Double Blessing

By Mildred Colvin

Kate Harper gave birth to twins in an early Nebraska blizzard. She knows she heard two babies cry, but her husband and the nurse say one of her babies died. At her insistence, her husband lets her hold the dead baby and she grieves as she never has before. Kate wants her baby back, but knows that's impossible. A year later, her husband is dead, and desiring closure, she heads back to Nebraska to visit her baby's grave but discovers a baby at the grocery story who looks like her daughter. Did someone steal her baby?

Nick Kendall's wife died when her horse threw her, leaving him to raise their daughter alone. He's already gone through two nannies, and is looking for a third when Kate Harper applies for the job after they meet in the grocery store. She's great with the little ones, his and hers, although it's several days before he gets a good look at her daughter. When he ends up holding both tiny girls who look exactly alike, he's sure he's entered the Twilight Zone.

As Kate and Nick begin to search for the nurse who is the only one with answers as to what happened the night Kate's and Nick's babies were born, an attraction develops. Can love win out over so much pain and uncertainty especially when Kate fears Nick only wants to keep the child that should've been hers?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Mildred Colvin
• Release date: Mar 28, 2020
• ISBN: 9780463630730

Mildred Colvin

Mildred Colvin is a wife, mother of three, and grandmother to three beautiful girls. She started writing when her children were young as they asked for stories. Not from a book. No! They were only satisfied when she made up stories. As the stories grew, she wrote some down and sent them off to magazines. Eight were published before her imagination turned toward love stories, which is what she enjoys reading.She has been writing Christian or clean and wholesome romance since 2001. Over the years several readers from pre-teens to older kids in their eighties and nineties have written expressing their interest in her books. She always loves to hear about one of her stories touching someone's heart. Her purpose in writing is to encourage, entertain, and bless someone else.She lives in the United States and sets her characters in the middle states from Texas to Nebraska and Iowa and reaching across Illinois to Colorado. She also has an Oregon Trail series, but the Great Plains states are her favorite setting.She is active in a very special critique group and has written and published over 60 books in both historical and contemporary themes, and plans to continue writing as long as God allows. He has been good in giving her many ideas for stories. Maybe more than she will be able to finish, but she enjoys each one.Please take a moment to visit her website at www.mildredcolvin.weebly.com, and sign up for her Romantic Reflections Newsletter to learn when new books are released. Also learn of promotions and free books through her newsletter.And take a look at her books. You might find something you don't want to put down.

Book preview

Double

Blessing

Mildred Colvin

Double Blessing

Contemporary Christian Romance

Copyright ©2020 by Mildred Colvin

Smashwords Edition

All Rights Reserved

Cover photo copyright © Joshua Rainey | Dreamstime

Scripture portions are taken from the King James Version of the Bible.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or to events is entirely coincidental.

No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means without permission in writing from its author except for brief quotations in printed reviews. Thank you for respecting the author’s work.

ISBN: 9780463630730

DEDICATION

To the doctors, nurses, and many hospital and medical service workers who care enough to step in and go the extra mile for those who need their expertise and compassion. We could not survive without you and thank you for what you do with a smile when you might rather cry. May God bless you!

Chapter 1

"Lane!" Kaitlin Harper screamed for her husband as pain ripped through her body. Immediately following the contraction, a rush of warm water soaked her jeans.

She hurried toward the bathroom down the hall from the living room. Waddled was more like it. She longed for her babies to be born, but tonight? The television she hadn’t turned off blared out warnings to stay home except for emergencies. Well, she had an emergency.

Lane! Where could he be? The two-bedroom mobile home they rented usually found them bumping into each other when Lane was home, which had become rare lately. But he was home tonight. Kate was sure of it. He’d complained that her tater tot casserole was undercooked, but that hadn’t stopped him from finishing it off.

She reached the bathroom just as he stuck his tousled head out of their bedroom door. What do you want?

Kate ignored his sour disposition, chalking it up to the late nights he’d been keeping and the apparent fact she’d disturbed his nap. She held to the doorframe panting to minimize a second pain while it squeezed its way through her protruding belly. When it eased, she looked up into his wide eyes.

Guess she had his attention now. It’s the babies. My water broke.

They’re coming now? His voice rose with an emphasis on the last word.

Kate nodded. I need to change clothes. I’m getting cold. Can you call the midwife?

No, you can’t have the babies now. It’s snowing. He glared at her as if she could control when their twins would be born.

I know it’s not the best timing. Kate glanced out the back door window at a wall of white snow against the dark evening sky. She could barely see the neighbor lady’s mobile home less than ten yards away.

