Before they knew it, it was summer. The baby was due late September and Elizabeth was absolutely stir crazy in the house, but so grateful they had made it this long. She knew every minute she spent resting and staying calm, was another minute the baby was safe. She missed standing up though. She loved when she needed to use the outhouse because she got to get up and go outside.
She thought back to a few weeks ago when Jack finally felt the baby move. It kicked him when he was laying next to her talking to her stomach. He talked to it a lot because it made him feel connected somehow. He had his hand on her stomach and the baby kicked him. She remembered the look on his face. At first surprise and then joy. He had wanted to feel it so many times, but every time it would kick, he would either be at work or it would stop kicking the moment he put his hand on her.
When Jack came home from work, he picked her up and took her outside. "Where are we going?"
"Right here." He sat her down on a bench that looked handmade.
"Jack, did you make this?"
"Yes, I did. I figured it would be good for you to sit outside."
"Its perfect. Thank you."
"You're welcome."
He picked up her legs and put them on his lap and then his hand automatically went to her stomach, hoping to feel a kick. She leaned back watching him, hoping the baby would kick too. She wanted to see the look on his face again. They stayed on the bench for hours, just talking and waiting for the kicks. When the sun finally set, he picked her up and took her inside to eat dinner.
"I have something for you, Elizabeth."
"More?"
"A telegram." He handed it to her and she read it.
"Julie's finally coming! Oh my goodness. She'll be here next week. That's so wonderful."
"I thought that would make you happy."
"It does. You make me so happy, Jack. I'd be lost without you." She pulled him in for a hug. When she pulled back, she gently kissed him. "I love you."
"Love you too."
The next week, Jack picked Julie up from the stage and took her straight to Elizabeth.
She walked in the house and ran over to Elizabeth, giving her a huge hug. "Oh, sister! I missed you so much! Look how big you are! You look wonderful and so happy!"
"Julie, she's supposed to stay calm, remember?" Jack said quietly, hoping to quiet her down.
"Its ok Jack. I'll be calm, even if she's not. It's great to see you. Can't believe it's been almost a year. What's new with you?"
Jack felt unnecessary so he went back to town to finish paperwork, knowing Elizabeth was in good hands.
"What do you want, Elizabeth? Boy or girl?"
"I don't care." Julie gave her a look. "What? I really don't. This pregnancy has been so long, I don't care what it is as long as it comes out healthy."
"What does Jack want?"
"We haven't really talked about it. I imagine he would want a boy, but I don't know."
Elizabeth grabbed her hand and put it on her stomach just in time to feel the baby kick. "Oh my, Elizabeth. That's amazing."
"It really is. You know, I didn't think I would ever get to experience this. I'm so grateful that I did. Even if this is the only baby we ever have, it is wonderful and I would never want to trade a moment."
"I'm so happy for you. I can't wait to meet her. I bet she'll look just like you."
"Maybe, or maybe he will look like Jack. Who knows. We will find out soon."
The week flew by and it brought news of Jack's Mom and brother, Tom coming for a visit.
Julie was excited to see Tom again. She thought he was "Every bit as good looking as his dashing older brother," and wanted to maybe spend some time together. Elizabeth was not pleased to hear that. Ever since the Thatcher sisters had witnessed Jack and Tom being thrown out of a bar in Hamilton, Elizabeth thought Julie should stay away from Tom. He seemed like trouble, but she would give him a chance. He was Jack's brother after all.
Once Charlotte and Tom arrived, Jack invited them over for dinner to see Elizabeth.
Jack cooked dinner and they ate at the table, even though Elizabeth chose to stay on the couch. She could hear the conversation and answered questions as they came. After dinner, Charlotte came and sat down to talk to Elizabeth while Jack and Tom stayed in the kitchen with Julie.
"Its so good to see you, Charlotte. I've missed you."
"I missed you too, Dear. How are you feeling?"
"Just fine. It has been a long pregnancy, but it will be worth it when she or he finally gets here." She rubbed her belly, fighting tears that came so often these days.
"Are you ok?"
"Of course. I'm just grateful, and happy, and maybe a little tired."
"I can imagine." Charlotte watched her daughter-in-law rub her belly. "May I?" Elizabeth nodded and grabbed her hand and placed it where the baby was kicking.
