Chapter Ninety-Six
Within ten minutes of the tearful reunion between Maris and Brynnie, Nick had hired her back to help with the twins. He could read the relief on Maris's face being overwhelmed with the twins.
"Normally, we have more help than we need but this month has been anything but normal. We would love to hire you."
"I would be proud."
"Maris? Roy is here. He brought me and we brought some of your things from the ranch. That David gave us all six month severance and a horse or wagon. I gave mine to him so he could haul freight iff'n he doesn't get a gardening job."
"We could use him too. My wife would love a garden and I know my mother would love to add to hers. I will be glad to meet him." Nick added relieved to get another smile from Maris.
"Thank you, Nicholas." with love in her eyes.
Two nights of sleeplessness were weighing on him as well as the constant throb of the knee pain. He couldn't admit it to anyone but he knew it was getting worse. Walking was excruciating. But with Jarrod critical, Chip recovering from another surgery, Elisabeth's new Essie, and the twins—and every able-bodied adult on the ranch helping in one way or another—-including six Mexican children from Rosa's family running the house, his knee was the last thing he wanted anyone to hover over. He had agreed to let the young surgeon see it the afternoon after much haranguing by Heath and Gene.
"Now you Mista Barkley, need to scoot on out of here. I need to get Maris properly attended to and these babies—-where is your room so I can help you there." looked around at the room in disarray.
Nick frowned, "This is my room with my wife. I will go down to the boys' room and clean up. But this is MY room."
Brynnie cocked her head, "Well, well, well we have married a man of strong mettle. Then, sir, I ask you to find somewhere else for the hour."
Maris tried not to giggle at the showdown until Daisy let out a yelp; Violet followed within the minute.
"Nick, I will be fine. Please go get some rest."
He kissed her on the forehead and glared at Brynnie, "I will be back."
"I am sure you will." she glared back.
"Now Maris, let me show you how to feed them at once."
Nick's eyes opened wide and he shook his head, "That would be good." thinking of the long nights they had already trading babies to eat.
Brynnie frowned, "Shoooooo. Let us ladies figure it out."
Maris looked pleadingly at Nick.
"Yes, ma'am."
He shut the door after grabbing some clothes.
"Well, you picked a handsome one. Strong man. Kinda mulish but I will help with that. Ok, Maris, one under each arm. Like flour sacks. Saves time and makes more milk."
Maris's eyes grew wide but she let Brynnie help. Both twins latched on and Maris laughed.
"It works!"
"You are welcome."
"Brynnie, I am so glad you came."
"Glad to be wanted back. I will grow on your husband."
—-&—
Jarrod had not received any laudanum during the night and still slept pain-free. The doctor was pleased with his progress.
Jarrod was awake and taking some broth from Audra.
"Oh Jarrod, she is just the cutest. Big cheeks and rolls. Healthy girl. And I just love the name Essie."
"I am anxious to get my hands on her. Doc?"
Those words came strangely back to him as if he had said them before.
"Well, you are doing well sitting up and swallowing. We still have a few tests. Finally convinced your hard-headed Nick to let the surgeon check out his knee. Can we get them out of the way after you finish the broth so he can head over?" Doc Merar spoke up.
"Yes. I hope the knee is ok." Jarrod said with concern.
"We do too." the young surgeon answered.
Audra added, "It's not his fault. His family comes first. He hasn't had time to stay off of it." defensively. She was still annoyed at the young surgeon and nurse for trying to run her out of sitting with Jarrod.
Jarrod chuckled between spoonfuls at his fiery sister.
He finished up the broth.
"Ma'am, can you leave the room?"
"No." She said petulantly.
Dr. Merar shook his head, "Isn't worth it. Let's proceed."
The nurse glared at Audra and she sweetly shrugged back and smiled.
Jarrod let out another soft chuckle.
Audra helped pull the pillow out and helped him make it to sitting on the side of the bed.
He grimaced a little as she put on his slippers. He closed his eyes and rubbed his brow.
"Honey, just dizzy. Let me sit for a moment."
"Of course brother. When this is over and you are well, I will have a big glass of Scotch and a cigar ready."
"No more cigars," he said with his eyes closed, "Promised Father," he whispered.