Granted, the end of October was not the usual time for a snowstorm of this size. Yet, even now, the weatherman’s voice on TV continued to warn of near blizzard conditions for central Nebraska through the night and into the following morning. Looked like he knew what he was talking about.

I can’t help it, Lane. But Diana promised to come at any time day or night when I needed her. Which is just as well since we’d never make it to the hospital in this.

You aren’t due yet. She can’t get out on a night like tonight. Isn’t there some way you can stop it? Diana said first babies take a long time, didn’t she? Lane ran his fingers through his hair in obvious frustration.

What was his problem? He’d been the one to suggest she go to the new nurse practitioner at the local clinic rather than choose a doctor from the closest hospital at North Platte. He’d said they didn’t need a doctor. Midwives had served women for centuries before doctors took over. He raved about how great it was midwifery had made a comeback, and Diana was the next thing to being a doctor. He wanted to have their babies at home where they’d all be more comfortable. Now he acted like he didn’t want to disturb Diana.

What’s the matter, Lane? Kate bit the inside of her cheek to keep her voice even. You know I can’t do anything to stop the babies. They’re coming, and they’re coming now.

As if to confirm her pronouncement, another contraction hit. She bent forward as the pain swelled inside her body, capturing her complete attention.

As soon as the pain released her, she shoved past Lane into the bedroom. I’m going to change clothes. Call the nurse, Lane, now. If you don’t, you may be delivering your children yourself.

While her husband stomped down the hall, Kate found dry clothing. She heard him punch in a number, muttering something unintelligible all the time. She held a hand against her stomach. Precious life moved as if the babies were jockeying into position to see which would be the oldest. They wouldn’t wait. She’d barely started dressing when Lane stuck his head in the door.

What’s the number at the clinic?

She should be home by now.

I just called her house. She didn’t answer.

Oh. Kate had called the clinic enough during the past seven months to memorize the number. She gave it to him before another pain took her breath away. She looked at the clock when the contraction eased. They seemed to be coming closer together now. She made a mental note of the time and finished dressing before another hit.

Lane! How far apart should the contractions be at this point? She didn’t remember if anyone had ever told her. I think the pains are about five to six minutes apart. You’d better tell her that. I think she needs to hurry.

You can tell her yourself. Lane appeared at the bedroom door with a fierce scowl. She’s at the clinic delivering another baby. Come on, let’s go.

Lane still didn’t seem happy, but he helped Kate from the house to the truck making sure her feet didn’t slip out from under her on the snow-covered steps and driveway. When the truck skidded, barely missing a trip into the ditch, Lane cursed and Kate silenced her desire to squeal.

Why do babies have to come at the worst possible time?

Kate covered her belly with her mitten-covered hand, glad they didn’t have far to go. She breathed a sigh of relief when the truck pulled into a parking place, and Lane turned off the engine. He came around and helped her to the tiny brick building facing Main Street at the edge of town. A rush of warm air welcomed them as Lane held the door for Kate. Her cheeks stung from the sudden change in temperature as she stepped inside and unbuttoned her coat, letting Lane take it from her.

Hey, Lane, how’s it going? Terry Kendall, one of Lane’s bosses sat alone in one of the chairs against the waiting room wall.

Couldn’t be better. Was that sarcasm in Lane’s voice? What are you doing here?

Brought my sister-in-law in. Reckon the baby didn’t know it’s snowing, and we couldn’t make it to the hospital. Terry shook his head. Couldn’t even find Nick, but I sent him a text. Sure hope he makes it in here pretty soon.

The Kendall brothers owned a large, thriving beef ranch several miles east of town. Lane worked as one of their hands, although he’d been threatening to move back to Arizona before winter set in. Said he’d had enough Nebraska winters to last a lifetime.

Kaitlin scarcely took time to comprehend that Terry had been the one to bring his brother’s wife in to the clinic. So Alyssa Kendall was having a baby, same as her. Nicholas had a lot farther to drive over the slick roads than they had. She hoped he made it all right.

She half listened to Lane and Terry talk as her emotions rode a roller coaster of their own making. From the moment her water broke, exhilaration filled her with the thought of holding her precious babies in her arms. Still, she was more frightened than she’d ever been.

For the last several months, she’d scarcely talked to anyone besides Lane and Diana and neither seemed inclined to listen to her concerns. She certainly couldn’t talk to her next door neighbor, Mrs. River, a widow with no children.