Jack was done with the dishes and Tom and Julie had gone outside for a walk so he came over to talk.
"Hey ladies. What are you talking about over here?"
"You," they answered in unison, and then laughed.
"Me? What about me?"
"Just how cute you are. That's all," Elizabeth said with a wink.
"Cute, huh?" He moved her legs to his lap like usual and rubbed her feet.
"She may have mentioned what a good husband you were and how well you take care of her," Charlotte said.
"I also may have thanked your Mom for raising such a fine, caring, amazing man."
"Wow, that's a nice conversation to walk in to."
"Just telling the truth, Honey."
"Thanks, Sweetheart."
"How much longer until you're due, Elizabeth?" Charlotte wondered.
"Six weeks. Seems like such a short amount of time, compared to how long I've been pregnant." Elizabeth leaned back, enjoying the foot massage as usual. "Hey, where are Tom and Julie?"
"They went for a walk," Jack replied.
"Oh. I'm a little jealous. I miss our walks."
"Me too." He smiled at her and squeezed her hand.
"Speaking of walking, Tom and I better get back to town. It's pretty late."
"Ok. Thank you for coming tonight, Charlotte. I'm so glad you're visiting."
"If it's ok, I'm planning on staying until the baby is born."
"That would be great." Charlotte walked over and hugged Jack and Elizabeth.
"I love you, all three of you."
"Love you too, Ma," Jack responded.
"Love you, Charlotte."
Over the next few weeks, Tom and Julie were inseparable. Tom always came to the Thornton's for dinner and the two of them always went for a walk afterward. Julie came in one particular evening, looking thoughtful and serious.
"Julie, what is it?" Elizabeth asked.
"Tom is leaving town in a few days."
"Yes, he told us that."
"I don't want him to leave, Elizabeth."
"I know you don't, but doesn't he have a job to get back to?"
"Yes, I suppose."
"Its important to support him, right?"
"Of course it is." Julie got up and went into the spare room she had been using for the last month.
Jack came out of the bedroom and sat next to Elizabeth. "Did I hear Julie?"
"Yes, she is having a hard time with Tom leaving soon."
"She knew he wasn't going to stay, didn't she?"
"Yes, but she seems truly upset about it. Like she's losing him." Elizabeth thought back about two years before when she felt the same way about Jack. "I remember that feeling. It was the hardest thing I ever had to do, letting you go." She took his hand and squeezed it.
"It was hard to leave you too. I'm just glad I didn't have to stay away long."
"Me too." She thought for a moment. "Jack, I have a feeling that my sister is in love with Tom."
"I'm ok with that."
"I am too, but my father….."
"Yes. That will be interesting."
"I don't even want to think about it."
"Me either."
"Let's go to bed, Honey. I'm tired."
"Ok." He bent down to pick her up but she stopped him.
"I'll walk, Jack. I want to talk to Julie for a moment anyway."
"Ok, see you later."
Elizabeth let him help her up from the couch, but then she waddled her way to the door of the spare room. "Julie?"
"Come in."
"Hey, can I talk to you?"
"Sure." Julie moved over so Elizabeth could sit next to her on the bed.
"Can I ask you something?"
"Of course."
"Do you remember when Jack left town to take his new post in Cape Fullerton?"
"Yes, I remember. I've never seen you so sad."
"I was sad because I loved him and I had to let him go. He had always dreamed of that post and if I stopped him, he would have ended up resenting me."
"I remember but I know he would never resent you for anything. That man loves you so much."
"Yes, he does, but my point is, I know how you feel. Letting the person you love leave, when everything in you wants him to stay…that's the hardest thing to do."
"Yes, it is hard. I didn't know I was going to fall in love with him, but I did. He's wonderful to me and I don't want him to be so far away. I know he has to, though."
"Those Thornton men really know how to make us love them." Julie nodded.
"I feel lucky to know him, Elizabeth."
"We're both lucky. You know, Father isn't going to like this."
"I know."
"Are you prepared for that?"
"I think so."
"Just remember, I'm here for you, if you need me."
"Thank you." Julie sighed and leaned her head against Elizabeth's shoulder. "Will you stay here with me?"
"For a few more minutes."
A half hour later, Elizabeth walked in to her bedroom. "Hey."