Everyone but Audra thought he said something inaudible.
"At least you didn't go with him."
He opened his eyes and whispered, "He didn't take me. He left."
The brother and sister shared a look until the young surgeon interrupted them.
"Ma'am if you will move to the side."
She got up and stood by the window.
"Close your eyes. Touch your nose. With each hand." He did it with ease.
"Now touch your nose with your left trigger finger."
He looked confused, "I can't seem to tell left from right."
Audra rushed across the room, "This one, Pappy. You are just tired."
"Ma'am I am going to have you leave if you interrupt again."
"Please Audra," Jarrod pleaded and she walked back across the room.
They attempted the same test by raising his legs. It was the same result. He could lift them independently but not by left or right. Wiggling his toes had the same outcome.
The nurse jotted it down.
His reflexes in his knees were weak but present.
"Good, probably the laudanum still."
"Stand up."
Jarrod rose to standing with no help. He took a deep intake of air.
"OK take a few steps when you feel you have your sea legs back."
Audra inched closer in case he needed help.
The nurse glared. He wobbled several times and the surgeon brought over a cane.
"Just to steady yourself."
He managed to walk to the door and back, a bit-winded but steady with the cane.
"Wonderful, Jarrod. You did so well," Audra gushed.
Doc Merar and the surgeon agreed.
"First day up and soon you will be running laps around us."
"I couldn't do that before," he chuckled.
"OK let's try the left and right positions again. Then get you back into bed so you can meet your baby girl."
He failed all the commands for handedness.
"Hmmm, maybe there is still some swelling. We will try tomorrow."
"Big brother, it will come. I just know it will."
She pulled back the covers and took off his slippers.
"I will let Elisabeth and the baby know you are ready to see them."
"Thank you, honey. But none of this left and right leaves this room—don't want to worry the family."
"Of course big Brother. Our secret" and she kissed him and went to get Elisabeth.
Elisabeth walked in with Audra holding Essie.
She kissed her husband and Audra presented him with his newborn.
The tussle of raven hair peeked out of the swaddle. He ran his index finger down her cheeks.
"A little button nose."
"Lis you did wonderfully."
"I heard your words the whole time," she whispered back.
He looked startled but smiled back.
"Let's let the family get acquainted." Doc Merar nudged the surgeon and nurse.
"Audra, stay outside the door. Elisabeth, do NOT carry the baby."
"Yes sir. I will tell Audra when I am ready to leave."
They all shut the door. Jarrod frowned, "Can you not hold her?"
"I can hold her but not pick her up or walk with her. Probably another week."
He cocked his head with a quizzical look.
She whispered, "Nine and a half pounds of baby girl."
He paled, "I love you, Elisabeth and I am sorry."
"You have nothing to be sorry for. You gave me a beautiful daughter and it was probably my fault for all the comfits Rosa makes."
He laughed, "Can you ask her if she has any? That sounds wonderful after this."
"You know I will."
She crawled up in bed next to Jarrod holding their daughter. She laid her head on his shoulder as he kissed her head.
He inspected his daughter's fingers and toes. He chuckled at her rolls of fat.
"She is healthy and is an eater just like Benjamin."
"Nick's appetite."
"How's Maris?"
"Tired but gloriously happy. The girls are perfect tiny little twins. One is auburn-haired and one has the Barkley hair. So petite. Nick is proud as a peacock. James David and Rosita brought them over while Maris napped yesterday afternoon. Essie makes two of them," she laughed.
Jarrod kissed her cheeks. She gurgled and opened her eyes. Her sapphire blue eyes mirrored her father's. She looked at him intently.
"Miss Elisabeth Esther, meet your Pappy."
The baby girl made an O with her mouth and he smiled.
"Pleased to meet you too."
Elisabeth couldn't get the smile off her face, "Thank you my love for coming back to me."
Tears began to flow down his cheeks. Elisabeth started crying too and nuzzled into his chest.
They stayed that way for thirty minutes until Essie loudly decided she was hungry.
Audra tapped on the door, "Ready?"
"Unfortunately little one needs to feed and my husband needs to rest."
They kissed on the lips as Audra walked the crying Essie back to their room.
Jarrod stretched and said aloud, "Father you were right, she is beautiful."