Nearly a month and four hundred miles after leaving Independence Rock, the emigrants arrived at Fort Hall. The fort, abandoned a scant year ago, stood upon the level bottomland of the Snake River with miles of good pasturage surrounding it, making it a good place to spend a night or two. Like Fort Laramie, the good-size fort was built of unburnt brick.
In the distance, snowcapped mountains were constant reminders of the need to make haste lest they find themselves still on the trail when the first snows fell. In all, the travel-weary emigrants had come twelve hundred miles in three and a half months.
They arrived at the fort in early afternoon, which allowed the animals a few extra hours of rest and plentiful grazing. Wolf chose an area several miles from the fort, downriver. Anyone who wanted to explore the fort had ample time to do so that afternoon, as Wolf didn’t plan to stop for long. Tomorrow they’d continue onward.
Eirica watched Sofia and her family along with Jordan, Coralie, Elliot, the Svenssons and Wolf and Jessie leave for the fort. She smiled at the sight of Elliot and Catarina walking side by side, their shoulders occasionally touching. She had a feeling there’d be another wedding when they reached Oregon.
As much as Eirica longed to see some of the trail sights, her condition left her just too exhausted at the end of the day to do anything not required of her. With an afternoon of having to do nothing but rest stretching out before her, she sighed with gratitude.
Even her children had gone to the fort. Only Rook and James remained behind with her. Rook had declared that he wanted some peace and quiet without any jabbering females driving him crazy, and James, worrying over her as usual, had refused to leave her alone, even though she’d assured him she’d be fine.
Where he’d disappeared to, she didn’t know, but she knew he was probably giving her a chance to rest and recoup. Today had seemed particularly rough to get through. Though they hadn’t traveled nearly as many miles or as long as usual, each step had seemed harder than the last—today, each cry or whining comment from her children making her want to snap. By the time they’d stopped, all she’d wanted to do was lie down and cry. Even James and his fussing had gotten on her nerves.
Her muscles ached and she felt tired—incredibly tired, which worried her. Rubbing her lower back, she feared it wouldn’t be long before the baby came. Oh, Lord, she sure wished she could put this off. Back home, she’d had her ma or a midwife to help her deliver, along with a nice soft bed with sheets; everything she needed, including privacy. But at least this time she’d have Anne and Sofia. Rounding the wagon, she saw James setting up the tent and felt some of her worry and anxiety ease. He hadn’t abandoned her totally. She didn’t know what she’d done to deserve him, but she thanked the good Lord for her good fortune.
Pressing her hand into her back, she continued to rub the low ache. If her babe was coming, it would be hours yet, maybe even a day, but not much more than that. With the fear of birthing foremost in her mind, she set about preparing the evening meal. There was just so much to be done yet.
James hadn’t started a fire—it was hours until they’d eat—but she could fill the kettle with water and get the bread ready to bake. Fetching the cast-iron pot from the wagon, she went down to the river. As she lifted the heavy kettle out of the flowing water, a sudden and sharp pain radiated from her lower back around toward the front of her extended belly. Her womb grew hard with the contraction.
Eirica gasped and dropped the pot. It landed with a splash. She held her swollen abdomen until the searing pain passed. Biting her lip, she quickly refilled the kettle and struggled back to camp with it.
“Eirica, are you crazy? Let me have that! It’s far too heavy for a woman in your condition.” James took it from her.
Before she could crossly remind him that women in her condition carried water and wood and saw to their normal chores each and every day of their pregnancy, another spasm of pain struck. The intensity of it left her breathless. She stopped and hunched over, resting her hands on her knees.
James cursed a blue streak, dropping the pot of water in his haste to reach her. “Oh, God, sweetheart, it’s the baby, isn’t it?”
Eirica nodded and straightened when the pain faded. She took a couple of deep, cleansing breaths. None of her other children had come this fast. “James, I need Anne or Sofia. Now.”