"Hey, did you and Julie have a good talk?"
"Yes, we did."
"Good. I'm glad you have each other."
"Me too. I'm glad I have you, Jack Thornton." She climbed into bed and scooted over so she was leaning back against his chest. He put his hands on her swollen belly.
"Not much longer, Sweetheart," he said as he kissed her cheek.
"Three weeks. I'm so ready to meet this little one."
"Me too, but we haven't really thought about names."
"I've thought of a few."
"Like what?"
"For a boy, Benjamin Thomas."
"I love that, Elizabeth."
"So do I."
"What about a girl?"
"Maybe you should pick the girl name, Jack."
"Well, I've always liked the name Anna."
"That's really pretty, Jack. I like that too."
"Maybe Anna Grace?"
"That's great. My mom would be so happy."
"So, Ben and Anna?"
"Yes, those are perfect." She thought for a moment. "Jack, let's go outside."
"Its pretty late."
"So? We can take a blanket and sit on the bench. I just don't want to go to bed right now."
"Alright, let's go."
They sat out on the bench for awhile, watching the stars.
"Hey, Elizabeth, tomorrow is our anniversary."
"I know but I think we should wait awhile to celebrate until Julie isn't here and I have the baby."
"Really? Ok. I mean, we could at least have dinner, right? I can ask Julie if she'll stay in town with Abigail."
"Sure, dinner would be great." She kissed his cheek. "Jack, when you go in to town tomorrow, can you check on Debbie and Fred? I haven't seen them or heard from Debbie in a long time."
"Of course I will. If she's up for it, maybe I'll bring Debbie for a visit."
"That would be wonderful, Jack. Thank you."
"Anything for you, Sweetheart."
The next day, Jack went to town, Julie and Tom spent one of their last days together, which left Elizabeth alone. She decided to write in her journal, which was almost full. She started feeling weird, though. Her back started hurting and every so often she had a few sharp pains that would catch her off guard. She was concerned it might be labor, but she hoped not, since she was alone. When she got up to use the outhouse, she felt a gush of water. "Oh, no! It is labor," she said to herself. She tried not to panic, she just laid back down on the couch and took a deep breath. She looked at the time and realized Jack probably wouldn't be home for a few more hours. She could do this, she just had to keep breathing and staying calm.
After an hour, her pains became more regular and more painful. She decided moving to the bedroom would be a good idea. So she got up, grabbed some towels and a sheet to cover the bed with and changed her nightgown which was all wet. Then she propped her pillows and Jack's against the headboard and climbed into bed.
Another hour passed and still no Jack. She was getting scared. She needed Jack and Abigail. Abigail could help her deliver this baby, she knew she could. Yet another hour of contractions came and went. Then she heard the door open. "Elizabeth?" Jack called from the living room.
"Jack! I'm in here, hurry!" He ran into the bedroom and saw Elizabeth.
"What's wrong?"
"I'm in labor. Please go get Abigail. I need her!"
"Ok. I'll get her. Do you want me to send Debbie in to stay with you?"
"Yes, please." She started having another contraction and started breathing heavy, but slowly, trying to stay calm. Jack was frozen, staring at her. "Jack! Please get Abigail." She snapped him out of his daze.
"Sorry. I'm going."
A minute later, Debbie walked in. "Elizabeth, how are you doing?"
"Debbie. I'm ok, but scared."
She pulled a chair over from the side of the room and sat down, grabbing Elizabeth's hand. "Now, you'll be just fine. You're doing great."
"I hope so." She looked over at her sweet friend. "Debbie, did ever have any children?"
"Yes, dear, I did."
"Tell me about them." She needed a distraction.
"I had three babies, all of them gone now. While I had them with me, they were the joy of my life," she said sadly, but with a smile. Elizabeth squeezed her hand.
"I'm so sorry, Debbie. I shouldn't have brought them up."
"You didn't know, dear. It's been many years, but I still think of each of them, everyday."
"Of course you do." Another contraction came, this one quite strong and painful, making it hard for Elizabeth to catch her breath. After a few moments, she relaxed again. She closed her eyes, resting but still holding Debbie's hand. "Thank you so much for being here."
"Of course. Having a baby is a magical thing, Elizabeth. When you think about what is happening, it seems impossible. I'm happy to experience this with you."
