Page 10 of Rancher’s Rescue (Flying Diamond 5)

MAGGIE

O ne Year Later

Winter had started early this year, and I was miserable. Not only because the snow had us pretty much locked in already, but I was ready to evict the twins that were practicing their steer wrestling moves.

“Road’s plugged at the corner. The kids are going to have to stay in town until I can get the tractor warmed up.

” Kane pulled off his snow covered coat and hung it in the closet, and sat on the chair to take off his boots.

“I’ll have to plow out the corrals too, they’re just as bad.

They got the brunt of the drifts. Mags, are you alright?

” He’d walked into the kitchen where I was hanging onto the sink for dear life.

“How long will it take you to plow out the road?” I asked through gritted teeth.

“A couple, three hours, I suspect.” He walked around the island and stood beside me, leaning on the counter. “Babe?”

“I don’t think we have three hours.” I looked up at him, and I watched his face register what I’d just said. “These two are coming today.”

“Okay, well, let’s get you settled in and I will start making phone calls.” He wrapped his arm around my waist and walked me to our bedroom. “You should change.” He looked at me and frowned.

“Well Kane, I don’t really have anything in my closet for having babies.” Sarcasm flowed out of me, and I didn’t even care. He arched this brow and shook his head.

“Then be naked.”

“No, not a chance. That’s what got me into this situation.”

“Actually, a late night in the calving barn caused the situation you’re in now.

” His smile was annoying, and I grabbed a pillow off the bed and tossed it at him.

Of course, he caught it and moved closer to me.

“And if I have my way, we’ll be spending way more late nights out there together.

Now get undressed.” He reached for the top button on my shirt.

I wanted to stay mad at him, but I couldn’t.

He was right. It had been a night to remember.

A contraction gripped my body, and I bent over the bed.

I couldn’t catch my breath, panting. I closed my eyes as tears filled them.

That’s how Kane found me when he came back into the room.

“I’m here.” He rubbed my back, as if magic the contraction eased with his strong touch, like the babies knew he was back in the room.

When I’d been pregnant with Kit and Marshall, my late husband had taken little of an interest in my growing belly.

He loved his kids, but it just wasn’t who he was.

But Kane, from the day I told him I was pregnant, touched me, talked to my stomach, and made sure these kids knew he was always here.

“I called Jack. He’s going to get here,” he smiled. Jack Gordon was the local doctor. He would be better than nothing, I thought. “He gave me a list of things we would need and I have them ready for him.”

“You said the road’s blocked. How’s he getting here?” I sat on the bed and Kane pulled my pants off.

“By snowmobile baby. He’ll get here.” He took my shirt and tossed it on the chair behind him.

“This wasn’t part of my birth plan.” I was pouting. I hated women that pouted.

“What did that include?” He asked. He knew we’d talked about it many times, but he was just trying to keep me occupied. Kane lifted my arm and slid it into one of his old shirts. He brought it around my back and repeated the process.

“A hospital, doctors who deliver babies and an epidural.” His shirt smelled like him, and even though he was right here with me I felt a calm wash over me. He lifted my legs onto the bed and stood.

“I’ve got some horse tranquilizer in the barn.” He said as he pulled the blanket up over my legs and stomach.

“You’re so funny.” I rolled my eyes.

* * *

An hour passed, my contractions were closer together, and I was worried Jack wouldn’t get here.

“Jack’s here.” Kane said as he jumped from his side of the bed.

I looked at him, and was going to ask how he knew.

Then I heard it. The full throttle of a snowmobile close to the house. We both sighed in unison.

I hadn’t had any doubt that Kane would deliver our babies safely, but I was glad someone with a medical degree would be in attendance.

“Well, I didn’t think delivering babies would be on my agenda today,” Jack said as he walked into the bedroom, smiling.

“Hey Doc. Well, to be honest, it wasn’t on my plan for the day either.” I shifted on the bed as he rolled up the sheets and draped them over my knees.

“Kane, I know you’re going to want to be with Maggie, but I’m going to need your help.

” I looked up at my husband and he nodded, not showing if he was worried.

Throughout this pregnancy, I constantly thought about his daughter.

These babies wouldn’t replace her in his heart, but I was hoping it was easing the ache.

She was just as important to me as the ones I carried were.

The doctor put down something to protect the bed, and I felt like I was lying on a sheet of plastic wrap. “Maggie, you’re ready. I want you to listen to me from here on out.” He looked at me over the blankets and I nodded. “On your next contraction, I want you to push.”

I didn’t have to wait long. The pressure built, and I pushed. We repeated the process and relief flooded me when the first baby was safely in the doctor’s hands. The baby let out a cry, and Jack wrapped it up in a blanket. “Well, one boy, let’s see what this next one will be.” He smiled and nodded.

Looking over at Kane, Jack placed the tiny baby in his arms. Our little boy looked so small in his enormous hands, my heart overflowed with love for the both of them. “Do it again, babe.” He said, taking his eyes from the baby and smiled at me.

Another contraction ripped through me, and I pushed and pushed. “Maggie, stop for just a second.” Jack’s voice was concerned, but his face showed nothing. “Ok, one more, and you’re done.” He smiled, and I pushed once more.

Immediately, the baby cried, and Jack beamed. “Another boy.” He wrapped our second baby up and placed him in my arms. “Please pretend I’m not here. I will just monitor you to make sure everything is proceeding.” He patted my knee, and I looked up at Kane.

“We have three boys. Looks like we’re going to need a bigger stock trailer.” Kane sat on the bed and leaned back on the headboard. “I didn’t remember they were so tiny. You did amazing.” He leaned over and kissed me.

Jack had cleaned up, and I was comfortable in my bed. “The road’s clear. I’m going to call the ambulance and have you three taken to the hospital. I want to make sure everything is alright.” He smiled and left the room. For the first time, we were alone with our kids.

“I wish Kit and Marshall were here.” I said as I leaned on his shoulder.

“They will be in about five minutes. I text Kristin and she’s going to bring them home.

” He sighed and wrapped his arm around my shoulder.

“The day I drove onto this ranch, I watched you fly across the pasture being chased by a herd of cattle. I thought you’d lost your damn mind.

But now, I know I lost my heart to you that day, then Kit and Marshall, and now these two, who I suppose need names. They can’t be these two forever.”

“I think we should go with what we chose. Adam Byron, and Ian Hank.” I smiled and looked at the boys in our arms.

“It’s a wonderful way to honor our fathers.” He leaned over and kissed me.