He glanced frantically around. “Fine time for everyone to disappear on us. Let’s get you back to camp and settled first.” He wrapped one arm around her waist to help her return to camp.
She only managed half a dozen steps before another contraction hit. This time, she was forced to hold on to James, her fingers biting into his arms.
As soon as the contraction eased, he once again urged her forward. “Dammit, woman. Why didn’t you say something earlier?”
Irritated, she glared at him. “The pains just started. They never came this fast and hard with the other three—”
She broke off abruptly and glanced down. James followed her gaze. He swore again when he saw the puddle of water between her feet. Muttering beneath his breath, he scooped her up into his arms and carried her into the tent, set her down on her feet, arranged the bedding, then stood. “Let me help you lie down.”
Pacing back and forth, she shook her head. “No. Not yet.”
Agitated, James surveyed the small enclosure. “Wait here. I’m going to fetch more water and get it boiling. I think Rook started his fire already. I’ll be right back.”
Eirica panicked and grabbed his arm. “James, what about Anne?” Her voice ended on a strangled scream. Once more she bent over. Immediately, James wrapped his arms around her, allowing her to clutch his shoulders as the contraction crested.
When the pain subsided, he tilted her chin up. “I don’t think you have time, sweetheart. Looks like you’re stuck with me.”
Her eyes widened. “James, don’t think me ungrateful, but have you ever delivered a baby?”
James grinned. “Hundreds.”
At her puzzled and disbelieving look, he shrugged. “Cows and sheep, couple of horses, but what’s the difference? Now, do whatever it is you women do to get ready. I’ve got to get some supplies and then I’ll be right back.” With a quick kiss to her forehead, he left the tent and ran smack into Rook.
“—Eirica’s in labor.”
“—Sadie’s in labor.”
The two men stared at each other in horror, then glanced wildly around. No one materialized to come rushing to their aid. They were alone, on their own. A muffled scream from the tent and a frantic bark from Rook’s campsite spurred both men who ran in the same direction—and back into each other.
“—Out of my way.”
“—Damn.”
“Out of my way. I need boiling water. Eirica needs me.”
Rook followed James back to his camp, cursing his broken arm. With a growl of frustration, he whipped off his sling while James set the kettle over the fire, next to one Rook already had going. James used another pan to scoop some of the boiling water out then carried it back to the tent. To add to the confusion, Wahoska paced nearby, growling low in his throat each time Sadie whimpered in the back of the wagon.
James ran back to Eirica’s tent. Inside, he found a pillow and tore the case off. Feathers from the worn ticking floated in front of his face. He blew them out of his way as he tore the fabric into hand-size squares and dipped them into the water.
Kneeling beside Eirica who’d removed her dress and was on her knees, he stared down into her wide, pain-filled blue eyes. “You’ll be fine, sweetheart. You’ll be fine.” Silently, he prayed for the truth of his words. He just couldn’t lose her, not now. Not when they had a future together and so many dreams to make come true.
But deep inside, fear clawed at him. Too many things could go wrong and he knew squat about delivering babies. Why had everyone abandoned them, today of all days? He didn’t have any more time to dwell on his situation. Eirica’s contractions suddenly hit, one on top of another. Glancing around the tent, he found an old quilt nearly in rags and put it beneath her. Then he waited, soothing her, rubbing her back and holding her when pain wracked her body.
“Do you want to lie down, sweetheart?”
She shook her head. “No,” she gasped, holding on to him as if afraid he’d leave. “Oh, God, James, I can’t do this.”
He smiled at the desperation in her eyes. “Sure you can. You’ve done it three times.”
“Different,” she gasped. “Not like this—”
A low guttural moan tore from her throat, a sound James had never heard before. Nor had he ever seen the intense look on another human’s face as he saw on hers. Every vein stood out as if she were holding her breath and straining.
Then he realized she was. She was pushing. “Oh, God. Oh, God,” he muttered over and over, torn between holding her and worrying over the babe. What was he supposed to do? Panic ran wild through him.
