Chapter 19

Eden stood in the middle of her house on Chestnut Drive, surrounded by timber framing, exposed floorboards, and boxes of building supplies waiting to be unpacked. Although only the bathroom and one bedroom were ready, she’d moved in from The Welcome Center. This way, she could work on the house more efficiently, without the hassle of traveling back and forth. Plus, it made her feel like she was taking a step toward making her fixer-upper a home.

Despite the progress she was making on the remodeling, she still had a lingering caution around Steve. While she appreciated his honesty and loved him deeply, she couldn’t shake off the unease that had settled in the pit of her stomach.

If he couldn’t trust her with the identity he used as a sculptor, then that was a problem. Would anything or anyone be able to fix Steve’s trust issues?

The sound of a car pulling up outside caught her attention. Moments later, Shelley appeared in the doorway, a warm smile on her face and two bags of food in her hands.

“I brought lunch,” Shelley announced, setting the bags on the makeshift kitchen counter. “I thought you could use a break.”

Eden smiled gratefully. “Thanks, Shelley. I’ve been so caught up in everything that I forgot to eat.”

Shelley started unpacking sandwiches, juice, and tray of strawberries. “How are you settling in?”

“It’s a work in progress,” Eden replied, glancing around. “But it’s starting to feel like home. Did you drive yourself here?”

“If only,” she said with a sigh. “I’m so big that I need to push the driver’s seat back to get behind the wheel. But, when I do that, my feet don’t reach the pedals. John think’s it’s hilarious.”

Eden held back a smile. “That’s what you get for growing a healthy baby.”

“That’s what Mom keeps telling me.” Shelley looked around the kitchen. “You’ve done something in here, but I don’t know what it is.”

Eden pointed across the room. “I’ve removed the overhead cupboards and taken the tiles off that wall. There’s enough storage without adding to the amount of work I have to do.”

“That makes sense.” Shelley sat on an old dining room chair Eden had found at a thrift store. “I spoke to Owen yesterday. He’s thrilled with how the art exhibition went. All the artists who were there want to do another one before Christmas.”

Eden picked up a sandwich. “I don’t blame them. Half the community must have come to see the exhibition.”

Shelley undid a container of orange juice. “How’s Steve? He came to see John this morning, but I didn’t get to say hello.”

“He’s okay,” Eden said softly.

“That doesn’t sound good.” Shelley studied Eden’s face. “What’s happened?”

“Steve told me something about his career that surprised me.” When Shelley didn’t say anything, Eden looked at her. “Did you know he uses a different name for his sculpting?”

A guilty blush made Shelley’s cheeks turn pink. “John might have mentioned something, but I couldn’t tell anyone. It didn’t make much sense to me, either. Until I saw the way people treat Natalie when they know how much money she makes.”

Eden frowned. “How do they treat her?”

“They ask her for money or expect her to pay for any fundraising programs in the community. I don’t know how she copes with all the attention.”

“Now I feel bad.” The delicious food in front of Eden suddenly seemed less appealing. “I didn’t ask her for money, but I positively gushed about how amazing she is.”

Shelley grinned. “She wouldn’t have minded. She’s an incredible painter, so a little adoration is to be expected.” Her smile faded. “Don’t be too hard on Steve. He adores you. That kind of feeling doesn’t happen every day.”

“I guess not. I love him, Shelley, but how can I trust him when he doesn’t tell me the truth about something that’s important?”

“If the situation were reversed, what would you have done?”

Eden thought about Shelley’s question. With a sinking feeling, she realized she might have done the same thing.

Shelley bit into a juicy strawberry. “Exactly. There are some unscrupulous people out there. If they think someone has plenty of money, they’ll tell them whatever they want to hear. As soon as they get their hands on the money, they’re gone.”

“I’m not like that,” Eden told her friend.

Shelley shrugged. “You and I know that, but Steve has PTSD. His last girlfriend left because she couldn’t understand the person he’d become. Until he met you, he hadn’t had another relationship. That must tell you how many trust issues he has.”

