Shelley’s eyebrows rose. “How on earth do you know that?”
Eden smiled. “I like crystals.”
Rex trotted over, his tail wagging enthusiastically. Instead of stopping beside Eden, he immediately went to Shelley and cuddled up to her.
Shelley laughed and petted him.
Steve looked at her. “How are you doing?”
“I’m okay,” Shelley told him. “I just have a few pesky contractions that are making my life difficult.”
Steve’s eyes filled with worry. “Are yousureeverything’s all right?”
“Everything’s fine. The contractions are normal.”
Steve nodded, still not looking entirely convinced. He turned to Eden and pulled a small, intricately crafted sculpture from a bag. “I brought you something else. It’s a gift for your garden.”
Eden’s eyes widened as she took the sculpture from him. It was a delicate bronze butterfly, beautifully detailed and full of life. “It’s fantastic, but it’s too nice for my overgrown garden. I’ll keep it in my bedroom until the living room’s finished. Thank you.”
“You’re welcome,” Steve said, his eyes softening as he looked at her.
Just then, Shelley winced again, her hand going to her stomach. “I think... I think this might be it,” she said, her voice tight with pain.
Steve took his phone out of his pocket. “We need to get you to the hospital. I’ll call for an ambulance.”
Eden quickly gathered Shelley’s things, her mind racing. “I’ll call John,” she said as she dialed his number.
He answered on the first ring. “Is everything okay?”
“Shelley’s in labor,” Eden said, trying to stay calm. “Steve’s called for an ambulance.”
“They’ll be at least forty minutes,” Steve said as he ended the call. “The dispatcher said it’d be quicker if we drive Shelley to the hospital ourselves.”
Eden frowned. “Did you hear that, John?”
“I did,” he said quickly. “Can you and Steve take her to the hospital? I’m visiting someone who lives just outside of Polson. I’ll meet you there.”
Eden rushed across to the back door and locked it. “We’re heading to the hospital now.” She looked down at Rex and frowned. “Will Rex be okay in my bedroom?” she asked Steve.
“He’ll be fine there. I’ll call Owen and see if he can take him back to his house.”
Eden picked up Rex and hurried into her bedroom. “Guess what, boy? You’re staying here for a little while.” She turned on the radio, put a big fluffy blanket on the end of her bed, and gave Rex one last pat. “Owen won’t be long.”
By the time she’d closed the door, Steve had spoken to Owen, and he was halfway across the kitchen with Shelley.
“I’m okay,” Shelley told him. “I can walk on my own to your truck.”
Steve shook his head. “Hold my hand. I’m not taking any chances.”
Shelley rolled her eyes. “You’re as bad as John.”
Eden picked up the backpack Shelley had left in the living room. “It’s just as well John insisted you bring your overnight bag with you.”
“He’s a clever man,” Shelley said as she stopped in the doorway. “I just need to catch my breath.”
Eden rubbed her arm. “At least the hospital is a little nicer than my house.”
Shelley nodded but didn’t say anything.
