Second Ride Cowboy (Second Chance Series) (12 page)

He told Ethel they’d return the next day with a trailer and pick up the stallion. They pulled onto the road as the first drops of rain pounded the windshield. “This is going to be a doozy of a storm,” he said.

“How can you tell?” Leslie asked.

“My leg is my new weather predictor and if you look closely, there’s a darker ring around the lower clouds. That’s a sure sign we’re going to get blasted.”

Leslie laughed. “You’re a true rancher, Duke. I’m excited to see the changes you make at the McAllister. And if you still need a vet, I’d love to take on the challenge.” Duke hesitated. “Or maybe you don’t think that’s a good idea.”

“It’s not that I don’t think it’s a good idea. In fact, you’re the best damn vet this side of the state.” Duke knew he couldn’t allow his emotions for Lila to cloud his business decisions. He had to make the best choices for the ranch, and no doubt, hiring Leslie was an advantage. “Can you come out Monday and check out the horses?”

“Sure thing,” Leslie turned left, heading toward the McAllister just as the hail started.

They pulled up to the McAllister and the wind was powerful as it whipped across the flat land, carrying anything in its path. He looked at her across the cab of the truck. “You can’t drive in this. Let it bring its wrath and then it’ll be on its way.”

Dripping and windblown by the time they made it in the front door, Duke wasn’t surprised when he found the sitter lighting candles. “No electricity, Jenny?”

Jenny sighed. “Just went out.”

He glanced around the room. “Where’s Ava?”

“She’s taking a nap. That girl will sleep through anything.”

Jenny seemed like a nice girl. Duke guessed she wasn’t much older than eighteen and her books from class were strewn across the kitchen table. He trusted that Lila would never allow just anyone to sit with Ava.

“Leslie, if you need to dry off, the bathroom is down the hall and fresh towels are in the closet. Jenny, looks like you’ve got things covered with Ava if she wakes up so I’ll go to the basement and start the generator.” Duke glanced outside. The trees were blowing and debris scattered across the yard. He hoped all of his men were safe inside one of the buildings. He knew Lila would be fine at the hospital.   

 After the generator was taken care of and running like a dream, Duke went back upstairs. He found Jenny and Leslie staring out the large living room window.

“The rain is no longer coming down in sheets,” Leslie said. “Looks like it might be passing.”

Through the blur of rain, he could see puddles in the yard and a rushing narrow stream along the driveway. The sky remained grey but the lightening was moving on.

Duke’s cell rang and he grabbed it from his pocket.
Lila
. His heart slammed against his chest. “Excuse me a minute ladies.” He walked into the kitchen for privacy. He clicked talk, “What’s wrong?”

 “How did you know something was wrong?” Lila asked.

“A good guess.”

“I’ve ran into a little problem. I’ve had an accident,” Lila said.

His heart skipped a beat. “An accident?”

“Carly called me. She’s having contractions.” Lila sounded breathless. “She couldn’t drive because she was afraid to take Chancelor out in the weather. She thought she could hold off going to the hospital until the weather passed. I told her I’d come out and get her. I didn’t quite make it to the Swift Wind. Apparently, a fence blew away and cattle escaped. I didn’t see them until I was close, I swerved to miss them and I went into the ditch.”

“Are you okay?” he asked.

“I’m fine. No injuries. But I’m worried about Carly. I can’t reach her.”  

“Where’s Chance?”

“He’s out of town for some horse auction. She called him but left a message. He’s probably in an out of service area.”

“Does she need an ambulance?” Duke asked.

 “I don’t know. Last I spoke to her, she seemed okay and the contractions were about five minutes apart. It’s possible she’s already called, but someone needs to check. Can you make it to the Swift Wind?”

“Where are you?” he asked.

There was a long hesitation. “I’m about three miles from the Swift Wind. I’ll see if I can catch a ride that direction.”

“The hell you will. Stay tight and I’ll come and get you.” There was no way he’d leave her stranded.

“I’m okay, Duke. Carly needs someone to help her.”

“Don’t worry. I’ve got that covered,” he said and hung up. He went into the living room. “I need a favor, Leslie.”

She lifted one dark brow. “Okay?”

“You ready to make amends?”   

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

LILA CLIMBED INTO the passenger side of Duke’s truck and was grateful for the warmth of the heater. She was drenched from head to toe where she’d been attempting to corral the cows off the road.

“It wasn’t safe for you to be out on the road trying to save cattle,” Duke said.