Suddenly, the tent flap opened and Rook burst in, dropping a length of cloth. Without any concern at the sight of her half-naked state, he grabbed Eirica’s other arm. “I heard. My wife made that sound before she gave birth. I’ll hold her while ya catch the babe. It won’t be long now. Git that cloth. I took it from Sofia’s wagon. It’s clean.”
James grabbed the toweling and waited, holding Eirica as she alternated between pushing and panting.
“Ah, lass, yer doing fine,” Rook coaxed, urging her to rest between pushes. He grinned. “We has two pups so far. That ol’ rascal wolf is prowling like any respectable man whose mate is birthin’.”
Eirica smiled weakly but held on, long past the point of being embarrassed. Right now, it wouldn’t have mattered if the whole damn camp crowded in to watch. Another urge to push assailed her, stronger. “James, it’s coming. The babe’s coming.”
Her breath ended in a gasp as every ounce of effort went into pushing the babe from her womb into James’s awaiting hands.
“A head. I see a head. Push, sweetheart, push. I see it.”
The awe and joy in his voice gave Eirica the strength she needed for that final push. With a sound between a groan and scream, it was over. Her knees shook and her body shivered, but all she cared about was the baby.
Frantic, she glanced down, unable to see anything. Then she saw James wiping the baby roughly and using one of the wet cloths he’d dipped in the pot of warm water to wipe the tiny nose and mouth, inside and out. Holding the infant upside down, he stroked the baby’s back. Then she heard it. The most beautiful sound in the whole world. Her daughter’s first cry.
Eirica sagged against Rook, who hugged her. “’Ere, give the babe to me. You git yer woman settled in that bed and I’ll go wash the wee lass here and bring her back.” A sharp bark made him smile. “I gots ta check on Sadie, too, then I’ll be right back.” He wrapped the squalling infant in the towel and left, the protesting baby’s wails sounding like music to Eirica’s ears.
She instructed James on the rest of the birthing process. After it was over, she and James held each other. As he murmured praise and words of love, Eirica felt a stronger bond forming between her and James. He’d done every bit as good as any woman or midwife, and it didn’t even bother her that Rook had come in to help. This was what family and love was about, and she reveled in it.
True to his word, Rook returned with the fussing baby, clean and wrapped in a newly laundered towel for a blanket and beneath that, one of his flannel shirts. “It’s clean,” he smiled, handing the baby to James. “She’s a beauty, lass, jest like her ma.” Then the cook left, a wide grin splitting his whiskered cheeks.
James stared down at the baby. From somewhere deep inside his soul, a strong protective urge rose as he studied this small, so incredibly tiny, human that he feared he’d crush her. He tested the weight of her in his palms; she couldn’t be more than five or six pounds. Awed at the wonder of helping to bring this life into the world, he felt incapable of speech.
He pulled back the corner of the towel. A shock of golden-red hair covered the infant’s head and when she opened her eyes, he was struck by their incredible blueness. He touched one soft, downy cheek. Her rosebud mouth rooted for nourishment and finding none, she screwed her face up into a look of outrage to let the world know she was displeased with her reception.
James vowed right then and there to love and protect this child. In that instant, he’d bonded with her as if she’d been his own flesh and blood. He went down on his knees next to Eirica, who lay propped against the pillows and extra bedding. She’d changed into her nightshirt while Rook had the infant. James had removed the soiled bedding and replaced it. “I think somebody wants her mama.” He carefully placed the squalling infant in Eirica’s outstretched arms and watched her unwrap the baby. Together, they checked toes and fingers, then James helped her lift the baby to her mother’s breast.
It was just going on dusk when the happy group returned from the fort. They’d explored the area, talked to emigrants who were camped inside the abandoned buildings, and in general, they’d all had a good time.
