Chapter 114- Unexpected Deliveries
*I didn't want to keep you in suspense too long after that last chapter, so here ya go…
Nathan moved swiftly to the window, pulling back the curtain, he peered out into the night. The car engine shut off a moment before Charlotte heard the vehicle's door open and close.
"It's Lee."
Charlotte instantly spun around and ran down the upstairs hallway, Nathan right on her heels after holstering his pistol. They both came to the front door right as Lee was about to knock.
"Oh," Lee startled as Charlotte opened to her and Nathan breathless and slightly unbuttoned. "Good. You're both still up."
"Lee, what is wrong? Why are you up here so late?" Nathan naturally reached for Charlotte's hand beside his. Bracing each other for bad news.
"Rosemary's in labor. She's having the baby."
"She can't be," Charlotte tried to calm the quiver in her voice. "She's not due for at least a couple more weeks." Then suddenly her jaw fell open in realization. "But Carson and Faith…"
"I know." Lee tried to remain stoic and calm, but Nathan and Charlotte could see the concern bubbling up.
"Are you sure, Lee?" Nathan questioned. "I think in the Mounties they told us that sometimes there are false labor pains called Braxton Hicks. Maybe Rosemary's just experiencing those since she isn't due yet?"
"We were wondering about that too… until her water broke."
"How close are her contractions?"
"Close. Maybe around five minutes or so."
"Who is with Rosemary right now, while you are up here? Elizabeth?"
"No," Lee shook his head. "Rosie didn't want to wake her. Someone would have to stay with Jack, so she asked that I go get Minnie and Joseph instead since Angela and Cooper are old enough to care for themselves if needed. We decided that Joseph would drive to Buxton for Dr. Gates. He's covering for Carson and Faith in case of any emergencies."
"If her contractions are that close, they may not get back in time."
"That's why I was sent up here for you two."
Charlotte and Nathan nodded in understanding before turning towards one another.
Charlotte spoke up first. "I'll go with Lee right now…"
"And I'll get Allie." Nathan finished her thoughts. They both felt bad waking up Allie as the girl needed rest, but they also didn't want to leave her alone out at the ranch, while they were both in town. "We will be right behind you."
"Okay," Charlotte brushed past Lee on the way to his car. "I'm ready. Let's go."
"Ah… Charlotte," Lee stammered, stopping her partially down the stairs.
"What?" Charlotte questioned sharply. There was no time to waste.
"Ummm…" Lee's cheeks reddened. "Do you want to finish changing? Judging by your appearance, I'm guessing that's what I interrupted just now."
Charlotte flushed as she glanced down at her partially unbuttoned blouse and loose hair. "Right…" She raised her finger. "New plan. Nathan and I will get changed, grab a few supplies, wake up Allie, and be down to your house in no time."
Everyone nodded in agreement and set about enacting the new plan. Scurrying off in the various assigned directions.
After Lee had left, Nathan and Charlotte woke Allie, who at the prospect of being there when Rosemary gave birth jumped up, changed, and was ready before Nathan and Charlotte were. They grabbed a few supplies that they thought may be needed and then loaded into the car to drive back into Hope Valley.
Soon enough, Nathan, Allie, and Charlotte were pulling up outside the Coulter's row house with Charlotte bounding out of the car almost before Nathan had it parked. Taking off and dashing into the house and up the stairs.
"Oh, thank God!" Minnie called out when she saw Charlotte enter the room. She and Lee were each holding one of Rosemary's hands as the woman was clearly working through a strong contraction as her face was red and cheeks puffed from holding her breath.
"Rosemary, you have to remember to breathe," Charlotte directed, coming closer.
"I AM breathing!" Rosemary gritted through her teeth.
"How far apart are the contractions now?"
"Closer." Minnie answered. "Maybe two or three minutes. And they are lasting longer and… are more intense."
Charlotte looked at where Rosemary's hands clasped Lee and Minnie's. Everyone's fingers were white with the pressure.
"Have you checked?" Charlotte looked at Minnie and tilted her head in the direction of Rosemary's legs.
"No," Minnie drew attention to where Rosemary still had a death-grip on her hand. "I have been held right here since I arrived."
Charlotte took a deep, steadying breath. She explained to Rosemary that she was going to check to see how far along she was so they knew what their next steps would have to be. To which Rosemary only nodded her head in agreement as the contraction progressed.
A light knock sounded to the room, Charlotte turned to see Nathan and Allie in the doorway.
"Anything we can help with?" Nathan asked softly.
"We'll need warm water so I can wash up. I need to check how far along she is."
