Back in the Valley

By Eden Monroe

After winter makes its final stand with a ferocious March blizzard, Emerald Valley begins to warm with the promise of spring – and a new crop of Savero Gold foals is eagerly awaited. It is also a time of great joy for Kane and Jessica as they are welcomed home from the hospital with their own precious newborns.

Bea and Will are welcomed with open arms as well when they leave Bermuda for good and return to the lush rolling hills of the Valley. And to everyone’s surprise and delight, Rowdy and Victoria decide to put Texas in their review mirror and move back home to the Valley to raise their children.

Then the unthinkable happens – every parent’s worst nightmare. A child is abducted and a community in shock gathers to pray. And then another child goes missing....

Back Home in the Valley takes you on a gripping journey of suspense you won’t soon forget.

• Language: English
• Publisher: BWL Publishing Inc.
• Release date: Jul 4, 2020
• ISBN: 9780228614555

Eden Monroe

Eden Monroe loves giving voice to the endless parade of interesting characters that introduce themselves in her imagination. She writes about real life, real issues and struggles, and triumphing against all odds. A proud east coast Canadian, she enjoys a variety of outdoor activities, her cat, and a good book.

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Back in the Valley

Emerald Valley Series, Book 3

By Eden Monroe

Digital ISBNs

EPUB 9780228614555

Kindle 9780228614562

Web 9780228614579

Print ISBNs

BWL Print 9780228614586

B&N Print 9780228614593

Amazon Print 9780228614609

Copyright 2020 by Linda Hersey

Cover art by Michelle Lee

All rights reserved. Without limiting the rights under copyright reserved above, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without the prior written permission of both the copyright owner and the publisher of this book

Dedication

To Michael, without you this journey would be meaningless.

Prologue

These were his hills, his valley, his home since boyhood. These were his sons, this is where they would grow to be men, like him and his father before him, and his father before him.

His heart was in this land, his family, his friends, his wife and children were his life. Yes, home was where he needed to be. It would be the greatest gift he could give his boys. They too should know the freedom of life here in the valley, of one day sharing this land with their own sons and daughters.

But where there is familiarity and contentment, there is also the unknown. Terror, and losing even one son would be too much to bear. Hearts forever broken. Had the price proven to be too high to be surrounded by love?

Chapter One

Oh, Aggie! exclaimed Jessica one afternoon as she was helping Aggie peel apples for apple dumplings. My water just broke!

Aggie set down the apple she was working on and wiped her hands on a piece of paper towel. Uh oh. It looks like you’re not going to make it to thirty-eight weeks. Are you having any contractions yet?

Yes, I’ve been having them all morning but not bad ones, just a little cramping. Not worth mentioning because my water hadn’t broken, but now.... She grimaced as she held onto the edge of the counter, her head down. Oh, gee. Wow!

You can be in labour before your water breaks, absolutely. She watched Jessica closely. The contractions are getting stronger, aren’t they?

Jessica nodded her eyes closed. They’re starting to get really painful, but we’ve got lots of time yet. Maybe I’ll go up and take a shower, wash my hair, get ready and we’ll head in after supper.

You’re in labour, Jessica. Aggie pulled out a chair from the table. You sit down, and I’ll call Kane on his cell.

Aggie punched in his number, but her call went straight to voicemail. She then tried Martin’s number, same thing.

I’m not getting an answer. You sit tight, honey. I think they’re all in a meeting, so I’ll just walk down there myself. Be right back.

Oh, sure, no problem, Aggie. Jessica tried to smile. I’m not going anywhere.

Aggie walked quickly to the main barn, climbing the stairs to the second floor, and thankfully heard voices as she got closer to Kane’s office. She knocked and in seconds Martin answered the door, and she looked past him to Kane. Sorry to butt in, Kane, but Jessica has gone into labour. We have to get her to the hospital right away. She’s still preterm.

Kane was out from behind the desk in an instant. Where is she, Aggie?

Aggie was still a little out of breath from the stairs. She’s in the kitchen. Her water broke and her contractions have started.

Kane dashed down the stairs and across the yard, hurrying through the back door to find Jessica still sitting on a kitchen chair where Aggie had left her, Martin and Lisa right behind him. Kane knelt down beside her. How far apart are your contractions, Jess?

Jessica gasped as another contraction hit her and she gripped Kane’s arm as if that would help relieve the pain. Ten minutes, I’d say. About that long, I think.

