Tall wooden walls surround the buildings, a modicum of safety from the savage wilds.
Jenny found work in the gardens, planting and harvesting right up until her due date.
“I don’t want to go today.” Pain etches her features as she walks slowly from the kitchen. “I think it’s time.”
Fear and excitement rush through me.
My love for her has grown into impossible heights since that night in the clearing.
And seeing her pregnant with our child gives me new purpose.
I wish we’d been able to find her son, but everyone we’ve talked to had never heard of him.
“Do you want me to bring in the midwife? Doc Tucker said she’s the best around.” I know Jenny won’t need much as far as medical help, she’d heal from any injury.
But the baby…
“I’m not sure,” she sighs, rubbing her palm under her bulging abdomen. “What if she notices?”
Her eyes tighten for a moment, then she relaxes.
“Jen—” I move to her quickly, walking her to a chair. “—tell me what you want me to do.”
Worry has her chewing on her bottom lip. “I guess go get her. We can always leave if she gets too nosy.”
I don’t want her secret getting out.
“You know I wouldn’t let her leave, right?” I swore I’d do anything to protect Jenny.
And I mean it.
Her sharp intake makes her pause, then she nods. “I’m okay with that.”
Funny how blurry the lines get when we can only count on ourselves.
“I’ll be back quickly.” I press a fast kiss to her forehead and slide the pistol closer.
“Love you,” she exhales, grimacing with another contraction.
Giddy excitement has me racing through the street until I find the placard hanging from the address post.
Knocking furiously finally brings a wrinkly woman in a shawl to the door.
“Can I help you?” She blinks up at me with one clear eye. The other is clouded and pale.
“Are you the midwife? My wife is in labor.” Even now, I have the frantic need to get back.
“I am, Estelle.” She squints at me. “The new couple on Elm?”
“That’s right. Hudson and Jenny.” In this small of a town, I guess there aren’t as many secrets as I hoped.
“I’ll be just behind you, I just need to grab my bag.” She waves me away with a gnarled hand.
“Thank you,” I call out, already several paces away.
I’m settling Jenny into our bed when I hear the soft rap.
“You weren’t long, come in.” Standing back, I guide the elderly woman towards our bedroom.
