Peace from the Trials Part Two

 by Emma A. 

Part Two

*A few months later*

 

Libby arranged her veil one last time and adjusted her dress. Looking in the mirror she smiled at her reflection then turned towards her father. “I think I’m ready.”

Tyler Flanders choked back his tears though they shone in his eyes. “You look so charming, my firstborn daughter.”

     Libby tucked her arm into his. He patted her hand and looked into her deep brown eyes. Her full, dark, long lashes reached up to her eyebrows when she gazed up at him.

Father kissed her cheek and whispered, “I’ll take you to your groom and deliver you over to his strong everlasting love.”

Libby held back tears. “I love you, Father.”

Father squeezed her hand and began walking out the door. Two friends opened the wooden doors of the wedding place and Libby and her father slowly moved down the aisle.

Lifting up her eyes she caught sight of her bridegroom and she inwardly gasped. He was so handsome, so manly… but what she saw was the love shining out of his eyes as he gazed at her.

Libby sent a silent prayer upwards. Thank You Lord, for sending me the best husband! You are so good to me!

Then came the moment where Father released her into Mitch’s arms. Giving her one last kiss, he moved away and sat down next to his wife.

Libby held Mitch’s hands and knew he knew from the sweat on her palms how stressful it was to have more than a hundred people watching her. Everyone knew Liberty Flanders and Mitchell Carter and just had to be invited to the wedding.

Mitch’s lips mouthed something and she caught, “I love you.”

Somehow that calmed her and she mouthed back the same. They listened attentively to the reverend then repeated the vows. After exchanging rings, the reverend said in a solemn voice, “I now pronounce you Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell James Carter.” Turning to Mitch with a little smile he said, “You may now kiss your bride.”

Mitch leaned down towards Libby and pressed a tender kiss to her ruby lips. Then clasping hands they walked down the aisle. Once outside, Mitch drew her close and she let out the breath she had been holding.

Then followed the gala and festivities. Libby was relieved when it was all over. Once up in a room she peeled off her wedding dress and helped Mitch with his suit. Libby put on a fresh new traveling dress and waited outside for Mitch.

He came down shortly and hugs and kisses were given. Then they rode to the station and jumped on the train at the last moment. They were finally on their honeymoon! Libby leaned against Mitch’s arm. He wrapped his muscular arms around her and whispered, “Sleep, my darling. You’ve had a long day.”

Libby snuggled closer to his warm embrace and before she knew it her eyes were closed and she dropped into a deep relaxing sleep.

 

*Six months later*

 

Libby groaned and clutched at her stomach. She had never felt so sick in her entire life. Lying down didn’t help at all. When she didn’t come down to breakfast, Ellie, Chad’s wife, came to check on her. “Are you okay, Libby?”

Libby swallowed the bitter taste in her mouth and croaked out, “I don’t feel so well.”

Ellie laid a hand on Libby’s forehead. “You don’t feel warm. Maybe something you ate last night didn’t settle well.”

Libby rolled over and whispered, “Get Mitch.”

Ellie responded softly, “He and Chad left a few hours ago. They had some cattle that needed to be rounded up.”

Libby moaned. Why did Mitch have to leave her on the very day she needed him?

She slowly sat up and smiled at her sister-in-law. “I’ll be fine.” No you won’t. You're sick. Very sick. Her conscience scolded her.

Ellie eyed her warily. “You just stay in bed, alright? I’ll bring up some breakfast and see if we can settle that stomach ache.”

Libby’s stomach rolled at the thought of eating anything. Once Ellie was gone she rolled out of bed and put on a loose dress. Slipping out the back she went to the barn and caught sight of a ranch hand. “Diego? Could you do me a favor and fetch Mitch?”

The old ranch hand looked up. “Si senõra. I will go. What shall I tell your esposo is the reason?”

“Tell him I am not feeling well and need him.”

Diego’s eyes widened. “I will go right now, senõra!”

Libby leaned against a post, watching the ranch hand dash away. After regaining her strength, she made it back to the house and into her bedroom undetected.

Gently lowering herself onto the bed she fell into a blessed, exhausted sleep.

*******

Suddenly she awoke to Mitch tearing into the room and falling down beside her breathlessly. “Sweetheart! Tell me what is the matter?”

Libby couldn’t keep the smile off her face. Mitch could be so silly at times but it was sweet to see him so concerned about her. “I haven't been feeling well for the past couple of hours. I feel like I'm going to be sick and I have a major headache. It hurts so much.” In spite of the smile on her face, tears filled her eyes.

Mitch pulled her gently into his embrace while rocking her. The doctor was sent for and the door was shut to the little room.

After hearing her symptoms, the doctor shrugged and said with a slight smile, “I’m afraid, Mrs. Carter, I can do nothing at the present moment. Since it’s been around two months in your condition, call me back in around seven months and I can be of great help then.”

Libby and Mitch exchanged bewildered looks. What on earth is he saying? Do I have a chronic disease that will need treatment in six months?

