The Cowboy's Love

Three: Labor Pains

It had been almost a month since Wes came into Laura and Caleb's lives. Much to Wes' amazement Laura's belly grew much larger and the snow storms came in full swing. Laura's eight month belly restricted her from getting up by herself and tired her very quickly. Caleb was getting of cabin fever wanting to run and play outside but he settled for checkers with Wes. Laura sewed one of Wes' shirt as Caleb and Wes were focused on the game. Wes popped his knuckles before moving one of his pieces. Laura rolled her eyes at the sudden urge to relieve her bladder. She set the shirt on a nearby side table before she trudged herself up. She waddled to door as said," Caleb can you help with my boots, please?" Caleb began to stand but Wes beat him to it. He helped gently pull on her boots before helping with her jacket. He did the same and begun helping her outside. The wind whipped around them as the snow still fell to the ground. Wes quickly got her to the outhouse and back inside the house as the snow began to fall in bigger flakes. Wes helped her out of her boots and coat before he helped her settle back in his chair. He could tell she was physically uncomfortable, braxton hicks were giving her small little cramps where as the baby wouldn't stop kicking or moving constantly. She laid her head back against the chair as, hoping for a few minutes of rest. Wes might have seemed calm but he was nothing of the sort. Wes was worrired with last month's episode, laura would have the baby early. He sat back down by the checker board as he kept a close eye on her.

Caleb had went to bed as both adults stayed up by the fire. Wes sat across from her with a book in his hand as he slowly read while Laura knitted some baby socks. Wes bit his lip as many thoughts came to his mind. Since the hug there had been longing looks and absent-minded touches. Ms. Laura was now Laura and he had become Weston to her, he loved when his name rolled her tongue. He was lifted from his thoughts by small groan. He looked up from his book to Laura. Her knitted kneedle being clutched in one hand and the other holding her belly. He quickly dropped the book beside him and kneeled next to her. He gave her a worried look as he said," Labor pains? Do I need ride out for Mrs. Johnson?" Laura couldn't help but giggle slightly before shaking her head no. Wes let out a relieved sigh as Laura took his hand. She placed it gently at her belly button as the baby began to kick again. Wes smiled as the baby kicked at his hand and gently moved under his hand. Laura moaned slightly and said," I think this is first time in weeks, they've ever been this calm." Wes was perplexed to say the least, you'd think a baby would before comforted by the touch of his mother than by his strange touch. She leaned her head back as he began gently rubbing her protruding belly, she sighed before she laid her hand top of his. He couldn't help but smile as he looked at thier two hands. He nervously cleared his throat as he said," I know I can't replace Caleb's Pa or your husband but when spring comes I want to marry ya' Ms. Laura." Laura's head perked up as she saw looked to Wes' face. She never had fell in love. Her and her ex husband only married because in was convenient. She didn't know Wes long but she knew she held more love for him than she ever did her ex husband. Her eyes welled up with as she nodded her head yes. A smile broke out onto his as he stood and placed a chaste kiss on her cheek.

The next the morning the three of them bustled around the house. Caleb was gathering clothes to wash, Laura reheated some biscuts and fried some ham, and Wes was quickly getting dressed to head outside to feed the animals and grab more firewood. Wes couldn't but watch Laura at the stove, her hair pulled back into a braid and a beautiful light green dress pressed tight against her belly as it flowed to thee ground revealing her bare feet. He chuckled noticing the blush that covered her cheeks, knowing he effected her. He finished buttoning his coat before heading oustide. Caleb rolled his eyes and said,"I heard you two last night." Laura turned find her son holding a stack of clothes with a sour look in his face. Laura waddled over to him and bent down in front of him. She smiled at him and said," I know you're upset but Wes is a good man and he'll take care of us." Caleb just nodded before he walked over to the wash tub. Laura gently rubbed her lower back as small cramps started to form. She shook it off and went back to the stove.