Chapter 3

Mia

Mia took the worn letter out of her pocket to read it one last time before the train stopped in Laramie, Wyoming. She had taken it from her pocket, unfolded it, and reread it so many times over the past few days that creases had been etched permanently into the folds of the letter. It appeared to be years older than it was. Everything had happened so fast over the last few days it was hard to believe that it was real.

My Dearest Mia:

I have the most wonderful news! The preacher here in Whiskey River approached me, stating that he'd like a mail order bride… on the same day I received your letter! The Good Lord truly does work in mysterious ways!

He is a good man with two small children. Shane, age four; and Hailey, age two. They are wonderful, well-behaved children who need a mother to love and care for them.

Between us, Reverend Caleb Henley has his hands full. Between dealing with the loss of his wife, raising his two small children alone, and dealing with his congregation and the farm, it's taken its toll on him. Although maybe a bit more serious now, Caleb is still the wonderful, God-fearing, good man that he's always been. With time and your patience, I'm sure he will soon be back to his old self soon. Mia, he's still healing, so be patient with him.

The reason he wants a wife is for the children and insists that your relationship be purely platonic until the day comes when and if you may choose differently. He assured me that you would be perfectly safe with him.

He has a spare room that will be yours. He and the children will share the master bedroom for a while until you get to know each other.

I also spoke with Madame Samantha Chase, Matchmaker, and she will make the arrangements for your travel. Caleb, Colton, and I will meet you in Laramie when you arrive. You will need to leave as soon as possible, though. I hope it won't be an inconvenience for you.

Let me know if this is agreeable to you.

Also, I don't know how else to say this, but Caleb knows that you were a dancehall girl. He understands. Even though he is a preacher, he is not judgmental.

He was pleased to hear what a wonderful person you are and that you love children. He's looking forward to your meeting.

I cannot wait to see you and will count the days until your arrival. Have safe travels, my friend, and I'll see you soon!

I am Sincerely Yours,

Ella

Mia folded the note one more time and slipped it back into her reticule as she looked out the window of her private car. She let out a deep breath, exhausted from the three-day trip from New York. She mainly kept to herself in her private room, sewing, and only came out for meals. It wasn't that she was trying to be unsociable. She just wanted time to think and to get some last-minute sewing in before she arrived.

On the trip, she had made a new dress, beige with tiny rosebuds, to match a light beige hat she already had. She wanted to look nice when she arrived but didn't have much time to assemble a new wardrobe prior to the trip. After she received Ella's letter, Madame Chase contacted her with the arrangements, and three days later, she was on the train.

Now, as the train prepared for its arrival in Laramie, Mia realized that it hadn't quite been a week since she had received the news that she was going to be a mail-order bride. It seemed that after she had made the decision, everything had fallen into place very quickly.

In her cabin, she slipped into the new dress she had just finished and looked in the mirror. It fit her perfectly with a fitted bodice, low neckline, and a full skirt. She took out a beige modesty scarf that matched her dress, slipped it around her neck, and tucked it in place. She wanted to look good, yet proper when she met her soon-to-be husband and his children.

Children.

Mia was going from being single and lonely to having a ready-made family, all in the course of a week. It would have been overwhelming if she allowed herself to think about it.

Suddenly, there was a loud knocking on the door down the hallway, bringing her from her reverie. "Gather your things!" the steward announced as he knocked on another door. "We'll arrive soon!" He said the same lines over and again down the hallway, making the same announcement along the way.

"Well, this is it!" Mia checked herself in the mirror one last time. Her green eyes were bright, and she pinched her cheeks, then dabbed a slight bit of rouge onto her lips, giving her a little color. "There." She slipped the rouge back into her reticule. Satisfied, she glanced around the cabin once more to see if she had missed anything. Then she slipped her reticule over her wrist and headed toward the exit, knowing the steward would get her bag.

The conductor offered her his hand. She took it and stepped gracefully down out of the train.

"There she is!" Ella yelled from the other side of the platform.

Mia's heart leaped when she saw her friend.

Ella's stomach was protruding, but in her face, she didn't look pregnant at all. Mia was surprised at how pale she looked. Obviously, the pregnancy had taken a toll on her.

Colton stood beside his wife, beaming with pride, and on her other side stood a tall, handsome, muscular man with dark brown hair and blue eyes, holding a small, whimpering little girl, while trying to wrangle a fidgeting little boy. They all appeared to be dressed in their Sunday best.