Kane regarded her intently. We’re going to head in, babe. Remember, it’s different with multiples. It’s best to err on the side of caution, and there is a storm in the forecast. We’ll go in now.

Jessica was beginning to perspire. I was hoping to take a shower first and do my hair and change maybe.

Kane shook his head. Jessica, you’re in labour, honey. We have to go. No waiting around on this one.

Aggie turned the stove off. Where’s her bag? I’ll go and get it for you.

Kane helped Jessica to her feet. It’s sitting on the floor in the closet in our bedroom. It’s all packed and ready to go.

Martin was waiting beside the door. Which vehicle are you taking and where are the keys? I’ll bring it down close to the door for you.

Kane glanced back at him, his arm still around Jessica. We’ll take the SUV. It’ll be easier for Jess to get into. The keys are on that hook there by the door. Red key fob.

Jessica held her belly as another contraction seized her.

Kane kept his arm around her. They’re closer than ten minutes. Let’s get out of here or you’ll have those babies right here in the kitchen.

Lisa went to the phone. Where’s the number for Jess’s OB-GYN? I’ll call and let him know she’s gone into labour and you’re on your way to the hospital.

Kane pointed to the wall beside the telephone. The number is on that yellow piece of paper. There’s a couple of numbers on there. It’s the one at the top. Dr. Lafferty.

Aggie returned to the kitchen carrying Jessica’s black and white overnight bag, along with her coat.

Kane helped Jessica on with her coat and boots and she got to her feet. I’m feeling a lot of pelvic pressure. This is so disappointing. I’m not quite thirty-six weeks and I was so hoping to make it to at least thirty-eight.

Aggie smiled. Well the babies have other ideas. Oh here, Martin’s got the SUV right by the back door.

Kane started walking slowly with Jessica to the back door just as Lisa was hanging up the phone. Dr. Lafferty will be waiting at the hospital for you when you get there. Good luck!

They were leaving Starr Road when another contraction gripped Jessica and she groaned. Oh, Kane, you wouldn’t believe what’s going on with my back right now! It feels like it’s completely seizing up. The books never said anything about that. It’s really bad.

* * *

Staff at the ER were ready when they arrived, and Jessica was taken to Labour and Delivery just as another contraction made her grab the bedrails, Kane’s hand on her arm.

Dr. Lafferty examined her as they quickly strapped a fetal monitor across her abdomen. Jess, you’re already fully dilated. We’re taking you right down to the OR, dear, which is what we do with multiples. Looks like those babies are in a hurry to get born.

Kane, in a mask and gown, stayed by her side as they wheeled her in, watching from the head of the bed and holding Jessica’s hand.

Jessica was understandably nervous when they got her into place, the team ready to deliver the twins. Are they ready? Are the babies coming? I feel like I need to push. Should I be pushing?

Dr. Lafferty checked her again. Okay, just a minute. I see the top of Baby A’s head. Give me a nice big push, Jess. Nice big push!

Jessica bore down, red-faced, yelling with the pain, then panting, before pushing again. Ahhhh! she cried, riding the wave of pain before her head drooped back against the pillow. Wow, that hurt.

Push with your bottom, one of the nurses encouraged her, and try not to dig your elbows into the bed. Now another nice big push.

Ohhhh, it hurts so bad, wailed Jessica.Ahhhh!

Kane held her hand. You’re doing just great, sweetheart. You’re doing really good. Just hang in there.

Dr. Lafferty spoke again. Okay, another big push. Keep pushing. Push, push, push! Here comes the head. Push, Jess! Harder!

Ahhhhh! yelled Jessica, her face scrunched and red from pushing with all her strength.

All right! Here he comes. Okay, Jess, it’s over. Baby A is out, Dr. Lafferty announced as Jack Innis Davidson made his debut. Once the umbilical cord had been clamped and cut, they adjusted Jessica’s gown and laid the squawking baby on her upper chest against her bare skin.

Jessica gazed in awe at the newborn Oh, Kane, he’s beautiful. He’s just beautiful. Oh, look at him!

A minute later they took the infant away as the team prepared for the arrival of Baby B, this one a footling breech birth.

Dr. Lafferty was able to reposition the baby from the inside, to Jessica’s howl of pain. What are you doing? That hurts!

