A boy, sweetheart. A big healthy boy."
"A boy." She said with a big smile. "I'm so glad I was able to give you a son. But I think someone will be disappointed because it's not a girl."
"Oh Mags'll come round. Just give her time. Now rest, my love."
Rachel came over with the baby wrapped up in a sheet and blanket and laid him down with Rachel.
"Look how beautiful he is," Rachel said, beaming with pride at her achievement. "Or should I say handsome?"
"He is beautiful and handsome and has all his attributes perfectly formed." Adam told her, which made her smile.
"You'd have to think of that. Men!" Everyone in the room laughed.
"Now, Adam, you take your son downstairs to Ben while we get Abby settled." Paul asked him.
"Yes, of course." Adam stood and picked up the baby and made his way downstairs.
Ben immediately stood up and approached Adam. "Well, what have we got, a son or daughter?"
"A son, Pa. A son."
"Congratulations, son. A Great day. Another birthday to celebrate, 6th April." Adam handed over the baby to Ben who cradled him in his arms and spoke quietly to him. "Well, young man. Welcome to the Cartwright family." But the baby was taking no notice as he had drifted off to sleep after his journey into the world. "Have you got a name for him?" He asked.
"Yes we have, but we're going to wait until everyone is here to announce it." Adam told him. "I'll send John over to the Ponderosa to get everyone here."
Later that afternoon, everyone was assembled at The Evergreens and group by group they entered the bedroom to hear the child's name.
Ben, with Beth and Mags, were the first to enter.
"Hello, girls," Abby whispered, so as not to wake the baby. They all came to the bedside to look at the baby.
"We have a son, girls, and his name is Howard Adam." Adam said with much pride.
"Hello, Howard Adam," Beth said, and leaned in to kiss the baby on the forehead.
They could all see the disappointment on Mags' face. But she put on a brave face when she too leaned across to kiss the baby. "He looks kinda squashed up."
"Well, he'll straighten out as he gets older. He's been squashed up for quite some time." Adam said. "You both were just the same when you were born."
"Really," said Mags.
"Really." Adam confirmed. "All babies look like this. Give him a few months and he'll be just grand."
"Now you two run along and see what Hop Sing's got for you." Abby told them. "We're having a celebration today."
"Oh, yummy. Have we got a special cake?" Mags asked, seeming to have forgotten about the baby being a boy.
"I don't know, sweetheart, but whatever it is will be special."
"And don't forget to thank Hop Sing," Adam added.
They rushed out of the room and downstairs and when the others saw them, Hoss and his family took to the stairs. Then it was Joe and his family to visit as soon as Hoss returned downstairs. They were all pleased with the baby's name - Howard Adam - It was Adam's suggestion to keep the Howard name in the family and Abby's wish the name Adam for his father.
They had a good family celebration that day and finally returned home later that night. Beth and Mags had changed for bed but were in their parent's bedroom saying goodnight to the baby brother.
"We are quite the family, aren't we girls," Adam said. "I'm so proud of you all and love you all so much."
Mags ran to her Daddy and hugged him and kissed him. "We love you all too." She said. "I can't wait to play with Howard." Everyone laughed.
"Bless you, sweetheart, but it'll be some time before you can do that." Abby told her. "But I'll need your help as he grows and learns. Can you do that for me. We'll have such fun."
"Yes, we can do that," Beth said, as she put her arms around Mags. "Right Mags?"
"Yep. We can help lots."
"Well, be warned. Babies can be a great deal of work. And don't forget you'll still have school and your chores," Adam told them, bringing them back to reality.
"But remember, there will come a day when Howard will be able to do chores as well and that will leave you with less to do." Abby informed them.
"Yeah, less chores," Mags cried, making all of them laugh.
"Now it's time for bed you two. Come on and I'll tuck you in." Adam instructed. "And who wants a story?"
"I do, I do." Mags yelled.
"No so loud, sweetheart. You'll wake Howard." But Abby noticed young Howard hadn't stirred at all. "Maybe he is going to be a good sleeper."
"Let's hope so. Come on girls, say your goodnights and into bed," Adam said as they both kissed their mamma, then he ushered them out of the room.
Some time later when Adam returned Abby was still looking at the baby, the little miracle she had bravely borne for him.
"What are you looking at," she said, when she was aware of his presence.
"You, and knowing what a wonderful woman you are."
"No, stop that. Can you please put Howard in his crib and join me in bed?"
"No problem there." Adam carried the baby and placed him in his crib next to the bed and then climbed in next to Abby. "It's been quite a day, my love. What a precious gift you have given me this day."
"Maybe in the future I can give you more sons, just like your father has you, Hoss and Joe, who would be able to run this ranch long after we have gone."
"Well, that sounds real nice. But I would not stand in their way should they wish to do other things with their lives."
"I understand. Just hold me, Adam. I like the feel of your arms around me."
"My pleasure, sweetheart. Goodnight and God bless you."
…..
It was now Sunday the 30th April and arrangements had been made for Howard's christening. Rev Donovan was pleased to see so many in the congregation and announced the christening for after the service and that everyone was invited to remain, if they so wished. And that's just what happened. Rachel Evans and John Harvey were to be the godparents.
Rev Donovan began: Welcome everyone to witness the christening of Adam and Abby's child this day. I especially give thanks to all of the Cartwright family for their support of each other." He then invited the child's parents and godparents to come forward to stand by the font. They each made promises to God by accepting responsibility for the child's upbringing in the life of the church. Rev Donovan then took the child and baptised him. "I baptise you Howard Adam Cartwright in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. I bless you with the sign of the cross to show that it is to the crucified Lord that you are to be faithful until your life's end. Amen."
Rev Donovan returned Howard Adam this time to his Godparents while giving Adam and Abby a bible for Howard to grow up with. Then one final prayer. "Heavenly Father, we pray for the parents and godparents of Howard Adam Cartwright. Give them the spirit of wisdom and love, so that they may teach him by word and example to know you. Grant them in their home the joy that comes from knowing you; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen." ….
Rachel and John were married three weeks later when another celebration took place at Evergreens at Abby's insistence.
THE END