Caleb took her in, and their eyes met and held, and something passed between them that she couldn't quite put into words.

Ella pulled her in for a hug. "You look wonderful!" she gushed. "I just love your dress! Did you make it?"

Mia nodded, but before she could say anything more, Colton pulled her in for one of his famous bear hugs. "It's great to see you again, Mia. How was your trip?"

"Good. Ella, thank you so much for arranging everything." Mia glanced nervously over at Caleb, who took her in with his bright blue eyes, the most beautiful eyes she had ever seen.

"Mia, this is Reverend Caleb Henley," she said, and then turned to Caleb. "Caleb, may I present to you… Miss Mia Flynn."

"It's a pleasure to meet you." Mia smiled, extending her hand.

"It's nice to meet you, too." He touched her hand and electricity shot through her, but Caleb quickly pulled away. "Here." He shoved the little girl into her arms, who was now crying openly, and then picked up the boy. "We have to meet the preacher here in Laramie in a few minutes."

Mia's eyes opened wide. "Preacher?"

Caleb nodded. "He's going to marry us."

"Now?"

Caleb let out an exasperated breath. "Yes. You can't live under my roof unless we're married. Since I'm the town preacher… and with the children… it just wouldn't be proper otherwise."

Mia nodded, thankful that she had chosen to wear the dress she had made, which would become her wedding dress within a matter of minutes. She was about to protest, but then again, that was what she had come there for, wasn't it? She just hoped that she was making the right decision.

Ella pulled her in for another hug and whispered, "He really is a good man, Mia. I promise."

Mia nodded. "It's just that I thought we'd have time to get to know each other first."

"Time is a luxury I don't have at present," Caleb said curtly as he picked up the squirming boy. "Are you ready?"

Mia nodded. "I guess I have to be."

Caleb froze, staring into her eyes. "Are you sure you want to go through with this?"

It was the oddest marriage proposal she had ever heard, but Mia guessed that it was the only one she was going to get. After all, they had arranged everything ahead of time. In her mind, she had hoped for a little romance, but she guessed that it was all a fantasy. She just hoped that romance would come later… maybe… someday.

"Yes, of course!" Mia turned her attention to the crying little girl in her arms. "And you must be Hailey."

"Pa!" She reached for her father as huge crocodile tears rolled down her cheeks.

"It's okay, baby," he gently cooed. "This is Mia. She's coming to join our family."

"I don't want a new ma!" Shane wailed, stamping his foot.

Caleb scooped him up into his arms. "Now, that's enough of that."

"I'm not trying to replace your mother, baby," Mia reassured.

"Don't talk about my ma!" the boy yelled. "You didn't know her!"

Caleb looked at her apologetically. "I'm sorry, but he's never acted this way before." Then, he turned to the boy. "Now, I want you to be respectful of Mia. You apologize to her right now."

"No!" he yelled.

"Do you want a spanking?"

"All right," Mia intervened, not wanting the boy to get spanked on her account when they first met. "Didn't you say that the preacher was waiting?"

Caleb let out a deep breath. "Yes. My buckboard is right over here."

Mia nodded, and then turned to Ella one last time.

"We'll meet you at the church," Ella reassured her, and then wrapped her arm around Colton, who looked at his wife with adoring eyes.

Mia just hoped that Caleb would look at her like that one day. But she guessed that he was just as overwhelmed as she was at the moment.

But Mia had made this decision, and she was going to make the best of it. Caleb walked away, traipsing through the snow, expecting her to follow. Soon, they came to a flat, uncovered buckboard with blankets in the back and on the front seat. Mia was glad that she had worn her heavy coat over her dress. She glanced over at the children, and they were wearing heavy coats, as well. Caleb swung the boy up in one arm and extended his other hand to Mia to help her into the front.

"Shh," Mia cooed softly into Hailey's dark blonde hair, hugging her to her chest. "It's okay, baby girl."

Hailey snuggled against her chest and soon quieted down.

Caleb slid the bright blond boy up into the seat between them.

"Hmph!" he huffed, scrunching up his nose as he folded his arms deliberately across his chest. He snuck a peek at Mia out of the corner of his eye, and then looked straight ahead.

"Straighten up," Caleb said to him curtly. Then, he looked over at Mia. "I'm so sorry about this. He normally doesn't act this way."