Well, you sure picked a doozy of a time to bring your wife in. Diana, a tall, slender woman in her late twenties stepped into the waiting room through the door leading to the examining rooms. She wore blue scrubs with a matching cap hiding her thick chestnut hair.

It wasn’t my idea. Lane tugged Kate forward. Obviously, he wasn’t over his resentment toward her for waking him from his nap. I thought you had this all figured out. You said the babies wouldn’t come for at least two more weeks.

It’s okay, don’t worry about it. Diana took Kate’s other arm and smiled at her. Everything is fine. There’s been a change of plans, that’s all. You aren’t the only one here having a baby. We’ll take care of these eager babies, and it’ll all work out just as well and maybe better than if they’d waited. I’ve got everything under control.

If Kate hadn’t been in labor, concentrating on every breath she took and each step leading into an experience she knew she would never forget, she’d have wondered why Diana never seemed to speak directly to her. She kept glancing at Lane while her soothing voice held assurances that should have been for Kate. Maybe she thought he cared and needed to be calmed.

In the room Diana had prepared, Lane helped Kate change into a gown and climb on the examining table while Diana stepped out for a moment. Seemed she was gone quite a while. Then in the silence before she returned, a keening moan sounded. Kate swung toward the door, her heart pounding.

Lane, that must be Mrs. Kendall. Do you think she’s dying?

How should I know? Lane apparently had reverted to his usual sour self.

Kate tried to ignore him. Her back hurt, the contractions wouldn’t let go, and the low moaning rose before dropping again, pressing on her nerves until she could barely breathe. Kate’s heart pounded. She had no idea what she was facing here in the clinic without the hospital facilities her twins might need. Diana had made it all sound so simple. Now with childbirth upon her, second thoughts and insecurity took over. Diana had said twins brought their own peculiar risks to the birthing process. Why had she let Lane talk her into home delivery? They should be in a hospital right now.

As soon as that thought entered Kate’s mind, the helplessness of her situation flooded her leaving her weak. Lane couldn’t have driven to North Platte in a snowstorm and arrived before the babies came even if he’d tried. She was stuck here and, all things considered, the clinic was probably better than being at home.

An especially heart-wrenching wail, sounded from across the hall as Diana opened the door and entered. Kate recoiled from the sound. Had the woman lost her baby? Was she dying? Would Kate’s grieving blend with hers before the night ended?

Let’s see how much progress our little ones are making. At least Diana sounded cheerful.

What’s wrong with Mrs. Kendall? Kate needed to know.

Diana brushed off her concern. Not a thing. She’ll be a mother soon. It’s just taking longer than we thought. Trust me, she’ll be laughing before long.

During the examination, Kate distanced herself from the muffled sounds in the other room. Lane’s presence, the nurse, and the ping of ice crystals beating against the window outside became lost in her world of pain and longing for her babies.

Diana finally patted Kate’s knee, her pleased smile bringing beauty to her average appearance. Her long chestnut hair was pulled back and covered by a surgeon’s cap giving her long nose prominence. Looks good. You’re dilated just fine so we’ll soon be busy. I’m going to give you something to ease the pain, and before you know it, you’ll be holding those two sweet babies in your arms.

Kate scarcely felt the prick of the needle, but she knew when the medicine took effect, as her surroundings lost focus and receded. She gave in to the woozy feeling, no longer able to hear Mrs. Kendall’s pain-filled cries or the storm raging outside. Lane and Diana talked, but she had no idea what they said. Feeling strangely detached, she followed Diana’s instructions and in the flurry of activity heard a baby cry. Within mere minutes another cry sounded. Or was that the first baby?

Where are my babies? Kate heard her voice as if someone else spoke.

Right here. Diana placed a tiny bundle in her arms.

Kate took her baby and reached for the second one. Diana took her hand instead. I’m so sorry, Kaitlin. Sometimes one twin is stronger than the other. Your second one didn’t survive, but you have a healthy little girl right here.

Where’s my baby? Kate yelled, but her voice sounded hollow as if she whispered inside a barrel. Tears burned her eyes.

Of course, you may see her. Diana turned away. Lane, will you bring the stillborn baby here so your wife can see?

Why didn’t Lane hurry? He knew she wanted her baby. Time stopped as she waited. Then he appeared beside the examining table where Kate lay. Bending, he held a baby, wrapped in a receiving blanket, within her sight. She’s dead, Kate. But you’ve got one baby. That’s enough, isn’t it?

