Here you go! Hope you enjoy reading, as much as I did writing.
Jack's POV
I was sitting on the couch in front of the fireplace basking in the warm glow that it radiated. Elizabeth was cuddled up next to me, but we weren't alone. A little girl, about 4 years old, and a little boy, about 2, folded themselves into crazy positions, so all 4 of us were sitting on the couch, just watching the flickering flames. My life was absolutely perfect, wasn't it?
KNOCK KNOCK!
The sound of knocking woke me up with a start. Someone was at the door. I slowly opened my eyes, not ready for the day yet. I had been having such an amazing dream about me and Elizabeth's future. I just prayed that one day, my dreams would become a reality. I was just about to close my eyes again, and continue with my dream, but the continued knocking caused me from doing so. Rolling over onto my side, so my face was almost inches away from Elizabeth's I though for a second that it was honestly a miracle how she was able to sleep through almost anything. Even back when I first met her, she was a heavy sleeper. I momentarily considered leaving a note on her forehead, just as I had those years ago, but I realized that not even God Himself could protect me from her anger if I did so.
Sliding my legs over the side of the bed, and shuffling on my slippers and robe, I left the room as quietly as I could. I didn't want to wake Elizabeth when I didn't have to, but I doubt that if she didn't wake up from he knocking, she wouldn't wake up for anything. These past few weeks, she's come home more tired than usual. I'm not quite sure what's wrong, but I'll have to get her to visit Carson later.
Stepping off the final step of the stairs, and heading toward the door, my brain started to kick in, and I was able to remember some key facts.
1. Today was my birthday
2. Today was a Saturday
3. It was 7:00 AM
Just before I pulled open the door to reveal who had woken me up, I hoped for their sake, that they had a VERY good reason for waking me up so early. I had absolutely nothing planned for today, and sleeping in sounded like the perfect way to start my birthday.
Pulling open the door, I was extremely shocked to meet the eyes of my mother. Without a word, she pulled me forward and hugged me tight. When she finally pulled back, I was shocked once again to see tears forming in her eyes. Charlotte Thornton never cried. Even when we lost Dad all those years ago, she never let a tear loose, instead staying strong for Tom and me.
"Oh, Jack," she breathed out, voice shaky. Before I could wonder what she was upset about, or ask about what was going on, she reached out her hand to cup my cheek, and started to explain.
"I am so glad to see that you're okay. When the Mounties telegrammed Tom when they thought you had died, he went out to find me. I didn't learn about your supposed death until a week later. We were on our way to Hope Valley, when the telegram from Bill reached us, saying you were alive and in a hospital in Graceville. That telegram was also late, so once we got there, you had already been discharged. We both wanted to come visit you sooner but we figured that since your birthday was coming up, we could visit you then, so here we are."
Before I could ask about who 'we' was, I received the second surprise of the day. Tom came around the corner and strode up onto the porch. He also stepped forward without a word, and pulled me into a tight hug, clapping me on the back, and I, doing the same to him. When I pulled back this time, he looked up into my face, and said, "I'm glad that you're okay Jack. I couldn't bear to lose you, brother."
Although short, his words meant more to me than anything. Remembering the time when me and Elizabeth were in Hamilton and I found Tom living on street corners, willing to pick a fight for no reason at all, I thought that I had lost him. Since we reconciled however, things have been nearly back to normal, but just hearing him call me 'brother' made me incredibly thankful.
"Where's Lizzy?" Ma asked, breaking the silence, and bringing me out of my chain of thought.
I nearly rolled my eyes at just hearing the name, about to correct her, but figured that it was Ma's way of showing affection. I was just about to reply that she was still sleeping when I heard the stairs creaking behind me, from inside. Turning around and opening the door, I was met with Elizabeth's sleepy, but surprised face. She stood there for a second presumably in shock, before crossing across the threshold onto the porch.
"It's very nice to see you again Charlotte. You too, Tom!" she exclaimed addressing both of them before turning to give them each a hug.
"I'm glad that both of you could make it!" she exclaimed.
Ma smiled and responded with, "We thought that we'd surprise you all, and visit for Jack's birthday."
She seemed satisfied enough with Ma's answer nodding her head in agreement. I was just about to suggest that we all should head over to Abigail's café and have an early breakfast, when the door of the house beside us opened. Rosemary stepped out, and for once in her life, was quite speechless. After a second or so though, she walked down onto the road, and climbed up onto our porch, exclaiming, "How nice to see you Charlotte! Long time no see Tom!"
