And the greatest of these is Love
Chapter 29
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Carl arrived as quickly as he could to the Infirmary. He burst through the door and looked frantically at Molly, "Where is she? Where's my wife?"
"She's in the back area with Dr. Faith and Violet," Molly answered.
Dr. Carson heard the commotion and headed straight to Carl, "Hello, Carl. I know you want to see Brook, but first let me talk to you."
Carl had no patience and ran past Carson to swing back the curtain and rushed to Brook's side. "Brook, honey, are you, all right?" he asked as he hugged her.
Brook smiled softly and put her finger over Carl's lips. "Carl, talk to Carson now."
"But, I was told this was an emergency. What's wrong?"
Carson sighed, then collected his thoughts and sympathizing with the situation Carl was about to learn, he asked him to sit down next to Brook on the bed. Carl obeyed like a little pup waiting for a treat, his eyes pleadingly looking from person to person searching for an answer.
"Brook is going to need to go to Clearwater hospital. She has an infection and it requires surgery," Carson began.
"Surgery?" Carl interrupted.
"Yes, you know Brook was pregnant with your child," Carson started again, "but she lost the baby and..."
Carl stared at Brook, "What? When? Why didn't you tell me?" he grabbed Brook's hand. Brook started to cry and immediately Carl hugged her.
"You mad?" she asked worried.
"Mad, no, just sad. When did this happen, honey?" Carl felt just horrible that she didn't tell him so he could console her and grieve with her.
"Two days," then she began speaking rapidly to him in French which only the two of them understood. Carl embraced his wife and they cried quietly together for some time.
Faith, Violet, and Carson let them alone for the time being, but they knew it was very important that Brook get to the hospital soon. Molly filled them in when she hung up the telephone that the hospital was waiting for Brook. So, Faith went back in to talk to the Huttons.
"Carl, we need to get Brook to the hospital. She will need to be cleaned out of any parts of the baby that may be inside her and causing this awful infection. They are waiting for us."
"Yes, yes, of course, we're ready," Carl nodded.
"Actually, we need you to go back to your house and retrieve the box with the baby. The doctors will need to see if there's..." Faith was interrupted by Carl.
"Box with the baby?" he stared at Brook.
Brook looked down and began to cry again. "Carl, I didn't want you to be upset with me for losing the baby and I didn't know what to do. I'm sorry."
Carl closed his eyes and paced around the bed. "Brook, darling we are a married couple, married couples make big decisions together. I don't ever want you to think of me as your owner and you as my squaw. I love you equally," he lovingly reassured her.
Brook quietly told Carl that the baby was in a box covered by an old blanket in the back of their bedroom closet. Carl nodded and told Faith he'd go to the house and retrieve their baby and return as soon as possible. With that he gave Brook a kiss on her head and hurriedly left.
When Carl ran into his house he went straight to their bedroom, opened the closet door, threw off the blanket, and found the box. Opening it, seeing and smelling his baby made him physically and emotionally sick. After heaving in the toilet and drinking a glass of water, he sat on the bed and cried. He prayed out loud between sobs with his worry about his wife and anger asking why she lost the baby.
Afterwards, Carl cleared his throat and composed himself. He knew Brook needed medical attention right away. He grabbed a satchel to put Brook's nightgown and a few toiletries in and held the box closely to him running back to the automobile. Once he got to the Infirmary, Faith and Brook were waiting for him. Faith helped Brook into Carl's automobile. Faith drove in front of them as they followed.
Once they got there, there was a nurse waiting at the top of the stairs with a wheelchair for Brook. The nurse took them down to the emergency area and another nurse came and talked to Faith and Carl getting all the medical information. Once that was taken care of she led them to a hospital room. There she asked Brook to change into a medical gown.