Mia gave him a small smile. "I'm sure we'll be friends in no time."

"Nope," Shane said under his breath.

Mia was surprised at how smart he was. Although he was only four years old, he seemed to understand what was happening, and his vocabulary was extraordinary. Mia knew it was probably a credit to his mother, who had obviously educated him at home. Her heart went out to him. Not only had he lost his mother not long ago, now he was going to be forced to accept another woman in her place. At that moment, Mia vowed to try to make it as comfortable for the children as possible.

Hailey wasn't asleep by the time they reached the church, but she had quieted down and was content in Mia's arms, laying her head down on her shoulder.

Soon, Caleb pulled the buckboard to a stop in front of the church in Laramie and wrapped the reins around the front bar. "Here we are!" he announced happily, obviously trying to make the best of the situation.

Mia knew that it was probably just as hard on him as it was on her. After all, he had just lost his wife a few months before and was now forced to take another wife. She couldn't imagine what he must be going through.

She just hoped that they were doing the right thing.

Mia waited in the buckboard as Caleb walked around and took Hailey out of her arms and helped her down. Then, he shoved the little girl back into her arms as Shane hopped down on his own. But Caleb quickly took him by the hand.

Mia's heart fluttered as he wrapped his free arm gently around her waist to guide her into the church. Ella and Colton were already waiting for them in the front of the church when they arrived. Ella nodded at her encouragingly as she and Colton followed them in.

A preacher was waiting with Bible in hand just inside the doors. "Welcome!" the preacher chirped as he shook Caleb's hand. "So, you're getting married today?"

Caleb nodded.

"Yes, please," Mia said aloud, her voice cracking as Hailey took in her surroundings.

The church was big and beautiful, with stained glass windows spaced strategically around.

"Well, then! You've come to the right place," the preacher announced. "Right this way."

They all walked down the aisle together until they came to a stop at the altar.

"Here," Colton said as he reached for Hailey. "I'll take her."

Mia gave him an appreciative smile as she handed her to him. Then, he took Shane by the hand and approached Ella and Colton.

"Would you mind watching the children for a few minutes?" Caleb asked, sounding frazzled.

"Yes, of course," Colton replied, patting Hailey's back.

She whimpered a bit but soon settled into his arms.

Mia hurriedly took off her coat and laid it in a nearby pew.

"Don't worry," Ella whispered, giving her hand a gentle squeeze. "You're doing the right thing."

Although she didn't say it aloud, Mia hoped so. She nodded as she smoothed her hands over her dress, and then took her place by Caleb's side at the altar. He stood with his hands folded in front of him, not even giving her a sideways glance.

"Today, we are gathered before God to witness the joining of Caleb Henley and…." The preacher leaned in, his eyebrows raised. "What is your name again?"

She sighed. "Mia Flynn."

"And Mia Flynn," he continued, "in Holy Matrimony."

As she listened to his words, she glanced over at Caleb, but he kept his eyes only on the preacher.

"Do you, Reverend Caleb Henley, take Mia Flynn as your lawfully wedded wife? To love, honor, and cherish her, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, for as long as you both shall live?"

Caleb nodded, emotionless. "I do."

Then the preacher turned to Mia. "Do you, Mia Flynn, take Reverend Caleb Henley as your lawfully wedded husband? To love, honor, and cherish him, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, for as long as you both shall live?"

"I do," Mia replied, giving Caleb's arm a gentle squeeze. But he did nothing.

A broad smile spread across the preacher's face. "Then, by the power vested in me by God and the state of Wyoming, I now pronounce you husband and wife." Then he turned to Caleb and smiled. "You may now kiss the bride."

For the first time since they entered the church, he looked into her eyes. When he placed his hands on her shoulders, an electrical current ran through her body, and then his lips descended upon hers in a chaste kiss.

The preacher looked around as if it was the happiest day in the world and the most spectacular event he had ever witnessed. "May I present to you for the first time as husband and wife, Mr. and Mrs. Caleb Henley!"

Both Ella and Colton started clapping.

Colton approached, smiling as he shook Caleb's hand. "Congratulations, Caleb!"

Caleb mumbled something back to him, but Mia didn't hear it all.