Eden picked up a sandwich. “How did you become so wise?”

Shelley grinned. “I’ve had some of my most unwise moments in Sapphire Bay. I drive John insane with my methodical, process-driven mind. But, sometimes, his calm, commonsense approach to life rubs off on me. And talking about common sense things, I’ve got a housewarming gift for you.” She reached for the second bag, then winced.

“Are you okay?” Eden asked.

Shelley rubbed the side of her tummy. “It’s nothing. The doctor said it’s normal to have Braxton-Hicks contractions at this stage in my pregnancy. I just wish I’d get some warning of when they’re going to happen. Could you take the gift out of the bag?”

Eden opened the pretty gift-wrapped box. When she saw the electric drill, she grinned. “You didn’t have to buy me anything, but I’m so glad you did.”

Shelley smiled. “Every new homeowner needs a good electric drill. If you aren’t sure how to use it, I know a handsome sculptor who’d give you lessons.”

Someone with a deep voice cleared his throat.

Eden turned around and blushed.

Steve stood uncertainly in the doorway, holding a small box. “Unless you know another sculptor, I’d be happy to help. This isn’t a power tool, but I thought you might like it.” Stepping into the kitchen, he handed his gift to Eden. “It’s supposed to bring good energy to your new home.”

Carefully, she unwrapped the box and held a gorgeous deep blue crystal in her hand. “It’s beautiful, Steve. Look, Shelley. It’s a Labradorite crystal.”

Shelley’s eyebrows rose. “How on earth do you know that?”

Eden smiled. “I like crystals.”

Rex trotted over, his tail wagging enthusiastically. Instead of stopping beside Eden, he immediately went to Shelley and cuddled up to her.

Shelley laughed and petted him.

Steve looked at her. “How are you doing?”

“I’m okay,” Shelley told him. “I just have a few pesky contractions that are making my life difficult.”

Steve’s eyes filled with worry. “Are you sure everything’s all right?”

“Everything’s fine. The contractions are normal.”

Steve nodded, still not looking entirely convinced. He turned to Eden and pulled a small, intricately crafted sculpture from a bag. “I brought you something else. It’s a gift for your garden.”

Eden’s eyes widened as she took the sculpture from him. It was a delicate bronze butterfly, beautifully detailed and full of life. “It’s fantastic, but it’s too nice for my overgrown garden. I’ll keep it in my bedroom until the living room’s finished. Thank you.”

“You’re welcome,” Steve said, his eyes softening as he looked at her.

Just then, Shelley winced again, her hand going to her stomach. “I think... I think this might be it,” she said, her voice tight with pain.

Steve took his phone out of his pocket. “We need to get you to the hospital. I’ll call for an ambulance.”

Eden quickly gathered Shelley’s things, her mind racing. “I’ll call John,” she said as she dialed his number.

He answered on the first ring. “Is everything okay?”

“Shelley’s in labor,” Eden said, trying to stay calm. “Steve’s called for an ambulance.”

“They’ll be at least forty minutes,” Steve said as he ended the call. “The dispatcher said it’d be quicker if we drive Shelley to the hospital ourselves.”

Eden frowned. “Did you hear that, John?”

“I did,” he said quickly. “Can you and Steve take her to the hospital? I’m visiting someone who lives just outside of Polson. I’ll meet you there.”

Eden rushed across to the back door and locked it. “We’re heading to the hospital now.” She looked down at Rex and frowned. “Will Rex be okay in my bedroom?” she asked Steve.

“He’ll be fine there. I’ll call Owen and see if he can take him back to his house.”

Eden picked up Rex and hurried into her bedroom. “Guess what, boy? You’re staying here for a little while.” She turned on the radio, put a big fluffy blanket on the end of her bed, and gave Rex one last pat. “Owen won’t be long.”

By the time she’d closed the door, Steve had spoken to Owen, and he was halfway across the kitchen with Shelley.