Elizabeth smiled. "How's Fred feeling these days?"
"He's doing just fine. Cranky as ever, but just fine." Elizabeth giggled.
A half hour later, Jack and Abigail walked in the room. "Abigail!"
"Elizabeth, congratulations. How are you feeling?"
"At the moment, I'm fine." She looked over to see Jack staring at her, looking unsure and a bit scared.
"Jack?" He kept staring. "Abigail, Debbie, could you give me a moment with Jack, please?"
They walked out. "Honey? Come here." She reached out her hand to her husband. He took it and moved closer. He definitely looked scared. She scooted over on the bed. "Lay here for a moment." He laid down and she kissed him. "Are you ok?" He put his hand on her stomach, waiting for a kick. "The baby is fine and I'm fine."
He nodded, leaning his head against hers. She noticed a tear, inching it's way down his face. "I love you so much, Elizabeth."
"I love you too." She felt another contraction coming, so she grabbed his hand and breathed, willing herself not to scream, like she wanted to. It hurt so much. He watched his amazing wife, going through the pain, trying not to be scared out of his mind, scared of losing her, losing both of them.
He had to remember that soon, they would be parents and their lives would change forever. He wondered if he was going to be a good father. He was certain she would be the best mother any child could ask for.
When the contraction was over, she closed her eyes and leaned her head on his chest, trying to rest. "Do you want me to go?"
"I would love it if you stayed, but I understand if you need to go."
"I think I'm going to go make some food for everyone. My mom and Tom and Julie are out there, but when it's time, have Abigail come get me."
"Ok." He leaned down and kissed her.
"I'll send Abigail and Debbie back in." She nodded.
Jack left the room and made food. He tried to visit with everyone, but his mind was on what was happening in the bedroom. Every few minutes, he heard Elizabeth moaning or let out a yell and it killed him. A few hours later, Abigail rushed out to get him. "Its time, Jack. Hurry!"
He ran in behind Abigail and looked at his wife. She smiled at him and held out her hand. He moved over to her and sat next to her, holding her hand. Debbie was on the other side, holding her other hand.
"Ok, Elizabeth, it's time to push!" Elizabeth pushed with everything she had, squeezing both hands as hard as she could, concentrating on getting her baby out. It hurt so incredibly bad, but somehow also felt good, knowing that she was making progress. She stopped pushing when the contraction was over and waited for the next one. "You're doing great, Sweetheart. You can do this," Jack whispered as he kissed her forehead.
The next contraction came and she pushed again, harder this time, unable to stop herself from yelling. "Push, Elizabeth!" Abigail encouraged.
She pushed a few more times and finally the head was out, and then the shoulders. Then with the next push, their son was born. Abigail caught the little boy when he made his way into the world and cut the cord. He cried almost immediately, and so did everyone in the room when they heard him.
Elizabeth and Jack felt so much relief. He sounded healthy and their wait to meet their child was over. Abigail brought the little boy over to his parents, snug and warm in Peter's blanket. Elizabeth held her arms out and happily took her son. Any pain she had felt, disappeared at that moment. She was immediately in love and nothing could take away this feeling. He had dark curly hair and his father's nose and lips. He was perfect. "Jack, do you want to hold him?" He nodded.
As Jack held his son, he forgot about his fears. He just enjoyed the moment. Little Ben Thomas Thornton was looking at his Daddy with his dark eyes. "Hi, Ben. I'm you're Daddy." Elizabeth smiled and leaned on her husband's shoulder watching and listening. "I'm so glad you're here. We've waited a long time to meet you."
Elizabeth looked over at Debbie and smiled. Debbie smiled and had tears running down her face. "Congratulations, dear. He's beautiful."
"Thank you." She reached over and hugged her friend. "Jack made food if you're hungry."
She nodded and left the room.
Abigail finished tending to Elizabeth and left the room too. Ben had fallen asleep on Jack's lap. He looked so peaceful and calm, and Elizabeth was exhausted so she fell asleep on Jack's shoulder. An hour later Elizabeth woke up to Ben's whimper. Jack handed the baby over and she began feeding him. He immediately latched on and ate until he fell asleep again. Jack was officially the happiest man in the world. He had a loving, beautiful wife and a wonderful son. He didn't need anything else.