"You didn't get to tell Lee?" Elizabeth asked in a low voice. She peeked her head in the hall and looked down the stairs. Jack was on a run and would be back any minute. Rosemary had called her to tell her all about what transpired after Elizabeth and Jack left. In the wee hours of the morning, Lee packed his suitcase, with the help of Rosemary. His conference was only about a four hour drive from Hope Valley and was starting at noon. Rosemary didn't mention anything about the baby at all.
"No. I'm thinking of maybe doing a party for him. A congratulations party. And surprising him with the baby news then. And then all our close friends would find out then too."
"Um, okay, if that's what you want." Elizabeth knew better than to argue with her, even if she thought it'd be better to tell Lee privately. She heard Jack coming inside. "Hey, I gotta go!" She hung up her cell phone and bounded downstairs.
"Good morning, Jack." Elizabeth kissed him on the cheek. "How was your run?"
"It was great. A little cold, but I'm not complaining. Oh, I also grabbed that shopping bag you asked for." Jack handed it to Elizabeth.
"Oh, thanks! I got this really cute dress from Nordstrom Rack. And now I actually have a reason to wear it!" Elizabeth said. "Hmm," she pulled Jack a little closer. "Maybe you and I should go on a little date, Lieutenant Thornton."
Jack smiled ever so slightly. "Are you asking me out on a date, Mrs. Thornton."
Elizabeth gave him a sly smile and tossed her hair after she started to head towards the stairs. "6 Tonight?" She winked.
Jack smiled but as soon as she left the room, he dropped the "play it cool" facade.
"I need a drink." Jack said looking in the fridge. After a good minute of looking in the fridge, he shut the door. "It's 8:45! Who am I kidding?" He sat on the bar stool at the island. After Jack's run, he stopped at Elizabeth's car to grab the Nordstrom bag. He wasn't snooping. But there were two. The first bag he picked up had tiny white onesies and a pair of baby sized moccasins. He dropped that bag like a hot potato. Elizabeth made no mention of the baby. At all.
"But what was all that flirting earlier?" Jack thought to himself. It dawned on him that maybe, just maybe, this whole dinner scheme would be her telling him about the baby. Jack instantly perked up. It was absolutely killing him that he knew her secret.
But it didn't happen. Elizabeth said nothing. They had a great time at dinner, then went out to a movie, before getting home around midnight. Jack thought so many times to bring it up. But he decided that no. It would be better if she told him. Even if he had to wait a few more days. He couldn't figure out why Elizabeth wouldn't tell him. He decided that maybe she was trying to soak in as much time with him, just like old times, before telling him about the baby. Because a baby would change their whole world. As Jack laid in bed, he looked up at the ceiling. He smiled to himself. A little Elizabeth. He had seen her baby pictures and she was the cutest little baby— chubby cheeks, big blue eyes and all. Suddenly, the thought of children didn't terrify him. It'll be fine. He thought. Everything will be perfectly fine.
Rosemary spent Saturday evening planning for Lee's party. She loved planning parties, so this was a good distraction. As she put away the groceries, her cell phone buzzed. She looked at the text message from Lee— which by the way was appropriately nicknamed "Honey Bunny" on her cell phone.
Want to video chat? Call me! :)
Rosemary put the rest of the food in the fridge, grabbed her tablet and headed to their bedroom. It felt so good to sit down on their memory foam mattress. Lee had tried video chatting with her the night before, but by the time he was able to get away, Rosemary was already asleep. The final day of the conference started bright and early on Saturday, so this was the first time in two days Lee was able to talk with Rosemary.
"Hey, Sweetheart!" Lee said. He was grinning ear to ear.
"Hello, my darling. You look happy." Rosemary noted. Lee pulled up his plaque. "OH, LEE!" Rosemary squealed.
"My entire team received a very substantial bonus as well."
"What! That's wonderful!" Rosemary exclaimed.
"You know how you've always wanted to go to Ireland?"
"Yeah?" Rosemary said slowly.
"Maybe… we can use some of our reward money to go on a trip…" Lee said slowly. "Maybe this summer?"
"Yes! Lee! That is—" Rosemary's enthusiasm halted. Summer. She would be pregnant. Very pregnant. Maybe even hugely pregnant.
"Rosemary?"
Rosemary snapped back into reality. "Yes?"
"I didn't know if the video chat froze. You were saying "That is"?"
"Oh. Yes!" Rosemary quickly tried to hide her concerns. "Wonderful! I would be absolutely delighted to go. So…How is it over there?" Rosemary asked quickly changing the topic.
"It's been great! I've been networking and talking with other colleagues from around the country. Oh, and I ran into Mr. Thatcher."
