Page 26 of Timber Ridge

May cocks her head and looks confused. “I thought I was the only one who did that.” She rubs her chin. “Red potatoes or regular?”

I roll my eyes and make a pfft sound. “Red, of course, and the good mayonnaise, but not the sweet kind.”

“That’s the only way. Anything less would be disrespectful to the potatoes,” May says.

I laugh because it sounds like something my mom would say.

As we continue to discuss plans, May’s phone rings. She answers and steps away, her expression shifting to concern as she listens intently to the caller. When she returns, there's worry in her eyes as she quickly swipes up the pie dishes before everyone's finished.

“Have you ever delivered a baby?” she asks.

“No.” Before she says another word, I know in my gut that Eliza is in labor.

“There’s no time like the present.”

“Is Eliza in labor?” Panic rises in my chest.

“Yes, and I need your help.” May runs off.

I turn to Hailey. “Looks like you’re going to be a cousin to baby Cody today.”

Hailey doesn’t complain about not finishing her pie. She puts on her coat and runs to the door. “I want to help too.”

I take a deep breath, my mind racing. Delivering a baby? This is way out of my league. But there’s no time to think, only act. I immediately take out my phone and message Kane. “Change of plans. Your sister is in labor. May asked for my help. Pick us up at her house.”

Chapter Ten

KANE

My pulse quickens as I read Timber’s message about Eliza being in labor.

I pull in my gear and steer the boat toward home. I’m sad my father won’t be here for the birth of his second grandchild. And poor Matt won’t be there to watch his first child come into this world. I was there when Hailey was born. There’s nothing more amazing than watching your child take their first breath.

I push the throttle, and the engine roars to life, the boat slicing through the waves at a faster-than-safe speed. Suddenly, a jolt ripples through the rig, the helm shudders, and the engine sputters. Panic grips me as I wait for everything to stall. Today is not the day for mechanical failures. I pray for things to hold together a little longer. Miraculously, the engine steadies, its familiar hum returning with renewed strength.

The familiar sights come into view. I approach the dock, steer the boat into its berth, and secure the vessel to the metal cleats. Every second counts as I unload the day’s catch, my mind solely focused on reaching Serenity Cove. With the last crate of fish on ice and safely stowed away, I sprint toward my ATV. The minutes stretch into eternity as I race toward my sister’s house.

The scene at Serenity Cove is much like its name, deceptively tranquil, with shimmering water lapping at the shore and tall trees swaying in the breeze. Despite the calm exterior, I know that a different kind of energy courses through the air inside.

The sight of four parked ATVs lined up neatly in the driveway signals my brothers’ presence and their readiness to help.

With Eliza’s husband away on an oil rig, we are responsible for providing support and assistance. We’d do that anyway because she’s our sister. We may not always agree, but family comes first. Together, we’ll weather any storm that comes our way.

As I approach, the sound of an ax hitting wood comes from the back of the house. I step around and find Nash cutting wood. He sees me and stops mid-swing.

“I think she’s got enough wood.” I stare at the pile, already eight feet tall and ten feet wide. “Are you doing this for her or you?”

“Probably both. Every time she cries out in pain, I want to rush in and take that away, but I can’t, so I’m better off out here where I can’t hear. At least I’m doing something productive.”

I walk over and pat my brother’s shoulder. “Hang in there. She’ll be okay. May knows what she’s doing.”

I walk back to the front door, and other than the sound of metal hitting wood, it’s silent outside. It’s as if the birds are waiting for Cody’s arrival. With a mixture of anticipation and apprehension, I raise my hand to knock, but the door swings open before I can make contact, and Rhys stands there.

“Glad you’re here so quickly,” he says. “May says things are moving fast.”

I’m grateful because Hailey’s birth took what seemed like a lifetime. Though I felt helpless, like Nash does now, I stayed by Amanda’s side.

Finn is in the kitchen washing dishes. Reid is in the living room, letting Hailey “do” his hair. He’s got barrettes and bows everywhere.