“I’m okay,” Shelley told him. “I can walk on my own to your truck.”

Steve shook his head. “Hold my hand. I’m not taking any chances.”

Shelley rolled her eyes. “You’re as bad as John.”

Eden picked up the backpack Shelley had left in the living room. “It’s just as well John insisted you bring your overnight bag with you.”

“He’s a clever man,” Shelley said as she stopped in the doorway. “I just need to catch my breath.”

Eden rubbed her arm. “At least the hospital is a little nicer than my house.”

Shelley nodded but didn’t say anything.

When they got to Steve’s truck, he helped Shelley into the back seat. “It’ll be all right,” he said softly, trying to comfort her.

Eden slid into the truck beside Shelley, hoping she could offer her a little comfort and reassurance.

Usually, the thirty-minute picturesque drive was relaxing, but it wasn’t today. Every minute they spent on the road made Eden wonder if they’d make it there in time.

Halfway there, Shelley’s fingers gripped Eden’s. The contractions were coming faster, and Shelley’s breathing was labored.

“You’re doing great, Shelley,” Eden said, her voice steady. “Just keep breathing. We’re almost there.”

Steve’s jaw was set with determination as they hit the boundary and drove along the streets. Every now and then, his eyes flicked to the rearview mirror to check on Shelley.

“Hang in there,” he told her. “We’ll be at the hospital in no time.”

Eden called the hospital to let them know they were nearly there, but the last part of the journey seemed to take forever. Finally, they pulled up to the emergency entrance.

The medical staff were already waiting with a wheelchair, and they quickly whisked Shelley inside.

“I’ll have to find a parking space,” Steve said. “Do you want to come with me or follow Shelley?”

“I’ll meet you inside. If John’s not here, I’ll stay with Shelley.” Eden ran toward the hospital, catching up to the wheelchair before everyone went inside.

John ran toward them from the other side of the building. “Is everything all right?”

Eden nodded. “Stay with Shelley. Steve and I will be in the waiting room.”

As she watched everyone disappear behind a double set of doors, Eden felt a sense of awe and gratitude for the new life about to enter the world.

She just hoped Shelley and the baby were okay.

Eden satin the hospital waiting room with Steve, typing out a quick message to Shelley’s sisters, Sam and Bailey, letting them know they hadn’t had any updates from John.

Unfortunately, Shelley’s sisters had chosen this week to go to Florida with their parents. From the moment John had told them Shelley was in the hospital, they’d been trying to get a flight home.

Steve glanced at the vending machine and then back at Eden. “Would you like a cup of coffee while we wait?”

Eden managed a small smile, appreciating his thoughtfulness. “That’d be great, thanks.”

As Steve walked over to the machine, Eden’s thoughts drifted to the tiny life that was about to enter the world. Shelley and John had everything organized. They even had a schedule they’d follow as soon as they got home.

After looking after her nieces and nephews, she wondered if Shelley was setting herself and John up for failure. No baby that Eden knew followed a routine.

Steve handed Eden a cup and sat down beside her. “Do you know anything about babies?”

She shook her head. “Not much, to be honest. I’ve looked after my nieces and nephews, but newborns are a whole different story. I know they need a lot of care and attention, but they don’t come with instruction manuals.”

Steve chuckled and took a sip of his coffee. “I have even less experience than you do. If I ever have children, it’ll either be a lot of fun or a disaster.”

Eden smiled at another couple walking into the waiting room. So far, two couples had left while they’d been waiting and three family groups had arrived.

Steve nudged her arm. “How many babies do you think are born here each day?”

“I don’t know,” she whispered back. “But it must be a few.”

“Do you think about being a mom?”

Eden sighed. “I’m almost thirty-three. If I want to have a family, I’ll have to do more than think about it. Mom keeps telling me I’m not getting any younger. That doesn’t help.”

Steve grinned. “But I could.”

It took a moment for Eden to figure out what he meant. When she did, she swatted his arm. “Don’t let my mother hear you say that. She’ll have us married within days.”

