Her eyes filled when she spotted Jesse bringing her a cup of hot cider just as the small band tuned up. Henry and Hank Butler, twins right down to the mole on their left cheek, provided the music for the crowd, along with the barbershop owner, Stephen Johns.
“You all right, honey?” Jesse frowned and peered into her eyes as he sat alongside her.
“Yes. Just tired.”
His lips thinned. “When are you going to cut down your hours? You promised, Tori. Mrs. Bonner has a replacement for you.”
“And how would you know that?” Her face warmed as the blood rushed upward.
“Because I asked her. Isn’t that what you wanted to hear? So you can tell me again I’m trying to run your life, and interfering where I’m not wanted? I’m trying to do what’s best for my wife and unborn baby!”
Her anger deflated like a child’s balloon. How wonderful if she could lie her head in his lap and sleep. Feel his soothing hands running through her hair. She swallowed several times, trying to keep the sobs from escaping. When she wearily shook her head, Jesse leapt from the chair and stalked across the room, his movements stiff as he joined a group of men who were gathered around the punchbowl.
Tori rubbed her stomach in small circles as she gazed at Jesse across the room. What was the matter with her?
Thanks a lot, Aunt Martha. You’ve helped me turn a promising marriage into a battle zone.
The music began, and a few couples entered the dance area. Jesse had his back to her. She sighed. Dancing didn’t score high on her list anyway.
He’d claimed one battle when they came to an agreement about their living arrangements. Once settled in Jesse’s house, he’d hired carpenters to expand the space. They would soon have a decent kitchen, a real parlor, and two extra bedrooms.
The children were doing fine on their own. She closed her eyes and leaned against the wall. Jesse had been right, having them right next door wasn’t much different than living in the same house. They all shared a meal at the end of the day in the children’s kitchen, the only place they could all be together. Then she stayed to help with homework before dragging herself off to Jesse’s house to collapse in bed. Dawn found her back again to do the baking.
Rubbing her sore back, she leaned forward, stretching her muscles. Maybe she and Jesse could duck out early. She didn’t feel good, and her back pained her more than when she sat down.
Pastor Dave’s wife, Jane, joined her in the next chair, her face glowing from a vigorous dance. “I haven’t seen much of you lately. In fact, only a few times since your wedding back in July.”
“I’ve been busy. You know, the children, school.” She attempted a smile, but her back muscles tensed, and she couldn’t afford the effort.
“Well, don’t work so hard. You look tired, if I may say so.” Jane patted her hand.
Several minutes later, as she talked with Jane, a sharp pain started in her back and raced toward her belly. She broke into a cold sweat and doubled over.
“Oh dear. Are you all right?” Jane grabbed her hand, rubbing it briskly.
“Yes, I think so. Just a slight twinge.”
“I noticed you’re in the family way, but since you or Jesse haven’t said anything, I was reluctant to congratulate you.”
Stunned, Tori regarded her. How many other people in town guessed her condition? Here she avoided the doctor so gossip wouldn’t start, and maybe everyone already knew!
She took out her handkerchief and wiped her forehead. “Yes, well, we thought to wait a while before making any sort of announcement.” The pain eased and she took a deep breath. Within minutes, another pain gripped her, and again she doubled over. This time she whimpered and grabbed Jane’s hand.
“Dear, I think I better fetch Jesse,” Jane said, staring anxiously at her.
“No, I’m sure I’m okay.” Tori released Jane’s hand. Another pain, sharper than the others, clenched her belly and brought tears to her eyes. Jane left her chair and hurried across the room, pulling Jesse away from the circle of men to whisper in his ear. He turned a ghastly white and strode across the floor in a few lengthy steps.
“What’s the matter, honey?” He hunkered down in front of her.
“I don’t know. I’m having awful—” She stopped as another pain hit her. “—pains,” she gasped. Sweat beaded her forehead. Pain, like a knife ripping through her middle, held her captive. She took deep breaths, but the agony didn’t ease up. Oh God, what’s happening to me?
He grazed her cheek with the back of his hand, and it came away wet. “Just sit here, and don’t move. I’ll get Dr. Hendricks.”
Too scared to argue, she nodded as Jesse raced away. He returned a few minutes later with the doctor.
“Jesse tells me you’re having some stomach problems, Mrs. Cochran. Did you eat anything unusual today?”
Tori shook her head, moaning as another pain pierced through her.