"Elizabeth's dad?"
"Yup, the very one! He treated me to lunch. Super generous man."
"That he is." Rosemary nodded her head. Lee looked as though he were about to say something, but paused. He furrowed his brow slightly.
"Rosie, you okay? I know how lonely you get when I go out of town." Lee said with concern. It was true. The first time Lee went away on business, Rosemary was so unhappy and wasn't afraid to show it. They had a huge argument over it. Now, after almost one year of marriage, she was used to it, but it didn't make it easier. But, she didn't throw a fit like she would have a year prior. Plus, she had learned from Jack and Elizabeth's experiences that Lee's going out of town a few days out of the year was nothing compared to months of deployment. She had much to be thankful for.
Rosemary smiled slightly. "I'm okay. Seriously. But I miss you so much. I ran a few errands to distract myself."
"I miss you too. But I will be home tomorrow evening. Hopefully, around 4."
The talked some more, and eventually said their good byes. As Rosemary snuggled under the covers, her mind raced about the party. She had a plan. It was cheesy. And maybe copied from her favorite tv show. But, it would for sure get the job done.
When Lee pressed the end call button, he shook his head. Something was going on with Rosemary. She looked a little pale, but she didn't complain. Maybe she just really missed him. But the last several days she had been acting a little strangely. Maybe it was stress from teaching? But that didn't make sense because school had been out for a few days. Lee shook his head. Rosemary was always an open book. If she didn't like something, she'd let you know that she didn't and would also add five hundred other reasons why. Lee swears she should have been a lawyer because Rosemary could be quite convincing. So, Rosemary not saying a thing was really out of character. Lee sighed. He made a mental note to sit down with her and talk about it. That was one thing pastor Frank always said— communicate, communicate, communicate.
Sunday evening, Rosemary paced back and forth in the kitchen. Elizabeth walked in.
"Are you okay, Rosie?" Elizabeth asked Rosemary.
"Yes. Yes. I think I am." Rosemary gripped her hands. "Oh, Elizabeth, I'm so nervous!"
"Look, just think of it like a play. This is like," Elizabeth paused searching for the right words and theatre terminology. "Right before the curtain opens."
"Oh. Oh okay. You're right." Rosemary said. She took a deep breath and picked up her phone. "He should be here any minute."
"I think Jack's looking out for him. Abigail, Frank, Jesse, Clara, Faith, and Carson are just hanging out in the den."
"Rosie, he just pulled up!" Jack called out. Rosemary and Elizabeth hurried into the foyer with the rest of the group. Rosemary stood at the front. They heard Lee walk up the steps and heard the jingling of keys. As soon as the door opened…
"Surprise!"
Lee nearly dropped his bag. He jaw slightly dropped. "Rosemary, what is this?" He laughed. He looked around and noticed the balloons and the giant "congratulations" banner stretching across the archway to the dining room. She grabbed his hand and pulled him in, shutting the door behind them.
"I threw you a surprise party!" Rosemary exclaimed. "All that hard work, honey, you deserve it."
Upon realizing that the party was really for him, Lee shook his head, slightly embarrassed, but extremely flattered.
"Aw, Rosie, you really didn't have to!"
"Yes, yes, I did! You work so hard for our family," Rosemary said emphasizing family. Elizabeth bit her lip trying not to laugh. She caught Rosemary's inflection, but no one else did. "But, we have dinner all ready. Come on!" Everyone followed them into the kitchen. "Buffet style, everyone."
"What's for dinner?" Jack asked.
"Well," Rosemary turned to Lee, "Dinner is themed."
"Okay," Lee said in confusion. He looked past her shoulder to see what was on the kitchen island but Rosemary grabbed his hand and dragged him there.
"We have a salad, which consists of baby carrots, tomatoes, baby corn, and baby spring leaf lettuce. And over here, we have some baby back ribs. Oh, and there are some bread buns in the oven."
Lee blinked. Rosemary bit her lip and cross her arms nervously. Elizabeth looked away for a minute stifling her giggle.
"Theme…" Lee looked around. "Salad, ribs, and bread…um." Rosemary looked as though she were about to burst.
"Oh! Southern barbecue!" Lee kissed Rosemary on the cheek. "My favorite! Babe, you know me so well!"
"Ye-es!" Rosemary exclaimed, slightly shrill, feigning her enthusiasm. She clapped. "Yay!" She added, her voice slightly a notch higher than normal. "Okay, everyone, dig in!"
All was lost on Lee. And apparently, everyone else, as they started chattering about how everything looked good and started grabbing their plates. When no one was looking, she sighed and rolled her eyes. Rosemary furrowed her brow and went to the kitchen to retrieve the 'buns in the oven.'
