A lot going on in this chapter...be prepared!

Later that night, the three Thornton's walked home after dinner at Abigail's. With Will asleep, Elizabeth put him in his cradle while Jack started a fire. Elizabeth went to the kitchen to make tea and soon brought two cups back to the living room. They both sat on the couch, a blanket draped across their lap as Elizabeth leaned into Jack with his arm around her. Within minutes, Will was fussing and stirring about in his cradle.

Jack jumped up before his wife even got the chance to react. "I'll get him." Jack walked over to Will's cradle and looked down at his son. Will was squirming around, his arms and legs free from the swaddling job done by his mother. Jack just stared down at his son, watching his facial expressions as he continued to get more and more mad.

"Jack, are you going to bring him over here or just let him cry all night?"

"Has he done this before?" Jack kept his eyes focused on Will. Elizabeth got up and joined them.

"Done what? Cry? Yeah, he does it almost every hour of every day." Elizabeth rolled her eyes and started to pick up her son until Jack stopped her.

"No." It was Jack's turn to roll his eyes. "Look at his facial expression. If that doesn't have Elizabeth Thatcher written all over it, then I don't know what does. You always scrunch your nose up like that when you get mad."

Elizabeth placed her hands on her hips, nose scrunched and all. "Jack Thornton, I do not."

Jack copied her and put his hands on his hips too. "Do, too. You're doing it right now. Just admit it, Elizabeth. Our son is your clone. Well, besides the fact that he's a boy."

Elizabeth's scary teacher face broke into a lopsided grin as she giggled. "Whatever you say, Thornton. Now would you please let me get our child?"

"Nope. Go sit down. I'll bring him over." Elizabeth did as she was told and made her way back to the couch, wrapping the blanket around her shoulders. Jack changed Will's diaper then swaddled him again. He lifted him up out of the cradle and joined his wife on the couch. Little Will was still not completely satisfied, his crying now whimpering, and his tiny bottom lip starting to curl out. Before any tears could come, Jack started singing to him, just the way he did when he was still in Elizabeth's tummy. Will quickly calmed down, his eyes locked on his father. The familiar voice soothed him. Elizabeth watched them, tears in her own eyes. Jack finished his song for his son. Will was still awake but no longer upset. He laid in Jack's lap, looking around the room, noticing the familiar face next to his father, the glow of the warm fire near by. Before long his little arm had escaped the blanket once again and had made its way to his mouth. "You think he's hungry again?"

Elizabeth looked over at the clock on the table. "Probably so. He hasn't eaten since before dinner at Abigail's. Let me go change into my nightgown and then I'll take him. You think you can keep him occupied for a few more minutes?" Elizabeth stood to walk to their bedroom.

"Yes ma'am." Jack winked at her. "We'll be right here, Mama. Won't we little guy?"

Elizabeth's heart swelled with love for these two. She quickly left the room and made it back within minutes. Elizabeth sat back down and Jack got up. "Where are you going?"

"Be right back." Jack carried Will with him to the bedroom and returned carrying a pillow as well. He laid the pillow in Elizabeth's lap and sat back down next to her. "Alright, I'll let you get comfortable before I hand him over."

Elizabeth grabbed the blanket again and wrapped it around her. She unbuttoned the front of her gown, her weighted breasts now exposed to the warmth and glow of the fire. Her nightgown and blanket slipped from around her shoulders and her chocolate brown curls rested along her collarbone. She held her arms out for Will. Jack swallowed hard but handed him over, his wife completely oblivious to what he wanted to do to her right now. She snuggled him into the pillow and used one hand to hold his hand away from his mouth so she could scoot him closer to her. Will began to whine for a split second until he realized the trade he was getting. He latched on quickly, the familiar scent and warmth of his mother calming him.

"I've never seen anything more breathtaking. I know what I'm sketching next." Jack smiled and leaned in towards his wife, his lips capturing hers. "I love watching you nurse him."

Elizabeth smiled back up at her husband then looked down at Will. Before he could fall asleep, she repositioned him to the other side. Still awake and hungry, Will continued to eat. Jack started massaging Elizabeth's shoulders, her eyes closing at his touch. He worked his thumbs into her shoulders and neck, releasing the tension that had built up. "Jack, that feels so good." He made his way down her back, making small circles with his hands. He then came back up her arms and back to her shoulders, moving her hair to the side.

