But Dixie couldn’t hear because of all the noise in the room. Molly glanced towards the stage, where Cam was taking the microphone from William and was just about to make his speech.
Cam looked overwhelmed as he blew out a breath. ‘I did it—Wedid it,’ he corrected himself. Cam was beaming as he gathered his thoughts and the audience hushed. ‘My Great-Uncle Ted won this award for many years on the run and when he passed away, I took over The Old Bakehouse. I never dreamt I would be standing on this stage, holding this trophy and winning prize money of fifty thousand pounds. It’s thanks to Ted and my family – Molly, Dixie, George and Bree – and to Lilian Allen, who is no longer with us. Lilian was Ted’s right-hand woman and invented the concept of Layers Treats, a recipe I’ve adapted for today’s competition. I’ve been thinking a lot about expanding The Old Bakehouse and I think opening a chocolate shop called “Layers Treats” in the village of Heartcross is now a given.’
He smiled at Bree, who had her hands clasped. She couldn’t believe how her life had turned around in a matter of weeks.
‘And I hope you will all come and visit.’ Cam held the trophy high in the air. The room erupted into further applause as Cam handed the microphone back to William and everyone stood and watched as all the competitors and judges waved and walked backstage.
‘A chocolate shop in Heartcross. The children will love that,’ said Dixie, looking towards Molly who was doing everything in her power not to cry out in pain.
‘Molly, what is it, you look…’
Dixie followed Molly’s gaze to the floor. ‘Bloody hell. William … William…’ Dixie bellowed over to William who was standing at the side of the stage. Quickly, she turned towards Bree. ‘Grab George and take him through to the other room. Get yourself a drink and some food. The baby is coming!’
‘Oh my God, no way! Eek! Good luck! Is that what you say? I’ve no idea!’ Bree was grinning, her eyes wide with excitement.
William appeared at Dixie’s side. ‘We need Cam but more importantly we need an ambulance,’ stated Dixie. ‘Molly is in labour.’
‘I think it may be too late for an ambulance.’ Molly was taking in deep breaths.
Immediately, William rang the reception. ‘We have a spare bedroom just up this hallway. Let’s get you comfortable. Cam is on his way.’
Dixie took hold of Molly’s arm and they pushed through the crowd of people gathered around the doorway. ‘Woman in labour, let us through,’ announced Dixie as the crowd hurriedly stepped to the side.
Cam was running up the hallway clutching his trophy, and he kissed Molly’s head once he reached them.
‘I’m so sorry, I shouldn’t be stealing your thunder.’ She stopped walking and took in a sharp breath.
‘I can’t leave you alone for a second,’ he joked, taking her hand. ‘You’ve really picked your moment, haven’t you?’
‘Here, this room.’ William held a card against the keypad and it swung open. ‘The ambulance is on its way. Can I get you anything?’
Cam looked towards Molly. ‘Towels, we need towels. I’ve seen that in the movies.’
‘Pain relief, I need pain relief.’ Molly was overcome and let out a high-pitched squeal.
‘I’ll go and look after George and Bree.’ Dixie gestured for William to leave the room then touched Molly’s shoulder. ‘Good luck!’
Molly sat down on the bed and took off her cardigan. She was clutching her bump in agony, the contractions becoming more frequent. It was obvious to Cam that Molly wasn’t going to hold on to this baby for much longer and that trying to move her to the nearest hospital would be too complicated. It was probably too late anyway. He helped her to lie down on the bed and she raised her knees and clutched Cam’s arm tightly.
‘I need to take off my tights and you need to take a look at what is going on down there.’
Cam looked petrified but didn’t protest. Molly was breathing heavily now and she wasn’t the only one. Cam helped her out of her tights and her pants then she lay back down. Panic-stricken, she yelled, ‘Can you see the head?’ as another contraction took over. She squeezed Cam’s hand so tight that he started to lose feeling in it.
Cam willed the ambulance to hurry.
‘It’s coming, I want to push,’ Molly panted.
‘Try and keep calm and push through the contractions,’ Cam encouraged her calmly, even though he felt far from calm. He didn’t even know if that was the correct thing to say. ‘You’re doing really well.’
Molly was pale so Cam quickly ran a hand towel under the tap and wiped her brow.
‘This goddamn hurts,’ she shouted.
‘Not long to go,’ he said, wishing with all his might that the paramedics would walk through that door and take over.
‘I can feel the head,’ screamed Molly.
Cam took a quick look. ‘And I can see the head.’
