This could be me one day. Kerry’s knees buckled as a sense of longing washed over her.
She’d participated in dozens of births, but none of them had affected her this way. Hopefully, this man would return from the war and raise his son. Maybe there would be more babies. He and Casey would take care of each other and the children they brought into the world.
Goodness, he’s fighting a war, and she’s here alone. When push came to shove, Casey Jefferson didn’t want to be independent; she wanted the strength and love of her husband.
The three grandparents joined the couple, surrounding them with love, kisses and hugs. Kerry hated to break it up, but the baby needed to be weighed, measured, an Apgar test done, and cleaned up.
“I’ll take over, sweetie. It’s almost three-thirty.”
She pivoted as her relief, Lauren, came into the room. “Oh, thanks. I’ll just finish up here first.” Kerry carefully took the slippery bundle from Casey’s arms.
Lauren opened the door wider as a gurney was pushed into the room. “Perfect, because they’re wheeling in another mother.”
Kerry did her measurements then cleaned the baby, bundling him up before handing him over to his anxious parents. Taking one more glance at the happy family, She wiped her hands down the front of her scrubs and left the room, a great empty hole inside of her.
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She was halfway down the hall when a deep voice called her name. Stephen strode up to where she stood and embraced her, his hug so strong it nearly took her breath away.
“Thank you so much for taking good care of my family.” He grinned, showing deep dimples in both cheeks. “My family. I like the way that sounds.”
“It was my pleasure. I’m glad you made it here in time. Do you have to return?”
He nodded. “But only three more months.”
“I wish you well. And thank you for serving.” She squeezed his arm and headed toward the elevators. All of a sudden, she couldn’t seem to get enough air in her lungs and her throat swelled with emotion. She had to get out of the building, away from the sounds and smells of babies and laboring mothers. Skipping the elevator, she raced down the stairs and burst from the heavy glass door, taking in gulps of air.
Her mind remained numb during her wait for the bus and the drive home. She entered her driveway and turned the ignition off. Her hand moved automatically to the door handle, then she hesitated. Her gaze scanned the area—the dull condominiums, exactly alike, similar flowers in front, identical patches of grass. She leaned over the steering wheel and viewed her kitchen window. No curtains hung there.
With a sigh, she opened the door and stepped out. The little voice in her head began to shout.
Coward. You’re independent, but are you happy? Afraid to take a chance, ‘cause it’s not part of your stupid plan.
“Like hell,” she shouted back.
Her mind flashed to Stephen and Casey, admiring the wonderful new life their love had created.
Independence wasn’t worth much if this was all she had.
Kerry slid behind the steering wheel and started the car. Damian was the right person, and if this wasn’t the right time, well—she’d make it work anyway.
The vehicle rocked as she steered it over the speed bumps on the short ride that led out of the complex. Her hand automatically hit the right directional, and she eased into the heavy traffic. After two miles, she hit the signal again, and pressed harder on the gas pedal as she passed beneath the green and white sign indicating the entrance to Interstate Highway 40 East—Amarillo.
Kerry flicked on the radio. Lady Antebellum’s I Need You Now sounded as she eased into the left lane to pass the slow moving car in front of her.
A huge smile covered the bottom half of her face. She was going home.
Chapter Eleven
Surrounded by a small circle of cowboys, Sam Johnson sat on his rear in the Texas dust and glared at Damian. “What the hell is the matter with you?”
He rubbed his sore knuckles. “Ain’t nothin’ the matter with me that wouldn’t be fixed by hirin’ some decent hands around here.”
The man who’d been with the Rocking G for ten years stood, brushed off his pants with his hat, and rubbed his chin. “You mind telling me what that was for?”
“I told you to fix that fence along the south border, and it’s still not done.”
“Oh yeah. Maybe that’s because you also told me later on to let it go and help Mikey chase down those cows what got out.”