"Why didn't you tell me you were this tense? I would have done this a long time ago."

"Well the past few weeks have been pretty stressful to say the least."

"Your body has been through a lot lately. Moving back home, giving birth, being up at all hours of the night, feeding Will, crying, worrying, barely eating anything. It's time to take it easy for a little while. You hear me?"

"Mhm." Elizabeth sat back up against the couch, her body now fully relaxed. "Thank you."

"Anything for you. Let me take care of you, okay? I know how stubborn you are when it comes to this but I'm putting my foot down this time. You need to rest and take care of yourself. If not for me, for Will?" Jack now held her chin close to his face. She had no choice but to look at him. She nodded her head and pressed her lips to his. Jack gave in and his body relaxed with hers. He broke away from her as he felt Will moving between them. "Here, let me take him."

Elizabeth pulled the little boy from her chest and handed him to Jack. She buttoned her gown back up as Jack shifted Will onto his shoulder to burp him. He gently rubbed and patted his back and soon he was asleep. Jack put him back in his cradle then returned to the couch. Elizabeth moved back into his arms, resting her head on his shoulder. "You're such a good father, Jack."

Jack leaned over and kissed her temple. The two of them sat in silence, just staring at the flames in the fireplace.

Elizabeth sighed before speaking up. "Jack?"

"Hm?" Jack waited patiently for her to reply. He sat up and looked at her, her eyes still locked on the fire.

"I didn't tell you something earlier today when we went on our walk." Elizabeth slowly moved her gaze to Jack, trying to gauge his reaction. Is he mad? Hurt? Curious? She couldn't tell, which was odd. She could always read his mind.

Confusion swept across his face as he waited for her to continue. Why didn't she tell me earlier? She faced away from him, scared to watch his expression when she finally came out and told him. Will he be mad? Happy? Supportive?

"I want to teach again," Elizabeth blurted out. There. I said it. She winced, waiting for his response.

"Really?"

Elizabeth nodded. Jack sat quietly thinking it through. "Are you mad?"

"Mad? Why would I be mad?" Jack's words came out a little harsher than he intended.

"Well you're barely saying anything, so what am I supposed to think? Just forget it, Jack." Elizabeth started to get up from the couch but Jack reached for her.

"Oh no you don't. What is all of this about, Elizabeth? You're not going to bed angry at me."

Elizabeth sat back down and let her breath out quickly. She wouldn't look him in the eye. But he wasn't letting go of her either. "Elizabeth, do you really think that low of me? That I…"

"Is that what you think of me? That the rest of my days should be spent as a housewife? Cooking and cleaning and having all twelve of your babies? That's what you want, isn't it?" Elizabeth had lost it but Jack saw straight through it.

"No! Elizabeth! Look at me." Elizabeth finally looked at her husband. She took a deep breath and relaxed. "That's it. Just breathe." She calmed down and realized what just happened. Tears filled her eyes.

"Jack, I'm so sorry. I didn't mean it." Jack pulled her to him and just held her for several minutes. He ran his fingers through her hair until she stopped crying, then leaned back to look at her. His voice was quiet and calm when he spoke.

"Elizabeth. You know that I'm not that kind of man. That I would never keep you from doing something that you love to do. And I most certainly would not tie you down and force you to be something that you're not. I didn't marry you so that I would have someone to cook and clean for me and have my babies. Even though all of those are bonuses of marrying you." Jack smirked and Elizabeth smiled back at him.

"We do make some cute babies don't we?" Elizabeth kidded him.

Jack laughed at her comment. "The cutest."

Elizabeth's expression changed and her voice lowered. "So you are okay with me teaching again?"

"Absolutely. If that's what you want to do. Elizabeth, being a teacher is apart of who you are. It's what brought you to Hope Valley. It's what brought us together. I could never take that away from you. I'm your husband and I'm here to support you, not hold you back. I want you to be happy."

"I know. I'm sorry I snapped at you. My hormones are all over the place. I'm just not myself…"

Jack lifted her face up to his. "Hey. We take this one day at a time, okay?" Elizabeth nodded then leaned her head back on Jack's chest. "So what about Will? Where will he go while you're teaching and I'm doing rounds?"