Ella came up behind her and placed her hand on her back, claiming her attention. Mia almost cried when Ella pulled her in for a hug. "Don't worry," she whispered. "I know you're overwhelmed, and it seems rushed, but trust me. Everything will work out. I know it will."

"I hope so." Mia nodded as she bit her lower lip, fighting back tears. "Thank you."

Ella smiled encouragingly, giving her hand a gentle squeeze.

"Well! What do you say we all go to the restaurant to celebrate?" Colton asked, smiling, obviously trying to lighten the mood.

"We would," Caleb said as he took Hailey from his arms, "but I want to get the children home in case it starts snowing again. After the blizzard a few months ago, I don't want to take the chance of getting caught out in the weather."

Colton nodded, and then shook his hand, his expression suddenly serious. "You take care of my girl now." Colton smiled at her encouragingly as he handed Hailey to her.

Mia was touched that Colton thought enough of her to tell him that. Back in New York, Colton had always been friendly and laid back when he came into the Breckenridge Saloon. Although he rarely ever asked for a dance, he had always treated her and the other ladies with respect.

Caleb gave him a small smile. "I will." He took Shane by the hand and shook Ella's hand. "Thanks for everything, Ella. We couldn't have done this without your help."

Ella smiled, but it didn't touch her eyes. Obviously, she wasn't happy with the way he had treated her, either. "It was my pleasure, but make sure you take care of my best friend. She's like a sister to me."

Caleb nodded, understanding. "I will. Will you two be all right driving home?"

"We'll be fine," Colton replied as he handed Hailey to Caleb.

"Would you like us to follow you?" Caleb rubbed his daughter's back as she settled her head on his shoulder.

"Yes, if you don't mind." Colton took a step closer, lowering his voice. "I don't want us to be caught alone on the road if Ella goes into labor."

"Yes, of course. It's the least we could do," Caleb said as he held Shane's hand.

Colton nodded. "Well, then let's go home."

"Thank you both for doing this." Caleb shook his hand, and then turned to Mia. "Ready?"

Mia nodded. Ella pulled her in for another hug and whispered in her ear. "Don't worry. We'll see you soon. Mia, I know you're overwhelmed right now, but everything will work out fine. Just give it time. And if you need me, just let me know." Ella suddenly bent over and held her stomach as her face scrunched up in pain.

"Ella, what's wrong?" Mia asked, her eyebrows pulling together in concern.

Ella closed her eyes tightly and Mia's heart sank.

"Ella?" Colton placed his hand on his wife's back, suddenly panicked. "Honey, what's wrong?"

She shook her head and forced a smile, straightening up. "I'm fine… really."

"Ella, you shouldn't have come. I thought the doctor had you on bed rest," Mia said, concerned. "I had no idea you were feeling so poorly."

Ella fought to catch her breath. "I wanted to come see you. I mean, you just came into town."

"Everything's going just fine. But you shouldn't be concerned with me. You should concentrate only on yourself." Mia bit her lower lip, feeling guilty. "When is the baby due?"

Ella gave her a weak smile. "Not for another month."

Guilt filled Mia's heart. "I'm so sorry. I should have come sooner."

"Oh, hush." Ella held onto Colton's arm to steady herself. "You've had your hands full. Don't you spend one moment worrying about me." She bit her lower lip and then dug her nails into Colton's arm as another pain grabbed her. "Mia, I really should be getting back. I've been on my feet more than I should today."

"I'll go get the buckboard." Colton looked up at Mia and Caleb. "Stay with her. I'll be right back."

"Of course." Mia nodded as Colton rushed off. Mia held Ella's arm, steadying her. "Ella, we have to get you to a doctor—"

"No, Mia." Ella grabbed her arm. "I'm fine." Then a pain gripped her stomach, and she dug her nails into Mia's arm, biting her lower lip. It was obvious that Ella was trying to hide the pain. "I'm so sorry, Mia. This is your wedding day."

"Ella, don't worry about that. You need a doctor." Mia looked at her friend in concern. "Let's at least go to a restaurant so you can rest. What happens if you have the baby on the way back home with no midwife or doctor?" Mia glanced at Caleb with pleading eyes, and he nodded.

"Ella, let's go to a restaurant to celebrate, like Colton suggested," Caleb chimed in. "At least you'll be able to sit down for a spell to see if the pain goes away."

Relief washed over Mia when she saw that Caleb was focused on Ella, still holding Hailey. Mia reached for Shane's hand, but he pulled away, holding onto his father's coattail.