While the nurse was getting Brook's vitals, they met the physician, Dr. Bremer, a female, who would be attending to Brook. Faith told her what she knew about Brook's condition and then Carl told her about the baby in the box still in the satchel he brought with. At first, Dr. Bremer was taken aback, but she didn't let them know it. She asked Carl to step out for a few minutes, so she could examine Brook. As she examined Brook she was gentle and kind while Dr. Faith held her hand.
When she was done with the examination, Dr. Bremer asked, "Brook dear, have you ever had surgery before?"
Brook replied, "no."
"All right, well you are going to need surgery as Dr. Shepherd already explained. Have you eaten any food today?"
"Just toast and tea."
"That's good, no heavy meal then? I'll need to get a blood sample so I have your blood type and a few other necessary items. Then, you'll have an anesthesiologist come and talk to you," Dr. Bremer smiled.
Faith quickly explained to Brook what the other doctor did and why he was going to talk to her.
"You should be in the surgical ward in about a half-hour. Your husband can stay with you until then. When we have the blood results and I am changed and ready, Carl will need to go to the waiting room," Dr. Bremer confirmed, "Do you have any questions for me?"
"Yes can Dr. Faith be in the operating room with me?" Brook looked desperately at Faith.
"Dr. Shepherd is on staff. It's up to her," Dr. Bremer answered as she took the box that Carl had tearfully given her and left.
Faith couldn't say no, she knew Brook was scared and needed her. Knowing Carson and Violet were at the Infirmary she agreed, "Sure thing, let me telephone the Infirmary. I'll be right back."
Carl thanked Faith profusely and then stayed right by Brook's side. When Faith returned, she excused herself, and told the Huttons that she needed to get cleaned and would be scrubbing in for the surgery. Carl hugged her and so did Brook. As Faith looked at the couple through the window of the room door, she saw them praying and smiled.
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Dottie asked her husband, Henry to come to the Apparel shop and find something new to wear for the Hope Valley Parade at the Family Festival.
"Henry, I have some outfits that arrived for the men's summer apparel. Debra just finished displaying them and you'll look more handsome than ever in one of these," Dottie suggested.
"Dottie, I have plenty of nice clothing in my closet to choose from," he remarked as she held up a few items.
"Oh, but Henry, these are the latest!" Dottie smiled her grandest smile.
"I guess, if it'll make you happy," Henry muttered as he went into the dressing room.
Coming out with a new pair of trousers and shirt Henry waited for Dottie's approval.
"Hmm, not that one, try the other set on," she shooed Henry back in the room with different clothes. Henry moaned.
When Henry came out he said, "This is fine, I'll get these," before Dottie could say anything.
Dottie sighed, "Henry, I'm afraid the color is just not for you. There's one more outfit for you to try, here you go," she smiled as she handed him the last of the outfits.
"Dottie, I've got work to get to, I don't have time all day to be trying on clothes!"
With all the persuasive wives power Dottie could muster, followed with a lingering kiss, Henry gave in and retreated to the dressing room one more time. Before Henry walked out he whispered, "God help me."
"That's it! Oh, you'll be sure to turn heads when you come off that fire pumper, and I'll happily say, that's my man!" Dottie giggled.
"Great. You're happy, so I'm happy." Henry gladly retreated to the dressing room to put on his old comfortable trousers and shirt. He kissed his wife saying, "see you tonight," as he winked.
Dottie nodded as he walked out the door and thought, oh dear whatever did I promise.
Bill was pleased to be getting all the reservations from out-of-town guests to stay at Billees during the Family Festival weekend. James Scholl had reserved the largest suite for his parents and his brother as soon as he knew they were coming. It was the newest and grandest room with it's own private bathroom.
Elizabeth had also reserved a room for her brother-in-law Tom Thornton, yet still hadn't heard from Charlotte if she was coming, but Bill reassured her that he most likely would have a room available. However, Bill did tease Elizabeth, "You know if worse comes to worse, you could always share your bed with your mother-in-law."