"Abigail practically begged me to let her keep him. I tried to argue that it was too much with Cody and the cafe, but it was no use. She loves our little boy, Jack."

A smile slipped across Jack's face. "I think he reminds her of Peter and what it was like when he was that small. Now she gets to share that with you. If she wants to watch our boy, then let her. I couldn't think of someone I trust more with our child and he'll be within minutes of both of us."

"Thank you for being so supportive of me, of my decision. I'm thinking maybe I'll start back sometime in the spring." Elizabeth stifled a yawn, trying not to let her exhaustion show. Jack rubbed up and down her arm, a yawn escaping from his mouth too.

"Honey, why don't we go to bed? It's been a long day." Physically and emotionally drained, Elizabeth just nodded again and stood from the couch. Jack moved Will and the cradle to the bedroom and the couple crawled into bed. Jack claimed his position, his body pressed up against Elizabeth's with his arm around her midsection. He dug his face into her neck and the scent of her hair lulled him to sleep. Elizabeth listened to his slow, methodic breathing until she, too, was asleep.

The next morning, Jack walked Elizabeth and Will to Abigail's. The Thornton's ate breakfast with Elizabeth's parents since they would be catching the morning stage back to Hamilton. Grace held baby Will through their entire meal, not wanting to say goodbye to her only grandchild.

"Won't you stay through New Years at least?" questioned Elizabeth. She could tell that they didn't want to go.

"We would love to, dear, but we need to get back. We promised Julie we would be back for New Years," Grace replied.

"It's only fair we spend the rest of the holiday with her," William spoke up. "But don't worry, we'll be back soon. I'm not missing out on any of this little guy's life." He rubbed his hand along the edge of Will's face, his mouth opening in response. Grace reluctantly handed Will back to Elizabeth.

Soon the stage arrived and the Thatcher's made their way outside to load up. Jack said his goodbye's to his family then headed to the jail to begin his day.

"Elizabeth? Please take care of yourself. I'm worried about you after the other night." Grace put her hand on her daughter's shoulder.

"Mother, I'll be fine. I have plenty of support here. Now go. Tell Julie I said hello." Grace and William hugged Elizabeth one last time, then they were gone.

The next few days leading up to the new year, Elizabeth stayed with Abigail and Clara while Jack kept busy at the jail. She helped around the cafe, only doing the less strenuous jobs, as requested by Jack. Abigail did most of her chores around the cafe with Will in one arm, only letting Elizabeth hold him to nurse. But Elizabeth didn't mind. It gave her a break from the long, sleepless nights and she knew Abigail was enjoying every minute of spoiling her son. She couldn't help notice how amazingly connected Abigail was to little Will. They had a bond for sure. After the couple discussed the matter at hand, Jack and Elizabeth decided it was time to ask Aunt Abigail a very important question.

It was now New Year's Eve and Jack had agreed to meet Elizabeth at the cafe for lunch, as he did everyday. Except today was special. Will was now two weeks old and the Thornton's had something important to speak about with their dearest friend, Abigail. Jack walked into the parlor shortly after the lunch crowd had cleared out and found his wife at the stove. Elizabeth was dipping out stew for the three of them. He walked up behind her, slipped his arms around her waist and gently kissed her on the cheek. "Hello, beautiful. That smells delicious."

Elizabeth finished the last bowl and turned around in his arms. A smile spread across her face just at the sight of him. "You missed." Before he could answer, Elizabeth pressed her lips against his. She intensified the kiss, but only for a second, leaving him wanting more.

Jack's dimples broke out at his wife's audacity. He pulled back from her, leaving his arm resting around her back. "We'll finish that later, Mrs. Thornton." Jack winked and Elizabeth laughed and rolled her eyes. She grabbed two of the bowls and he picked up the third.

"Come on. Abigail is waiting for us in here." Elizabeth led the way into the cafe and they set the bowls on the table. Abigail was walking around with Will up on her shoulder, his heavy eyes fighting sleep. Jack and Elizabeth sat down at the table and waited for their friend to join them. Elizabeth slipped her hand under the table and grabbed Jack's hand. He locked his gaze with hers and they smiled at each other. Abigail continued walking around the cafe, humming to Will until he was fast asleep. If they weren't sure if they were about to do the right thing before now, this confirmed it. Abigail finally laid Will down and joined his parents at the table. They each reached for one of Abigail's hands and Jack prayed quietly over their late lunch.