Abigail caught Elizabeth's eye and gave her a look. Elizabeth nodded slowly. Abigail's eyes grew larger and pointed at Lee. Elizabeth shook her head no. Then shrugged. Abigail held the plate up to her mouth covering her smile. Abigail made her way to Elizabeth who was pouring drinks.
"Is this what this is all about?" Abigail asked quietly.
"Yup. You know our Rosemary." Elizabeth laughed. "That girl comes up with the craziest ideas!"
"And Lee has no idea. At all."
"Didn't even catch the 'buns in the oven.' pun." Elizabeth giggled. "Then again, no one else caught it except you. Unless they're all thinking it."
Abigail and Elizabeth caught Rosemary by herself. She was taking the buns out of the oven. Abigail gave her a knowing hug.
"Was that not really obvious?" Rosemary whispered in frustration.
"You've been watching too many episodes of Full House," Abigail whispered back with a laugh, referring to when Becky tried telling Jesse that she was pregnant.
"It was the only thing I could think of!" Rosemary replied with a shrug. She leaned against the counter in a pout. "Now what? I don't know what to do!"
"You could tell him after? When we're all gone." Abigail suggested, as she too was at a loss for ideas. Rosemary shrugged and her face fell.
"What am I supposed to say? Hey, Lee, I'm having your baby?"
"I have an idea!" Elizabeth exclaimed. She lowered her voice. "I still have your shopping bags in my car. Why don't we get the baby shoes you bought and wrap them up and you can give them to Lee."
"Is that weird?" Rosemary asked doubtfully.
"No. We actually got Lee a little congrats gift." Elizabeth shrugged.
"So did we," Abigail nodded.
"You can give it to him after we give him ours. And I'll try to record it on my cell phone. Because I know how much memory making means to you."
Rosemary pondered the thought for half a second before she grinned and said, "I like the way you think, Elizabeth. Okay. I'll do it."
"Abigail, want to help me get it?" Elizabeth asked and she nodded. "Gift wrap is still in the hall closet?"
"Yes, everything you need will be there," Rosemary said. Abigail and Elizabeth slipped out and about ten minutes later came back.
"We stuck the gift in the hall closet. It's in the blue and white wrapping paper." Elizabeth said. "Now, just relax." Elizabeth gave Rosemary an encouraging squeeze. "It'll be great."
As dinner ended, they retired to the den and Rosemary looked unsure of herself. Elizabeth noticed right away and took the lead.
"Hey, Lee, we got you a little something," Elizabeth said motioning to Jack.
"Okay, you guys really didn't have to. Really."
Jack reached down and handed Lee a flat box wrapped in green and white wrapping paper. Lee opened the gift and pulled out a tablet folio which included the cover and keyboard.
"Rosemary mentioned yours was falling apart," Jack explained. "And these things are the best especially traveling for work."
"Wow! Thanks, guys. I really appreciate it." Lee smiled.
"We got you a little something too." Abigail handed him a card. "You don't have to open it but I put a gift card in there to the cafe. We'd love to provide a catered lunch for you and your staff."
"That's awesome! The staff will love it. Thanks so much!" Lee said. He stood and gave Abigail a hug before sitting down. Elizabeth looked at Rosemary and pulled out her cell phone. Rosemary nodded. "So, you guys want to stay and watch the game?" Lee asked, sitting back down.
Rosemary's heart beat quicker. "Wait. Lee." Lee looked at her in surprise.
She took a deep breath and grabbed the small box sitting next to her. She stood and sat next to him.
"Here," She said handing it to him. "One last gift, Lee." Her voice had softened a touch.
Something about Rosemary's tone made Lee pause and look her deep in the eyes for a brief second. He was about to make a joke, but there was something different about Rosemary's energy. And she looked as though she were both glowing yet looked as though she were about to get sick from all of the anticipation. She smiled and nodded at him to open it. Lee slowly unwrapped the gift wrap and opened the box. He stared at the contents for a minute. Then Lee looked at Rosemary. Then back at the box. Then back at Rosemary.
"Are these? Are you?"
Rosemary nodded quickly, blinking back tears. "Yes." She whispered.
"Are you serious!" He hugged her tight. "I can't believe this!" He held up the pair of tiny baby moccasins and everyone started to cheer and share their congratulations. Laughter filled the air. Everyone, except Jack. He was utterly confused at what just happened. Those were the same moccasins that were in Elizabeth's car. His eyes grew big. Unless— unless Elizabeth was holding those for Rosemary. Which would make perfect sense. Rosemary must have taken the test at Elizabeth's! They were together the whole day. At least they did go shopping.