“Someone else could come along and have wrecked,” she said. She pulled a mirror out of her purse and tried combing her damp tresses with her fingers. It was no use. “Why didn’t you go and help Carly?”

“Do you trust me?” he asked.

“Sure I do. But what does trust have to do with Carly needing us?”

“I sent Leslie,” he said.

“What?” The plastic compact cracked in her palm and she tossed it back into her bag.  “Did

you say you sent Leslie?”

“She was at the house when you called.”

He didn’t appear apologetic in the slightest. That tore through her. “And? You thought Carly would want her there?”

“No, I thought Carly would appreciate help in case she needed it.”

“From a vet?”

“Come on, Lila. That’s a bit harsh, don’t you think?”

Lila held her gaze on his profile. “What is it about her that makes men stupid?”

“That’s unfair.” She noticed his jaw tightened. “I understand your loyalty to Carly, but you’ve got to see the facts.”

“I know you may not have thought this through—”

“Damn it, Lila! I did think it through. Do you really believe I’d have left you stranded alongside the road, in this weather?”

Although she wanted to argue his point, how was it possible? He cared enough to watch out

for her, and that touched her. She steadied her gaze through the side window, not wanting him to see the tears developing in her eyes.

Once they pulled into the Swift Wind, Lila jumped out of the truck and rushed into the house. The downstairs was empty. She ran up the stairs two at a time, and burst into the master bedroom. She wasn’t sure what she’d expected but it wasn’t what she’d found. Carly was lying in her bed and Leslie was standing with Chancelor in her arms.

Carly lifted her head up and gave Lila a thin smile. “I told you not to come all the way out here from the hospital.”

Lila crossed the room. “This is no time for a speech. Anyway, you knew I’d come.” Lila sat down beside Carly and grabbed her hand. “Are you okay?”

Carly nodded. Her matted hair and pale skin told Lila things weren’t okay. “I was freaking out until Leslie got here. She’s been a big help in taking care of Chancey. Little boy there has a crush on his new friend.”

Lila looked up at Leslie who seemed very comfortable holding the baby. Whatever emotions Lila held, she couldn’t deny Leslie had been there for Carly. “Thanks, Leslie.”

Shock passed over Leslie’s features before she smiled. “I’m glad I could help. I’m not an obstetrician, but I’ve birthed enough horses to know when a foal is on its way. Her contractions are only two minutes apart and they’re pretty intense. We called an ambulance when I got here, but apparently the rain flooded the bridge and they’ll have to take the longer route.”

“You look like you’ve seen a ghost, Lila. What is wrong?” Carly asked just as another contraction came over her. Carly twisted and moaned. Sweat beaded her forehead.

Lila got up from the bed. Carly still clenched her hand. “Carly, do you have a first aid kit?  

“I have one in my truck,” Leslie said.

“Duke!” Lila yelled.

“What?”

She jumped because she hadn’t realized he was standing beside her. “Run to Leslie’s truck and grab her emergency kit.”

“It’s behind the seat, Duke,” Leslie said.

“Okay, and then what?” he asked.

“Pray,” Lila said as their gazes met.

Duke’s footsteps were heard all of the way down the stairs, followed by the slamming of the

door.

“Lila, I woke up this morning feeling achy. I waited too long. I just had no idea things would go this quick,” Carly said, her eyes filled with tears.

“Shh. How could you have known? Everything will be fine.” Lila squeezed her friend’s hand, fighting back her own emotion.

“If anything would happen—”

Lila shook her head. “No negativity, sweetie. The labor is moving at a fast pace, but there’s no sign of difficulty.”

Duke came rushing back through the door. His wide-eyed, grim expression reminded Lila of a wild man.

Once she had the kit, Lila opened the lid and removed several plastic covered items. Leslie, who had placed Chancelor in the playpen, was now beside the bed. “Is that ambulance going to make it in time?” she asked.

Lila looked at the other woman, fully aware Carly was listening. “Depends on who’s

driving, I guess.”

“Lila, this baby is coming,” Carly said, a panicked look spread over her face.

Lila patted her hand. “It’s important for you to remain calm.”

“There’s no time for calm.” The words broke from Carly as she arched and screamed.

“Listen closely, hun. I’m going to have to take a peek.” Lila pulled back the sheet, cut off Carly’s undergarment with the scissors from the kit and glanced between her legs. “Oh no! Oh hell no!” The words slipped from Lila before she could stop them.

