Usually, William was the most calm, level-headed person Willow knew. But right now, he was as stressed as any expectant dad.
“I’ll go and see Megan.” Willow pulled up the zipper on her jacket and left Zac and William alone. Hopefully, Zac would say something to make his friend less worried.
When she saw Megan’s white face, her heart sank. “It will be okay.”
“We didn’t think to check the road conditions. How could we have a slip on the main road? We haven’t had any rain for a couple of days.”
She held Megan’s hand. “Take a deep breath. Zac is a great doctor. He won’t let anything happen to you or the baby.”
Megan took a wobbly breath. “What if we don’t get to the hospital in time?”
“Babies aren’t born right away. Most first-time moms are in labor for hours before their baby is born.” Willow crossed her fingers, hoping she was right.
“Are you saying that to make me feel better?”
“Is it working?”
A smile lifted the corners of Megan’s mouth. “A little.” She looked down and groaned. “My water has just broken.”
Willow bit her bottom lip. “Don’t move. I’ll get Zac.” As she raced back to the other truck, she prayed that Megan’s worst nightmare wasn’t about to come true. It was cold, dark, and one of the most unsafe places to stop, let alone have a baby.
“Megan’s water has broken.” Her words tumbled on top of each other, but they must have been clear enough for Zac and William to understand.
William ran to his wife, kneeling beside the truck as he spoke to her.
Zac took his medical kit out of his vehicle. “We need to go back to Sapphire Bay. Once we’re there, I’ll examine Megan and we can decide what we’re doing next. Can you drive my truck while I travel with Megan and William?”
“That’s no problem. Do you want me to find Megan some dry clothes?”
Zac looked ahead of them. “William is hunting through her suitcase. As soon as she’s ready, we’ll get going.”
Willow took the keys he handed her. “Good luck.”
Zac’s tight smile worried Willow. She just hoped they made it back to Sapphire Bay before Megan had her baby.
Chapter Six
Three hours later,Willow was making herself busy by baking cookies in Megan and William’s kitchen. Despite this being Megan’s first pregnancy, her baby was in a hurry to be born. By the time Zac re-examined her, Megan was six centimeters dilated and in active labor.
After speaking with Zac and their obstetrician, William and Megan had decided to have their baby at home.
Willow had expected Megan to be completely stressed by the change of plans, but she was so focused on having a safe delivery that she didn’t care where her baby was born.
William wasn’t so calm. When he came to the kitchen for more crushed ice, he was shattered. Before he went back to Megan, Willow had made him a cup of coffee and a sandwich. He’d need every ounce of energy he could muster to help Megan through the birth.
A soft knock on the kitchen door made Willow turn around. “Hi, Sam.”
“I hope you don’t mind me coming over. I was worried about Megan and couldn’t sleep.”
“I feel the same way. It’s good to have company.”
“Can I do anything to help?”
Willow looked around the kitchen. Two trays of chocolate chip cookies were baking in the oven. In another bowl she’d started mixing more butter and eggs.
“You could add the flour and baking powder to this bowl while I find another cookie sheet.”
Sam smiled and took off her jacket. “What flavor are you making?”