Elizabeth had cooked as best as she could, a nice baked chicken dinner when she had Superintendent Malone over for dinner with Molly and Bill. Reminding Bill last time they spoke about a dinner together, it took Bill quite a long time to remember to give her a date that he and Molly would be available. It was a bit difficult for Bill to follow up on Elizabeth's request since she had seemed desperate for a man to be back in her life and little Jack's. After losing Jack and then regretfully turning Nathan away, she had briefly dated Sam, but he was more interested in Maggie.
Elizabeth enjoyed Will Malone's company and vice versa, yet he wasn't pursuing her much. They had gone to a few events the past year, but nothing came of it. So, the dinner was her idea to maybe spark more interest but she didn't dare have him over for dinner by himself.
Heavens, she sure heard about it when she and Lucas were together at her house. She thought about the time little Jack wasn't feeling good and Lucas made this ridiculous display outside of her home with candles and an elaborate out-of-place dinner. Of course, she let Lucas think she was delighted with his corny over-the-top displays of affection, but truth be told she was quite embarrassed. He had convinced her with all his extravagant overtures that he loved her and she had fallen for it. There was always something suspicious about him, but she ignored them knowing he could afford her lifestyle she had grown up with in Hamilton and would provide for little Jack. That is, if he ever included little Jack in their time together.
So, now Elizabeth was making sure that she would only be seen with an honorable and reputable man. Will Malone seemed to be that man. He had brought her flowers when he arrived and Elizabeth was delighted. The dinner was one of the best Elizabeth had cooked and the conversation was fun talking about the upcoming festival. Of course, Uncle Bill was Jack's best buddy, but Will actually got down on the floor with Bill and Jack to play with building blocks after dinner.
"Looks like William is enjoying himself with Jack," Molly whispered.
"Yes, he does love children. Although, I wonder why he never married and had his own," Elizabeth pondered out loud.
"Are you keen on him, Elizabeth?"
Elizabeth looked around thinking, then sighed, "Yes, but our relationship isn't romantic. It's just like we're good friends."
"Has he said anything to you about courting?" Molly asked.
"No, he's hesitant, and I don't know why."
Meanwhile, Bill and William exchanged a few comments. Bill started quite pointedly, "Well Will, you seem to enjoy your time here with Elizabeth and Jack."
Will swallowed and quietly answered, "Yes, Bill that would be right."
Not getting very far with that, Bill changed his conversation, "How do you like being the Superintendent of so many towns?"
"Oh, it's good. I'm glad I have an automobile to drive rather to go by horseback now. It keeps me busier than I like though."
"That's kind of what I thought. We haven't seen you around town too much lately. Will you be coming to our Family Festival?" Bill inquired.
"I'm not sure. I took Elizabeth last year, but this year she's having company with her brother-in-law, Mr. Thornton visiting. I don't want to interfere with the Thornton family."
"Ah, don't let that stop you. I'm sure Elizabeth would enjoy your company. Besides, Tom Thornton is quite the happy-go-lucky kind of guy, quite different from his brother, Jack," Bill laughed.
"That's just it, it's hard to follow in Jack's Thornton's shadow," Will admitted but gulped that he said too much.
"Will, let me tell you this. Jack was my best friend and we still grieve him to this day, but life goes on and Elizabeth has tried to too. She was taken advantage of a by a louse, so she's leery, but I can tell you for a fact that she enjoys your company. So between you and me, don't hesitate, if you like her, let her know."
"Anyone want some dessert and coffee?" Elizabeth asked sweetly with a smile.
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It was heartbreaking for Brook and Carl to know that the doctors had to remove one of Brook's ovaries. Unfortunately, the infection had spread quickly yet she was grateful that her womb was clear with the surgery.
Dr. Faith reassured them both that after allowing herself to heal, they could still try for another pregnancy. "Having lost one ovary might make it a bit harder, but nothing else will be a problem. Everything will heal in time. The body is very good at repairing itself, so just be patient."
