Megan's Hero (The Callahans of Texas Book #3): A Novel (7 page)

“Sorry. I warmed it up a little, but it’s still a shock.” She flipped some switches, and the monitor lit up. “Are you ready, Doctor?”

“Yes, go ahead.” Dr. Cindy grinned at Megan. “I don’t know about you, but I’m excited to see this little person. This is a 3-D ultrasound, so it gives us great pictures. Will’s sister, Jenna, bought it for the hospital and sent the whole radiology staff to Dallas for special training to run it.”

Megan lay still, trying to stay calm as the technician placed the wand on her stomach. She couldn’t see the monitor and assumed the doctor wanted to make sure everything was all right before showing her anything. Of course that made her more nervous.

“Ah, we’re looking good. Your baby is a little small but not enough to worry about.” Dr. Cindy studied the monitor as the technician moved the wand around. “I don’t see any abnormalities or anything that raises a red flag. But we have some other areas to check.” She patted Megan’s hand. “So far, so good. But it takes a while to cover every area thoroughly. We also take measurements to make sure the baby is growing properly. Hang in there just a little longer, then we’ll swing the screen around so you can see too. I like to have it turned this way so I can see it more clearly. I don’t want to miss anything important.”

After what seemed like forever, but the clock on the wall said was only fifteen minutes, the doctor stepped around to the other side of the bed and nodded to the technician. She turned the monitor around to where Megan could see it. “It appears that you’re going to have a little girl,” Dr. Cindy said, resting her hand on her patient’s shoulder. “A healthy little girl.”

Megan stared at the screen in awe. Unlike the fuzzy black and white picture a co-worker had shown her when she was pregnant, this was almost like watching a movie. Her little baby looked like a real person!

“Oh, my goodness! She’s sucking her thumb!” She watched Sweet Baby blink her eyes and even turn her head slightly, as if she heard Megan’s voice. “Her eyes are open,” she added in hushed amazement.

“Yes. She can sense light changes now. And she can hear pretty well too, so be sure and talk to her.”

“I already do.” Mainly because Sweet Baby had been about the only person around to talk to.

“Good. Keep doing it often. Read to her. Sing to her, play music. She’s very aware of sounds now and recognizes your voice.”

All the more reason to always speak lovingly to her child. “The tornado was so loud. Do you think it scared her?”

Dr. Cindy tipped her head thoughtfully. “Maybe not. I’m guessing the increase in noise was gradual?” When Megan nodded, she continued. “When I was about this far along in my pregnancy, Misty would kick at a sudden noise.” She chuckled quietly. “Although she might have moved because I jumped. But I never detected any agitation when I was in a generally noisy situation. Do you see her heart beating?”

“It’s supposed to be fast like that, isn’t it?”

“Yes. Theirs goes faster than ours.”

Megan studied the picture. Sweet Baby had popped her thumb out of her mouth and opened and closed her hand. It was amazing.

The doctor laughed. “She’s practicing grasping things so she can grab hold of your finger after she’s born.”

The thought of the baby holding her hand sent even more joy spiraling through her.

The top of her baby’s head was dark. “Does she already have hair?”

“Yes. Looks like she’s going to start off as a brunette, but that could change after she’s born.”

Megan hoped she stayed a brunette. She’d worried that her little one might be blonde like her father, which for some weird reason would be a constant reminder of her foolishness. Most people would consider the baby the reminder, but she didn’t think of it that way. Sweet Baby might have been conceived by mistake, but she was a precious gift.

Thank you, God
, she thought. Her heart was full of love for this tiny child. “Can I keep a picture?”

“Of course. We’ll print one out for you. I need to check on another patient, but I’ll drop by your room in a few minutes. We can go over your lab results.”

The technician put the wand away, cleaned the gel off Megan’s stomach, helped her off the bed, and directed her to the bathroom in the hallway. When Megan came out, she was waiting with the wheelchair. Once Megan was seated, she handed her two pictures of Sweet Baby. “I did an extra one for fun.”

“Thank you.” Megan smiled all the way back to her room.

