Chapter 4

CHAPTER FOUR

OWEN

Okay, she had said quietly. She was going to stay here. I knew she wanted to work from home, especially now since Michaela is in the picture. We could use some help with the bookkeeping and invoicing at work. Mrs. Maude retired two months ago, and we haven’t found her replacement yet. I could set up a computer in the third bedroom and make it an office. It was a family business so there was no reason I couldn’t hire her. I sent a text to my father and uncles to let them know what my plans were. She was staying and she had not uttered a word of protest when I told her we would be sharing a bed.

“Why don’t you go ahead and call your parents?” I suggested as I came back in the room and handed her my cell phone. Hers was destroyed in the accident. “You should probably tell them about the baby. I’m sure your mother will want to bring some things when they come to see their granddaughter.”

She frowned and bit at her lower lip. I knew she was nervous about telling them. It was a huge secret and big news. Janie accepted the phone from me and sat on the couch with her legs tucked Indian style. She dialed and held the phone to her ear. I could tell when her mom answered by her expression.

“Mama.” She whispered into the phone glancing over at the baby. “I miss you and Papa. Yes ma’am, I’m back with Owen. I have news can you put it on speaker phone so I can tell you and Papa at the same time?” Janie put my phone on speaker and looked over at me.

“We’re both here sweetheart.” Mrs. Saunders said is an excited voice. I saw Janie take a deep breath.

“I had a baby. Owen and I have a daughter. I didn’t know I was pregnant when I left and then things got crazy, but I was coming back home and had a car accident. Owen found me, brought me home with him and Doc fixed me up and delivered our daughter.” She got quiet, giving them a chance to digest what she just told them.

“A baby.” Her mom whispered. “We have a granddaughter?” I saw a tear fall down her cheek.

“Yes Mrs. Saunders. We have a daughter. Her name is Michaela Eve Weston.” Owen told her as he walked over and placed his arm around my shoulders. “She is the most beautiful thing I have ever seen aside from your daughter. I’m hoping the snow will stop soon so you both can come meet her.”

“Well, I’ll be. I’m a Granddaddy.” Mr. Saunders said with wonder in his voice. “How are you feeling baby girl?”

“Janie, were you hurt in the accident? Are you both okay? Owen said you were but I’m asking you.” Her mom was understandable worried about her.

“I’m fine, just some cuts and bruises but we are both good. I can’t wait for you to see her.” Kayla whimpered and Janie got up to get her. “Mama, I need to go. I have to feed and change the baby. I love you and I’ll see you both soon.”

I watched her put our daughter to her breast and try to rock in the recliner. I remembered that I had refinished my mom’s old rocking chair, and it was still in the shop. “I’ll be right back.”

I walked outside to the shop and turned on a flashlight. The chair had a sheet thrown over it. I used that to wipe it down and then picked it up to take it inside. This is what I got it for, I just didn’t know it would be put to use this soon. I put it down and opened the door then placed it inside closing the door behind me. She looked up and her eyes got wide. The chair used to sit in the front room at my house and she recognized it.

“I told my mom that I wanted the chair to rock my children in.” I told her as I moved it closer to the fireplace. “I’m going to break down the cot and put it away.”

I stripped the cot and placed the dirty linens in the laundry basket then folded the cot and put it in the closet in our office. When I came back in the living room she had nodded off with the baby on her chest. My heart squeezed in my chest as I took in my family. First order of business was going to be putting a ring on her finger. Christmas was still an option. I already had the ring. Something told me to hang on to it. I needed to get her some clothes. Her suitcase was stuck in the back of the trunk. Hopefully when it cleared, we could go get it out. Kayla let out a little whimper as I moved her off of her mother. I placed her on my shoulder and burped her gently then sat on the couch holding her in my arms.

“Where’s the baby?” Janie said as she woke up realizing that the baby wasn’t in her arms. She looked at me and saw us on the couch and smiled. “Oh, getting in some daddy bonding time.”

“Yeah, she is so beautiful. I can’t believe we created this little miracle.” I kissed the baby’s head and couldn’t bring myself to put her in her bassinet yet. “Why don’t you go take a quick shower and crawl into our bed. You need to catch naps when you can.”

“That is a wonderful idea. Can I snag one of your shirts and some joggers? I don’t have any clothes with me, they are all in my car.” She bit her lip as she looked down at herself.

“Absolutely, top drawer of the chest for shirts and second for the joggers. Grab some socks too, the floor gets cold.” I didn’t want her to catch a cold. Looking around I realized how depressing the house looked with no decorations. I decided I would go cut a tree tomorrow morning and pull out the decorations. I didn’t have a lot, but we would add to those. I heard the shower come on and was thankful I had solar power to heat the water. I wanted them to be comfortable.