"When go home?" Brook asked.
"When Dr. Bremer makes sure you don't run a fever and all bodily functions are working, you should be home in another day or two at the most. You'll be getting up to sit in a chair first. Then, you'll be up and walking tomorrow. Do you have any more questions for me?"
"No. Merci, Doctor!" Brook smiled.
"Your welcome Brook. I'll stop by tomorrow and check on you," Faith reassured.
The ladies of the town were busy with their groups going over details of their activities for the family festival. Fiona admired the organization of the ladies as they worked to bring about so many wonderful activities for the town. She knew she could count on them to make any plan fall into place. They worked well together and they knew who had a gift for cooking, baking, crafts, games, etc. On the heels of the Summer Bible Camp, here they were a few weeks later working together on the next town event, and with a new idea of a parade!
Over at Billees, people would drop a name of a woman in the lady's bucket, that they thought would make a lovely queen of Hope Valley and a name of a gentleman they would like to make the king of Hope Valley. At the end of this week, Fr. Ricardo was appointed to count the votes and if there was a tie, he would make the decision by pulling a name out of the bucket.
"I wonder who I should suggest for the King of Hope Valley?" many a lady asked their friends, hoping for a consensus. No one shared their vote and the men were tight-lipped too as to who they would suggest as the queen.
Kevin Townsend still had the dump tank from last year stored in the back of the livery, so he checked it out and the apparatus was still working just fine. He had also stored the games and their supplies. He did find a mouse in one of the boxes which he got rid of promptly, but he didn't dare tell Susanne and Sherri, instead he just cleaned the parts and no one was the wiser.
Luciana was well known for her love of cooking. Emily wanted to help again this year but was told to sit it out this year. Minnie was always ready and willing to pitch in and between the two of them, they got the list of who was bringing what. When they heard that Gunther's mother was coming to town and that Bertie Gleixner had moved close by, there was going to be some German cuisine that would delight some appetites! There was going to be plenty of food and of course, with Bill's pig roast, it was guaranteed that no one would go hungry.
Teresa was in charge with the help of Marge and Brenda of the pie-eating contest and they were thrilled with the response. A few of the pies sounded so delicious that they thought to offer some to the dessert table. As planned, Debbie and Kathie were busy overseeing the dessert table and were delighted they found plenty of volunteers. Emily insisted that she would be baking her famous apple strudel of course.
This year, with the Anderssons arriving from Sweden, they offered to bring
Meatballs (köttbullar) served with potatoes or mashed potatoes (potatismos), cream sauce, and lingonberries. Elsa was a good cook according to her husband, William, who being a lumberjack had to be well fed!
The more people worked, the more the town was getting excited. Bill had contacted the local Mounties about the baseball game and he had enough for a full team. Now, who would they play against?
"Lee, and Henry, please stop by my office after you're done at work. I've got a suggestion that I think you'll like," he told them both when he telephoned them.
"What's up?"
"Do you think you can gather enough men between the two of you to form a team to play against some Mounties at the Family festival?" he inquired.
"Yeah, no problem," Henry laughed. "I'm sure I could fill a whole team!"
Lee agreed, "Same here."
"Hey, maybe we'll have more than one game," Bill thought out loud, "what do you men think?"
"Well, some of my men are working on a design for a trailer to haul our crew in the parade," Lee remarked.
"Really? Well if you guys are, then my guys will want to do the same," Henry added.
Meanwhile, Rosaleen, Debra, Katie, and Sam were planning the dance for the evening with Maggie and Sam and they had to decorate their float too for the King and Queen.
Lisa and Lana were going to enter their horses in the parade, so they asked Allie and others to join them. Allie was thrilled to be asked and was looking forward to making the flower garlands the horses would be wearing around their necks.
Hope Valley was a buzz with planning, decorating, and having fun. Fiona was laughing to herself that she couldn't have asked to be the mayor of a better town than this!