Thank you all so much for the kind reviews of this story! It's been far too long since I've been able to write, but I finally found some time to update and should be able to do so more often in the next few weeks. I hope you enjoy!

Chapter 8: The Last Evening

Night came all too quickly for Elizabeth, who wanted to savor these last few hours with Jack. He had insisted on cooking dinner and firmly positioned her close to the fireplace, covering her with a blanket and putting the latest L.M. Montgomery novel, Anne of the Island, in her hand. She had protested, but he was adamant that he be the one to take care of her tonight. Finally, she'd relented from exhaustion and opened the novel to the sounds of Jack humming and rattling pans across the room in the kitchen. Soon, however, the warmth of the crackling fire and the stresses of the day had taken their toll, and she'd fallen sound asleep.

Now, though, she stirred as she felt a gentle hand on her shoulder.

"Elizabeth," Jack coaxed.

"Hmm," Elizabeth forced her heavy eyelids open to see Jack's dimpled smile looking down at her.

"Dinner's ready, sleepyhead," Jack said gently. "I'm sorry I had to wake you."

"No," Elizabeth yawned and stretched, slowly regaining her senses. "I'm glad you did. I didn't even mean to fall asleep. I'm just so tired all the time recently."

"Well, I think you have every right to be." Jack took her hand and pulled her up. He looked at her intently, smiling.

"What are you grinning about?" Elizabeth asked, as she stood up.

"Before I woke you, I was just remembering the first time I ever saw you sleeping like that."

"Oh, you mean the time you stuck that piece of paper to my forehead and humiliated me in front of my students? I'm sure that gave you a great laugh then as well."

"I couldn't help myself," he teased, continuing to gaze at her. "But, I remember thinking even then, how beautiful you were when you were sleeping. I was falling in love with you, and I didn't even know it." He squeezed her hand and led her to the kitchen.

Elizabeth laughed. "I'll bet. Rewriting history now are we?"

He smiled and shook his head, "I remember it like it was yesterday. It's just that you still can't handle a compliment."

She bit her bottom lip, trying to restrain her grin. "Well, I guess I'll take your word for it. But right now, I'm starving and something smells delicious."

Jack chuckled, as he dished out the soup. "You would think after the morning you had, food wouldn't even tempt you."

She took the bowl, "You would think a lot of things about the way I've been feeling, Jack. I feel like I'm on a continuous rollercoaster ride."

"Have you actually ever been on a rollercoaster?" he smirked.

"As a matter of fact, I have," Elizabeth retorted. "We went on one once when I was a child. We were at Coney Island in New York."

Jack's smirk didn't disappear as he said, "Of course you did."

Elizabeth smiled at the memory, ignoring Jack's sarcasm. "Julie and I wanted to ride it over and over again, but Viola was terrified and wouldn't even try it. She cried and cried. Our governess finally had to make us all leave. But, I'll never forget being at the top of the ride and feeling like I was flying as we sped down the tracks. For a child, it was magical."

At that, Jack looked down, picked up his spoon, and started eating, seemingly deep in thought.

Elizabeth followed suit. "This really is delicious, Jack."

He lifted his head in acknowledgement, but continued to look down into the bowl, his spoon swirling amid the steam.

"Jack," Elizabeth repeated, forcing him to look up. "What are you thinking about?"

He lifted his head and paused. "Your family," he finally admitted.

"That's never a good thing," Elizabeth chuckled.

He looked up at her, "It just never ceases to amaze me what you gave up to marry me. And then I think about our child and the opportunities it will have compared to your upbringing."

Elizabeth sighed. "Jack, that doesn't sound like you at all. I thought we settled all that before we got married. We agreed we would never talk about the past or any other 'what might have beens' again. We made the decision to get married. End of story." She paused, taking another bit of soup and trying to gauge his reaction. She continued, "Why are you bringing this up now? Why would a silly little memory of a roller coaster make you think about that?"

"I guess it's just been on my mind tonight anyways, what with news of the baby and me leaving you. The reality that we really are having a baby makes we realize how often I might have to be away from him."

"Or her," Elizabeth quickly added.

Jack chuckled. "Or her," he repeated. He went on, "I just wonder, am I really going to be the kind of father he or she needs? The kind of husband you need?" He looked up at her, concern showing in his eyes, "I think this is the first time since we've been married that it's hit me how much harder your life is going to be married to me." He took a deep breath and then seemed to finally say what he had been feeling, "I just don't want you to ever regret the life that you've chosen."