She hugged them both and started to talk a mile a minute, catching them up with everything that had happened these past few months. Tuning out her voice, I looked back to Elizabeth who was looking at me. I smirked and mouthed the words, 'Some things never change.' Looking very amused, she smirked back and responded with, 'I guess they don't,' with a little shrug of her shoulders.
During our little conversation, Lee had stepped out of the house, and had joined us on our little porch, standing beside Rosemary, looking tired. I wondered why, though. As far as I knew, the sawmill was booming, and his men were happy with the working conditions. When I thought about it a bit longer, I realized that everyone looked a bit more tired than usual. I would figure that mystery out later, though.
During my train of thought, I hadn't noticed Elizabeth trying to get my attention.
Psst. Psst, Jack! Elizabeth hissed, looking slightly annoyed.
Glancing over to see what was happening, she mouthed out the words, 'I'm going to the café.'
'Do you want me to come with you?' I replied.
'No, I'll only be gone for a little bit. Invite them in for breakfast,' she said.
Looking down, I realized indeed, that she was right. While she had time to put on a robe and some shoes, I had answered the door in my nightclothes, and was barefoot. Nodding back, she slipped back into the house unnoticed, intending to escape out the back door. The strangest thing had happened though. I could have sworn that Ma had given a quick wink to Elizabeth before she had left, but blinking a few times, I decided it had to have been the light in my eyes. Right?
Elizabeth's POV
I had wanted to stay and chat with the group, but I had to get to Abigail's. Pleasantries would have to come later, because phase 1 of the plan was already in motion. If everything went according to the plan, Jack would be occupied for about an hour. Enough time for everything to be set up, enough time to see the note, enough time for me to get to the café, and then to the infirmary, so Faith could double check what I already knew. That we were going to have a baby.
I guess we would be adding to the Thornton clan sooner than anyone expected. As I headed toward the cafe, a million thoughts and questions were rushing in my head. Were we having a girl or a boy? What would he or she look like? How would everyone take the news? And most importantly, how would Jack react? I knew that he wanted to have children. We both wanted them, but was everything happening too soon? Would he be thrilled like I was, or would he be nervous? This day was already full of surprises, but I had a feeling that more were coming our way.
Abigail's POV
Where was she? Elizabeth was supposed to get to the café and meet us as soon as Charlotte and Tom arrived, to distract Jack. Phase 1 of our plan, as we had begun to call it, was already in motion. I don't know who had come up with the silly names. Probably one of the children. The plan was that as soon as Elizabeth got here and gave us the signal, we would start moving everything up to Jack's land, where the picnic/party would take place. While everyone else did that, I would finish wrapping up the gifts. Jack was receiving a lot of gifts today, but I think the best one will be from Elizabeth. After I had figured everything out yesterday, and Elizabeth went home absolutely ecstatic, I had stayed awake for a long time, just thinking about everything that had happened. The news of Jack's death. Elizabeth finding out that he was alive. The 3 of us travelling to Graceville. Their reunion. Jack being released from the hospital and coming home. His recovery process, and finally, a new addition to their family. Speaking of their family, our present couldn't come at a better time. I just hoped they liked it.
I looked up from the cup of coffee I was nursing when Bill announced that she was coming. Striding over, and opening the door for her, she looked around me to see the people gathered in the café. About 15 of us were already here, ready to help. She stepped into the room and she looked shocked to see all of us. I felt the same way. At first, this party was only supposed to be between a few people. Without me noticing, though, this party has become a bigger deal than I expected. Than what Elizabeth expected. Probably more than what anyone expected. I guess it proves to show what a tight knit community Hope Valley was. Actually, at this point we weren't so much a community as a family, always willing to build each other up, and help each other in times of trouble.
"Okay everyone, start carrying everything out to the wagon. We want to get this thing started as soon as possible," Bill announced, standing up. I was honestly surprised that Bill wanted a part in any of this. He usually was the one that didn't want anything to do with parties or anything fun at all. I suspected though, that the only reason he was taking in any of this was because of Jack.
Jack meant so much to Bill. He meant a lot to all of us, but Bill and Jack had a special relationship, like that of a father and a son. I suspected that the reason why Bill was determined to be a big part of this whole thing, was that he felt guilty for never telling Jack how much he means to him.
