“Oh God, Vanni. I didn’t know what I was going to do. I not only shouldn’t be having one—there’s no way I should be having two! And God help me, I want them! I want them so much!”
Abby settled in with Vanni and Paul and got comfortable, feeling safe for the first time in weeks. She wasn’t quite ready to be introduced to the town. When they made their occasional trip into Virgin River to have dinner at Jack’s, she declined. She was still feeling embarrassed and shy about presenting herself as a single mother even though in this day and age it was hardly a rarity.
Later in January she was due a prenatal exam and made an appointment with Mel Sheridan. It was time to consider her delivery options and resume her prenatal care, which she would pay for in cash.
When she had her appointment with Mel, she was as captivated as Vanni promised her she would be. And the professional way in which Mel handled her was refreshing. “Single mom, huh? That’s got it’s challenges, but you’re a lucky woman. Twins, good friends, perfect health, I can’t think what else you need.”
“I’m pretty nervous about the birth. I want them to be full-term, healthy, and then…”
“Have any idea how you’ll take care of them and work?”
“As soon as they’re big enough, I’m going home to my folks. My mom will help. She’s very excited.”
“That’s a good plan. With a supportive family, you should be able to work things out. There are options for you—you can have John Stone in Grace Valley deliver you at Valley Hospital or I can attend you in birth with John’s assistance. I don’t administer anesthesia, but honey, these are twins—they’re going to be smaller than the average birth. Probably quicker and earlier. We’ll keep up with ultrasounds to make sure they’re in the right position. And we have John Stone, in case we need anything special, like a cesarean. He’s wonderful. As luck would have it, we have a fabulous pediatrician. Did you know that Paul assisted in Vanni’s delivery of Mattie?”
“I heard something about that,” she said.
“It was a wonderful birth. We had a birthing party. Everyone was there, at the general’s house, waiting. Paul thought he couldn’t handle it, yet he was perfect.”
“This might be my only childbirth experience…”
“Oh, don’t try to plan ahead like that,” Mel advised. “You’re young. Fertile. You have a few years to change your mind.”
“This took me by surprise,” she admitted.
Mel laughed. “Yeah?” she said. “Both of mine took me by surprise, and I’m the expert. Get dressed and I’ll see you out front.”
Abby was feeling real good about her appointment as she dressed. She even felt better about coming out to the town. This was going to be okay, she decided. People were nice, accepting. Mel was everything a woman could want in a midwife—warm, humorous, delightful.
When she walked out front, Mel was waiting at the reception counter with Abby’s chart. “Everything looks great, Abby. Do you have enough vitamins or can I hook you up with a refill?”
“I’m good,” Abby said. “I brought a big supply from my last OB.”
“Good, then.”
At the exact moment Abby’s eyes grew round and startled, so did Cameron’s. They locked eyes. Cameron was sitting behind the reception counter at the desk, looking at the computer. He’d been with a patient in an exam room when she came in and hadn’t seen her.
Mel noticed they were looking at each other and said, “Abby, meet Dr. Michaels. Cameron, Abby MacCall.”
He stood. “Hello,” he said.
“Nice to meet you,” she said.
He came around the desk and put out his hand, which she took after some hesitation. “Abby…MacCall, was it?”
“Yes. Hi.”
“You’re staying here in Virgin River?” he asked.
“I’m visiting friends,” she said.
“I’m new here myself,” he said. “You’re going to like it.”
“Hmm. Well, I’m not staying long. I’d better get going.”
“See you around,” he said.
“Sure.” And she nearly ran out the door.
Cameron’s eyes were locked on her departure. When the door had been closed a few seconds, he pulled his eyes back to Mel’s.
“I thought she was here for the duration. Something weird just happened there.”
“Yeah,” he said. “How far along is Abby?”