Ella nodded and then forced another smile as she grabbed her stomach and bit her lower lip. A moment later, she relaxed.

A crease formed between Mia's eyes, instinctively knowing that Ella wouldn't make it to a restaurant. "Let's go back inside the church and sit down for a moment."

Ella nodded. The fact that she didn't argue about it was testimony that it was more serious than Ella was letting on. "It was just a little pain. I've been having them every now and then all day. It's nothing to cause concern."

Colton pulled the buckboard up and parked it on the side of the street. Then he pulled back on the brake and jumped down. He took one look at Ella and shook his head, letting out a deep breath as he rolled his eyes. Without a word, Colton scooped her up into his arms and carried her to the buckboard as Mia and Caleb followed, carrying the children.

"Why didn't you tell me you were hurting?" a crease formed between Colton's eyes.

"I didn't want you to be concerned."

Colton slid her gingerly into the back of the buckboard.

Ella gripped Colton's arm as another pain rushed through her.

Without another word, Mia took charge. "Caleb," she whispered. "Do you know if there's a doctor around here?"

"There's one a few streets from here on the edge of town," Colton blurted out before Caleb could answer, and then looked up at Mia. "I'm taking her there."

"Colton, I'm fine!" Ella yelled as another pain gripped her. "I'm so sorry! I didn't mean—" Her voice cut off as she bent over and gripped her stomach again.

"Ella, I'm worried about you." Mia took her arm.

"No. Actually, that's my job," Colton interjected.

"Oh!" Ella groaned, grabbing her stomach.

Without saying another word, Colton held his wife as she doubled over in pain.

"Caleb." Mia grabbed his arm, claiming his attention. "I have to go."

"Go," he ordered. Then he looked over at Colton. "We'll follow you!" He hurried with the children to his buckboard.

Colton nodded once as Mia sat behind Ella, letting her lean against her.

Mia looked up at Colton. "I have her! Let's go! Unless you want to be the one delivering the baby!"

Colton nodded once as he jumped into the front of the buckboard and shook the reins hard. "Yah!" The horses leaped immediately into a full gallop and Caleb followed behind in the buckboard.

Mia rubbed Ella's arm. "Just breathe, Ella. It's going to be fine. Just breathe—"

"Don't worry, honey! We'll be there in just a minute!" Colton yelled from the front as the buckboard rounded a corner. Mia just hoped that the doctor was in.

"Yah!" Ella groaned as she bent over, holding tightly to her stomach, squeezing Mia's hand.

"Don't worry, Ella. We're almost there," said Mia as the sound of the wagon and the horses' hooves pounded hard against the muddy road where the snow had melted off.

Colton looked over his shoulder at Ella, then turned his attention back to the road. People shrieked, jumping out of the way as Colton pulled the team to a stop in front of a small white house on the edge of town. A wooden sign hung above the door that read RUFUS ALLAWAY, M.D. Colton pulled back on the brake, jumped out, and ran up the stairs. He beat on the door so hard that it rattled the frame.

"Confound it!" a voice bellowed from the other side of the door. "I'm coming! Patience is a virtue, you know!" A moment later, the door opened abruptly and a middle aged, slightly overweight and balding man biting down on a cigar stood on the other side. "Well, what do you want?"

Colton looked him over. "Are you the doctor?"

"I am," the man said around his cigar. "What do you want?"

"My wife's pregnant and having pains. She's not due for another month." Colton pointed toward the buckboard where Ella was doubled over in pain. Mia rubbed her back.

The older man rolled his eyes, perfectly calm. "Calm down. It's not the first time a baby's been born on my watch." He threw his cigar into the snow. "Well, let's not waste any time. Bring her in." He was so nonchalant that Mia felt foolish for having gotten so excited. But she was sure that the doctor was used to dealing with the small matter of birthing babies. In a growing town like this, it was probably an everyday occurrence.

Colton ran back to the buckboard and Mia helped Ella slide to the end. Colton scooped her into his arms and carried her with ease up the stairs.

"Bring her in here." Doc Allaway started barking orders as they followed him into a room with a hospital bed, covered in white sheets. He rolled up his sleeves. "How close are the contractions?"

"Pretty close," Ella answered.

The doctor looked over at Mia. "Miss, go get some sheets from that cabinet." He motioned with his head toward a thin wooden cabinet on the wall.