A few minutes after she was settled back into bed, she heard Will’s footsteps in the hallway. Odd how she could pick out his from everyone who went up and down the hall.

He tapped lightly on the door and peeked around it. “Safe to come in?”

“Sure.”

He walked into the room, met her gaze, and grinned. “Well?”

“Sweetie Pie.” Laughing, she motioned him closer to the bed. “Come see my beautiful baby.”

When she handed him the first picture, his jaw literally dropped. “Wow. I didn’t know they could take pictures like this.”

“Dr. Cindy said your sister bought the new 3-D machine.”

He scratched the back of his neck and wrinkled his face. “I heard about that, but I guess I didn’t pay too much attention when she was prattling on and on about it. Now, I’m impressed.” He stared at the picture. “Her eyes are open.” Wonder filled his quiet voice. “What’s she reaching for?”

Megan shrugged and laughed. “Only she knows. The doctor said she’s practicing grasping things so she can hold my finger when she’s born.”

Will’s face softened into a sweet smile. “What a cool thought.”

“They made me two pictures.” Barely holding back a grin, she handed him the other one.

Will took one look at it and burst out laughing. “Your kid is already sucking her thumb. That’s amazing.” He studied the picture, glanced at her, then back at the picture. “Does she already have hair?”

“Uh-huh. Brown like mine, according to the doctor.”

He handed her the photos with a satisfied smile. “Now, aren’t you glad you had the ultrasound done?”

“Yes. But even happier and relieved that the doctor said she looks fine. A little small but not enough to worry about.”

“She’ll be petite, like her mama.”

Megan laughed again. She was so happy she thought she would float down the hall when she got out of bed. “I didn’t think cowboys knew words like petite.”

“Hey, I’m not just a cowboy. I’m a college grad-u-ate. So I know stuff.”

“Like petite.”

“Yes, ma’am. It’s the itty-bitty steak on the menu, so when it applies to a woman, it means a small one. And if I hadn’t figured that out, strolling through the petites department in a clothing store trying to find something for Jenna explained it.”

Dr. Cindy walked in.

“Very astute,” Megan said.

“I thought so. ’Course, it was easy considering my sister is only five-three.” He glanced at the papers in the doctor’s hand. “Do you need to speak to Megan in private?”

“Only if she wants me to. I have your lab results.” She sent her patient a questioning look.

“I don’t mind if he stays. He’d probably hunker down outside the door and eavesdrop anyway.”

“Probably.” The doctor winked at Will and turned her attention back to Megan. “Your blood sugar is fine. So no concern there. You are anemic, however. Not badly, but we need to get more iron in you. Here is the brand I want you to take because it’s easier on your stomach. It’s over the counter. They have it at the pharmacy in Miller’s Grocery. Continue taking your regular prenatal vitamins. You’ve picked a good brand of those.” She handed her a sheet of paper. “Here is some other info about iron, what foods contain it, what to avoid. Get Will to buy you a big steak.”

Megan couldn’t remember the last time she’d had a steak. Since she’d been able to keep food down, she’d tried to eat hamburger at least a couple of times a week because she knew she needed some red meat. But that was all she could afford.

“No need to buy one. I’ve got some in the freezer. So do the folks. We’ll feed her good.”

Dr. Cindy raised an eyebrow. “You’re going out to the ranch?”

“Just for a few days, until we figure out what to do with my van.”

The doctor paused, tapping her finger on the bed rail. “Megan, I don’t really know what your situation is, and if I’m sticking my nose where I shouldn’t, I apologize ahead of time. If you don’t have anywhere to go and the Callahans offer you a place to stay, I strongly recommend you take them up on it. You’re going to have a baby in about three months, and you really shouldn’t try to go it all on your own. You need a support group, so to speak, now and after your baby arrives, and the Callahans are one of the best around. But I’ll let y’all work that out.

“Personally, I hope you stay around Callahan Crossing. It’s a good town, and I’d enjoy being your doctor and bringing that little girl into the world.”

