LITMIR.BIZ

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mother and baby should not be here, jeopardising their chances of a good outcome. His hands fisted.

      In one two. Out one two.

      Sure, everything could work out perfectly, but at thirty weeks the baby would still need an incubator and special care. The father was a moron. Especially considering the fact their last baby had died. How did Jess remain so calm? Maybe she’d had time to settle down and get on with what mattered most, appearing confident in the current situation and ignoring the if-only’s. ‘Lily, you’re going to Nelson Hospital to have this baby. It’s too early for us to be bringing her into the world here.’ His tone was too harsh.

      In one two. Out one two.

      ‘I’m not driving Lily over that awful hill in her condition. It was uncomfortable enough for her on Friday and she wasn’t in labour then.’ Matthew stared at Jackson as though it was his fault they were dealing with this here and now.

      Jackson ground his teeth and fought for control. Losing his temper would do absolutely nothing to help. Finally, on a very deep, indrawn breath, he managed to explain without showing his anger. ‘The rescue helicopter will be here in approximately one hour. Jessica, where do they land?’

      ‘In the paddock out the back of the medical centre. I’ll go and see if there are any sheep that need shifting. Matthew, you can give me a hand.’ Jess winked at Jackson before she led the startled man out the door.

      ‘Go, Jess.’ Jackson grinned to himself, his anger easing off quicker than usual. Starting an examination of Lily, he talked to her all the while, explaining what was happening. And calmed down further. These sudden anger spurts were disturbing. He was usually known for his cool, calm manner in any crisis and he’d hoped taking time away from his job would fix the problem. It seemed he was wrong or maybe just impatient.

      ‘Will my baby be all right?’ Lily asked through an onset of tears.

      He would not promise anything. ‘We’ll do everything we can towards that outcome.’

      The tears flowed harder. ‘I didn’t want to come to the wedding but Matthew insisted. He can be very determined.’

      Try selfish and stubborn. ‘We can’t change the fact that you’re in Golden Bay at the moment so let’s concentrate on keeping baby safe.’

      ‘Grr. Ahhh.’ Lily’s face screwed up with pain as another contraction tore through her.

      Jackson reached for a flailing hand, held it tightly. The contractions were coming faster. All he could do was prepare for the birth and hope like hell the emergency crew would get here first. How fast could they spin those rotors? Where was Jess? She’d be more at ease with the situation than him. It’s what she did, bringing babies into the world. Admittedly not usually this early or with this much danger of things going horribly wrong, but she was still more used to the birthing process.

      ‘Hey, how are we doing?’ A sweet voice answered his silent pleas. Jess had returned, dissolving the last of the tension gripping him.

      Stepping away from the bed and closer to this delightful woman who seemed to have a way about her that quickly relaxed him, he murmured, ‘Remind me to buy you another bottle of champagne when this is over.’

      The fudge-coloured eyes that turned to him were twinkling. Her citrus tang wafted in the air when she leaned close to whisper, ‘I might need some of that brunch first. My energy levels need rebuilding.’

      Jess would drive him crazy with need if he wasn’t careful. And did that matter? Of course it did. Didn’t it? He’d hate to hurt her in any way. ‘You’ll have to wait. How was that paddock? Any sheep?’

      ‘Nope, all clear. The windsock is hardly moving so the landing should be straightforward. How’s Lily doing?’

      ‘Starting to panic. And who can blame her?’

      Jess crossed to the woman. ‘We’re all set for that helicopter, Lily. Ever been in one before?’

      ‘N-no. I—I don’t like flying.’

      Jackson groaned quietly. This day was going from bad to worse for the woman. ‘They’re quite different to being in a plane. Perfectly safe. The pilot will probably go around the coastline instead of over the hill so you won’t be too far above ground level.’

      Jess added, ‘This is definitely the best way to keep your baby safe. Now, with the next contraction I want you to stand. You might find it easier to deal with the pain.’

      Lily’s smile was strained as she clambered off the bed. ‘Thank you. I know you’re trying your best. I’ll be okay.’ Then all talk stopped as she went through another contraction.

      This time Matthew held her as she draped herself over him and hung on. ‘You’re doing great, Lily.’

      Finally, just when Jackson thought they’d be delivering Baby Carter in the medical centre the steady thwup-thwup of the helicopter approaching reached them inside the hot and stuffy room. ‘Here we go. Your ride has arrived, Lily,’ he said needlessly.

      Everyone had heard the aircraft and Matthew had gone to watch the landing. Jackson followed him out and once the rotors had stopped spinning he strode across to meet the paramedic and paediatrician as they disembarked and began unloading equipment.

      ‘Glad to see that incubator.’ He nodded towards the interior of the craft. ‘You might be needing it.’

      ‘Baby’s that close?’ the man who’d introduced himself as Patrick asked. His arm badge read ‘Advanced Paramedic’.

      ‘The mother has the urge to push. But I’m hoping she can hold off for a bit longer.’

      ‘Let’s take a look before we decide how to run with it. I don’t fancy a birth in mid-air.’

      In the end, Baby Carter made their minds up for them. She arrived in a hurry, sliding out into the bright light of the world, a tiny baby that barely filled Jackson’s hand. Handing her carefully to Jess, he concentrated on repairing a tear that Lily had received during the birth.

      Matthew stood to one side, stunned at the unfolding events. ‘Is Lily okay? What about my daughter? Is she going to make it? At least she cried. That’s got to be good, doesn’t it?’

      The last baby didn’t cry? Jackson looked up and locked gazes with Matthew. ‘The baby’s breathing normally, and Lily’s going to be fine. Have you decided on a name for your daughter?’

      ‘Yes, but we were afraid to mention it until we knew if she’d be all right.’ Matthew’s eyes shifted to the right, where his daughter was being attached to monitors inside the incubator. ‘Alice Rose,’ he whispered, and brushed the back of his hand over his face.

      ‘Alice Rose Carter.’ Jess spared the man a sympathetic glance. ‘I like it. Pretty. And so is she. Come over here and see for yourself.’

      The paediatrician continued adjusting equipment as he explained, ‘Alice Rose is very small, as to be expected. At thirty weeks her lungs aren’t fully developed so this machine will help her breathe until she grows some. But...’ the man looked directly at Matthew ‘...everything so far shows she’s looking to be in good shape despite her early arrival. I’m not saying you’re out of trouble yet. There are a lot of things to watch out for, but one step at a time, eh?’

      Matthew blinked, swiped at his face again and stepped closer to his daughter. ‘Hello, Alice. I’m your daddy.’ Then he sniffed hard.

      Jess handed the guy a box of tissues. ‘Hey, Daddy, blow your nose away from your baby.’ She said it in such a soft tone that Jackson knew she’d forgiven the guy for being rather highhanded earlier. ‘You’re going to have to learn to be very careful around Alice Rose for a long time to come.’

      Jackson helped Lily into a sitting position. ‘I’m so sorry you can’t hold your daughter yet.’ That had to be devastating for any new mother. During many long phone calls last year Sasha had often told him

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