Where the Wild Rose Blooms (53 page)

"Are you lying down, Eddie?"

"Yes."

Jackie stood frozen, then her hand flew to her throat. "The baby," she gasped. "The baby's coming. Are you in pain? We'll get Robert. Clayton—I've got to get Clayton!" Her hands were already reaching to find the door.

"Jackie." Eddies voice checked her sisters flight. "He's here. I had a baby boy just a few minutes ago."

"Eddie; oh, Eddie." Jackie's hands were outstretched as she tried to find the bed. She started when Robert touched her, but forgot all about it when she sat by Eddie and a tiny bundle was placed in her arms.

"Oh, my darling," she spoke as she cuddled the infant under her chin for just a moment. "Oh, my little darling, you're here. You're finally here."

With slow movement and a gentle touch, Jackie laid the baby carefully in her lap. Robert and Eddie looked on as Jackie "saw" her nephew for the first time. Clayton came in the door while she was still unwrapping him, and Robert motioned him in. He grinned at the new mother and father before going to his wife's side and looking on in the same sort of wonder.

Jackie started with his head, her hands and fingers gently caressing the soft, downy hair and scalp. With
feather light movements she touched his facial features, the small nose and brows. Her hands moved down his arms to his tiny fingers and eventually down his legs to his toes. He didn't like his toes touched. A small fuss ensued, and then a louder cry came forth.

"It's all right," she coaxed him. "Aunt Jackie has you." With expert movements she rewrapped him and put him to her shoulder, kissing his silky temple. She bounced him gently and rubbed his back. Eddie and Robert exchanged a look that clearly said,
She was worried about having her own, but she's so relaxed and capable.

Clayton finally spoke. "He's so tiny I can't believe how small he is."

"Here, Clay," his wife offered, having known he'd arrived by the smell of his shaving soap. "Would you like to hold him?"

"I don't think so," he said, making everyone laugh.

Eddie was looking a bit uncomfortable, and Robert came forward to help her shift around in bed. Jackie stood, and with the baby still tucked close, she found the chair and sat down. Clayton came close once again, this time to stare at him over her shoulder.

"What did you name him?" Clayton asked.

"We haven't really had time to do that," Robert told him good- naturedly.

Clayton's brows rose. He bent over his wife and gently took the baby from her arms. "I think," he said with quiet conviction, "that we'll see how Lena's doing and check back with you in a
little while."

Robert took the baby, thanking him with his eyes, and Jackie stood to leave with her husband. They were halfway down the stairs when she said, "I didn't even say congratulations."

"That's all right. I think they could tell you were delighted."

"He's perfect, isn't he, Clay?"

"Yes. So small and perfect."

"I want a baby, Clay."

"I know you do. It'll happen." He suddenly kissed her. "We'll just keep trying."

Jackie smiled with pleasure.

"I can't believe we were here to see him when he was so tiny and new," Clayton said as they moved
past the living room.

"Isn't it fun? I just wanted to ask Eddie about that lace pattern."

Jackie was quiet for a few steps. "God has been doing that often these days."

"What's that?"

"Giving me little surprises and blessings. Your folks' visit was so special, and Milly's
fiancé, Trevor,
is
wonderful."

"I wouldn't be too surprised if your parents come on the scene pretty soon. A first grandchild is a big draw."

"Wouldn't that be fun? I hope they come."

Husband and wife had wandered onto the porch and now took a seat on the stone bench. The evenings were still cool, and they snuggled together, Clayton's arm around his beloved.

"I think I like being married to you, Mrs. Taggart," he said as he laid his head against hers.

Jackie smiled. "I rather like it myself. How was school today?"

And with that they talked. It was Claytons favorite part of the relationship. She was always ready to listen to him. The companionship they shared was more than he ever dreamed it could be, and they never ran out of things to say.

A deer bounded across the road in front of them, and as had become the norm, he described it to her. The sun set while they sat on the porch, and he described
that too.
He never tired of telling her about their world or what was in his heart. They ended each day in bed with the lantern turned high and Clayton reading from the Bible or a good book that he had on his shelf. Their world was a wonderful place, but neither one felt content to remain as they were. They prayed every day for change, even if it meant testing, and the results were coming forth like the sunset, pure gold.

"I think we should wait until tomorrow to visit again, don't you? They need some time alone with their baby."

"Yes." As much as she would have liked to hold him again, Jackie agreed. "I'd like to go home now, Clayton."

"I'll be right back with you."

He went to tell Lena they were leaving and joined his wife in the small wagon they had purchased just
that
month. As Jackie's body lurched with the sudden movement of the horse, she clasped Claytons arm tenderly against her and thought, as she often did, that the best was yet to come.

Lori Wick is one of the most versatile Christian fiction writers in the market today- Her works include pioneer fiction, two series set in England, and contemporary novels. Lori's books (more than 5 million copies in print) continue to delight readers and top the Christian
bestselling fiction list. Lori and her husband, Bob, live in Wisconsin and arc parents  of "the three coolest  kids in the world."