Mia nodded and then hurried to do as he instructed.

"Get her a cool rag, too," Colton yelled to Mia when she came back with the sheets. "She's burning up! I don't know why I didn't notice it before."

"I'll be right there," Mia yelled as she grabbed a washcloth from the same cabinet. A porcelain pitcher and basin sat nearby, so Mia used it to soak down the washcloth, wrung it out, and rushed back over.

Ella fisted Colton's shirt. "Don't worry…." Another pain must have grabbed her, for she bit her lower lip, obviously trying to stifle a scream.

Doc Allaway took a stethoscope from a nearby drawer and wrapped it around his neck. He placed the earpieces over his ears and the bell over her stomach. A crease formed between his eyes as he listened.

"There, there," Mia cooed, dabbing Ella's forehead with the washrag. "It'll be okay."

Without warning, Ella screamed, doubling over in pain. "Something's wrong!"

"Leave us." Doc Allaway looked down at Ella but was talking to everyone else in the room.

"No, I'm not going anywhere." Colton took his wife's hand, seeing only her.

The doctor was suddenly kind as he placed a hand on his shoulder. "Sir, I have to check my patient."

Mia waited for Colton at the door, who was obviously torn between leaving his wife in the hands of a doctor he didn't know and doing as the doctor asked.

"Mister," the doctor pointed out, peering at him over his spectacles. "I need to check your wife… now."

Colton nodded, and Mia led him out. In the waiting room, Caleb rose to his feet and the children looked up from where they were playing quietly on the floor.

Colton wrung his hands as he paced the floor.

Caleb placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. "Don't worry, Colton. She's going to be fine."

"We shouldn't have made the trip today," Colton babbled as he paced. "She hasn't been doing well. I should have—"

"Hey, hey…." Caleb stood in front of him to get his attention, interrupting his pacing. "You need to put her in God's hands. Have faith. She's going to be okay."

Colton looked as if he was going to say something more, but just nodded instead.

The doctor came out a moment later and closed the door behind him.

Colton hurried across the room and stood before him. "How is she?"

The doctor sighed. "The baby's breach and needs to be turned."

"Is there anything we can do?" Mia asked.

"Pray." The doctor walked back in, and Mia and Colton followed, going to either side of the bed. "Ella," Doc Allaway began in a calm, soothing voice. "The baby's breech and needs to be turned."

Quicker than Mia would have thought possible, Ella grabbed his arm and squeezed, her eyes open wide. "Doc," she panted as sweat beaded on her forehead, drenching the tendrils around her face. "If it comes down to saving me or the baby, I want you to save the baby."

"No!" Colton yelled, his eyes wide.

Ella ignored him, her eyes searching the doctor's. "Promise me!"

He let out a deep breath and nodded once.

"No! You save my wife!" Colton yelled as he started toward the doctor.

"Caleb!" Mia yelled, and he immediately appeared in the room. "Take him out of here!"

"Come on, buddy," Caleb coaxed, edging him toward the waiting room. "The doc here is going to take good care of both your wife and the baby, but he can't do his job if you interfere."

"You save my wife!" Tears streamed down Colton's face as he pointed at the doctor.

Caleb placed a hand on his chest, holding him back. "Colton! Let's go!" he yelled, getting his attention. When Colton looked at him, he added, "She's in good hands. Now, we need to get out of here so the doc can do his job."

Colton nodded. "Ella, I love you! I'll be right out here!"

"Yah!" she screamed in answer as another pain gripped her.

"Don't push! Don't push!" Doc Allaway instructed as he rolled up his sleeves. Then he covered her lower body with a sheet.

Mia didn't know what to do so she held Ella's hand. "Breathe, Ella. Don't push. Everything's going to be fine."

"Okay. I'm going to turn the baby now," the doctor instructed as he reached under the sheet.

Ella nearly broke Mia's hand as she screamed.

"Hold on, Ella!" Doc Allaway coaxed. "You're doing good. Don't push!"

Ella dug her nails into Mia's hand from squeezing it so tightly, but Mia said nothing.

"That's it, Ella. Just breathe," said Mia. "I'm here for you—"

"Okay," Doc Allaway interrupted as relief washed over him. "The baby's in position now. Go ahead and push."

Ella pushed down hard as she screamed.