"I'll get some warming," Allie answered, quickly bounding down the steps to the kitchen.
"We have these towels that I brought from the house, but I think we may need more."
"There are some in the cabinet in the washroom up here," Lee commented from his position by his wife. Nathan nodded his head in understanding and turned to complete his task.
Before long, Nathan and Allie were back with the rest of the supplies. Charlotte washed and checked how far along Rosemary was.
When she turned back to the wash basin, Lee was the first to speak up. "Well…"
"Well," Charlotte dried her hands and turned around to see five faces staring at her, waiting with bated breath. "The good news is it won't be long until you meet your baby."
"And the bad news?"
"Your baby will be here before Joseph gets back with the doctor from Buxton."
"What!" Rosemary cried out. "No. No, no, no! This wasn't how it was supposed to happen. Faith and Carson were supposed to be here. I was supposed to deliver in the hospital."
"Ssshhh… Ssshhhh…" Lee tried to comfort, pushing pieces of Rosemary's sweaty hair off her face. "It will be okay Rosie. Remember, you went through this with Elizabeth when Baby Jack was born, and everything went fine. It may not be what we planned, but Minnie's here. And remember Charlotte grew up on a ranch… I'm sure she's helped deliver lots of cows through the years…"
"I AM NOT A COW, LELAND COULTER!" Rosemary slugged her husband's arm at being compared to a large farm animal as the rest in the room worked to stifle their laughs at Lee's blunder.
"Oh, Squidget!" Lee tried to comfort his wife. "That's not what I meant. I wasn't telling you that you were fat, like a cow, just that Charlotte…" Rosemary's eyes shot warning daggers at Lee, but her husband did not seem to take the hint. "And Nathan's here. He would have been trained by the Mounties on how to deliver babies, isn't that right, Nathan?"
Before Nathan could confirm, Rosemary spoke up in a high-pitched voice. "I don't care if he was trained by God himself, there is no way Nathan is going to be looking down there at…"
"Momma? What's wrong?"
Everyone in the room spun to see Fred standing in the doorway in his pajamas, trying to rub the sleep from his eyes. Clearly, he had been woken up from all the commotion next door.
"Nothing's wrong, Fred. Momma's just in labor." Lee spoke to his son.
"In labor?" Fred was obviously confused by the term.
Charlotte came over and bent down to the child's level, taking his hands into her own. "Your momma is having your baby brother or baby sister tonight. You are going to be a big brother soon."
Fred's eyes lit up with excitement for a moment before quickly changing. Suddenly Charlotte noted an immense sadness come over the boy as he looked over to Lee and Rosemary. "But where is Dr. Carson and Dr. Faith? Weren't they supposed to be here? Momma said everything would be okay because she was going to have the baby at the hospital. My… my first momma… she… when they couldn't get to the doctor, and it came time for her to have the baby."
Charlotte's gaze moved to where Lee and Rosemary were. Judging by their expressions they had no idea as to how Fred had lost his birth mother and were just as shocked as everyone else in the room.
"Oh, Fred," Rosemary finally spoke up. "Come over here."
Fred walked to the bed where Lee picked the boy up and set him on his lap.
"My sweet boy," Rosemary took her son's hand. "I'm so sorry to hear about what happened to your mother and I'm sorry we haven't talked about this before and why you might be feeling scared. But please don't worry about me or the baby. Everything is going to be fine. Mrs. Grant is here, and she has been to plenty of births." Rosemary winked over at Charlotte. "Even if it has been of the bovine variety."
Fred wrinkled his forehead. Bovine seemed to be another term he wasn't quite sure of, but what he did understand was the look of confidence his parents had and the reassuring sentiments they shared. He turned to look at Charlotte. "Is that right, Mrs. Grant?"
Charlotte was unable to speak, the pressure of the moment seemed to be escalating quickly. Suddenly she felt Nathan's hand on her shoulder.
"That's right, Fred." Nathan confirmed, taking a few steps forward he knelt in front of Fred. "Your mom is in good hands with Mrs. Grant, Mrs. Canfield, and your dad. They are going to do everything they can to make sure not only your momma stays safe, but also your baby brother or sister. Do you trust me?"
Fred nodded his head.
"Good," Nathan smiled, but sensing another contraction building for Rosemary, he suddenly knew how he could best be of service. "Why don't you, Allie, and I go downstairs and read a book on the settee while we wait for the baby to arrive."
Again, Fred nodded his head.
Nathan smiled as he stood and scooped up Fred into his arms. The boy easily curled into him, wrapping his legs around Nathan's waist, and resting his head on the Mountie's shoulder. Nathan moved towards Charlotte, leaning over to place a kiss on her temple.
