Page 47 of Beneath the Harvest Moon

As soon as Blythe left, Jane said, “You still love her, don’t you?”

Gabriel ignored the question, closed the windows and stoked the fire. “We must ward off the evening chill.”

“She still loves you too.”

Gabriel set the poker aside and straightened.

Blythe returned with a large porcelain jug. “Thank goodness I put a kettle over the fire earlier. I knew you were in more pain than you claimed.”

Blythe handed him a pair of scissors and a ball of string before pouring steaming water into the porcelain bowl on the washstand in the corner.

He untied the cuffs of his shirt and rolled up the sleeves. “Are you ready?”

Blythe nodded while scrubbing her hands with the soap, then stepped aside to allow him to do the same.

Jane groaned, and they returned to attend her.

Blythe rubbed circles down their patient’s spine.

Gabriel kneeled in front of the chair. “Brace your feet on my thighs.”

Jane complied.

He rolled her loose shift above her knees and performed an internal examination. “The baby is crowning. The next time the pain strikes, push.”

Jane nodded. Her knuckles blanched when her fingers tightened around the arms of the chair. “Here we go.” Jane bore down and groaned through gritted teeth.

“Keep going.” Blythe rubbed the labouring mother’s shoulders. “You can do this.”

Jane inhaled several deep, ragged breaths.

Gabriel looked down. “Well done, the head is coming.”

Jane panted for several seconds, then pushed again.

Gabriel cradled the baby’s slick head. “Good, the head is out. Wait a moment while I check the cord is not wrapped around the baby’s neck.”

Jane puffed and swiped her arm across her forehead.

Blythe stepped away before returning with a cloth and patted Jane’s glistening face. “Here, this is nice and cool.”

“All is well so far.” Gabriel offered Jane a reassuring smile. “Another push and the baby will be out.”

“It’s coming.” Jane bore down, and on a long groan she pushed the babe’s body from her own.

Gabriel caught the slippery infant, and a gentle squall erupted. After a quick glance, he smiled at its mother. “You have a daughter.”

“Oh, thank goodness.” Jane wrapped her daughter in the skirt of her shift, holding the wrinkled pink bundle to her chest.

Blythe sighed. “Oh, she is beautiful.”

“Thank you.” Jane sniffed while glancing between them. “Thank you both.”

Blythe kissed the top of Jane’s head, then met his gaze. Her eyes shimmered at the rims as they stared at each other.

Jane groaned, breaking their connection.

“Allow me.” Blythe gathered up her niece.