Mia placed a hand on her back to help her, never letting go of her hand.

"That's it, Ella!" Doc Allaway urged, sweat beading on his forehead. "You're doing just fine! Now, push one more time."

"Yah!" Ella screamed again as she bore down.

A moment later, the sound of a baby crying filled the room.

"Ella, you're the proud mother of a baby boy." Doc Allaway laid the baby on Ella's stomach, cut the cord, and wrapped him in a small blanket.

But Ella was still screaming. "What's happening? Is something wrong?" Ella gasped, and then screamed as another pain rocked her body.

"Miss, take the baby," Doc Allaway ordered Mia.

After taking the baby, Mia used the water from the basin to clean him up, and then swaddled him in a blanket.

Doc Allaway smiled. "You're fine, Madame. But your job's not over yet."

"What?" Ella screamed as she panted.

The doctor smiled. "There's another one."

"Another baby?" Ella screamed, suddenly panicked.

"Yes, now hold still and don't push yet," Doc Allaway instructed. "I need to check you again to make sure the baby's in position."

Ella nodded as she panted.

Mia looked down at the baby in her arms and he looked directly into her eyes. He was beautiful, with a shock of dark brown hair like his father. Mia laid him in a nearby bassinette and hurried back to Ella and took her hand.

"Okay, Madame," Doc Allaway ordered, concern coloring his voice. "The baby's in position, so push, Ella! Push!"

"Yah!" Ella screamed as she bore down.

"Stop! Don't push!"

"Breathe, Ella! Breathe!" Mia yelled as she squeezed her hand.

"Okay. Now! Push!" Doc Allaway's voice was urgent. "One more time! Push now!"

She pushed again, but this time, the sound of a baby's cry didn't fill the room.

"Is he okay?" Ella asked, her voice weak as she lifted her head.

Doc Allaway didn't answer, but quickly cut the cord and turned the baby over. Mia looked over, and the baby was blue. He held the baby up by its feet and gently swatted its bottom. He rubbed the baby all over and checked its mouth, and then held it on his arm, face down, and gently tapped its back. A moment later, the baby gasped and let out a bloodcurdling cry as a pink color washed over her.

Mia sighed in relief.

"It's a healthy baby girl," Doc Allaway announced, and then handed the baby to Mia. "She has some lungs on her! That's for sure!"

Mia cleaned up the baby girl. She was just as beautiful as her brother but was much more willing to voice her displeasure. As dark as her brother's hair was, hers was the opposite—a bright blonde.

"That's it," Mia cooed as she cleaned the baby up and then swaddled her in another small blanket.

"Are there any more?" Ella asked the doctor, lifting her head.

He laughed. "No, I don't believe so." He smiled as he finished up.

"How are they?" Ella asked as concern filled her eyes, her hair drenched in sweat. "Are they okay?"

Doc Allaway nodded as he smiled. "Yes, they're both fine. Ella, would you like to hold them?"

Ella nodded. "Yes, but one at a time for now. I don't trust myself just yet."

Mia handed her the little girl, and tears streamed down Ella's face. Then she crossed the room to the bassinette, picked up the baby boy, and carried him to his mother.

The doctor turned to Mia. "You can call the father in now."

A broad grin spread across her face. When she opened the door, Colton and Caleb were on their feet.

"Papa, you can come in now." Mia smiled.

"Is she okay?" Colton walked toward her across the waiting room, tears filling his eyes.

Mia smiled. "Come in and see for yourself."

When he walked in, Ella was holding one baby, and the doctor was holding the other. Tears flowed down Colton's cheeks, making his eyes bright. "My God! Twins?" he asked Ella as he gently touched a baby's cheek.

The doctor smiled as he carefully handed him his son. "Congratulations, papa. Mother and Babies are doing just fine." As brash as the doctor had seemed to be when they first arrived, Mia was surprised at his tenderness now.

Ella nodded, smiling. "This one's a baby girl and the one you're holding is a boy." She waited for it to sink in.

"Oh, a boy and a girl!" Colton gushed. "What in the world—"

Ella laughed. "Yes! Can you believe it?"

"Your son is the oldest by two minutes," Mia interjected, taking in the sight of the new family, amazed. Ella and Colton had entered the clinic as a couple, and they were going to leave as a family. God surely did work in mysterious ways.

Tears poured openly down Colton's cheeks as he sobbed. "They're beautiful!"