Coralie carried Ian who’d fallen asleep. She smiled softly and glanced at Jordan. By the end of winter, she and Jordie would have their own baby, the start of their own family. The thought both excited her and made her sad. She wished her father could be there. He’d be a grandfather, and she wanted him around to spoil her children.
Behind her, Jessie, Anne, Catarina and Sofia talked while Anne’s and Eirica’s girls ran on ahead. The men brought up the rear, carrying on about what the fort must have been like before being deserted. They were also discussing the growing number of Indian attacks in the area. Coralie shuddered, refusing to think about it.
When they neared the camp, Jessie caught up with her. “Men.” She stopped before she could continue with her disparaging comments about their morbid conversation and cocked her head to one side. “Listen, do you hear that?”
The rest of the group stopped to listen.
“Sounds like a baby,” Jordan commented.
The women gasped and cried out, “Eirica!” in unison.
“Land’s sake, Jessie, poor Eirica’s by herself,” Anne cried.
Sofia muttered something in her native tongue to her granddaughter.
Coralie gently handed Jordan the sleeping boy and together, she and the other women rushed into camp, going immediately to Eirica’s wagon. They stopped when James stepped out of the tent.
Jessie ran up to her brother. “Eirica? Is she all right?” The others flanked her.
James made a shushing sound. “She’s fine,” he said, keeping his voice low. “Wait here.”
He stepped inside, then returned with a wrapped bundle in his arms. With everyone crowding close, silent, their breaths held, he peeled away the towel to reveal one contented, sleeping baby. “Meet Summer Halley Macauley.”
Oohs and ahhs filled the air. Anne and Sofia exchanged looks. “Who delivered her?” Anne asked, peering at the sleeping babe.
James stood a bit straighter. “I did.”
Jessie’s jaw fell. “You? All by yourself?”
“Yep. Well, Eirica did all the work. Rook and me just helped some.”
Sofia stepped forward. “James, does Eirica need help with bathing or anything else?”
James wore a smug, self-satisfied expression. “Nope. Everything’s done.” He frowned. “’Course, it’d be real nice if one of you ladies volunteered to wash them sheets and stuff for me. Birthing sure makes a helluva mess.”
They laughed. Sofia and her granddaughter volunteered.
“How about if Wolf and I take the children tonight so Eirica can rest?” Jessie asked.
“Great,” James exclaimed. He bent down and called Eirica’s children to him. “Now come meet your new sister.” After a brief look, the three youngsters wandered away. “Guess it’s not such a big deal to them.” He turned to his sister and shrugged.
Jessie stared down at the tiny wrinkled face with awe. She glanced back at her brother who still wore a pleased grin as if he’d been responsible for the whole thing. “I still can’t believe you delivered her,” she said, shaking her head.
Eirica’s sleepy voice came from inside the wagon. “Your brother did a fine job, Jessie.”
James turned beet-red. “I told her it weren’t no different than birthing calves,” he muttered. More laughter followed from the gathered women.
Coralie fingered the towel and looked at James. “Could I—I mean, if Eirica wouldn’t mind—”
James chuckled and put the baby in her arms.
Coralie held her breath. She’d never felt anything like the warm glow of love welling inside her as she stared down at the baby. Jordan put his arms around his wife and met her gaze with a questioning look.
“Tell them, Jordie,” she urged.
A wide grin split Jordan’s darkly tanned face, his mustache quivered with his suppressed excitement. Then he blurted, “I’m going to be a father.”
Voices rose with excitement and the couple was bombarded with questions. James took the baby back into the tent, then came back out, herding everyone away. He led the way to Rook’s wagon, saying only that he had another surprise for the group.
Jessie groaned. “I suppose this means more baby clothes to make.”
Everyone laughed then the women looked at one another. Sofia clapped her hands. “A party. We have to celebrate and give Eirica our gifts.”
Everyone voiced their agreement. Rook met them, a wide grin on his face, his cupped hands held close to his shirt. “Rook, did you see the baby?” Coralie asked.
