MELLIE SAT ON a stool outside the stable door, smiling and shaking her head.
“Now I remember why I didn’t specialize in large animal medicine,” she said.
Delano looked over at her and chuckled as he removed the arm-length disposable glove he’d worn to reposition the foal prior to delivery.
“It’s not too bad, once you get used to it,” he said, shrugging off the surgical gown.
“And with this result, it’s all worth it,” her father added. He was gently wiping the bay foal down with handfuls of straw, while the mare, Marmalade, sniffed and snuffled her new colt.
“He is awfully cute,” Mellie conceded.
“And it’s just as well I’m the one Mr. Charlie called to deliver him.” Delano gave her a pointed look over his shoulder as he washed his hands. “You could belly up to the mare, but your arm would be too short.”
Mellie stuck out her tongue at him, even while acknowledging he was right.
Being thirty-nine weeks pregnant did make it difficult to get too close to anything!
“Speaking of which,” her father interjected, “aren’t you supposed to be resting?”
It was a mark of her father’s concern for his mare that he was just bringing it up, and Delano snorted in response, earning himself a narrow-eyed glare from his wife.
“I’m on maternity leave,” she replied, wondering how many more times she’d have to say it. “Not bed rest. The doctor said to keep active, just not to overdo it. Sitting here watching you two—and Marmalade—do all the work isn’t exactly stressful.”
“Aunt Eddie has already texted me three times this morning,” Delano groused to his father-in-law, while drying his hands. “And Dad isn’t much better. I don’t dare tell them she isn’t at home with her feet up.”
Mellie snorted, but the warm sense of contentment she felt at his words was undeniable.
She and Delano had been together almost three years, and the time had flown by in a whirlwind of experiences. Through their marriage and taking over of the clinic, as well as arranging freedom flights for dogs and expanding the shelter, they’d lived, worked, laughed, teased and grown together.
And, most of all, loved.
So much loving that she couldn’t picture her world or life without him.
For the first time ever Mellie felt truly secure, surrounded by family and friends, with Delano always by and on her side. And with their baby due any day now, who could ask for more?
“Let me get you home, babe,” Delano said, coming over and holding out a hand to help her up. “Maybe stop and get you some ice cream on the way?”
“That would be perfect.”
Taking his hand, she stood and was enfolded in his arms, where she longed always to be.
Safe.
Happy.
Home.
If you enjoyed this story, check out these other great reads from Ann McIntosh
The Nurse’s Holiday Swap
Twin Babies to Reunite Them
Christmas Miracle on Their Doorstep
One-Night Fling in Positano
All available now!
Keep reading for an excerpt from Her Forbidden Firefighter by Traci Douglass.