"I'm going to say this once, Jack Thornton. Once, do you hear me?" She reached across the table to take his hand, looking him in the eyes. "You are going to be an amazing father. You're already an amazing husband. I gave up nothing when I married you. I have everything I want. I have more from this life than I ever could have had in Hamilton. I love you more than anything or anyone on this earth, and I will never, I repeat, never regret marrying you." She took a deep breath, overcome by the emotion she'd unleashed with her little speech. "The only thing that would make my life harder is having to endure it without knowing I have you by my side."

"Isn't that what you're about to have to do?" Jack asked, but Elizabeth could see from his face he was half teasing.

"Temporarily," she said, trying to sound confident.

"True," he replied, seemingly willing to accept what she'd said. "I just think this news coming at the same time as me leaving has made me think about my own father today."

"You've always said he was an amazing father."

"He was. It's just that he wasn't always around, and while I've know that if I had children I would one day be in the same position he was, it doesn't seem real until you actually get the news you're going to be a father."

Elizabeth smiled and squeezed his hand, "I like hearing you talk about being a father." Jack looked up and returned her smile. Suddenly though, their moment was interrupted by a banging on the door.

They both turned toward the sound, as Rip sauntered towards the noise. "Who could that be?" Jack asked and quickly rose to find out.

Elizabeth followed behind him, but couldn't see outside as the door swung open. Immediately, however, she heard a loud high-pitched voice, exclaiming, "Surprise!" followed by incessant laughter. That could only be one person…

"Rosemary!" Jack responded, opening the door wider. "Lee! Come in out of the cold."

Within seconds, Elizabeth saw Rosemary's round figure make its way inside, holding what appeared to be a large bowl. Lee followed closely behind rubbing his hands together from the frigid air outside.

"Rosemary, Lee, how good to see you!" Elizabeth exclaimed, trying to sound delighted by the couple's appearance. She could see they were trying to be kind, and she was grateful. But tonight she was feeling awfully selfish to have Jack to herself.

She thought Jack could sense her thoughts as he stepped next to her, putting his arm around her. "To what do we owe this surprise?" he asked.

Lee spoke up, "I know we already said our goodbyes earlier today, but Rosemary insisted we bring you some food and that she get to say a proper goodbye as well. We were also both concerned about Elizabeth."

To that, Rosemary stepped towards Elizabeth, her voice full of pity. "Elizabeth, you poor, dear. I've been so worried about you today with the news of Jack leaving us."

Elizabeth managed a weak smile. "Thank you, Rosemary. I will say it hasn't been easy," she looked up at Jack, "but we're just hoping the next four months goes by quickly."

Jack nodded, "I'm counting on you, Rosie, and Lee to look out for this girl while I'm gone."

"Of course we will," Rosemary smiled and looked down at the food in her hands. "And to start we brought you some soup since I know you've been feeling under the weather, Elizabeth." She glanced towards their table. "But it looks like I'm too late."

Elizabeth was opening her mouth to say that was true, but was interrupted by Jack who reached out to take the bowl from Rosemary saying, "It won't go to waste, Rosie. Thank you."

"Jack, actually cooked, if you must know," Elizabeth added.

"Oh, well then I guess my food really won't go to waste," Rosemary giggled.

Jack looked back at her and grinned, but Elizabeth always felt defensive with Rosemary. It was like she couldn't help herself. "Actually, Jack's an excellent cook," Elizabeth interjected.

"Oh, he cooks for you often? Lee's never cooked for me." She laughed again.

Elizabeth could sense the message hidden beneath those words. Rosemary was the better wife and homemaker. She decided not to take the bait, though. "You don't know what you're missing out on then, Rosemary," she retorted.

Jack walked back toward Elizabeth, pulling her close to him, once again seeming to sense Elizabeth's defensiveness and added, "I haven't cooked in a long time, but like you said, Rosie, Elizabeth hasn't been feeling well."

"Well, Jack, you inspire me. Maybe I'll start doing a little cooking for this girl, especially when the baby comes," Lee said.

Rosemary turned to him with a nervous laugh, "We'll see about that. I don't know if I can trust your cooking." Lee opened his mouth to defend himself, but she had already looked back at Elizabeth, "So, I thought you said the doctor knew how to help you with your allergies. Is it not working?"

Elizabeth paused. Even though she'd told Jack and Abigail, she wasn't sure she wanted Rosemary to know yet. That was like announcing the baby to the entire town. But, Jack was already going.

He smiled. "Actually, Rosie…"

"Actually," Elizabeth interrupted, "I am feeling better tonight." She looked up at Jack with a pointed expression. He gave her a look of confusion in return.

