Sorry it's been a little longer since I posted! Can you believe tomorrow is the season premiere? So excited! Here's a new chapter to tide you over until then. Hope you enjoy it! :)

Elizabeth awakened to the sound of birds chirping outside, sunlight peaking through the curtains. Groggily, she opened her eyes feeling completely disoriented. For a brief second, she was expecting to see her bedroom at the café, but as the room came into focus, the events of the previous day came flooding back.

She was home. The realization filled her with happiness. Carefully and with great effort, thanks to her growing midsection, she rolled over on her other side to assure herself that Jack was really there. She wasn't disappointed: There he was breathing evenly beside her, his features relaxed in slumber. She couldn't contain the smile that came to her lips. This was how it was supposed to be.

As she watched her husband sleeping so peacefully, Elizabeth had to resist the urge to reach out to him. She knew how exhausted he must be after traveling for so long and staying up so late last night. And one thing she'd discovered early on in their marriage was that Jack was an extremely light sleeper. It had taken a good month for him to adjust to the point where he didn't wake up every time she moved during the night. She, on the other hand, could usually sleep through just about anything—that is until he'd been away and she'd been pregnant.

But with Jack by her side, Elizabeth realized that she'd had no nightmares and had awakened only once during the night. Just another reason to add to her lengthy list of why she was grateful to have her husband back home. His letters last night being yet another. She still couldn't believe all she'd learned about Jack's time away, but even more so, how open he'd been with his feelings. It showed just how far their relationship had come over the years, and she'd never felt more loved by him in their entire courtship and marriage than she did after last night.

Sighing in contentment, Elizabeth glanced above Jack towards the window. The sun was rising; she would have to get up for school soon.

School. Something they hadn't discussed yet. Two days from now, summer holidays would begin. She would need an answer for everyone of whether or not she was teaching next year: The thought was all it took to make her blood pressure begin to rise. However, Elizabeth was momentarily distracted from this thought as Jack stirred, opening his eyes.

"Good morning," she whispered.

He smiled sleepily as his eyes focused on Elizabeth. "Good morning," he replied, affectionately reaching out his hand to her face. "This is certainly a pleasant change from what I've been waking up to for the last several months," he said, pulling her towards him.

Elizabeth smiled, nestling her head against his shoulder as he wrapped his arms around her. "Well, I'm glad. Otherwise, I think I might start to worry about what you were doing up there."

Jack chuckled, "Believe me, the only person I woke up to was Mr. Johnson one time, and that was a little frightening."

"I can only imagine," Elizabeth laughed. "All I know is that last night was the best night's sleep I've gotten since you've been gone."

"That makes two of us," Jack replied. "You had nightmares a lot while I was gone, didn't you?"

Elizabeth nodded against his shoulder, "I controlled my worries about you for the most part during the day, but in my sleep it was impossible. That combined with being sick and worrying about the baby...it only makes sense I would have some nightmares."

Jack squeezed her tightly, rubbing her shoulder. "I'm sorry; I wish I could have been here for you. Thankfully, though, I'm back, and you can take one worry off of your list. Maybe we both can get some sleep for the next couple of months since I have a feeling we won't be getting much once this girl arrives." He reached down to touch her stomach.

"Oh, so it's for sure a girl now," she said.

"I think a mother's instincts shouldn't be discounted. If you think it is, then I do, too."

"We both could be very wrong," Elizabeth laughed. "But you're right that we should take advantage of this time while we can." She snuggled closer to him, savoring the moment and wishing she could stay like this much longer.

However, the moment was abruptly ended by a sudden, sharp ringing that made them both jump.

"My alarm clock," Elizabeth groaned, trying to shift as quickly as she could to turn it off.

"Since when do you use an alarm clock?" Jack yelled over the noise.

"Since I lost you as one," Elizabeth said, as she finally managed to silence it. "We got this as a wedding present, remember? We just never needed it with you around."

"Then why did you set it last night since I'm back?"

"I don't know—part habit, part paranoia that you were more exhausted after your trip and wouldn't wake up."

"Well, get out of the habit again, okay? That is an obnoxious way to wake up," Jack complained as he rolled out of bed, reaching for his pants.

Elizabeth rolled her eyes. She'd forgotten how the strangest things got on his nerves sometimes. "Don't worry," she replied sarcastically, "Besides, there are only two school days left after this, so then I can be lazy and sleep all I want." She stood up, grabbing her robe, and walking to her wardrobe to find a dress.

Jack turned to look at her, now putting on his shirt, "Speaking of which, we didn't get to talk about that last night. Have you made a decision about what you're going to do about next year?"