Dr. Lafferty spoke quickly to reassure her. Just turning him, Jess. We’ve got him coming head-first now. The team monitored the baby’s heart rate, the ultrasound verifying the head down position of the second twin. Minutes ticked by. He’s taking his time; he’s not quite ready yet.

Jessica looked up at Kane. I’m starting to get nervous. Is he all right?

Dr. Lafferty was swift to assure her. He’s just taking his time. It’s usually a few minutes, so he’ll be joining us shortly. Here he comes. Okay, here we go again. Another push for me, Jessica. Nice big push!

Jessica gritted her teeth, panting and soaked in perspiration. Ahhhh! Ohhhh! It hurts.

Dr. Lafferty spoke again. Okay, Jessica. You’re doing good. Way to go. Take a deep breath. All right another push. Big one! Push, push, push! A moment passed.

And here he is! Jess, you did it, Baby B is out!

Jessica was crying. Oh, Kane, he’s gorgeous too! Thomas William, welcome to our family. With a lusty cry he too was laid on her chest as his brother had been minutes before him.

Dr. Lafferty was smiling. The hard part’s all over Jessica and you did very well. It was a very fast delivery for twins.

In minutes they had the babies ready and wrapped in blue- striped flannel blankets, both wearing tiny blue hats as they were passed to Kane who held one in each arm.

Dr. Lafferty was still all smiles as he looked at Kane who had tears streaming down his face, cradling his sons, as a nurse used Kane’s phone to take a photo. "Congratulations, papa! They are big babies too, for a preterm birth, not quite thirty-six weeks. Jack Innis weighs in at six pounds-fifteen ounces and Thomas William at six pounds-two ounces. That’s good because you all get to go home together."

A short time later Kane called his mother and Will in Bermuda. They’d been scheduled to arrive in time for Jessica’s due date, but the stork had other plans.

Mum and Will, the babies are here! Kane announced happily when his mother answered the phone. Jess went into labour this afternoon and she delivered not even a half hour after we got to the hospital. It all happened pretty fast. It’s a good job we got here when we did.

Bea was emotional on the other end of the line. Oh, Kane! That’s wonderful! Congratulations, son! And the babies are fine? How much did they weigh?

They’re perfect and big enough to go home with us. As you know, Jess was a little early and the doctor said the twins were big for a preterm birth. Jack Innis was born first, and he weighs six pounds and fifteen ounces and is twenty-four inches long, and Thomas William is six pounds, two ounces and is also twenty-four inches long. You should see them, Mum. I can hardly wait for you to get here. You’re going to love them.

No doubt in my mind about that. My goodness, those are good-sized babies for twins, and a couple of weeks early too. How is Jessica doing?

Jess lost a lot of blood during the delivery so they’re going to keep her for a couple of days just to make sure she’s stable, but other than that she’s fine and says to say hello. She’s tired of course. He hesitated a moment, tears in his voice. It was hard to see her go through that, Mum. She wanted to do it all naturally, not even an epidural, and she did, but it was painful.

I know dear, it’s hard to watch someone in pain like that. Some women say delivery is easy, and for them it may be, but not every woman is so lucky. Everyone’s different. Some say it is the worst pain they’ve ever felt in their life. Delivering multiples is harder too. Delivering a baby is not easy, especially two in one day.

But she did well, and she’s so happy. You should see the way she looks at our sons. It just fills me up. I’ll never forget this day as long as I live.

Yes, honey, you’re a father now. You have two sons.

Kane couldn’t speak for a moment and Bea understood, carrying the conversation until he eventually found his voice.

You have every reason to be proud, and I’ll bet you’ve bought out the entire supply of baby boy cigars at the gift shop too.

Not yet. He wiped tears away with the back of his free hand, but I’m about to. Mum, I just can’t describe how it felt to hold my boys for the first time. It was the best day of my life.

There’s no feeling like it in the world. There aren’t really any words that describe it, are there?

No, I agree. I don’t think there are. It’s just amazing. Now I know what all my friends were talking about, what I missed out on.

You had to find the right woman first, and you certainly accomplished that with Jessica.

Yes, said Kane. I did find the perfect woman for me, for the mother of my children.

And Will is going to be so excited when I tell him the twins have already been born. He’s out on the golf course right now. We’re both disappointed of course that we weren’t able to be there, but I’m just so thankful that everything went well, and that Jessica and the babies are doing fine. How far apart were they born?

