The white spot grew larger, longer. Then a tear in it revealed a bit of dark wetness. Was that ... a tiny nose?
Lorelei’s grip shifted on his hand, tightening, and he squeezed back. Was she worried? Was anything going amiss? His own heart felt like it had climbed into his throat.
The mare rose to a more upright position, curving her legs under her. She shook her head, then turned and nipped at her belly. He could only imagine how twisted her insides must feel.Lord, couldn’t you make an easier way for new lifeto be born?
A minute later, the horse stretched flat on her side again, legs stiff. He tensed as he waited for what would come next.
The break in the white bubble had widened to reveal two glossy black legs and the bottom part of an equally dark muzzle. As the mare grunted and strained, the rest of the head eased out.
The shiny white covering still protected the eyes and ears from sight, and the effort seemed to exhaust the new mother, for her legs relaxed and she stayed in that stretched-out position, her breath coming in heaves. If just getting the head out had been so hard, how much worse would the rest of the body be? Would she have strength for it all?
He glanced at Lorelei to gauge whether he could ask the question. They’d all been silent as the mare worked, and perhaps he should hold his tongue. Lorelei was so focused on the sight in front of them, she didn’t notice he watched her. And what a sight she made, with joy illuminating her entire face. The wonder of this new life being born was remarkable, but seeing her complete pleasure in the sight was even better. Oh, he loved this woman.
He forced his focus back into the stall, though he stroked the back of her hand with his thumb.
The pain seemed to grow even worse for the poor mother, for she grunted and strained, her damp coat ripplingacross her belly as she worked. With a gush, nearly half of the foal’s body rushed out all at once, leaving only the hind legs within.
His own breath ceased with the speed of it. How had she managed so much in a single push?
Lorelei’s quiet whisper came to him. “Getting those front shoulders out is the worst. She’s almost done now.”
The mare seemed to agree with her, for she pushed upright, then propped her front feet in front of her and struggled up to standing. Panic washed through Tanner, and he reached for the latch on the gate. The foal was still hanging out of her. If she dragged it, what damage would be done to the babe?
But Lorelei grabbed his arm, and he paused long enough to look inside again. The foal lay on the ground, fully out of its mother. The mare spun to sniff her new offspring. Maybe the effort to rise had helped the final part of the birthing.
The mare began licking her babe, clearing away the white film that still covered all four legs and the rump. The foal’s ears flopped, one standing straight up and the other tilted sideways in the cutest pose.
“He’s precious.” Lorelei’s voice finally rose above a whisper, and her tone held the wonder rising in his own chest.
He’d just witnessed a new life being born. Where minutes before there had been only one live creature, a second now lay here, weak and helpless, yet still very much alive, with its future spreading out before it.
The chaos of emotions sweeping through him made a knot clog his throat. One day would Lorelei be given the chance to bring new life into the world? The thought of her enduring that pain made his chest clench, but a lifethey’dstarted, a babe God blessed them with ... What could be more wonderful than that?
He wanted so badly to wrap his arms around Lorelei, to hold her and savor this miracle together. But he wouldn’t do that with her sister here.
As though she read his mind, Rosemary stepped back. “I’m going to tell the others. They’ll want to come meet our newest addition.”
As she left the barn, Tanner released Lorelei’s hand and slid his arm around her waist. She moved in front of him, allowing him to wrap both arms around her. As she leaned back against him, he cradled her, holding her tight.
This woman. This gift. He would never tire of her look, her touch. And he would do whatever it took to fulfill the trust she placed in him.
For the rest of his life, if she’d have him.
Did he have to wait any longer to ask? He might burst if he didn’t tell her everything right now.
He leaned down to speak into her ear, both so they didn’t disturb the pair in front of them and because bearing his heart was something he intended only for her ears. “Lorelei, I have something to ask you.”
She glanced up at him, but since they both faced forward, she probably couldn’t see him well. Her body turned, and he loosened his hold enough for her to face him.
Those beautiful eyes gazed up at him, stirring his heart.
“I know we haven’t been courting long, but I also know how much you’ve come to mean to me even in the short time I’ve known you. You’re a remarkable woman, a delight to everyone who knows you. Your love is one of the greatest gifts I’ve ever received. There’s no way I could keep fromloving you in return. And if you’ll have me, if you’ll agree to become my wife, I can promise my heart and every other part of me will be yours for all of my days.”
He couldn’t breathe as he waited for her response. Had he said everything he’d wanted to? He should have rehearsed this better in his mind before asking this most important question. But in this moment ...
Her eyes turned glassy, and her mouth spread in the most beautiful smile he’d ever seen. “Tanner.”
But she didn’t say anything more. Did she need time to think about it? This wasn’t a decision to be rushed. Perhaps he shouldn’t have hurried into the question, though he’d known he’d be asking it.
