"Probably a good choice since it seems that might be what the Good Lord might favor for the next child," Pike said. He really had no idea of what to expect from future deliveries, but he did feel a whole lot more confident about the process and what to do. From what Em had said, many times, there would be more children along the way.

"Anyway, Gibbs, you just take 'er easy while this weather pounds us, not that it's comin' down in buckets, but she surely ain't lettin' up none! Be dealin' with mudd fer days!" At that moment lightning flashed brilliantly across the leaden skies, and thunder rolled across the clouds right behind it! "Might be in for it anyhow! Need to get myself an' Modine here across to the house. Stay dry!" And with that, the two darted for the house as the rain picked up from a mist to a steady sheet.

"Thank you."  Emeline smiled wearily, glad there was someone to help out, and knowing it would be well worth Bonnie's time, not that that was the young woman's motivation.  Still, Emeline was so relieved that there had been someone here who was able to deal with the complication they'd run into.  And Emeline would have been devastated if something had happened to the baby.  She was praying earnestly that this child was able to grow old and have a full life.

"We have a washroom down by the kitchen, with an indoor pump."  A luxury Emeline had never imagined she'd have!  "Feel free to roam around...oh, and have Barnabas show you the music box in the parlor!"  The contraption was made of inlaid mahogany and played 14" interchangeable discs.  Again, a luxury, but a wedding gift as well.

"Oh, and if you need to sew anything, there's a treadle machine in your room...just be careful, it's got a broken leg, so it's propped up.  I'm surprised Barnabas let me drag the thing home, but it was a good bargain and beats hand sewing."

Meanwhile in the kitchen, "Mudroom was a great idea, boss." Pythias said as they stepped out of that space and into the kitchen. he looked around for a moment. Well need us some beef broth for the missus, help build up her blood. I can put together a stew in short order and that should take care of all of us."

"Stew sounds good. This weather is deffinately hot stew weather." Barnabas said, adding,"The broth should really help with that, and I doubt she'll be asking for solid food much, though the baby'll likely appreciate her eating something besides the broth."

"That's a fact, an' she'll be onto somethin' that'll help her both recover and feed, what was it? Wheeler?" Modeen replied. "Good strong name that one."

"Wheeler, I like the sound of it real well." Pike stated, "You have kids Pythias?"

Modeen paused a second, "Yep. Had me two fine sons, full growed by now. Their mother took 'em an' run off while I was out on a drive. Never quite understood that, but it happened, it was a fact."

"So, you never got to see 'em again?"

"Nope, not ever. Did here she was out west of Texas, Maybe it was Bisbee Arizona, been a while now. Never bothered to go lookin'. Some things 'er jest left alone." He recalled, "Now, a bit of flour an' a hot greased skillet and we'll be started." It was a definite change of subject as Pythias went about preparing supper.

"That's good to hear. Miss Bonnie Cambell, Pythis Modeen, all around top hand. Helpin' with supper at the moment." Barnabas introduced. It was good to have Modeen helping with dinner which might otherwise be a disaster. Oh he was capable of cooking a meal, just not one that the women might appreciate.

 "Ma'am a pleasure to meet you." Pythias greeted with a smile. "Whippin' some chicken 'n dumplin's which might set better'n fired 'en boiled, which ain't hardly got no taste. You'll be stayin' the night Mister Pike said, so this'll be ready shortly." The man continued to work with the meal preparation as he talked.

@JulieS

"Yes Ma'am, pleased to make your acquaintance as well." Pythias said with a genuine smile. "Then we'll have the pleasure of your company for supper. Excellent. And, may I say, Ma'am, thank you for your help with the birthing. Much appreciated." Pythias realized it may not have been his place to say something like that, but every rider on the spread liked Misses Pike.

"Oh, then you'll be needing soap, 'er Borax, somesuch, I know right where that is, and something to soak the things in, that'll be the wash tubbs hangin' in the mudroom." Pike said, "I may have said thank you before, but wanted to say somethin' else, if there's ever anything we can do for you, please, don't hesitate to ask."

"Boss, you go on up an' see young Wheeler before he gets another minute older." Pythias directed, "I'll help the lady with those things she needs."

"Thanks, I will." He was on his way without another word. He bounded up the stairs two at a time and then slipped into the room where he beheld a sight that put a tear in his eye, Em and Wheeler sound asleep. He tiptoed over to where there was a chair and sat down, just soaking in the vision before him. His family. His firstborn and his wife cuddled together, rain tapping on the window. All was right in Pike's world.

@Bongo @JulieS

Despite being exhausted from the ordeal of birthing, Emeline was only dozing, so she was aware that Barnabas had come into the room. although she waited a bit to fully wake up.  She smiled softly at her husband.

"Hello, Papa."  Shifting a bit, she held out her hand to him.  "Do you want to hold your son?"

"Hello. How are you feeling? Pythias is fixing supper rather than whatever I might slop on a plate." he replied as he raised up out of the chair. "My son, gotta nice ring to it. Wheeler, we got us a lotta work to do, you an' I." He reached for the swaddled infant taking him carefully, as if he were glass, then pulled him close to his chest.

"This here might just be the next Forman on this spread," Barnabas said softly. "Of course, your brothers and sisters to come might have something to say about that." He walked over to the rocker which was sitting in the wrong place, and sat down carefully, then looked over at his wife as he rocked ever so gently. "This is the start of the Pike clan, Love. You done great." He whispered just loud enough.

Thunder rumbled and lightning crackled, causing the baby to stir in his father's arms.