“Thank you. I appreciate all you’ve done for me.” Megan let it go at that. She had some serious thinking to do. Maybe even praying, if she could figure out how. During the night, she’d convinced herself that it would be all right to go to a shelter in Abilene or Dallas and try to find work.

But if the Callahans were willing to give her a place to stay, not just for a few days but until the baby came, wouldn’t it be irresponsible to turn them down?

A short time later, three ladies trooped into her room, bringing bright smiles and laughter. Even without an introduction, she knew the Callahan ladies had arrived. The two redheads bore a slight resemblance to Will, but the clincher was the familiar blue suitcase pulled by the blonde.

Will’s mom appeared to be in her late fifties, with strawberry blonde hair and bright turquoise eyes. The petite woman standing next to her was obviously her daughter, Jenna, with the same eyes and brighter red hair. Megan estimated her age at close to thirty.

The blue-eyed blonde, whom she assumed was Chance’s wife Emily, was a little younger and a few inches taller. They all wore jeans, but where the older woman had opted for a short-sleeved western shirt and boots, the others had chosen colorful tank tops and running shoes. Jenna and her mother were slim and pretty. Emily was beautiful enough to grace a fashion magazine.

Megan felt fat and frumpy.

“Good morning. I’m Sue Callahan. This is my daughter, Jenna, and my daughter-in-law, Emily Rose. We heard it was time to spring you.”

Megan laughed and greeted them. “I’m ready. Dr. Cindy said I was free to go. That does sound like I’m getting out of jail, doesn’t it?”

“Hopefully it’s been more comfortable than that,” said Jenna. “The guys rescued the suitcase with maternity clothes. I checked to make sure that was what was there. If it hadn’t been, I would have stopped by the Mission and picked up some things for you. They found a bunch of other clothes too, but they need washing. They’re just muddy and not filled with glass.”

“That’s a relief. I was afraid I might not see any of them again. Well, except for a sweater I spotted in a tree and a pair of jeans caught in a cactus.”

“They got those too. Chance could just reach the sweater by standing in the back of the pickup. I think he made Nate—that’s Jenna’s husband—pull the jeans out of the cactus.” Emily heaved the big suitcase up on the foot of the bed.

“Thank you for bringing it.”

“Will said you didn’t want to waltz out of here in that spiffy hospital gown.” Jenna grinned. “I can’t imagine why.”

“Real clothes will be much more comfortable.”

“Do you need any help?” asked Emily.

“No, thanks. I can manage. I’ve been climbing in and out of bed and walking around without any mishaps.”

“Then we’ll tell the nurse that you’re getting dressed,” said Sue. “Just wander out into the hall when you’re ready. We’ll keep an eye out for you.”

“It shouldn’t take long.” Megan waited until they walked out, shutting the door behind them, then climbed out of bed. Opening the suitcase, she breathed a sigh of relief. Thank goodness she’d packed almost everything she needed these days in one bag. Clothes, toiletries, even some extra makeup she’d bought on a two-for-one sale before she got pregnant. Her sandals were there too, so she wouldn’t have to wear muddy tennis shoes.

She chose a soft knit sleeveless print top with a creamy background and tiny peach flowers. It went well with a pair of cotton beige shorts and would minimize the fabric rubbing against myriad cuts and bruises.

Slathering her face with moisturizer was much better than merely using the lotion the hospital provided. Mascara, blusher, and a bit of lipstick came next. It was amazing what a little color did to make a girl look and feel better.

She added the bag of toiletries provided by the hospital to her suitcase. The extra toothpaste, lotion, and hand sanitizer would come in handy. Using the comb that came with them, she combed the back of her hair, then ran her fingers lightly through the curls on top. Now that she had her suitcase, next time she could use setting gel and it would look better. Donning a pair of gold loop earrings cheered her up even more. She couldn’t compete with the Callahan ladies, but at least now she didn’t look quite so dumpy.

Zipping up the suitcase, she carefully slid it off the bed so it didn’t make a loud clunk when it hit the floor. She took the plastic bag containing her clothes and shoes from the previous day out of the closet and set it on the bed.