The tears seeped over Kate’s eyelashes, running down her cheeks. Nothing seemed right. She had two babies, but they said there was only one now. Why couldn’t she have both her babies? She held the tiny cold bundle for a moment and kissed the forehead that lay so still and quiet. Her heart broke when Lane pulled her daughter away.

Then warmth and movement brought her focus to the other baby lying across her breast. Her daughter squirmed, her soft breath a warm spot against Kate’s neck. Maternal love flooded her heart.

I’m sorry, Kaitlin. Diana spoke again.

Yeah, me too. Lane echoed. But I’ll take care of everything, the burial and all. You just get better, okay?

Kate turned to let her lips caress the warm, sweet baby fuzz on her daughter’s head. Letting go of the awareness she’d been fighting to maintain, she drifted into the darkness of sleep while tears of sorrow for the baby she would never again hold ran silently down her cheeks.

Chapter 2

Eleven months later in Arizona

Kate lifted her face to the gentle, warm autumn breeze, welcoming the assurance it brought. Although caught in a nightmare of unreality, life continued around her. She glanced at Marilyn Garrett, Lane’s sister, sitting on the second folding chair in a row under the funeral home’s canopy. Marilyn’s husband, Tom, and their two children occupied the other chairs. A small group of mourners stood behind and to the side. Lane’s casket held center stage. Danielle squirmed on Kate’s lap, wanting to get down. The cemetery probably looked like a good place to play to the child. She couldn’t possibly remember her father.

Kate stifled the urge to laugh aloud. Father? What did that word mean? She’d never had much of a father, and her daughter hadn’t either. After arriving in Arizona, Lane took one look at the month-old infant he’d fathered and walked out. Kate hadn’t seen him since. Not until three days ago when she viewed the body of the man she once thought she loved.

A touch on her arm brought her to the present. Marilyn gave her a sweet smile. It’s over.

Yes, it was over. So where did she go from here?

Kate stood her daughter on her lap and pulled her into a hug. Whatever she did, it would be for Dani. She was all she had left.

Marilyn patted her arm and leaned close. Are you all right?

Yes. I’ll be fine. Kate gave her sister-in-law what she hoped was a reassuring smile then looked away to watch the mourners move past the closed casket and the family.

Mrs. Harper, I’m so sorry for your loss. The pianist at Silver Creek Community Church held her hand out.

Thank you. I appreciate you coming, Mrs. Jacobs, Mr. Jacobs. She shook hands with both.

They moved on to Marilyn and others from the church took their place. Almost everyone there attended the same church Marilyn and her family did. Kate had met several of them and appreciated their sympathy.

One woman, however, stopped at the casket apart from the others and bowed her head while her shoulders shook. Was she crying? Lane had left Arizona right out of high school. Was this someone from his past that he’d never mentioned? The woman wore a wide-brimmed hat shielding her from Kate’s curious gaze, yet her carriage seemed familiar. When she turned away without speaking to the family, a lock of hair fell over her shoulder and gleamed red in the sun. Memories of Willowmere, Nebraska, and the little clinic where her babies had been born washed over Kate. Why? Was this a sign she should return home as her heart longed? Maybe visit Samantha’s grave. She’d been so tiny, smaller than Danielle. She remembered very little of that night, but she couldn’t forget holding the lifeless body of her baby.

Who was that? Marilyn whispered as the last mourner moved on.

I don’t know. Kate followed the woman’s progress toward the parked cars. Did Lane have an old lover from high school who might still care?

Marilyn shook her head. Not that I knew of. I’m sure he had friends, but no one special. I got a pretty good look at her face, and didn’t recognize her.

Me either. Although ... Kate sighed. She lifted Danielle into her arms and stood. Something about the way she stood reminded me of the nurse in Nebraska who delivered my babies. I wonder ...

We’ll talk about that later, Kate. Marilyn stood beside her. I don’t want you even thinking about going north. You know you’re welcome to stay in the apartment as long as you want. You like your job at the grocery store, don’t you? Maybe you’ll get that department supervisor position. Then we’ll let you and Dani move out. But only across town.

Kate wrinkled her nose and shook her head. I don’t know. I appreciate you more than you know, but I’ve got to do some thinking. Besides, you said we’d talk about this later. I need to pray first.

Yes, praying is always good. Marilyn patted Danielle’s back when she started fussing. I’ve loved having the two of you so close. I’m sorry my brother never grew up and accepted his responsibilities. I loved him in spite of his faults, and I’ll miss him.

Kate looked away from the tears gathering in Marilyn’s eyes. Learning her brother was killed riding a bull during one of the rodeos he loved so much had been hard on her. Kate had yet