Elizabeth turned back to see Rosemary and Lee glancing back and forth at the two of them with puzzled expressions.

"Now, you two," Rosemary started, "I know when I'm being lied to. It's me! Rosemary! You can trust me completely."

Elizabeth laughed out loud at this and had to cover her mouth with her hand, as Jack squeezed her side trying to restrain her. She could see though that he had a suspiciously broad grin on his face as well.

Lee chuckled at this, "Well whatever it is, it can't be too serious."

Jack looked down at Elizabeth. "I think we should tell them," he said. "After all, I won't be around after this, and they'll know before I get back, one way or the other."

Elizabeth rolled her eyes, "Fine, you tell them then."

Rosemary's mouth went wide. She exclaimed, "Are you about to say what I think you are?"

"Well, Rosie, if you're thinking I'm going to say, we're having a baby, then yes."

Rosemary squealed in delight and ran to both of them, embracing Elizabeth first. "I knew it! Oh, this is wonderful news! And you kept it from me yesterday!" she scolded.

Elizabeth laughed; she couldn't help but appreciate Rosemary's enthusiasm. "Well, I thought Jack deserved to be the first to know."

"I guess I can forgive you then," she sighed, as she moved on to hug Jack.

Lee came up behind her, chuckling. "This is wonderful news. Congratulations to you both." He shook both their hands. "I guess I can teach you the ropes, Jack. By the time your baby comes, I'll be an expert."

Jack laughed, "I'll hold you to that, Lee."

Rosemary clapped her hands together, still grinning from ear to ear. "This is so exciting! Oh, Elizabeth, we'll have to have a party to celebrate and for people to bring gifts!"

"Just hold on, Rosemary. First, focus on having your baby, and we'll think about all that later," Elizabeth chuckled.

"Well, when is your baby coming?"

"Beginning of September is what the doctor says."

Jack chimed in, "Thankfully, I'll be back in plenty of time for all that."

"Yes, but what about the school? That will be exactly when the term begins," Rosemary observed.

Lee turned to her, "Rosemary, I don't think Elizabeth wants to think about that right now. And they have plenty of time to work that out."

He looked at Elizabeth, who offered him a silent look of gratitude. Rosemary frowned, opening her mouth to object, but Lee cut her off, "Anyway, we should probably be going." He nodded at Elizabeth and Jack, "I'm sure you two have plenty to do before Jack's departure in the morning." He reached out his hand to Jack, "Safe travels, my friend."

"Thank you, Lee," Jack nodded.

Rosemary moved forward, "Jack, we'll be praying for your safe and speedy return." She reached up and embraced him.

"Thank you, Rosie," Jack smiled and looked down at her stomach. "And I'll look forward to meeting this little one as soon as I get home. If I know you, this baby will be making a grand entrance." He grinned.

Rosemary gave a little laugh, "I'm looking forward to that."

Lee took her hand and then turned to Elizabeth, "Let us know if you need anything, and we'll let ourselves out."

"Thank you both, again," Elizabeth called out as they walked towards the door.

Once they were gone, she turned to Jack, "I can't believe we just told Rosemary about the baby. Tomorrow, the whole town will know."

"Is that a bad thing?" Jack asked.

"Jack!" Elizabeth protested. "Of course it is. What if something goes wrong? It's still early. I just would have preferred to wait."

Jack put his arms around her, "Elizabeth, don't worry about that. I'm sorry, but I think that it won't be a bad thing having the town's support right now. They'll all be thrilled, and even if something does go wrong, which I have faith it won't, but if it does, you'll have a lot of people to lean on since I won't be here for you."

She nodded and leaned into him, too tired to argue about it. Besides, this was their last evening together. They had no time to waste on disagreements. She put her head on Jack's shoulder, enjoying the warmth of his arms around her. Every hour that went by was making his impending departure seem more and more frighteningly real.

Jack chuckled as he continued their embrace and gently stroked her hair. "Anyways, I wasn't about to miss out on Rosemary's reaction to our news."

Elizabeth giggled, "If truth be told, that's the real reason you spilled the beans. And I guess I can forgive you for that."

Jack put his arms on both of her shoulders and pushed her back to look at her, "I'm glad to hear that because I have a proposition for you. I say that now that we're alone again, we finish our dinner, and then we make the most of this last night together for a while." He grinned mischievously, accenting his dimples. "What do you think?"

Elizabeth pursed her lips together, "I think…" she paused, "We'd better start eating fast." They both laughed, grateful to put off the sadness that was sure to come in the morning for just a little while longer.