“What?” Leslie whispered. Lila motioned for Leslie to look. The woman turned pale. “Uhh, that’s the…baby’s head.”

“I’m going back into the hallway.” Lila heard Duke say from the corner of the room.

“I…told…you!” Carly said through gritted teeth. “Where the hell is my husband?”

“He’s on his way, Carly.” Lila forced a smile. “I’d say he’s about ten minutes from getting here.” At least she hoped.

“You’ve done this before right?” Leslie asked Lila. “You know, help a woman birth?”

“I’ve seen it done once and I’ve delivered myself, if that counts for anything.” Lila said. “Piece of cake.”

Leslie’s mouth fell open.

Lila narrowed her eyes. “Have a little faith. You know as well as I do that giving birth is a natural process.”

Leslie nodded. “We need clean towels.”

“Towels are in there.” Lila pointed in the direction of the bathroom.

“I need to push. I need to.” Carly’s throaty tone seemed to vibrate the walls. She grabbed the sheet and tugged.

Lila sat down, wiping Carly’s face with a tissue. Once the contraction subsided, Lila said, “Listen, Carly. The baby is coming, fast. I know it hurts like hell, but it’s important that you don’t push until I tell you. Okay?”

Carly’s bottom lip trembled. “I want Chance.”

“I know you do, sweetie. You know Chance. He’ll be here soon. I’m sure he has wings.” Another contraction wracked her body. When she relaxed, Lila patted her shoulder. “Remember what you told me when I was in labor with Ava? You encouraged me to keep my focus on the end result, a beautiful bundle of joy, a baby created from my love for Duke. I wanted him there

with me too, but it wasn’t possible. Chance will be here, but in the meantime, you must keep your concentration on the baby and her well-being. I promise you, I won’t let anything happen to you or the baby.”

Carly’s muscles relaxed some.

        Leslie came back with an armload of towels. Some of her color had returned in her cheeks. “I hear sirens.”

       Lila sighed relief. “Thank God.”

“I can’t have this baby! No! I refuse.” Carly tried sitting up in bed. Her disheveled hair and wide, shiny eyes made her look feral.

“It’s a little late for that, honey. This baby is ready.” Lila glanced at the baby’s head more visible now. “A few good pushes is all she needs.”

“I can’t do this. I can’t!” Tears streamed down Carly’s cheeks. “I wanted Chance to be here. I’m going to strangle him for going to that damn auction!”

 “He’ll be here.” Lila placed towels underneath Carly and pulled on latex gloves. “We can

do this, Carly. On the next contraction, I want you to bear down and push this baby out.”

There was a loud crashing sound as Chance came barreling into the room, the sound of wood splintering bounced off the walls. Sweat beaded his brow and his Stetson set cockeyed on his head. “Did I make it in time?’

“Chance, you made it…” Carly swiped at her moist cheeks.

“Of course I did, baby. I’m so sorry,” Chance said as he bent at the bedside and kissed his wife.

Lila heard the ambulance siren in front, but it was too late. “Leslie, are you ready?” The other woman gave a quick nod. “Okay, Carly and Chance, welcome your new baby girl.”

****

Duke looked at Lila as she came out of the bedroom. He could tell by the dark circles under her eyes and pale skin that she was frazzled. “Is Carly and the baby okay?”

“Mom and baby look great. The paramedics are prepping her and baby for transport to the hospital,” Lila said.

“I thought you said they were fine?”

“It’s only for precaution.”

“You look tired,” he said.

“Exhausted. But I guess that’s normal under the circumstances.”

“I’m glad Chance made it. He’d never had forgiven himself if he hadn’t.” Duke shook his head.

The door swung open and Leslie walked out. “Well, this has been real folks, but I’m leaving. I need a stiff drink,” she said as she moved toward the stairs.

Lila laughed. “Once again, thanks for your help.”

“No problem. It was great, but at the same time disturbing. I’ll leave it at that. Tell Carly and Chance congratulations.” Then Leslie disappeared.

Lila turned to Duke and said, “I’m going to stay and watch Chancelor. You can head on home if you’d like.”

Duke didn’t want to leave her. “Why don’t we take Chancelor with us? That way, we can both help each other in keeping an eye on the little man. I bet Ava wouldn’t mind a play date.”

“I think that sounds like a great idea. When Carly and the baby are packed up into the ambulance, I’ll gather some of his things. And Duke, thank you.”

 “I didn’t do anything,” he said.

“Yes you did. More than you know. You’re here.”