Chapter 39

Haisley held onto Mel's hands as she strained, pain etched across her features like a mask. But it was her sweet friend Mel having to deal with pushing this baby out without any painkillers.

“Oh God,” Mel screamed right as Haisley glanced down, seeing the crown of the baby’s head.

“That’s it, Mel. Keep pushing.”

They had towels under Mel so the baby would land on towels if they came out. Now, she was glad they'd thought to do that as the baby's head slipped out. Mel let go of her hands and reached down, scooping up her baby as she leaned back against the seats of the couch, tears shining in her eyes as she got the first glimpse of her perfect baby girl.

“It’s a girl,” Mel choked out through her laughing and tears.

Haisley helped Mel ease back more, making sure she could hold the baby on her own. The water was still warm, but Haisley turned off the burner and grabbed a towel to wrap the baby in.

They'd done it. Mel had delivered the baby, though she was sure she couldn't. Tears filled Haisley's eyes, and she knew that she'd witnessed a miracle.

“Let’s wrap up the baby to keep her warm.”

Mel glanced up, tears in her eyes. “She’s perfect.”

“And you were perfect. You delivered a perfect angel. You did so good. I’m going to wrap the baby in a warm towel so it doesn’t get cold.”

“Thank you. I would have given up. You helped so much.”

Haisley wrapped the baby, careful of the cord. “You did the hard part. You’re amazing.”

Mel laughed. “Next is you.”

“I’m going to have it easy. I doubt we’ll be abducted again and have to run through the woods while I’m in labor.”

Mel's laughter was full of emotions and happiness. The baby had cried but was now making soft noises that made Haisley's womb squeeze with some emotion she couldn't quite pinpoint. Seeing Mel with her baby made her want her baby in her arms. But she wasn't ready.

“I’m going to clean up.”

“Oh goodness. Whoever owns this cabin will be pissed.”

“We’ll send them some money.”

“Thank you,” Mel said again as she looked down at her baby, wonder in her eyes.

Haisley started cleaning up, knowing that there was no way they could clean everything. She'd hung up the phone at one point, and she made sure there wasn't any blood or mess on the handle before she closed the box. Then she put away the utensils she'd used and poured out the water.

She grabbed a bottle of water and took a long swig as she surveyed the room. It was the best she could do in the circumstances. Happiness filled her, and she knew she would never forget this moment.

Her gaze was on Mel when the door pushed open. She had been so focused on Mel and the baby and forgot about Will and Eason, but they hadn’t forgotten about them.

“Well, looks like that’s taken care of. Now we can sell all three of them. Looks like we’re making money again.”

Haisley lowered the bottle, anger and fear whipping through her. She thought they would make it, but obviously, Will and Eason had tracked them down. Now, they were stuck.