“No sweets. They were born early,” and looking at them Anika whispers, “So beautiful.”
“My daughter-in-law, Sue can’t nurse them. Her milk didn’t come. They’ve lost more weight, unfortunately, and they aren’t responding to the cow’s milk. We’ve tried every kind, but it only causes them pain.” Daisy explains and smiles weakly behind them as her husband and Clara join them.
Another mewling cry calls out, and Anika's body responds. Breasts heavy with milk and a heart laden with pain she glances down at Delaney when she takes her hand and asks, “Can't you help them, Mama?”
Anika takes a deep breath she and prays quietly in her heart before she makes the offer. No one moves, and it seems as if time stops still for a moment. A single tear breaks free rolling down Anika’s face.
“Yes, I can,” she whispers. Glancing at the shocked faces of those around her, she stiffens her spine and says, “What you need is a Wet Nurse.”
Clara gasps “No,” and steps to her side. “No, it’s too much to ask, Anika. You just lost Rosie.”
“I know,” Anika glances down at the two precious treasures, “but why should anyone else have to suffer such a loss, if I can prevent it.” Delaney looks at the adults when the boys start crying again.
Daisy stares up at Allen with a flicker of hope, but he shakes his head. “This isn’t our decision to make. We need to ask Glenn and Sue first.”
“I'm sorry, to be selfish, Mrs. Coltrane, but the boys haven't much time left. I'll go get Glenn.” Daisy runs from the room as fast her old feet can carry her. Allen moves forward and picks up one of the babies trying to soothe him.
Delaney reaches out and puts a finger in each tiny fist of the second baby, instantly calming him. He hiccups and tries to pull her hand into his mouth. “He’s strong for such a tiny baby,” she giggles.
Anika smiles and pats her daughter. “I learned with you just how strong a newborn can be. God fortified them for the journey of birth,” she explains.
“But they need nourishment to help them grow stronger,” a deep voice responds. Glenn Ward steps into the room and Anika loses all train of thought. He is massive, standing well over six feet two, muscular and blonde with a few days' growth of beard and red eyes from lack of sleep. Anika notices every detail, especially the red-rimmed sky-blue eyes and worried expression on his face.
“I’m Glenn Ward. My mother tells me you can help us?”
“I’d like to try,” Anika replies.
Glenn turns away from her to face Josiah. “Can you vouch for her health, Dr. Parker? Not to seem rude, but I have questions that need to be answered.”
“No question about it, Anika is very healthy. Her child’s death was through no fault of hers.” Dr. Parker insists. “Anika are you sure?” He asks, worrying over her state of mind. The baby screams out, and his sobs cause her to begin shaking again.
“It’s just milk,” Delaney snaps. “They need my Mama, why is that so hard to see?”
“Delaney!” Anika says mortified, but Glenn laughs, glancing down at the dark-haired spitfire.
“I agree. I don’t want to get Sue’s hopes up. I’ll tell her when she wakes. Let’s give it a try.”
Anika doesn’t know whether to be relieved or not. “I’ll stay and help with the boys.” Daisy offers.
Dr. Parker nods, “Sue should sleep for a while, Glenn. The morphine will help,” he explains.
Allen takes everyone downstairs to lunch, promising to feed Anika once the boys are settled.
“Delaney, you go with Mrs. Parker and eat. I’ll be fine.” She stands close to her mother, chewing on her lip with a distressed look. Anika settles into the rocking chair, while Daisy stands off to the side.
“Yes, Mama.” Clara leads her out of the room talking to her about cherry juice.
Glenn stares at this young woman with the bruised body and feels guilty, but the thought of losing his boys forces him to push down his feelings and trust in the Lord. Picking up his son he hands him to Anika, “This is Quinton, he was the second born.” Anika smiles softly as she finally gets to hold him. Quinton fusses weakly while she settles him against her.
“His brother’s name is Allen, after his grandfather,” Daisy says rocking and patting him softly.
Anika looks down at the tiny baby with dark hair and flashes for a second to her Rosie. She closes her eyes and pushes back the pain as Quinton turns his head towards her and begins fussing in earnest. He can smell the rich milk waiting for him, and Anika smiles up at Glenn with unshed tears in her eyes. “We’ll send for you when they are full.”
Glenn is shocked by the wave of pain he feels coming from her, and he nods without speaking and walks out quickly.
Walking into the kitchen, he takes Dr. Parker aside and asks, “Tell me her story.” Josiah pales and hesitates. Doctor-patient confidentiality presses on him, but he sees a chance here for Anika and Delaney.
“Tell him, Josiah,” Clara urges softly, while Delaney plays with the dogs outside.
Anika struggles to unstrap her gown and chemise while holding Quinton. “I wasn’t prepared to nurse,” she stammers.
“Let me get you a blanket and hold him while you get comfortable,” Daisy takes Quinton and waits for Anika to get settled.
“Thank you, I’m ready.” When Anika reaches for Quinton, Daisy gasps in shock at the purple and black bruising marring this young woman’s arms, chest, and ribs.
Anika glances up and blushes when she sees the horror reflected on Daisy’s face. All her shame is quickly forgotten as she lifts