Oh boy. OHHH BOY. Jack thought. He had to do something quick. Before Lee—
"Oh, gosh! This is exciting! Especially now that our baby will have a playmate!" Lee blurted out. Everyone started talking all at once.
"A playmate?" Rosemary asked.
"More pregnancies, eh?" Carson said.
"Oh my gosh— Who!" Elizabeth exclaimed.
"Wait—" Jack started to say. "Lee—"
"Yeah! Jack told me Elizabeth's pregnant too!"
Elizabeth nearly spewed her coffee.
"What!" Rosemary whipped around. Not in a jealous, you stole my thunder way, but in shock. Her face lit up. "Are you serious! Why didn't you tell me!" She grabbed Elizabeth's arm. "Is that why you wanted to go shopping?!"
"WHAT!" Elizabeth exclaimed. "No! No! No! I'm not pregnant." She took a deep breath to calm herself from the shock. "I'm most definitely not pregnant."
"Wait, but Jack said…" Lee started to say.
Everyone turned to look at Jack, who shrugged sheepishly. Elizabeth crossed her arms and raised an eyebrow, trying to hide a smirk.
"Oh, this will be a great story," Abigail laughed before taking a sip of her tea. Pastor Frank coughed, in a failed attempt to hide a laugh. Everyone's mouths were still gaping as there was so much to process. Elizabeth just stared at Jack in shock.
"So, Jack Thornton, why in the world did you think I was the one pregnant?" Elizabeth asked. And a laugh came out from her lips. She couldn't help it! Everything made sense as to why Jack seemed to tiptoe around her the last couple of days, asking if she was okay, or if she needed a drink. Or a foot massage. Or a back massage. Jack rubbed his brow, slightly embarrassed.
"Well…okay. I was jet-lagged. And the day I came home to surprise you, I found a pregnancy test in your trash can." Jack started. Elizabeth raised her eyebrow. "I wasn't snooping in your trash! I swear. It just kinda caught my eye when I was washing my hands. And I kind of freaked out—"
"Kind of!" Lee guffawed.
"Hey, man, it was jet lag. I freaked. And I went and showed it to Lee."
"You actually took the pregnancy test out of the trash can to show Lee?" Elizabeth asked gasping for air as she was laughing so hard. Oh her poor Jack!
"That was my pregnancy test!" Rosemary interjected, a notch above normal. "I couldn't take it here because I was a nervous wreck! So I went to Elizabeth's."
"I was jet-lagged." Jack laughed now, the whole situation hilarious and absurd. Wow. What a huge misunderstanding! "That's my story and I'm sticking to it."
"I'm sorry, sweetheart, for laughing." Elizabeth tucked her arm into Jack's. "But, I promise you. I'm not pregnant." She leaned over and whispered into Jack's ear, "yet." Then she winked at him, as he nudged her, both trying to keep a straight face.
"Everything is somehow starting to make sense," Lee said slowly. "I think." Everyone broke out into laughter. He took Rosemary's hand. "But, you're really having a baby."
"Yes, I— we are." She rubbed his hand. "It's true."
"So, when are you due?" Carson asked.
"I'm guessing mid-July. I haven't made an appointment yet, but if you have any recommendations for doctors, I'll take it."
"Well, Dr. Amy Thomas is a great OBGYN. I'd recommend her."
"I am so excited for you!" Faith said, squealing. "So many exciting events with Jack coming home, Lee's award, finding out you're having a baby, Jack and Elizabeth's wedding— this coming year is going to be crazy!"
Crazy indeed. Rosemary thought. She felt so much better that Lee knew. And by the look on his face, she knew that everything was going to be okay.
Later that night after everyone had gone home, Lee sat on the couch next to Rosemary. She leaned her head against his shoulder and he gently put his hand on her abdomen.
"I'm going to be a dad," Lee said. He exhaled slowly. "Wow." When Rosemary said nothing, he moved his head to look at her. "You okay?"
"Yes," she replied quietly. "I just can't believe it."
"I can."
Rosemary sat up. "Really? What makes you say that?"
"Well, when two people love each other and have a nice romantic evening—"
"Leland!" Rosemary laughed and smacked his arm.
"Okay. In all seriousness, I have always known that you and I would make awesome parents one day. Especially you."
"Me?"
"Yup. Rosie," Lee sat up a little and Rosemary turned to look at him. He took her hands. "You are the most loyal, giving person I know. And you have the biggest heart. Our baby is one lucky kid to have you as his mum."
Rosemary's eyes welled up. "I'm sorry. I don't know why I'm crying." She sniffed. "Happy tears, I. Think."
"Come here." Lee wrapped his arms around her. "I love you."