As I was watching all the hustle and bustle and feeling the excitement levels rising, Elizabeth pulled out a chair across from me, sitting down. I knew she had to get to the infirmary, but I reckon that she hadn't any breakfast yet, so I was about to get up and go grab a plate of muffins, when she reached out her hand and grabbed my arm, stopping me from standing up.
My face expression must have reflected some of the confusion I felt, but I sat back down regardless, waiting for an explanation. Finally after everyone had left, the back door had closed, and we had been left in silence, Elizabeth spoke up.
"Do you think I'll be a good mother? What if I mess up some how?" she blurted out.
Without even thinking, I laughed.
"What's so funny?" Elizabeth asked, with looking half horrified and half offended at my ridiculous action.
Finally gaining some control over my laughter, I was able to answer her.
"Elizabeth. For your first question I don't know anyone else who would be a better mother than you. You are incredibly great with the children. They all love you! Everyone loves you, for that matter. And as for Jack, I think he would be an amazing father. And as for your second question, I don't think you can mess up being a mother. Yes, you might make a few mistakes along the way, but you can also learn from your mistakes, so as not to repeat them again. And know this: the whole town will be behind the both of you supporting you along the way." I said, my answer completely sincere.
She just smiled at me, looking a lot more reassured, but still a bit doubtful. I started giving her some advice in an attempt to remove any trace of doubt from her mind.
"I understand that you're nervous, Elizabeth. I don't think it's normal for anyone not to be nervous if they were in your situation. It's very understandable. It'll be a big change for the both of you, but you learn to adapt to change after a while. Just remember that you have friends here that you can come to. Also, I hear that there's always someone willing to listen to your worries and fears," I teased, glancing upward.
She giggled and I felt the air around us start to calm. Soon the discussion changed, and we were talking about babies. I was curious to know what they were having, but I had a feeling that boy or girl, the little Thornton baby would have me wrapped around his or her little finger. During our discussion, a plate of my muffins had come out and we had been making our way through them. We also went over our little plan of how Elizabeth would reveal everything to Jack.
While we were talking, the air around us seemed to change from hectic and busy, to calm. I knew that it wouldn't last for long though. Reluctantly, Elizabeth stood up, getting ready to go. I would see her in a couple of hours, though. I quickly gave her a hug before she left, and she thanked me for my reassurances. I watched her out of the window as she headed toward the infirmary, and I could swear that she had a bounce to her step.
Faith's POV
What would courting Carson be like? Would it be weird? Did he even think of me in that way?
"Hello, are you here Faith?" Elizabeth's voice called out, pulling me out of my thoughts.
I was so wrapped up in my thoughts that I hadn't even heard the door open. Shaking my head, I reminded myself that it would be too complicated to have a romantic relationship with my boss. My job was taking care of people.
"I'm back here Elizabeth. I'll be out in a second."
Mentally reminding myself what my duties were once more, I stood up from where I was sitting at my little desk. When Carson started working here, he noticed that I had no space for any patient files, so he bought me a desk. He even made sure to have an extra drawer made for my pencils, knowing about my tendency to lose them. I smiled at the memory before remembering about Elizabeth.
Striding out of the little room, my eyes immediately scanned the examination room, and saw Elizabeth standing at the door. She looked quite calm, but she had this air of excitement around her, so I didn't suspect any kind of emergency, but I was quite surprised to see her, because she had just had a checkup a few months ago. Plus, Jack's birthday was today, and I thought that she would be overseeing the entire thing.
"Good morning, Elizabeth," I said. "Are you here about Jack?" I asked, guessing her intentions.
"Actually, in a way I am" she said cryptically.
"Okay, what would you like me to do for you?" I questioned, wanting to know what she could possibly be here for. She didn't look sick, Jack was almost fully recovered, and today was going to be a day of celebration.
Elizabeth took a deep breath in, looked up to make eye contact with me, and said," Faith, I want you to check if I'm pregnant."
I was shocked for a second, but I quickly recovered, because I felt a grin spread across my face. Elizabeth then gave me a look that I interpreted as, 'please don't make me wait another second. I want to know now.'
"Okay, how about you lay down for a second, and start telling me your symptoms."
Elizabeth's POV
"And you're absolutely sure, right?" I asked, probably for the millionth time. I just had to make sure.
Faith looked a little bit exasperated at this point, but I didn't really mind, I just had to hear her say it once more.
"Yes, Elizabeth, I'm 100 percent sure that you're pregnant."