Elizabeth sighed. Although she knew it needed to be discussed and had been waiting for this opportunity, suddenly she didn't want to talk about it at all. She realized now that she'd known what Jack would want; she just hadn't wanted to face it.

After all, what did all husbands desire in a mother to their children? Someone who would stay at home with them—who would cook and clean and keep house—which was understandable, and part of Elizabeth wanted to be that type of person, especially to please Jack.

But the predominant half wanted something else—she wanted to keep teaching—each day she realized that more and more. Was that selfish of her? She didn't think so, but she was afraid Jack would see it differently. She needed to prepare herself for this conversation.

"I don't want to talk about it right now," she said abruptly, more harshly than she had intended, as she resurfaced from her thoughts.

"Okay," Jack said, a quizzical expression on his face. He paused before adding, "It's just that from reading your letters last night, it sounded like you did. We need to talk about it soon, though."

"Jack," Elizabeth raised her voice, "I know. I'd just rather do it tonight when we have more time."

Jack nodded, "Of course. This is a big decision for you." He slipped his arms into his red serge jacket and crossed the room to stand behind his wife, who was now facing the mirror to get ready. He gently placed his hands on her shoulders, looking into her eyes through their reflection. "You don't need to stress over this on my account, Elizabeth. I'll support you whatever you decide."

Elizabeth sighed, turning around to face him. He knew her so well. But no matter what he said to reassure her, she knew what he must want her decision to be. "Thank you. We'll discuss it tonight," she said, avoiding his gaze. Wanting to change the subject, she went on, "Why don't we have some breakfast before we have to get going?"

Jack narrowed his eyes, sensing she wasn't fully communicating with him, but seemed to decide to let it go. "How about this?" he asked, "You finish getting ready, and I'll cook us some ham and eggs."

Elizabeth scrunched her nose in disgust. "You know what sounds really amazing?" she asked.

"What?"

"One of Abigail's biscuits with fresh butter and honey, a blueberry scone, some strawberries, and a glass of lemonade."

"Lemonade for breakfast?" Jack asked dubiously.

"Yes," Elizabeth said, as if her food list were the most normal thing in the world. "That's what I've been having at the café the last few mornings, and it's been heavenly." She smiled, "You'll have to get used to my cravings. I've been spoiled living in a restaurant where I could basically eat whatever I wanted when I wanted."

"That might not be the best thing for your waistline, though," Jack said. "I think it's probably good you no longer have that option." He smiled.

"Jack," Elizabeth swatted him, "I'll eat whatever I want, thank you very much. I'm eating for two now, remember?"

"By all means," Jack said, "But can you and the baby settle for ham and eggs this morning since it's all we have?"

"I suppose," Elizabeth sighed.

"I appreciate you both making the sacrifice," Jack laughed, his voice drenched with sarcasm, as he walked into the kitchen to begin cooking.

Soon they were seated eating breakfast, Elizabeth shoveling the food into her mouth, realizing she was now running late. In between bites, she asked Jack, "What time do you think you'll be home tonight?"

He sipped his coffee, "I don't know. I have a feeling I'm going to have a ton of paperwork and catching up to do after my absence. I haven't spoken with Lee about how things went yet either."

"Well, from what I heard, there were only a couple of minor crimes—petty theft and a saloon fight. A Mountie came through once to deal with the theft charge. The criminal was a man new to town, and he paid a hefty fine and then left. We really were blessed that nothing more serious happened," Elizabeth explained.

"At least nothing serious where someone was caught," Jack quipped. "I find it impossible to believe that no other crimes were committed while I was gone. I've certainly never had four months with that little action."

"Well, maybe Hope Valley is finally living up to the reputation it had when you first came here, and you were so disappointed not to be in Cape Fullerton with all the action."

"I just didn't realize that I would be dealing with a different and much more pleasant kind of action," Jack smiled. "The Mounties knew where I needed to be better than I did."

"They need to remember it's where you need to stay from now on, too," Elizabeth replied.

"I'll be sure to let them know," Jack teased, pulling back his chair and picking up their plates to take to the sink. "But right now, I think we both need to get going. You don't want to be late for your students, Mrs. Thornton."

"Especially after letting them leave so early yesterday," Elizabeth agreed, hurrying over to grab her things. As Jack opened the door for them to leave, Rip scampered behind, howling when he saw what they were doing.

"That dog's never going to let you out of his sight again," Elizabeth laughed.

Jack looked at the dog piteously. "Come on, boy," he called, to which Rip eagerly obeyed. He laughed, taking his wife's hand to head towards the schoolhouse.

As they walked, they passed some of the row houses and were greeted by several people welcoming the Mountie home. This was what made Hope Valley special to Elizabeth—this sense of community and love she'd never felt anywhere else.

