His Perfect Love

Chapter 22

A few weeks had passed since the wedding. Allison was living with them and would be until she got married in December. Harvest had ended and the crops got sold. Riley was in the process of drying the corn and making cornmeal. Allison helped her through this and taught her more recipes that Clayton loved. She had declared that Riley's food was almost exactly alike to her own. Riley was pleased to hear that and glad that Clayton wouldn't have to go from amazing to less than impressive cuisine.

Allison also taught Riley better ways to manage a household. She was now well informed in the art of cleaning, canning, and keeping track of money. Riley loved the way her life had changed. She almost couldn't believe that a few months ago she was alone and unhappy. Now she was surrounded by people she loved and loved her back. She couldn't remember a time when she was happier.

Riley was sweeping the floor—a chore Allison deemed wasn't too strenuous—when she felt a shooting pain in her abdomen. She dropped the broom and clutched her stomach. She'd had her first contraction.

"Allison!" she called frantically.

She came running into the room from where she was cleaning in the kitchen.

"What's wrong?"

"The baby's coming."

"Just relax. Breathe," Allison instructed. "I'll go tell Clayton to get Doc and we get you in bed, just like we discussed."

Riley breathed in and out. She gripped Allison's hand, "Okay, we can do that."

Allison helped her sit down on the couch and then went outside to get Clayton, who was in the barn. In just a few long hours, she would be a mother. It was a terrifying thought. Am I ready? What if I'm not? What if she messed up really badly? Riley didn't want to do anything wrong. She longed to be the perfect mother but knew she would make mistakes, probably lots of them. It was a part of being a parent, she supposed.

Allison came back inside, telling her that Clayton had left. Then she guided Riley to her old bedroom where the bed was prepared with worn sheets and blankets. Riley changed into a ratty nightgown that had belonged to Allison then climbed into the bed.

"You're gonna be absolutely fine. You're tough, Riley Parker," Allison reassured.

"Thanks. You'll stay with me, right?" Riley asked.

"Of course I will."

The contractions were getting closer and closer together. Fortunately, Dr. Brown didn't take too long getting there. Clayton came in to check on her.

"Hey, how 'ya holdin' up?"

"Pretty well, all things considered," she said weakly and tightened her grip on his hand as another pain hit her.

Clayton leaned forward and kissed her head, "Hang in there, okay? I'll see you soon."

☼

Riley was exhausted and in pain. It was over and as her baby came out into the world, she heard its first cries. She opened her eyes and looked at Dr. Brown and Allison who were cleaning her newborn off.

"It's a girl, Riley!" Allison whisper-shouted excitedly.

Allison handed the precious baby over to her mother. Riley gasped as she held her daughter in her arms for the first time. She was so tiny, her little fingers curling around one of her mother's fingers. Riley began to cry as she held her close. Allison had wrapped her in a blanket that was almost as soft as her skin. She heard the door creak open and Clayton came in.

He came by her side and knelt down by the bed. He tentatively reached out a hand and touched her little hand.

"Clayton, meet your daughter," Riley said, looking at him.

"She's beautiful."

And she was. She had dark hair and a cute face.

"Have you thought of a name?" her husband asked.

"Yes, actually. I was thinking Journey Faith Parker. I have been on such a long journey to find my faith. But in the end, I found it. My journey was hard, but everything was worth it in the end," Riley explained.

"It's perfect," Clayton said, kissing Journey's head. "We can call her Jo for short."

Riley laughed, "That's all on you, papa."

Clayton chuckled and leaned in to kiss his wife.

Dr. Brown cleared his throat, "Sorry to interrupt, but we'd better talk. She looks perfectly healthy now, but we should monitor her carefully just in case. She may have internal injuries due to the abuse. I'm not trying to scare you, but you should be aware."

Riley nodded gravely, "Thank you doctor. We'll watch her closely."

"That's good to hear. Stop by if you have any questions. I'll step out and leave you two alone for a bit, but I'll be back in a few minutes."

The three of them just sat there and cuddled together for a few minutes. All were silent except for the sounds of their breathing.

"I love you," Clayton said.

Riley smiled, "And I love you."

"I was talking to Journey. Isn't that right, sweet pea?" he teased.

"Hey!" Riley shoved him like she usually did.

Clayton held his hands up in surrender, "I guess I love you, too."

Riley smiled, realizing she had all the things she had dreamed about. Family. Peace. Happiness. Love. The important things that truly made life worth living.