Eight minutes. Jack was first and Tommy second. I’ll tell you it was nerve-wracking to wait for Tommy to finally decide to make his entrance and boy did they holler when they got out! They certainly made their presence known.

Tuesday can’t get here soon enough so that I can hold my grandsons, and the extra help will be good too. Anyway, I’m sure you have plenty of other calls to make, Kane. We’ll be there on the early morning flight this Tuesday and I know I also speak for Will when I say we can hardly wait to meet Jack and Tommy.

And I’ll be there to pick you up. I’m going to send you a picture as soon as I finish this call. It’s me in the delivery room holding the boys. Then I’m going to call the ranch and when I’m done with that I want to get right back to Jess and the babies. I love you, Mum.

His next call was to Emerald Valley and when he made his announcement, Aggie squealed with delight, promising to let the others know immediately. He then visited the gift shop where he did indeed purchase an entire box of blue-wrapped cigars and felt like the king of the world when he did so.

Heading back to the room he found Jessica in tears and he hurried to her bedside. What’s wrong, Jess? Are you okay, are the babies okay?

He looked at the infants sleeping peacefully in their bassinettes.

Everything’s fine, Kane, but I tried to nurse the babies and it didn’t work out. I don’t have enough milk. I wanted so badly to be able to breastfeed them, and now it doesn’t look like I’m going to be able to.

It’s early yet. He stroked her forehead. It’s going to take your body a little time. Don’t get yourself all upset now. You have to be exhausted. I don’t think you got much sleep these past few nights and you worked really hard during delivery, so why don’t you try to close your eyes for a few minutes?

Will you stay with me? she asked, holding his hand. I was just talking to Sally and she’s so happy for us, but you’re the one I want by my side.

And there’s nowhere else in the world I want to be right now than by your side, Jess, my love. He settled into the bedside chair, stretching his legs out in front of him. I’ll be right here.

We did it, Kane. She looked up at him, tears still in her eyes. We have our babies.

Yes, two beautiful baby boys. He watched Jack and Tommy content after their earlier feeding. We were so scared we’d never have children after your miscarriage, but we’ve been blessed. I can’t seem to take my eyes off them. Kane could feel tears filling his eyes again. We have two sons, Jess. Two little boys. You and I are parents.

Jessica nodded, beaming, looking at the babies. I am a mother now and what a wonderful feeling. I just can’t explain it, adequately.

And you did an incredible job with natural childbirth too. It was terrible to see you go through that, even though Dr. Lafferty said it was actually over pretty fast, but seeing our children born was like nothing I’ve ever experienced before. I know what you mean about finding it hard to explain. It’s hard to put some feelings into words.

She was still gazing at the twins. Yes, we have our family.

You don’t want more? Kane was surprised. I thought….

Jessica laughed. An hour after a woman comes off the delivery table is not the time to ask her if she wants more children, but yes, of course I want more babies. I love you so much, Kane. Having babies with you is just as awesome as I knew it would be. Nothing short of amazing, although it wasn’t pretty.

Pretty! Watching the woman I love give birth to my sons was the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen in this world. You gave me two beautiful little boys. You have my heart, Jess, lock, stock and barrel. I’m so in love with you I can’t see straight, and never more than at this moment.

* * *

A blizzard moved into the province the next day, blanketing South Eastern New Brunswick with forty centimetres of snow driven by high winds, temperatures plummeting. Kane arrived at the hospital in the early morning and it was obvious by noon time that he would not be making the trip back to Emerald Valley, the storm stayed until the bad weather played itself out late the next day. Baby Tommy had a bit of breathing distress during the night, but he quickly recovered, and all was well.

Finally on the third day the sun was shining and Jessica and the babies were given the green light to go home, all four Davidsons made their way back to the ranch on Saturday where Aggie and Ralph, Sally, Leroy and Cynthia, Lindy, Martin, Jason and Sarah were waiting, the kitchen awash in baby blue balloons and streamers.

Everyone eagerly gathered around to see the two precious bundles that Kane and Jessica carried in from the car and up the snowy walkway.

Aggie could not take her eyes off them. They’re just beautiful! Which one is Jack, and which one is Tommy? I don’t know how you’re ever going to tell them apart. They are absolutely identical.

Jessica smiled as she and Kane gently removed the twins’ matching quilted bunting bags. Easy, just look at their wrist bands, for now. This is Jack, here on the left. Tommy is over here.

