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The Doctor's Miracle

By Joi Copeland

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Chapter One
Prudence Donaldson dabbed her eyes with her handkerchief. No. Not her handkerchief. Johnny's. The only thing she had left of her husband of three years. Her stomach rolled. Well, not the only thing. She settled her hand on her expanding midsection. The baby seemed to do a somersault at that moment. The corners of her mouth lifted despite the ache in her heart.
Dark clouds hung overhead. Trees swayed as if encouraging Prudence to get a move on before the stagecoach left without her. She knelt on the hard mound, her hand against the soil. "Why'd you do it?" she whispered, fresh tears dripping down her face.
Cold drops splattered against her hair. She swiped the tears away and stood. Prudence lifted her large bag. She waddled to the post office, waiting for the stagecoach driver to take her luggage.
The man's eyes ran over her body, his eyes widening at the size of her stomach. "Ma'am," he cleared his throat and scratched his shaggy beard. "If you're in the family way and, uh, well, that is, if you're gonna..."
Prudence held up her hand. "I'm not that far along. I've spoken with the doctor here, and he assures me I am fine to travel, Mr.-"
"Ben. Everyone calls me Ben."
"Alright, Ben. Dr. Brunsfield assures me I'm fine. Would you like me to get him before we leave?" She crossed her arms over her swollen abdomen.
Ben's eyes bulged. He shook his head. "No, ma'am. Ain't got the time. Climb on aboard. We're losin' daylight." Ben extended his hand.
Prudence's hand gripped his as she ambled onto the stagecoach. "Thank you, Ben. I promise not to cause any delays."
"I'd appreciate that kindly, ma'am." Ben dipped his head and slapped his hat back on his head. "Let's head out, folks. Those of you goin' east, climb aboard!"

***

"Dag nabbit," Ben muttered under his breath.
"Ben," Prudence gasped between the tightening in her belly, "I told you to keep moving. Do not stop under any circumstances."
Ben eyed Prudence warily. "Ma'am, I don't think we'll make it to Twin Bluffs before you have that youngin'."
Prudence stomped her foot. "I'm going back in the stagecoach. You get on top there and drive this contraption until you reach Twin Bluffs. I'm perfectly fine."
"Uh, Ben, you best get a move on." Mr. Rochester poked his head out of the window. "I've seen my wife in her condition, and you ought not trifle with Mrs. Donaldson."
Ben tightened his jaw. "I don't like this one bit. No siree." He jumped up on the seat and glanced over his shoulder. "Get in there then. No baby'll be born on my watch."
Prudence barely had time to sit before the stagecoach lurched forward. It was bad enough she had to have the baby without its father. No way would she have this child on a stagecoach in the middle of nowhere. Ben assured her they were only a few miles outside of Twin Bluffs. It shouldn't take long for them to get there. Then Prudence could find her sister.
Patience would take care of her and make sure the baby would be alright. Guilt and joy swirled through her like a tornado. Three years had gone by since she'd tricked her sister into marrying Cord Holloway, Twin Bluffs’ preacher and sheriff. Though from what Patience told Prudence through letters, he'd since given up being sheriff. Suited her sister just fine. Patience could spend more time worrying over Prudence than whether or not Cord would be safe chasing outlaws. Prudence only wished she'd had time to write or send a telegram to Patience about her arrival. Prudence brushed away the thought. How busy could a preacher's wife be? Surely she'd have plenty of time to wait on Prudence.
If Prudence's husband hadn't been foolish enough to get mixed up in a game of cards, none of this would be happening. Why he thought he could get away with cheating struck Prudence as odd. He'd never done anything like that before. He paid the price with his life, forcing Prudence and their baby to suffer. Once word spread of Johnny's conduct, her friends turned their back on her. The only person she could count on turned out to be living in a small town in Wyoming.
Prudence's stomach tightened again. She squeezed her eyes shut while pursing her lips. With each bump, Prudence clenched the bench in the stagecoach a little bit tighter. Only a little bit more and she could be settled in her sister's house, a blanket covering her, feet up and resting. This baby would realize it was two months too early and stay put where it would be safe. Prudence nodded. Yes, that's exactly what would happen.
"Ma'am, if you look out that window, you can see the outline of some buildings." Mr. Rochester pointed. "That's Twin Bluffs. We'll be there soon. Hang on."
Prudence forced a stiff smile. "Thank you. It will be lovely to see my sister again."
"I'm sure it will be." Mr. Rochester glanced outside again. "Just a few more minutes."
Less than ten minutes later, the stagecoach rolled into town. Ben yelled from the seat up above, "Doctor! We need a doctor!"
Heat traveled to her face. Oh, for goodness sake. The pains had lessened. He had no need to be blasting her business all over the town.
The stagecoach came to a screeching halt, slamming Prudence further against the back of her seat. "Ben," she hollered out of the window, "I'm fine. Take it easy!"
Ben pulled open the door, alarm written on his face. "I told you, ma'am, no baby would be born in my stagecoach, and I meant it."
Prudence lifted her hand, squeezing Ben's fingers as he helped her down. "And I told you no baby of mine would do that."
"Doc!" Ben yelled over his shoulder.
"Please, lower your voice. I don't need a doctor. I need to find my-" Prudence doubled over, clutching her abdomen. "Ohhh!"
The world swirled around her as the pain hit in full force.
"I gotcha, ma'am," a soothing voice washed over her.
Before she knew what was happening, the tall, muscular stranger lifted her up into his arms. Her head swam as darkness engulfed her.

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