Jack's thoughts seemed to be similar as he turned to her and said, "We're very lucky to live here, you know that?"

Elizabeth smiled, "I was just thinking the same thing. You've gotten a taste of just how lucky more recently, though."

"That's for sure," he said.

As they approached their destination, Elizabeth could see a couple of her students waiting outside. Jack stopped before they were in earshot, "Well, Mrs. Thornton, I guess this is it. I hope you have a wonderful day." He leaned forward and gently kissed her cheek. "I'll look forward to coming home to you tonight," he said in her ear.

"Try to make that earlier rather than later, alright?" Elizabeth requested, reciprocating his kiss on the cheek.

"I'll do my very best," he grinned, tipping his hat in goodbye; then he turned to leave, his sidekick glued to his heels.

Elizabeth smiled, watching them together, grateful to have things back to normal. However, as she made her way up the stairs and opened the door to her classroom, her anxiety returned. She had the day to mentally prepare herself for their talk about the future tonight. If it didn't go the way she wanted, she might only have one more day teaching here. The thought gave her renewed resolve—she couldn't let that happen.

Jack walked down Main Street, nodding every five seconds as yet another person, some of whom were almost strangers, called out to him in greeting. As he ascended the steps to the jail, one voice, however, was very familiar. "Jack Thornton!" he heard from behind him.

Turning around, Jack grinned. "Rosie." There she was, pushing a small carriage in front of her. The image seemed strange to Jack, not used to seeing her with a baby.

"I came into town hoping I would see you. I wanted to come last night when I heard you were back, but Lee wouldn't let me."

"When has Lee ever stopped you before?" Jack jestingly asked.

"True," Rosemary laughed, "but he had a good point. I'm sure you and Elizabeth wanted an evening to yourselves."

"We did, but it is great to see you, Rosie." He glanced down at the carriage, "And do I get to meet the famous new Coulter?"

Rosemary smiled, "Why else would I be so anxious to see you?"

Jack laughed as Rosemary gently picked up the bundle inside, climbing the stairs to join him.

"Meet Freddy," she said proudly, extending the baby to Jack to hold.

"Hi, Freddy," he cooed, taking the baby and looking at the small face staring up at him. "He certainly is a miniature Lee, Rosemary."

"He looks like me, too," Rosemary retorted defensively.

"Of course," Jack nodded, "He has your…skin tone."

"Jack Thornton, lots of people say he looks just like me."

"Sure they do," Jack said, his lips curling into a smile. "I just can't believe you two have a baby. Times certainly are changing around here."

"For all of us," Rosemary nodded. "What was it like seeing Elizabeth now that she's expecting?"

"Wonderful," Jack said simply, still looking down at the squirming infant in his arms. He couldn't help but imagine another little infant he would be holding soon. The thought seemed surreal.

Rosemary smiled, seeing how Jack responded to the baby. "Has she made a decision about teaching next year? Everyone has been asking. Although, I can't imagine she would want to continue. I certainly wouldn't want to leave Freddy at home with someone else. And I'm sure you want her to stay at home, too."

Jack shook his head, "The good thing is that you don't have to worry about this, Rosie. I'm not telling Elizabeth what to do. This is her decision, and we'll let everyone know once she's made up her mind."

"Of course," Rosemary said, "it's just that with school getting out tomorrow and you being home now, I thought she would have made a decision."

At that moment, Freddy started to cry, and Jack quickly handed him back to his mother. "I'm sure she will soon. Thanks for stopping by, Rosie, and introducing me to Freddy, but I have a lot of work to catch up on. We'll talk more soon." He turned to open the door.

"Oh, Jack, about that," Rosemary called. "Lee and I are having a small dinner party tomorrow night and wanted you and Elizabeth to come."

Jack hesitated, then nodded. "I'll talk to Elizabeth, but I'm sure that would be fine."

"Wonderful! Dinner's at six-thirty," Rosemary said excitedly, turning to leave. "See you then."

Jack chuckled, as he walked into the jail. Rosemary never changed. But she had a point about Elizabeth. She was going to have to make a decision soon, and it was obvious from her letters and the way she'd acted when he'd brought it up that she was torn.

As hard as he tried, Jack couldn't imagine Elizabeth quitting, though. It was as unfathomable as him giving up being a Mountie. She was a born teacher, and she'd be unhappy without that part of her life.

At the same time, however, he worried that if he told her his thoughts, she'd feel pressured to continue even if she didn't want to. Plus, there was the fact they had no one to watch the baby to also consider. He sighed, as he sat down at his desk and took in the stack of papers in front of him. They would talk about it tonight. Until then, he had plenty to keep his mind off of their dilemma.