Aunt Sally was surprised when the boys were finally free of their outer wraps. Oh, they’re both really fair. I think they’re going to be blonde like their daddy.

Lindy, also bent over the carriers, enthralled. Yep, and just look at those blue eyes. I’d say that they’re going to be the image of their dad. Sorry, Jess, but these ones are all Kane.

Don’t worry, Jessica, teased Ralph. Your turn’s coming. The next two will have your dark hair and brown eyes, you just wait and see.

Jessica laughed, "Thanks, Ralph, but two is enough for now. Maybe the next one will look like me."

Everyone laughed.

Ralph shook Kane and Jessica’s hands. Kidding aside, congratulations you two. Ya done good. These are two good-looking boys.

Sarah and Jason were completely taken by the twins, Sarah especially watching them intently, studying them. Mummy and Daddy, can we have two babies like this? I love them! They’re so-o-o-o cute!

Martin chuckled. Well, sweetie, they usually come one at a time, not two at a time.

"Okay then one. Can we have one baby then, Daddy?" Sarah asked her father.

"If we did you wouldn’t be my baby anymore, Martin told his little girl. You’re my baby now."

Sarah thought about it for a moment. Oh, okay. Then can we get a dog?

Jason’s head snapped up. Yes, let’s get a dog! Can we get a dog, Dad? Please! Please!

Yeah, Daddy, please! Please! pleaded Sarah taking up the chant. Please, Daddy! Please!

Martin smiled at Kane. See what you’re in for, buddy?

Kane laughed. Umm hmm, and just like you I’m going to enjoy every minute of it.

Aggie had baked Kane’s favourite chocolate cake and serving it with her vanilla bean ice cream, everyone was soon sitting around the table enjoying the sweet treat, the twins, in soft blue onsies, cooperating by sleeping peacefully throughout the entire visit.

* * *

Bea and Will arrived in Saint John from Bermuda three days later, eager to see their new grandchildren.

How’s Jess feeling? asked Bea once the three were settled in the SUV and on their way back to Sussex, the heavy snow already beginning to melt away under the late-March sun which made for wet and messy roads.

Kane glanced back at his mother in the rear-view mirror. She’s doing great, not much time to get rested up though. Jack’s not sleeping all that well and when he starts, so does Tommy. They make quite a chorus, but we’ve got it covered. We expect to be sleep-deprived for at least the next few months.

Bea chuckled. At least that long. Once I’m there you two can maybe get a good night’s sleep. I’m looking forward to the late-night feedings. I always did enjoy that with you, Kane, and I can sleep all day if I have to. Help is on the way.

Will nodded. I’ll take a turn if you show me how. I could even learn how to change diapers.

Bea was on top of the world. All lessons free of charge, and all help will be gratefully accepted.

* * *

Bea was out of the vehicle in a hurry as soon as they arrived at the ranch, beside herself with excitement to see the babies. All three quickly shed their outerwear once inside the house and Aggie met them in the entranceway.

Jess is upstairs with the babies in the nursery. Your timing is perfect because they just woke up. Go on up, she’s really looking forward to you getting here.

After they’d both washed their hands before touching the babies, they climbed the stairs to the nursery that Jess had decorated in vibrant shades of reds, blues, yellows and greens. Frank Miller, once he learned that Kane and Jessica were having twins, made a second rocking horse, and the handsome pair of steeds, with real leather saddles, waited patiently in the corner until the boys were old enough to climb on them. In the meantime, Kane had installed a second large, comfortable rocking chair.

Jessica was in one of the rocking chairs, feeding Tommy, and the others arrived just as Jack decided he wanted to be fed too.

Bea was eager to get started. I’ll take Jack.

Kane gently lifted the second twin from his crib and placed him in his mother’s arms as she settled into the vacant rocking chair. Kane passed her a prepared bottle and she took it in her hand, all smiles. Oh, I just love this.

In moments Jack was sucking greedily on the bottle. Kane, they look so much like you when you were a baby, it’s unreal. They’re just gorgeous! Don’t mind my tears, I’m just seeing my grandchildren for the very first time and to tell you the truth I’m overwhelmed.

Jessica turned toward Will. Would you like to feed your namesake, Will? Everyone pretended not to see the tears in Will’s eyes as Jessica got up and passed the baby to him, then showed him how to hold the bottle when he settled in to feed Tommy.

Bea looked over at