Free The Midwife and the Millionaire by Fiona McArthur Page A

campfire.
    â€˜Tougher than his mother,’ Odette said with a wobble in her voice. The young mum’s eyes were heavily shadowed and her fingers stroked her belly, as if to reassure herself and her baby that everything would be fine.
    Sophie tamped down her own misgivings. Odette and her baby were the greatest worry. ‘I think you’re holding up amazingly well.’ She tipped out the dregs and rinsed the one cup before she slid her bag over her shoulder. ‘We’ll be as quick as we can. Your baby needs you to be calm. We’ve done the hard part and survived the landing. You’ll have something to tell the grandchildren about in thirty years.’
    â€˜If I have grandchildren.’
    Sophie frowned. ‘You’ve water and some food and a safe place.’ She paused. ‘No matter what happens, don’t leave this spot,’ Sophie reminded her. ‘Sightingof the crash site is still the most probable way for rescue, and lost in the bush is the easiest way to die.’
    Odette scrubbed her eyes again and the mascara from yesterday was giving her a sad-and-sorry panda look. ‘I’m not going anywhere but I wish I’d never left home.’
    Sophie felt the loss of the woman who’d touched up her lipstick at the clinic only a few short days ago. ‘I know. It’s natural to worry about your baby. You’re the one with most to fear. But hey, I’d like to think I’d do as well as you are.’
    Odette sniffed. ‘You wouldn’t cry like I do.’
    Sophie hugged her and whispered, ‘Didn’t you see me yesterday after setting William’s shoulder? I was a mess.’
    Odette scrubbed her eyes with the back of her hand and peered at Sophie, who nodded. ‘Really? I didn’t see that.’
    â€˜Good,’ Sophie said and looked around to make sure none of the men had heard. ‘But I felt better afterwards.’
    â€˜I’ll never be as strong as you but thanks for telling me. It helps to know I’m not the only one who can’t help it sometimes.’
    â€˜I know. And I’m not that strong. Just on the outside.’ Sophie glanced at her brother, who was probably giving Levi some pointers as well. ‘Look,’ she said. ‘This isn’t going to happen, but if you do go into labour, stay cuddled up to William. He’ll look after you. Restand remember you’re designed to do it. Be calm and let it happen. Babies only need to be next to their mother. And remember, first babies take a long time and we’ll be back. Don’t give up on us.’
    Odette shook her head and her eyes filled again with tears. ‘You shouldn’t go. Levi shouldn’t leave me.’ She clutched at Sophie’s arm. ‘Don’t leave!’
    Sophie drew the younger woman into her arms and hugged her. ‘You’ll be fine. We’ll be back as quick as we can, but we need to walk out before it gets too hot.’
    Odette started to cry and Sophie chewed her lip and glanced at Levi. She’d made everything worse.
    Levi crossed to his sister and drew her into the circle of his arms. ‘Shh, honey. One day away. That’s all it’ll take. You and William have a day on the land, relax and enjoy the scenery.’
    Odette hiccoughed, ‘Relax?’ Her lip quivered as Levi handed her over to William to comfort. ‘Please be careful,’ Odette said to her brother.
    He nodded. ‘We’ll be back for you in another chopper.’
    â€˜He’ll fly back for you,’ Sophie said drily. ‘I’ll be cheering from home.’
    Odette’s lips tugged in an almost smile. ‘Chicken.’
    â€˜We won’t be long.’ Levi sighed. Such a dilemma. He hated to leave Odette, and the thought of her going into labour out here without him made him break into a cold sweat. Please God, don’t let that happen. He’d spent his life trying to keep her safe and