Free Love's Stormy Gale (Heartsong Presents) by Lynette Sowell Page A

see if Todd thinks we can afford having Jonathan make it. He’s a genius with wood. But I guess you know that.”
    “That’s right. I was hoping to have him make Dad a new computer desk for his birthday or even Christmas.”
    They wandered toward the women’s clothing department. Maggie continued her probing.
    “So, I’m sure you know Jonathan’s not planning to stay in woodworking permanently.” Maggie held up a pair of baby shoes.
    “Oh, those are cute! Too bad these aren’t in grown-up sizes.” Olivia reached for the shoes.
    “You’re avoiding my question.”
    “Yes.” Olivia ran her fingers over the supple leather. “I do know Jonathan’s plans, and I’m scared for him. I think if he keeps at his woodworking, he could open his own shop.”
    “What if that’s not what he really wants? Or what if it’s not what God has for him?”
    Olivia sighed. “I suppose it’s pointless to tell you how I feel.”
    Maggie frowned and reached for another pair of shoes. “Yeah, I’ve been there. Many of the women in town have been there. Lots of us have been fortunate. Some haven’t. It’s a tough life, but I do know I would never deny Todd his dream.”
    Olivia nodded. Which was why if Jonathan wanted to go out on a fishing boat again, she wouldn’t stop him. Olivia would guard her heart. She would do things right this time.
    They stopped for lunch at a courtyard café. Olivia lingered over her strawberry pie. Maggie would get a break from walking, whether she wanted one or not. The town’s summer hubbub of tourists and shoppers flowed past them.
    “Oof. Maybe I shouldn’t have eaten that dessert.” Maggie frowned as she rubbed her stomach.
    “Are you okay?”
    “I’m fine.” She took a sip of water. “Ow.”
    As they waited for their bill, Olivia hoped the pains would subside, but instead they grew stronger the longer they sat. Olivia wasn’t sure what to expect, but Maggie didn’t seem fine to her.
    “I should call Todd.” Olivia’s heart started to beat faster.
    “No! He didn’t want me to go shopping today, not really.”
    Olivia turned on her cell phone. “I’m calling Todd anyway.”
    Maggie took a deep, slow breath. “Ow, these must be Braxton-Hicks contractions. But I think it’s too early.”
    The answering machine came on at Todd’s fishing charter office. Olivia gave her cell phone number, and asked him to call as soon as possible. She glanced at Maggie, whose white knuckles clenched a paper napkin. “Who else can I call?”
    “Call my OB. The number’s in my wallet.”
    Olivia found a business card for the obstetrics office and dialed. “Yes, I understand.” Olivia hung up the phone. “We need to drive you to the hospital. Your doctor is contacting Labor and Delivery there. They’ll be waiting for us.”
    Maggie clenched her stomach and bit her lip. Olivia laid some cash on the table with their bill. Her heart thudded and the world moved in slow motion. Be strong for Maggie. Maggie needed her. Lord, help her. Help me.
    * * *
    They arrived at the hospital, where an orderly met them and wheeled Maggie to the Labor and Delivery floor. Don’t let us be too late. Protect Maggie’s little one.
    “Please, let my friend come with me. We haven’t reached my husband yet.” Maggie pleaded with the nurses.
    Maggie had Olivia’s hand in a vise grip as they wheeled her into an examining room. A woman in a white coat held some papers and attached them to a clipboard. Olivia managed to get away from Maggie and used a hall phone to try Todd. Still no answer.
    She bit her lip, then dialed Jonathan’s number.
    “You’re home!” Olivia nearly shrieked with relief when he answered.
    “What’s wrong? What’s going on?”
    “I need you to find Todd ASAP. I just brought Maggie to the hospital. She’s having bad pains. I hope it’s not early labor.”
    “I’ll find him. We’ll be there.”
    “I can’t keep my cell phone on here in the hospital, but here’s my number anyway.