The doc closed his bag and turned to go saying over his shoulder, “Congrats on your new little one.”

Mitch leapt up and skidded to Libby who was beginning to cry. Mitch was speechless but he choked out, “Libby? Isn’t it wonderful!”

Libby swallowed her sobs and said, “Oh Mitch! I’m so happy! I can’t even begin to speak. I’m just overwhelmed at how good God is to us!”

Mitch kissed her tenderly whispering, “I love you so much.”

Leaning against him she said contently, “This is the happiest day of my life.”

 

*Five and a half months later*

 

Liberty Carter passed a loving hand over her round belly. A kick responded and Libby smiled.

She continued to knead the dough which would be baked for tonight's supper. Looking up she saw Elizabeth watching her out of the corner of her eye. She laughed. “I’m fine really.” Making an awkward twirl in the center of the floor she turned back to her mother-in-law. “Totally fine wouldn’t you agree?”

Elizabeth’s eyes widened. “You mustn't do that sweetheart. It could start your labor early.”

Libby laughed once again. “Alright. For your sake I won’t twirl. I think I’ll go find a good book and curl up in a chair if that’s alright with you.”

Elizabeth nodded and Libby snatched one of Mitch’s dime novels off the shelf. Flipping open to the first page she was soon lost in the mysterious world of Ralph the Slasher.

Then suddenly a hand grasped the book and playfully pulled it from her. Mitch flopped down in a nearby chair and took off reading from where Libby had left off. “Oh, I’m at the most interesting part.”

Libby pushed herself up and marched over to her husband. “Mitch Carter! You hand that back right now!”

Mitch merely held it out of her arms reach. “Give a fellow a proper welcome and he shall return his princess’s lovely book.”

Libby gave him a kiss then said impatiently, “Now—the book.”

Mitch handed it back to her and pulled her onto his lap. Kissing her cheek, he placed a large but gentle hand on her stomach. After rubbing it for a little while, the baby began moving around following wherever Mitch’s hand had been before.

Libby and Mitch laughed at the baby’s antics. They looked up when the call for supper echoed through the house.

Mitch helped Libby to her feet and they moved to the dining room where they sat down to a delicious supper.

That night when the couple retired to their room, Libby sat by the window in her little nook where she could see out onto the range. A few black dots moved around, and their low bellows came to her ears through the open window.

A soft breeze played with Libby’s dark hair and she sighed contently. A hand on her shoulder made her look around. Mitch squeezed her shoulder and whispered, “Are you going to come to bed? It’s getting late.”

Libby glanced at the bedroom clock. 11:50. Maybe I should lie down. But… I don’t feel great. Perhaps a cup of tea would do the trick.

Libby nodded. “I’ll be right back; I’m going to get some tea.”

Mitch flopped down on the bed and fell asleep immediately. Libby pulled a house coat around her and crept down the dark hall.

Reaching the kitchen, she boiled water, found some chamomile tea, and plopped it in a cup. Then back to her room she went. Sipping it slowly, she watched the sleeping form of her husband. Poor Mitch. He’s had to work so hard this past week.

A sharp kick from the baby made her wince. That hurt.

After finishing her tea she laid down and fell asleep.

Around five hours later, Libby awoke sweating. Her stomach felt as though someone was squeezing it. Knowing something was not right, she shook Mitch.

Rolling over he mumbled, “What’s wrong?”

Libby panted out, “Something’s not right with the baby, Mitch. Go get your mother.”

Mitch flew out of bed. “What do you mean something’s not right with the baby?”

“It hurts, Mitch. The baby’s not supposed to come for another month!”

Before she could add anymore, he was out the door and banging on his mother’s room.

Libby groaned as by the second the pain increased. “Lord! Please be with me!”

A fuzzy figure came beside her and in soft but demanding tones asked, “Please tell me what’s going on, Liberty.”

Mitch hovered behind his mother, waiting for his wife’s answer.

 Libby caught her breath and whispered, “It hurts. I want my mother or a doctor.”

Elizabeth turned around to Mitch, her blue eyes wide and anxious. “The baby is coming, Mitch. I need you to find a ranch hand that can ride very quickly for the doctor.”

Mitch flew downstairs in such a noisy tramp that it woke the whole household. Ellie Carter and Andi Prescott, who had been staying overnight with her family, knocked on the door.

Ellie’s face peeked around the corner and looked at her mother-in-law. “Is it….?”

Elizabeth nodded grimly. “I’m going to need both you and Andrea to help me. Liberty’s baby is coming fast; fast enough that the doctor will not get here in time.”

Ellie came forward but Andi backed up, hands up in protest. “Mother, I don’t know a thing about helping women in childbirth. Uh, uh. I can’t do this.”

Mother stepped forward and pulled her youngest into the room. “You know a lot. You’ve given birth twice. I’m sure you can help Liberty with her first.”

Libby watched all this while sweet, compassionate Ellie encouraged her to push.

Soon Mitch was back at Libby’s side, after employing a ranch hand to run for Dr. Weaver. He held her hand and coached her in taking deep breaths.