Opening the door, she stepped out into the hall. The Callahans were in the room across from hers, visiting with an elderly lady. The nurse spotted her and came around the desk with a clipboard in her hand.

“You can’t escape yet,” she said with a smile. “I need to go over your dismissal paperwork.”

Megan remembered that procedure from when her mom had been in the hospital for a few days. She walked back into the room.

“There’s not a lot. Just remember to pick up your iron pills and to consult the sheet the doctor gave you on what foods to eat to increase your iron intake. Get plenty of rest for the next few days and keep an eye on those cuts. If any of them start looking inflamed, Dr. Cindy wants to see you right away. She also wants to see you in two weeks for a follow-up. Of course if you have any problems or anything about the pregnancy that is bothering you, she wants you to make an appointment right away at the clinic.

“Mrs. Callahan gave us her phone number.” The nurse checked the sheet. “Will’s is on here too. So the doctor’s office will be calling the ranch to set up your appointment.”

“I’m not sure how long I’ll be there.” A chill ran down Megan’s back. She didn’t like other people controlling her life, and it appeared they had it all mapped out for her.

“If you leave, just let Dr. Cindy’s office know.” She flipped over the sheet and quickly read through the one underneath it. “That’s basically it. I need you to sign here and here.”

Megan signed the papers, and the nurse gave her copies.

“All done. I have a volunteer bringing over a wheelchair to take you out.”

“I can walk.”

“Sorry. Hospital rules. We’ll wheel you out to the sidewalk. Then you’re on your own.”

Hardly.
For the first time in years, she was dependent on someone else for food and shelter. It didn’t sit well, but she had to accept the reality of her situation. For now. She was grateful for the Callahans’ help, but that gave them power over her. If they tried to abuse it . . .
Stop it. They’re good people. Everybody says so. God didn’t save you from the tornado to plunk you down in a bad situation. Trust him.
She hoped God understood how hard it was for her to trust anyone, even him.
I’m working on it, God.

When the volunteer came in with the wheelchair, the Callahan ladies said good-bye to their friend and stepped out into the hall. Jenna hurried into Megan’s room. “I’ll pull your suitcase.”

Emily was right behind her. “I’ll get the plastic bag.”

Sue gave her a big smile after she sat down in the wheelchair. “That’s a definite improvement over the gown.” Her smile faded as she inspected the bruises on Megan’s arms and legs. “Are those big ones from the hailstones?”

“Yes, ma’am. I can’t imagine what it would have been like if I’d been out in the open. At least I had some shelter, but what about the cattle or other animals?”

The aide pushed the wheelchair out into the hallway. Sue walked on one side of her and Emily on the other. Jenna trailed along behind with the suitcase. Will’s mom said hello to someone they met but kept walking. “Buster and Ollie—they’re the ranch hands—found five cows and five calves that had been injured. Thankfully, none of them were badly hurt. They’d gathered in a grove of oak trees, which blocked some of the hail. I think the cows instinctively protected the calves as much as they could.”

“Should Chance and Nate have been out looking for injured animals instead of gathering up my stuff?” Megan had worried about that half the night.

“We had only a small herd in the section that was hit with hail, so Buster and Ollie could handle it. Most of the livestock are in other areas of the ranch. I don’t know how the wild animals fared, but I expect most of them did all right. Animals have a sixth sense about storms and often take shelter before humans realize what’s coming. More than once Dub has hightailed it home before a storm hits because of how the birds or cattle are acting. They know the difference between a little rain and something bad.”

“Was this area under a tornado watch yesterday? The radio in the van went out yesterday morning, so I never heard a forecast.”

“It was a severe thunderstorm watch until about an hour before the storm actually hit. Then they changed it to a tornado watch. They issued a tornado warning about two seconds before Dub spotted it. I had just enough time to unplug the television before he ordered us to go to the storm cellar.”

Emily shuddered lightly. “I still think we should wait until we know the tornado is headed right for us before going down there.” She gave Sue a sheepish smile, then met Megan’s curious gaze. “I love my father-in-law dearly, but he has as big a phobia about tornados as I do being in cellars.”