“I take it she’s desperate for more grandchildren?” Steve asked with a remarkably straight face.

“Desperate doesn’t come close. My sisters refuse to have any more children. They keep pointing mom in my direction when she gets clucky.”

Steve reached out and took her hand. “You’ll be a great mom someday, Eden. You’ve got so much love and compassion to give. Any child would be lucky to have you.”

“Oh, for Pete’s sake,” she groaned. “You sound like a Hallmark greeting card for single, childless women.”

A lady sitting in a chair across from them cleared her throat. “If you want my advice, accept his offer. You could have beautiful children together.”

Eden blushed something fierce. She covered her face with a magazine and sank into her seat. It didn’t help that Steve burst out laughing. “Stop it,” she groaned. “You’ll make things worse.”

“It can’t be much worse than a total stranger saying we should?—”

Eden dropped the magazine, stuck her fingers in her ears, and looked up to see John standing in the doorway.

“She’s here,” he announced, his voice thick with emotion. “Would you like to come and meet her?”

Eden’s heart leaped as she and Steve stood up. Steve squeezed her hand gently before they followed John down the quiet corridor to the maternity ward. The door to Shelley’s room was slightly ajar, and they could hear her singing a lullaby.

John pushed the door open, and they stepped inside. Shelley was sitting up in the hospital bed, looking exhausted but happy. In her arms was a tiny bundle wrapped in a soft pink blanket. Eden’s breath caught in her throat at the sight of the newborn.

“Come closer,” Shelley said softly, her eyes shining with happiness.

Eden approached the bed, her eyes fixed on the baby. “She’s beautiful, Shelley.”

“Everyone, meet Karen Elana McDonald,” John said, his voice trembling with pride.

Eden’s eyes filled with tears as she looked at the tiny face peeking out from the blanket. Karen’s delicate features and peaceful expression touched her heart in a way she hadn’t expected. “Hello, little one,” she whispered, reaching out to gently touch the baby’s tiny hand.

Steve stood beside her, his usually composed expression softened with emotion. “She’s perfect,” he said, his voice barely above a whisper.

Shelley beamed. “We thought so, too. It’s amazing how much love you can feel for someone so small.”

Eden nodded, unable to tear her eyes away from the baby. Steve’s hand rested on her shoulder, and she looked up at him and smiled. “I take back everything I said,” she said quietly. “The lady in the waiting room might be right.”

A grin lit his face. “If I’d known that, I would’ve brought you to the hospital weeks ago.”

Just then, Eden’s phone buzzed. She glanced at the screen and smiled. “Sam and Bailey have been calling regularly for updates.” She handed the phone to Shelley. “I’m sure they’d like to hear the good news from you.”

Shelley nodded, her eyes grateful. “That’d be wonderful. They really wanted to be here.”

While Shelley spoke to her sisters and parents, Eden snapped a few photos of the baby, capturing her tiny fingers and peaceful expression. She sent them to Shelley and John’s phones, knowing they’d like to share them with their families.

John looked up from his phone and smiled at Eden. “Thanks for the photos.”

“We won’t stay long,” she said quietly so she didn’t interrupt Shelley.

John looked adoringly at his wife and daughter. “I don’t know what we would have done without the two of you. Thank you for looking after Shelley.”

Steve moved around the bed and hugged John. “We were glad to be able to help. Congratulations.”

Eden smiled, touched by the sense of family and support inside the small hospital room. She felt lucky to be part of this moment, sharing Shelley and John’s joy and excitement.

As they prepared to leave, Eden gave Shelley a gentle hug. “Congratulations again. Karen is perfect.”

“Thank you,” Shelley said, her eyes misty. “And thank you for being here. It means so much to us.”

“You’re welcome,” Eden told her. “Enjoy your little girl.”

As they walked out of the hospital, Steve grinned at Eden. “Let me know when you’re ready to make beautiful children together.”

Eden sighed. She’d probably scare him if she said tomorrow would be perfect.