"Lord, we thank you for this beautiful day that you have given us and this food that you have provided us with. We are so grateful to you for the many blessings that we have and that you continue to give us. We are thankful for our healthy little boy and the ways in which you continue to work in Elizabeth during this time in our life." Jack squeezed his wife's hand under the table as reassurance then continued, "But God, most importantly, I thank you for Abigail." Abigail froze in her seat, not expecting any recognition and completely clueless of what was to come. "Thank you for her kindness, her generosity, and her friendship. God, help us to always look to you in any situation. We love you and we praise you. Amen."

Abigail looked up from her lap and released a breath she hadn't realized she had been holding. She looked over to Jack as he reached for his spoon. With tears in her eyes, she spoke up, "Thank you."

Jack smiled back at her and the three began eating their lunch. After a couple of spoonfuls of stew, Elizabeth looked over to Jack and waited for his eyes to lock with hers. He nodded, allowing her to begin the conversation. Jack cleared his throat, but Elizabeth was the first to speak.

"Abigail, we want to talk to you about something." Elizabeth and Jack both sat staring at Abigail. She soon realized, and looked up at them. Her face fell in response to theirs.

"Oh no, is something wrong? Is Will…"

"No, no, he's fine. There's nothing wrong. We have something to ask you actually." Elizabeth looked over to Jack, waiting for him to join in at anytime.

Jack took the hint and readjusted in his chair. "Abigail, you mean so much to us, to Will. I don't even know where we'd be right now if it weren't for you. You've taken us in from day one, and you have no idea how much that has affected us. Elizabeth and I probably wouldn't even be married right now if it wasn't for you pushing us together."

"But I…" Abigail started to say, speechless from what was already being said.

Elizabeth put her hand on Abigail's arm and broke her off, "But look at us now. We are married, happily, and we have this precious little boy now. A little boy, who, sometimes, I think responds to you better than he does me, even at only two weeks old. You carry him around at all hours of the day, talking to him, tending to his needs."

"All while running this business. You love him unconditionally, Abigail, and we could never thank you enough for that," Jack added.

"But we want to. Abigail, we want you to be his godmother. If you will, that is." Elizabeth kept her hand on Abigail's arm, waiting for a response.

Abigail couldn't believe what she had just heard. Tears streamed down her face as she nodded. "Of course I will. You know that I would do anything for you guys."

Elizabeth stood up, tears threatening to fall as she hugged her best friend, and now the godmother of her son.

After lunch, Jack went back to the jail to finish up some paperwork. Elizabeth decided to go upstairs and lie down to take a short nap while Will was still asleep. Abigail finished cleaning up from lunch, and she and Clara began prepping for dinner. While the two ladies worked, Will laid in his cradle near them so that Abigail could keep an eye on him. Soon, a few customers came in. Abigail grabbed a pot of tea and headed into the cafe, leaving Clara in the kitchen with the baby. As soon as Abigail had disappeared, Will started stirring in his cradle. Clara started praying that he wouldn't wake up, but it didn't work. Before long, Will was crying and she didn't know what to do.

"Clara, can you get Will please? I'll be in there in just a minute," Abigail called to her from the main room.

Clara stood frozen, watching the child has he got more and more upset. She sat staring at him as the sadness, and then panic set in. Will was now screaming and Abigail came running in.

"Clara?" Abigail made her way over to Will and picked him up. Elizabeth came rushing down the stairs as Frank and Cody walked through the door.

Clara looked up at everyone, tears in her eyes, confusion written across her face. "I….I'm sorry, Abigail, I have to go," she replied as she ran out the kitchen door.

"Abigail, what's wrong with Clara?" asked Cody.

"I have no idea. But I'm about to go find out. Elizabeth?" Elizabeth rushed over to Abigail. She placed Will in his mother's arms and then turned to Frank. "Can you handle the cafe for a few?"

"I've got it. Go." Frank leaned down and kissed her cheek.

"Cody, you do what Frank tells you. You hear me?"

"Yes ma'am."

Without another word, Abigail grabbed her coat from the back of the door and ran out after her daughter in law.

Up next: Chapter 12.