“I’m not particularly fond of cellars,” Megan said. “But after my close encounter yesterday, I’ll gladly go underground the next time a tornado is anywhere in the area.”

The automatic doors opened as they moved toward the entrance. “You and Dub both,” Sue said. “He’s mellowed some over the years. When the kids were little, any night there was a tornado watch posted, we slept in the cellar.”

“Correction, tried to sleep.” Jenna pulled the suitcase to the back of the Lincoln, and Sue unlocked the trunk. “Will and Chance always thought it was a big adventure. If they didn’t come up with some game or weren’t playing with toys all night, they’d make up stories.”

“Ghost stories, no doubt.” Emily opened the front door for Megan then walked around to the back of the car.

“Usually.” Jenna hoisted the heavy suitcase into the trunk without any problem. She might be petite, as Will said, but Megan suspected she did her fair share of work around the ranch. Emily laid the plastic bag in the trunk and returned to the side of the car.

Megan stood up from the wheelchair and thanked the woman who’d pushed it outside.

“You’re welcome, dear. I hope I’m here the day you have that baby.” With a smile, she turned and pushed the wheelchair back inside, leaving it near the entrance.

Megan got in the car, smiling to herself when Emily waited and shut the door. People around here sure believed in taking care of pregnant women. Or at least one who’d spent the night in the hospital. She fastened her seat belt and looked up to find Sue watching her. “Will told me to let the folks in the hospital pamper me, which they did. But I think his expectations were influenced by the way his family treats people.”

Sue laughed and started the car as Emily and Jenna slid into the backseat. “Just passing on God’s blessings.”

“That’s what he said.”

His mother’s smile widened. “Good. I must have raised that boy right after all.”

“Well, other than being a little bossy, he seems like a very nice man.”

“Boy, do you have him pegged,” Jenna said with a chuckle. “He even volunteered to be the director at our fledgling community theater just because he’s good at ordering people around.”

“We nixed the idea at the first meeting,” Emily added. “Actually, to be fair, he un-volunteered, admitting he didn’t know the first thing about drama. So we put him to work as the head stagehand and helping Chance build the sets for the play we did on Valentine’s Day.”

“It’s probably a good thing we won’t be doing another one until Christmas. Taking orders from his little brother drives him crazy.” Jenna grinned at Megan when she glanced back at her.

“Now, girls, it’s not as bad as that,” Sue gently chided. “His grumbling is all in fun.”

“Most of the time,” murmured Jenna. “The old sibling rivalry rears up on occasion. If you have any brothers, Megan, you probably know what I mean.”

“No experience there. I’m an only child.” Which she’d always considered a blessing. She’d taken care of herself, and often her mother, for as long as she could remember. It would have been much harder—and impossible to leave—if there had been another kid involved.

Pushing those thoughts aside, she took a moment to admire Sue’s car. It must have every bell, whistle, and luxurious extra available. If their home was anything comparable, she was going to be a fish out of water.

She shifted her attention to the town as they drove down the street. Yesterday, she’d dozed on the way to the hospital and hadn’t noticed any of the scenery. Interspersed between mostly wooden homes thirty to fifty years old were newer brick ones. Most were nice but not fancy, mainly one story. All were well cared for.

Several had lush green lawns, but in just as many yards, there was more red dirt than sparse, struggling grass. Almost all of them had a shade tree or two, a few shrubs, and a handful of flower-filled pots to brighten up the landscape. Rain was normally scarce in West Texas, and summers were hot. Plenty of people couldn’t afford to buy the water needed for a nice green lawn.

If you don’t water, you don’t have to mow.
As a kid, Megan had gladly accepted her mother’s philosophy.

Sue turned a corner, and Megan spotted a beautiful old three-story Victorian on the next block. “Oh, my goodness, what a beautiful house.”

“That’s the Bradley-Tucker House, home of one of our pioneer ranching families.” There was a note of pride in Sue’s voice. “It belongs to the Historical Society and is an annex of our local museum. Emily is the curator of both sites.”