Ella placed a hand on her husband's cheek. "Shh… it's okay. I'm okay, and the babies are fine."

When Colton calmed down a bit, the doctor interrupted. "Both of the babies are fine, but I must talk to you about the birth." Both Colton and Ella nodded, waiting. "The boy was born first, but he was breach, so I had to turn him. Once he was in position, he was born just fine. But when the girl came, she was born blue."

"What?" Colton demanded.

Doc Allaway nodded. "Yes. The cord was wrapped around her neck and had cut off the flow of oxygen to the brain. For how long? I'm not sure. But once I removed the cord, the baby could come naturally. Once she was born, I was able to work with her and then she regained consciousness and her color returned."

Colton breathed a sigh of relief as tears streamed down Ella's face. "Did it hurt her? Being without oxygen?"

"I'm not sure. It depends upon how long she was without it. It may have been only for a few seconds or a few minutes, at the most." Doc Morgan swiped his hand across his forehead. "But I'm not going to lie to you. If it had been a few minutes more, we could have lost her."

Ella cried openly now as she caressed the baby girl in her arms.

Colton kissed her tears away. "It's okay, Ella. The babies are fine now. It's really a miracle."

Doc Allaway let out a deep breath. "Your wife really needs to rest now." He reached over and gave her hand a gentle squeeze. "Madame, you did well. You really are a brave woman."

"Mrs. Hill. But please call me Ella." Ella smiled as she handed the baby girl to Mia.

Doc Allaway nodded. Then he turned to Colton and offered him his hand. "You have a lot to be proud of, Mr. Hill."

Colton shook his hand. "Thanks, Doc. I owe you everything."

"We'll settle up later." Doc Allaway smiled. "But the only thing I want you to do right now is to take good care of your wife and those two little ones."

Colton laughed, breathing a sigh of relief. "That goes without saying."

"That's good enough for me." The doctor started putting things away.

"Oh, Doc?" Colton asked, claiming his attention.

The doctor lifted his eyebrows as he turned to look at him.

"I'm so sorry about yelling at you… and almost going after you…."

Doc Allaway laughed, peering at him over his spectacles. "Not to worry. Believe me, I've seen worse."

Everyone in the room laughed.

Doc Allaway touched Ella's leg on top of the sheet. "You can stay here until you're fully recovered. Now, get some rest."

"Thank you, doctor." Ella nodded, her eyes growing heavy.

Mia followed the doctor into the waiting room, and he turned to shake her hand. "Congratulations, miss," he praised in a low voice. "You did a great job, and you stayed calm during the crisis."

Caleb walked up and placed his hand on the small of her back.

Doc Morgan turned to him. "Your wife did a good job in there." Then he turned back to Mia. "If you'd like, you could train to be a midwife. Where do you live?"

Caleb smiled. "Whiskey River."

The older doctor nodded. "Doc Morgan could train you."

Mia's eyes widened. "I would love that!"

Doc Morgan smiled. "Good. I'm sure there's a midwife there, too, who could give you a few tips on the fine points of birthing."

Mia smiled as her heart fluttered. "That would be wonderful! Thank you."

Caleb reached out his hand to the doctor. "Dr. Allaway, thank you for everything. I'm the preacher in Whiskey River. If you're ever in the neighborhood on Sunday morning—"

"I'll be sure to look you up." Doc Allaway shook his hand.

"Please do." Caleb's lips curled into a smile. "Well, we could use another doctor in Whiskey River. Doc Morgan is overworked at present."

"But then what would the fine folk of Laramie do?" Doc Allaway teased, giving Caleb's shoulder a manly squeeze. "Well, if you don't mind, I'm going to check in on Mrs. Hill and then I'm going to get some sleep."

Caleb nodded. "We'll come by to check on Ella and the babies in the morning. Thanks, Doc, for everything."

"All in a day's work." The doctor smiled. "It's a long drive to Whiskey River. You and the missus might want to stay the night here in Laramie and then head out in the morning."

Caleb let out a deep breath. "It's early yet. We'll be fine."

Mia's smile faded. Of course, he wouldn't want to stay the night and risk having to share a room with a woman he didn't know, even if she was now his wife. When she had agreed to their arrangement, she knew that love was out of the question. But she wondered if he would ever come to care for her like a husband would a wife. Well… maybe someday.