His eyes twinkled. “Sure did, lass. We has lots of babies.” He held out his arms. Cupped in his hands, resting on his palms, lay a tiny white pup.
More excited chatter followed as everyone crowded around the wagon where Rook had made a bed for Sadie and her pups. Sadie received her share of praise. She wagged her tail while six other pups, mostly black or brown, or some combination of brown, black or white, fought for prime nursing spigots.
Sofia put her hands on her ample hips. “I need to plan something special for tonight.” She glanced at Wolf. “We’re not leaving in the morning are we?”
Wolf shook his head. “No. We’ll spend two more days here, then see how Eirica and the babe are doing.”
“Good. I’ll fix Eirica a nice clear broth and some tea.”
Rook set the seventh pup, the only pure white one among the litter, and chased after Sofia. Their arguing as to what they’d fix for Eirica’s supper left everyone in high spirits.
Wolf sat outside the tent he and Jessie had set up for the Macauley children. He’d relieved James from duty for a few days to allow him to remain with Eirica. Tonight, and maybe tomorrow, Eirica’s children could sleep here, to give their mom some time to rest and gather her strength. Darkness surrounded him. He hadn’t bothered to start a fire as he and Jessie usually ate with the other hired hands.
Jessie came out of the tent. “Asleep and all tucked up. The girls were so excited.” Jessie sat beside him, then shifted, straightening her skirts beneath her.
“You seem to be favoring your dress much more these days.” His glance slid down over her curves.
Jessie grimaced. “It’s more comfortable.”
Wolf reared back, his brows lifted in disbelief. “Since when?”
A look of devilment, one he knew well, crept into her eyes, but she didn’t say a word.
“Spill it, Jessica Naomi White. What have you been up to now?”
She giggled. “Same thing as you.”
He frowned. “What is that supposed to mean?”
Jessie turned and hugged him. “Wolf, we’ve never talked about it, but do you want a family? Children of your own? I know running a boarding school will take our time but—”
He silenced her. “Of course I want children. We’ll have our own family someday—” His voice trailed off and his gaze slid down the front of her dress to the gentle swell of her breasts. Thoughtfully, he cupped them. Demands of the trail and his responsibilities had meant little time for him and Jessie in the last couple of weeks beyond precious stolen moments to be together. Now he felt a subtle difference. His hands skimmed down to her once-flat belly. There was a gentle swell there as well.
“We’re having a baby?” Wolf’s voice rose with disbelief.
“Yup.” Jessie bit her lip, her gaze anxious.
“Are you sure?” He had to swallow several times before the words left his mouth. His gaze dipped to her breasts and her waist.
“Yup, my monthly is never late.”
He closed his eyes, feeling incredibly blessed by the Great Spirit. First for giving him Jessie, then a purpose to his life, and now this.
“Are you happy?” Jessie asked.
His eyes flew open. “You’ve made me the happiest man to walk this land, my sweet Wild Rose.” He kissed her with a need that rose inside him like an underground river rises to the earth’s surface. Like the springs they’d encountered along the trail, happiness welled up inside and spilled out, encompassing his whole being. Life was good. Incredibly good. Next spring, they’d return to his people, the Miniconjou Sioux, in the Nebraska Territory to start a boarding school for the children of his tribe and raise their own family. His mother would also be thrilled to have more grandchildren.
Staring down into her face, Wolf lowered his head, slanting his mouth over hers. Lifting his lips when they were both breathless, he murmured, “Guess I’d best get used to seeing you in a dress.”
Jessie wrapped her arms around his neck and straddled him. “Yup. I’ve got to admit, they are good for some things.” She whispered in his ear, in great detail, what she wanted.
He cleared his throat and quickly glanced around to see if anyone was in sight. Finding no one moving about and grateful for the deep shadows hiding them, Wolf loosened his breeches and pulled his wife on top of him.