A Kiss in the Snow - Rosie Green Page 0,53

a rapid rhythm. ‘So from what I gather on programmes like Casualty, we just have to get you into a comfortable position and then you need to try and relax as much as you can. Breathing! That’s what we need to do.’

She nods. And hanging onto a chair back, she starts panting, short breaths in and out, her face screwing up with anguish every time another contraction hits.

‘That’s it. You’re doing brilliantly. But wouldn’t you feel better lying down?’ She nods and I help her lower herself onto the sofa. ‘Did you learn how to breathe like that at ante-natal classes.’

She shakes her head. ‘The classes at the village hall stopped when it closed and I don’t have a car to get to any of the others. So I read things on-line.’

I feel a pang of sorrow, looking at her white, anxious face. What sort of parents would leave their daughter to cope all alone like this?

But I push these thoughts away and force a smile. ‘Well, the reading has obviously paid off because you’re doing brilliantly, Nora. Just keep on with that fabulous breathing and the paramedics will be here in no time.’ I glance anxiously out of the window. The snow has stopped completely for the moment, but my insides shift uneasily, wondering how help is going to get through, on these impassable roads.

‘I tell you what, I’m going to phone the hospital myself,’ I tell her, laying my hand on her shoulder, then heading for the door. ‘Keep breathing and I’ll just be out here, in the hallway, okay?’

She nods and with trembling fingers, I dial the hospital, eventually getting to speak to a calm, softly-spoken woman called Heather. She listens attentively as I explain the situation, and when I give her Nora’s name, she tells me she’s already spoken to her, and that as the roads into Silverbells are currently impassable, they’re now looking to scramble a local air rescue helicopter to bring her to the hospital.

I breathe a sigh of relief. ‘Oh, that’s brilliant. She says her contractions are getting closer together.’

‘You’ll stay with her?’

‘Of course. Yes.’

‘Good. Now, I have the location of the house by the bridge. Is it easily accessible from the road?’

‘Erm, obviously the snow is fairly deep but I managed to walk here myself no bother.’

‘Okay. We’ll be with you as soon as we can.’

She rings off and I think quickly. Perhaps I should try and clear the path to the door, at least. I quickly phone the cottage and explain to Ronan what’s happening.

‘They’re going to land the helicopter on the village green. Then they’ll have to trek through the snow on foot to the cottage. I just wish I could get her there, to meet the helicopter. But there’s no way…’

‘No. Far too risky. The snow’s too deep. Stay where you are and I’ll come over,’ he says. ‘With a shovel. There’s sure to be one somewhere.’

‘Great!’ Relief washes through me as I hurry through to give Nora the news about the helicopter and to hold her hand again through the latest contraction. Clearing the path won’t exactly make a big difference to the speed with which the paramedics can reach Nora, but at least I’ll – we’ll – be doing something. The thought that Ronan will be here soon makes me feel instantly calmer. He’s a man with big shoulders to lean on – both figuratively and literally.

My relief at Ronan’s imminent arrival seems to transfer itself to Nora because she looks a little calmer, too. But when Ronan hasn’t arrived half an hour later, I’m starting to get worried. He mustn’t be able to find a shovel.

I press Nora’s hand. ‘I’ll just go outside and check to see if - ’

A rumbling sound, like a motorbike revving its engine, interrupts me, and Nora and I glance at each in bemusement.

‘What on earth’s that?’ I spring up and go to the window, and delighted laughter bursts out of me.

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

‘It’s Ronan and he’s on the snowmobile!’

‘A snowmobile?’ squeaks Nora in disbelief. Then she stiffens. ‘Ooooooh! There’s another contraction coming!’

‘Squeeze my hand.’

‘Oooooh! When’s the helicopter getting here? I really need to push. Now!’

‘Not yet, love. Try and hold on until the paramedics get here. Back in a minute.’

I rush outside to find Ronan jumping off the snowmobile. He smiles at me. ‘I’ve always fancied having a go on one of these. And Len, the farmer, happened to be out on it, and he was happy to help. His wife