"Nathan, what if…" Charlotte's voice was low, hardly a whisper. But her eyes exposed her feelings. "What if something goes wrong? What if…" Her throat closed tight as she looked at Fred in Nathan's arms and then back to Rosemary who had begun into another contraction.
"There's those what if's again," Nathan shifted Fred in his arms slightly so he could push a loose strand of hair back from Charlotte's pale face. "Sweetheart, I'm going to tell you what-is and what I know. What is- is that when a baby's time comes, there's nothing you can do to stop it. And what I know…" He paused until she returned her gaze to him. "What I know is that you are the strongest, kindest, and most intelligent woman I know. There is no one better to bring this baby into the world and be there for its parents than you, Charlie. Trust yourself. Trust your instincts. They will see you through."
Nathan watched the color come back into his wife's cheeks. He sensed she needed his reassurance that she was strong enough to do this.
"And if there is any trouble, I'll just be downstairs. As Lee said, I've been trained by the Mounties to help in childbirth. Not that I've ever had to, but… that doesn't mean I can't step in to help if you need it."
She smiled up at him, the tension visibly leaving her. As long as she knew Nathan was with her, or nearby, everything would be fine. She squeezed his forearm, mouthing the words 'thank you'. He nodded in understanding before turning towards Allie and directing her out of the room with him and Fred, closing the door behind them as they disappeared downstairs to the living room.
Time passed. The pains came more quickly and lasted longer. Rosemary was pale and sweating profusely. Minnie and Lee worked in tandem, bathing her face with a cool cloth, stroking her cheek tenderly, giving words of encouragement, and holding her hand when the contractions came.
"Won't be long now," Charlotte said from the bottom of the bed following one pain that had rolled right into the next. She stood to go to the wash basin, but movement from the father-to-be caught her attention. "Lee, are you alright?"
Lee looked in Charlotte's direction, hearing her voice, but not able to comprehend what she said. He blankly stared at Charlotte's hands which were coated with some… unmentionables.
"Lee! Are you…"
But before Charlotte could get the words out, Lee buckled and fainted right before them. Sliding off the bed and crumpling to the ground in a heap.
"Lee!" Rosemary called out, but she was unable to do anything as another contraction came on. "Oh, Charlotte, I think the baby's coming."
"Minnie, take care of Lee, please," Charlotte directed. "Make sure he hasn't hit his head on something." She turned her attention back to Rosemary. "Rosie, listen to me. Everything is alright. Minnie is going to make sure Lee is okay and I'm going to make sure you and this baby are okay. Do you understand?"
Rosemary's only answer was a moan as her hand clamped white on the headboard. She gasped, drawing a sharp breath, as she brought her legs up. Charlotte pulled back the quilt. "Oh, Rosemary! It's coming! I can see the head."
Rosemary moaned louder, her face contorting and turning bright red.
"That's it! That's it!" Charlotte coached. "You're doing great, Rosemary! Just great. Now give me another big push."
Charlotte supported the child as Rosemary gave a few more strong pushes.
"You're so close, Rosemary. So close! Are you ready to meet your baby?"
Rosemary nodded her head.
"Okay, well then give me one more big push. Now, Rosie. Now!"
With one last effort, Charlotte caught the slippery newborn baby in her arms, squalling.
"A girl! Rosemary, it's a girl! And she's perfect. Ten fingers, ten toes…" Charlotte got up, trembling with exhilaration and wonder.
Rosemary wept in joy as Charlotte placed her daughter on her chest. The child's cries seemed to rouse its father from his place on the floor.
"He's coming round," Minnie commented. Helping Lee into a more upright position. "Lee… you have a girl!"
"A girl?" Lee whispered softly, trying to remember exactly what had been happening before his world went black and then as if a light came on, his eyes widened in shock and surprise. "A girl!"
"Yes," Minnie smiled. "A beautiful, baby girl. Who is healthy, just like her momma."
It took Lee a few more minutes to gain his strength and join his wife and daughter back on the bed. In that time, Rosemary's contractions had ended with the delivery of the placenta and Charlotte used the supplies she and Nathan had packed from their house to tie off the cord and cut it.
"She has good lungs," Minnie commented from her place beside the bed.
"She's ready for her moment on a Broadway stage already." Rosemary joked.
Charlotte and Minnie took a moment to wash the baby and mother carefully before wrapping the child in the soft pink blanket Rosemary had finished only a couple days earlier. When Charlotte returned the new bundle of joy to her parents, the baby girl suckled immediately, and everyone smiled with contentment and relief.
