Abbie struggles not to gag. The stench is so strong. “We keep the babies, those under one, on the top floor.” At first glance, Abbie isn’t sure what she’s seeing, and then she reaches for Tucker.
“Oh, No!” She turns and burrows her face into his chest, seeking a reprieve from the babies laying six to a crib. Tucker holds her tight, and she inhales the scent that steadies her. “Tucker,” she whimpers.
They are crammed into every space. The cries on this floor are weak. The small cribs they have are filled with multiple infants. “We have three women who come in shifts to work each room. This one has twenty-eight infants.”
“Why are they so sickly?” Abbie releases Tucker and orders herself to face them.
“It’s hard to feed them. Some can’t eat goats’ milk, and we have no mother’s milk for them. Wet nurses are hard to come by. Those that can’t tolerate will fade.”
“Disease must be hard to combat with so many in such close quarters.” Some of the babies are on small mattresses, sharing blankets. It’s heartbreaking to witness.
“Yes. I fear I’m failing them. The Bible says, Children are a heritage from the Lord, and I want to honor that, but I’m losing more than I’m saving.” Mrs. Fletcher glances around. “We have no funding from the state, and there are orphanages all over the state of California.”
“I’m sure you’re doing your best, Mrs. Fletcher,” Abbie says when she moves to step forward, Tucker grabs her arm.
“We are here for Mason. Abbilene, you can’t save them all.” He gently guides her into the hallway, and Mrs. Fletcher points at the other woman holding a baby.
She quickly jumps up and grabs a baby, handing her to Mrs. Fletcher, who mouths a quick prayer and rushes into the hallway.
Abbie is stalling, trying to decide what to do. Her heart is screaming at her to wait, but she knows she can’t take them all home.
“Her name is Coralie,” she calls from behind them.
They turn at the same moment and Abbie gasps. Mrs. Fletcher steps close to Abbie so she can look at her. “She’s so tiny,” Abbie murmurs in wonder and reaches out a finger to touch her. Coralie latches onto the finger with a firm grip, and Abbie laughs.
“Looks are deceiving. You’re not as frail as you seem.” Dark curls and grey eyes, the child is small, much smaller than a six-month-old should be but strong and beautiful. Abbie’s heart falls, and Tucker sighs in frustration.
“You did that on purpose, didn’t you?” He asks Mrs. Fletcher even as he moves close to watch Abbie reach for her.
“I’m not ashamed to admit it. I’m fighting to save them. Even if it’s one child at a time.”
“May I hold her?” Abbie asks.
“Of course.” She hands Coralie to her and the moment Abbie cradles her every moment leading up to this moment makes sense. Looking down into the baby’s eyes, she can’t help but smile. “Hello, sweetness,” she whispers.
“Abbilene we should think about this,” Tucker tries to say, but she looks up at him.
“I know the plans I have for you, sayeth the Lord,” Abbie quotes and smiles. “No. I won’t leave her here. How could I look at Mason and tell him that I left his sister behind? He’s lost enough. He won’t lose her too.” She turns back to Mrs. Shepherd, “What do I need to do Mrs. Fletcher?”
Mrs. Fletcher beams, “Follow me.”
Any doubt Abbie had about becoming a mother disappears the moment she holds Coralie.
“This is unorthodox, I know, but I won’t lose another child if I can save one.” She takes the adoption papers from Abbie and adds Coralie’s name to it beside Masons.
“Is it legal?”
“Yes. I’ll send you with instruction on how to feed her. She’s on a mixture of cow milk with evaporated mix. If you can afford it, there’s a new powdered formula which is much better for the children. We can’t possibly feed it to this many children, but I highly recommend it. You can get it at the General Store on Main street.”
Tucker watches Abbie holding the baby, and his heart tightens. The picture is enticing. How would she look holding his son or daughter?
“Everything you need is inside this pamphlet. Including instructions on when to feed and what you’ll need to be able to care for her.”
“I didn’t realize we would need so much stuff,” Abbie says glancing down at the sleeping baby.
“Love is the most important ingredient,” Mrs. Fletcher sits back with a satisfied smile. “I know what we are asking is unconventional, but I try to keep families together whenever possible.”
“It’s admirable. You are doing God’s work, Mrs. Fletcher, and I can’t thank you enough.”
Burton was a fool, Tucker thinks for the tenth time. He can’t remember a time he’s ever seen such a selfless act of love and compassion. The light shining through Abbilene puts him to shame. ‘Father show me what my role is in this,’ he prays quietly to himself.
They walk outside to the wagon and Abbie beams at Tucker. “Hold her while I climb up,” she offers Coralie to him, and he places the bag with the bottles and milk in the wagon and turns to look at her like she’s crazy.
“Not happening,” he snaps.
“Come on tough guy, you’re about to become an Uncle. Your new little one will be much smaller than Coralie,” she teases.
Abbie holds her out and smiles when he sighs and takes her in his arms. He shifts her to one arm and manages to offer a hand to Abbie.
“You’re a natural,” she says sadly and turns to climb up in. Once she’s settled, he hands the baby back, and they turn to wave goodbye.
“How long
