A Baby for Christmas (Christmas in Eden Valley #2)

She took in a long, satisfying breath. She would not fear the future. God was with her. Yet she couldn’t quite stop worry from wrapping around her thoughts.

“By the way,” she said. “You’re a hero.”

“Me?” He stared at her. “I’m no hero.”

“You rescued me, putting your own life at risk.”

He chuckled. “Seems to me you were the one who kicked the gun from the man. All I did was object to the way he manhandled you.”

She patted his arm. “I’m grateful for it.”

He smiled down at her, making her feel as if she mattered in a special way.

Why was she always looking for someone to care about her? Such a childish thing. She’d soon be a mother and her baby would need her to be strong and self-sufficient.

“It’s getting late and cold.” He rose, then pulled her to her feet. Keeping her hand tucked around his arm and pressed close to his side, he led them back to the hotel. At the door he said goodbye and waited until she lumbered up the stairs before he left.

Missy was in their room, reading by lamplight. She closed the book as Louise entered. “I was beginning to worry about you.”

“Nate showed me a bit of Fort Benton and we met a French Canadian named Pierre. Look what he gave me for the baby.” She handed Missy the wooden cat.

Missy exclaimed over it, then put it on the little table. She faced Louise. “I’m happy for you.”

“Thanks.” She wasn’t sure what Missy meant and really didn’t care to discuss her situation with her sister-in-law.

“But I’m also worried,” Missy added.

“What are you worried about?” Louise knew what she was doing. She had to move on. Stand on her own as soon as she reached Eden Valley Ranch. Maybe sooner if Nate took it in his mind to leave.

“What if you have the baby while we’re traveling?”

Oh, she meant the baby. “I won’t.” Please, God, don’t let it happen.

“How can you be so sure?”

“It can’t happen until we get to our destination.” She had no trouble convincing herself. Now, if she could just convince the baby it should wait until Christmas.

She prepared for bed and sank into the mattress with a contented sigh. “It feels mighty good to be on something soft.”

Missy turned to consider her. “All that bouncing around might bring the baby on.”

Louise sighed. “And what do you propose I do about it? We weren’t safe back in Rocky Creek.” She hadn’t told Missy of Vic’s plans to sell the baby. In fact, she’d told no one but Nate. “Nate assures me we’ll be safe at Eden Valley Ranch. So I have to make the trip.”

Missy nodded. “I know.” She shivered. “That horrible Vic ruined everything.”

Louise pressed her hands to her tummy. “Not everything.”

“I’m glad you and Nate got married. I’ve always been fond of him. Where are you going to live when we get there?”

“At the ranch.” She hadn’t told Missy the truth about her marriage, and she couldn’t now, not until she had to.

“Does he have his own house?” She sat up on one elbow. “You don’t have to worry about me. I’ll find someplace else to live.”

Louise propped up on one elbow, too. “What? And deprive this baby of his aunt?”

Missy smiled. “I can hardly wait to meet him or her.”

Not until they reached the ranch, Louise silently pleaded. “Go to sleep now.”

* * *

The next morning, Nate looked at the pair of new passengers headed for Fort Macleod. Sparky was staying in Fort Benton. But still, Nate wouldn’t fit inside unless Sam or one of the two new men decided to ride up top. None of them volunteered.

He pulled Missy aside. “I was hoping to ride with Louise so I could keep an eye on her. Can you do it for me? Let me know if she needs anything. I’d ask her myself, but she’d say she’s fine.”

“I’m prepared to watch her. I’m as concerned about her as you. But like you say, she’s determined to make this trip. As am I. Vic hasn’t left us much choice but to leave our home behind.”

Nate hadn’t thought of how difficult this must be for Missy. He patted her shoulder. “You’re a brave young woman. Just the sort that does well on the ranch.”