Seeing as things appeared under control, Minnie wished them all well and excused herself to make sure that Angela and Cooper were still all nestled in their beds and to get some rest herself. Joseph and Dr. Gates arrived a short time later. Gates confirmed that mother and baby were the picture of health, albeit a little small given the early arrival, and congratulated Charlotte on a job well done. He was a bit more concerned about the bump on Lee's head from fainting, but upon closer inspection, didn't think it was anything to worry about. He gave them a few words of wisdom and promised to be back in the morning before he left town. He and Joseph had discussed on the ride from Buxton that Gates could stay in one of the rooms at the hospital tonight since it was so late. He then also made plans with the Coulters for a follow up appointment at his office in about a week's time.
As Dr. Gates packed up his things, Joseph came over to where Charlotte stood along the back wall of the bedroom. He smiled at her and then turned back to face the happy picture of a family in front of them. "For this child I prayed, and the Lord has granted the desires of my heart."
"First book of Samuel, chapter 1, verse 27."
"It seems appropriate for tonight," Joseph's smile broadened.
"Very appropriate." Charlotte agreed, watching as Rosemary and Lee held their baby girl. Subconsciously, Charlotte's hands spread across her still barren stomach. She remembered Rosemary's words in Calgary. 'These things take time'. Charlotte understood she and Nathan had only been married a couple months, but still, she couldn't help having some doubts and concerns on why it hadn't happened yet for them. Especially after what transpired with Beck. Her eyes burned, and she bit her lip as a pang of longing hit her square in the chest. Please, God. Let me be able to give Nathan children. He is the most amazing father and deserves to have this experience.
She turned slightly and saw Joseph looking at her. He knew her hopes and dreams. Her prayers. It was no secret to him. Joseph didn't say anything. He didn't recite a Bible verse. All he did was give a reassuring smile and squeeze of her hand, before escorting Dr. Gates out of the room and to his awaiting bed at the hospital.
Once Charlotte had tidied the room and made sure mom, dad, and baby girl were settling in for the rest of the night she excused herself to go and check on Fred, Allie, and Nathan.
As she came down the stairs, she saw the trio curled together on the settee fast asleep. She crept quietly along the old wooden floor, as not to disturb them, smiling at the scene that unfolded in front of her. There was Nathan in the center of the couch. Fred on his lap, his head on Nathan's right shoulder, while Allie's head rested against his left where she leaned into his side. 'The Wonderful Wizard of Oz' lay askew between them. Nathan's head was tilted slightly to rest against the back of the settee. His mouth hung agape, and his hair was all ruffled and unruly.
And Charlotte wasn't sure if she had seen him any more attractive to her than he was in that moment. Soft and nurturing. Kind and gentle. Supportive and genuine. This was her Nathan. Neither of these children who leaned into him and used him as their pillow were his son or daughter by blood. But that didn't matter. Not to Nathan. Not to Charlotte. And not to God.
Nathan had known where he would be of most use tonight. And it was right here. Where Charlotte knew he was close by if needed and where he could comfort and support a young boy who needed reassurance, and a young woman who needed rest after an exhausting day.
Charlotte moved to add a few logs to the stove in the corner, stoking the flames and building some heat into the room to keep Nathan and the children warm. She then went to the rocking chair in the corner and took the blanket that was draped across its back and brought it over to where Fred, Allie, and her husband rested. She gently removed the book from Nathan's hand and then covered the three of them in the oversized quilt. Tucking it around Fred and Allie so they were safely cocooned in Nathan's strong embrace. When she straightened slightly, Charlotte was startled to see Nathan peeking at her from underneath his exhausted, heavy eyelids.
"Hi." He said, his voice heavy with sleep.
"Hi." She whispered in return.
"Your eyes are shining." A slow, lopsided smile grew across his face, the action caused Charlotte's heart to race. She was so full of emotion she couldn't speak. Nathan's expression was so tender. So endearing. She knew then that no matter what their future held, with babies of their own, or not. God would direct their path, just as he always had. Charlotte knew sometimes these seasons of waiting were there to stretch and expand them. That, just like with the Coulter's when they became parents to Fred and now this new baby girl, you appreciated God's gifts even more. You were able to take in his blessings and love them in a deeper, more fulfilling way.
"Someday." He said softly, knowing exactly what she was thinking about. His voice and face were filled with so much promise and hope. The love she felt for Nathan was overwhelming. Charlotte loved him so much she felt consumed with it.
"Yes, my love." She leaned forward to brush his mouth lightly against hers, tracing her finger along his jawline. "Someday."