I still couldn't believe it. Last night, Abigail figured it all out, but now that I heard it from a professional, it seemed a lot more real.
"You should probably get going Elizabeth. You need to get Jack so the party can start."
Right. I have to tell Jack now. I couldn't honestly believe it.
Jack's POV
I had just finished clearing up the dishes from breakfast, and had went to go make the bed, when I found the note. It was a small piece of paper, but it had been placed in a way that I wouldn't have ever missed it. Picking it up and unfolding it, I was met with Elizabeth's neat writing. On it were 6 words, and I couldn't help but smile at them.
Take a ride with me
-Elizabeth
I knew exactly where she wanted to meet. It was a very sweet gesture and I was getting ready as soon as I had read the words. As I walked out the door, I had a fleeting thought. 'What was Elizabeth up to?'
Elizabeth's POV
Where could he be? I was certain that he had seen the note already. I had placed it right on his pillow, so when he went to make the bed, he would find it, and know to meet me here, at the stables. His horse Seargent, and my horse Misty were already saddled up, so all we had to do was ride up to Jack's land. I was just about to check to see if he was approaching when I heard his voice.
"Is this my birthday present?" he called out, with a grin on his face, and his dimples showing.
"It's part of it! You just have to wait and see what the rest of it is."
"Come on. Just give me a hint," he pleaded, a slight pout forming.
"Nope. You've got to wait and see. Not saying another word."
Surprisingly he didn't ask about it anymore, and we rode in silence for a couple of minutes, with only the songs of the birds breaking the silence, or the occasional snort of the horses. Finally Jack spoke up, "Why are we riding up to our land?" he called, from behind me.
"Just be patient and wait! You'll find out soon enough" I responded back with a laugh. It was kind of fun to annoy Jack like this.
He stayed quiet for a few more minutes until we both heard the sound of music coming from up ahead.
"What's that soun…" Jack asked, just as we rode over the crest, and the sight of streamers, a banner that said 'Happy Birthday Jack', and the whole town milling about interrupted him.
He was riding beside me now, slowing Seargent down to a walk and he looked over to me with complete and utter shock. At this, everyone had noticed us ride up, and were all shouting, "Happy birthday!" I had stopped Misty, so we were facing each other. Instead of an explanation I just said," Happy birthday, Jack Thornton."
Abigail's POV
The party was in full swing now. Food was being served, music was playing, people were approaching Jack and congratulating him, and everyone looked happy. I was sipping a glass of juice looking for Elizabeth in the crowd, when I saw her. She had been looking for me too, apparently and I mouthed out the words, 'present time.'
She looked scared for a second, but she braced herself and looked back with resilience. She took a deep breath, and started to head toward Jack. I quickly sent up a quick prayer for her.
Jack's POV
I had been talking to Bill about how the injured recruits were doing, when Elizabeth approached. She had a look on her face that I couldn't quite place, but I had a feeling she wanted to talk to me, alone.
"Excuse me," I told Bill before heading over and meeting Elizabeth, not bothering to hear his answer.
As soon as I was close enough, Elizabeth took my hand and led me away from the group. Curious, I was about to ask her what she was doing, when I remembered our exchange this morning. It was probably better just to follow her without asking any questions. Once we were far away enough that I could barely hear the noise of the crowd, she stopped, and turned to face me.
Again without saying a word, she pulled an envelope from a small pocket from her dress, and handed it to me. I took it, and started to open it. For some reason my heart started beating faster, and I nearly dropped the letter in my nervousness.
"Here's your present Jack. Read it out loud."
I glanced up, and Elizabeth nodded. I finally managed to pull the letter out, and I unfolded it.
I started to read.
"Hi! I haven't met you yet, but I'm very excited to. I can't wait for the adventures that we'll have in the future. I know that you haven't met me yet either but I hope that you'll love me as much as I love you. I'm also really excited to meet all your friends. They sound like such amazing people! See you in about 8 months!
-Baby Thornton."
By the end of the letter I was whispering the words, trying to force them out of my throat. I reread the letter again, wondering if I was dreaming. I slowly lifted my head up to see Elizabeth, with tears of happiness streaming down her face. Just like in my vision of the future.
"Elizabeth, are you serious?" I asked after a length of silence.
She nodded, and said the words that I will never forget.
"Jack, we're having a baby!"
Yes! Finally! I'm so sorry for taking so long on this chapter, but I'm just so happy for getting it done.