Just as the sun was rising, Libby gave birth to a tiny baby girl. Falling back into Mitch’s arms, Libby fell asleep.

A half hour later the doctor came. As soon as he saw the little baby, wrapped up in blankets, he knew it had a slim chance of living.

It hadn’t cried, opened its eyes or moved. Its chest moved up and down barely holding onto life.

Libby awoke, her face glowing. Reaching for her baby she cuddled her little one, not noticing the solemn faces of her mother-in-law, sisters-in-law, husband or doctor.

Singing softly, Libby kissed her daughter's cheek.

Her family left the young mother alone, knowing how hard it would be for Mitch to break the news.

Libby looked up at Mitch, her eyes shining.

Mitch choked. How could he tell his darling wife that their child was not likely to live?

He looked down at his child and stroked her cheek, tears blurring his vision.

Libby watched her husband. Something told her was not right.

Laying a soft hand on his arm she whispered, “What’s wrong? Tell me Mitch. Tell me everything.”

For those waiting outside the door, they heard an anguished cry followed by soft weeping.

The doctor lowered his head. He knew young mothers lost their children each day and he had seen a few early deaths yet it still had not grown normal to him.

In the dimly lit room, Libby was holding her baby tight, tears splashing down her cheeks.

Mitch held her close until she had grown semi calm. Libby looked up with bloodshot, teary eyes. “Call everyone in to at least hold our daughter. If it is God’s will that she dies at least let them say good-bye.”

A message was sent to town and Justin and Melinda along with their families came. Even Kate and her family were on the way, knowing they weren't going to say farewell to their niece or cousin but at least to be at the funeral and support the parents.

It was a solemn group that gathered in the bedroom. Libby couldn’t stop crying and clinging to Mitch.

Everyone got the chance to hold their niece, granddaughter or cousin.

Ellie spoke softly to Libby and asked, “What are you going to name her?”

Libby looked at Mitch. They had discussed many different names over the past week and had decided if it was a girl to name her their favorite name.

Libby swallowed her tears back and whispered past her constricted throat, “Her name is Faith Louise Carter.”

Ellie squeezed her sister-in-law's arm compassionately.

The family left the young mother and father alone, knowing that at any point the sweet infant was to pass into heaven.

As the sun was setting, little Faith left her earthly home and ascended into her heavenly Father’s arms.

Libby fell into Mitch’s arms as her little girl's heart stopped beating.

Sobs broke forth from her throat as she and Mitch wept together. The soft moonlight fell on the couple.

Exhausted by her grief and tears she fell asleep.

 

*Two days later*

 

Liberty Carter clutched tightly at her handkerchief. She had determined not to cry but when baby Faith was lowered into the grave, she burst into heart-wrenching tears.

Mitch looked older than he was and his face was drawn. A tear splashed down his cheek and he didn’t bother to swipe it away.

Elizabeth pulled her daughter-in-law into a warm embrace. Somehow the older woman calmed Libby and her sobs lessened.

People came to the young couple and told them how their hearts were breaking along with theirs.

Once everything was over, Libby got into the carriage slowly. Mitch climbed up beside her and said softly to the horses, “Hee-yah.”

Libby stared straight ahead, blinking back her emotions.

The ride passed slowly with neither saying a word. Once home Libby went straight to her room. Mitch watched her go, heavy-hearted and weary.

Then he heard a thud!

Taking the steps three at a time, he came into sight of his unconscious wife, lying deathly still. 

Kneeling next to her he shook her shoulder saying, “Libby! Wake up, sweetheart.” Then calling over his shoulder, “Mother! I need help!”

Footsteps came toward him. Kate, who had arrived in town a few days earlier, turned the corner.

She hurried towards her brother and sister-in-law. Crouching down beside Libby, Kate grabbed a cup off the table and dribbled water onto her face.

Libby gasped and sat up. Her wild eyes looked from the brother and sister. She pushed herself up and ran down the hall.

Mitch stood to follow but Kate held him back. “She needs a few moments to figure things out, Mitch.”

Sighing, he obeyed Kate.

*****

Over the next few months, Libby had several more fainting fits. At times she would break down weeping and no one could console her. She would ride out to her baby’s grave and stay there for hours, saying nothing to no one. She hadn’t laughed or smiled since Faith’s death. Her normal cheery countenance seemed to have disappeared completely.

Mitch healed over time but he worried constantly for Libby. The doctor had told him that if Libby didn’t get control of herself she could die of grief. If not, she could go blind from crying so much. The doctor also advised to take her to a calm town and rest for a couple of weeks, even months.

Mitch and the family talked late into the night about where to go. Finally Andi suggested, “Why not Puget Sound where Jenny and Cory live? That seems calm enough.”

     Everyone agreed.

     Mitch packed their bags and booked tickets on the boat.

     On the day of departure, Libby just sat listlessly as preparations were made around her. Mitch lifted her into the boat and they set off, Libby’s eyes tear-filled. 

PART THREE >>