Author's note: Another Christmas, another wonderful WCTH Christmas special! Wasn't it amazing? :) Call me optimistic, but I was definitely getting the impression that Nathan and Elizabeth will end up together, while Lucas and Elizabeth will be good friends. Please tell me I'm not the only one who got that impression…Of course, for that to happen Nathan needs to learn to TALK TO ELIZABETH ABOUT WHAT HE'S FEELING...ahem...

And on that note, back to our regularly scheduled programming :D Merry Christmas!

Allie, Opal, Jack, and Bella squealed excitedly in unison as water splashed over the side of the ferry, spraying them with its mist. Bella and Jack started giggling without stop, and the older girls helped them back to their parents.

Elizabeth and Rosemary were each holding one of the twins, talking on a bench near the middle of the ferry. Nathan and Lee were keeping an eye on the four oldest, who were enjoying their explorations. The late June sun was shining brightly. Elizabeth covered Joy's head with a blanket, trying to limit her sun exposure. The five-month-old was bouncy and not happy with the blanket. She squealed her displeasure, sounding so much like Rosemary in distress that Elizabeth couldn't help laughing. Rosemary was busy trying to keep little Patrick entertained and took no notice.

"Mom, look!" Allie said, running up and pointing at something. Elizabeth's gaze followed her arm and she saw New York's Statue of Liberty standing tall and proud in the morning sun. She caught her breath. "Oh! It's magnificent!" she exclaimed.

"It looks so much bigger than in pictures," Allie said. In their research of New York for their trip, Allie and Opal had insisted on seeing the Statue of Liberty. Elizabeth had agreed readily, but even she hadn't been prepared for how stunning it was. Allie clearly wasn't either. She was staring at the statue, taking it in gape-mouthed.

After a moment, Joy squawked again, and Allie's attention turned to the baby. Her eyes lit up. "Can I hold Joy, please?" she asked, directing her question to Rosemary.

"Of course," Rosemary said. Allie sat between the two women, and Elizabeth handed the baby to her. Allie cooed at Joy, and Joy flapped her arms. She and Allie had developed a bond, and the baby loved being held by her.

Elizabeth stood, stretching her arms over her head. The ferry ride was causing her stomach to roil a bit, and she took some deep breaths to try to calm it. Rosemary looked at her, slightly concerned. "Is your stomach still troubling you?" she asked.

"A little," Elizabeth said. "I've never really struggled with seasickness before." She smiled wryly. "Not that I've been on the sea that much, but I don't remember having this problem before."

"Hopefully it will pass soon," Rosemary said. "We have been on this ferry for a while. I'm starting to feel a little woozy myself." She looked across the bay. "But isn't this view lovely?"

"It is," Elizabeth agreed, sitting back down. Allie handed Joy back to her and dashed off to join her brother and sister. She put a hand to her stomach, trying to focus on the view to keep her mind off the seasickness.

Rosemary glanced at the men, then turned to Elizabeth and lowered her voice. "Do you think this could be more than seasickness?" she asked. "Could you be pregnant?"

Elizabeth smiled. "I've thought about that," she said. "And I should probably see Carson when we get back to Hope Valley to see what he thinks because I have been a lot more tired lately. But I don't remember feeling this way when I was pregnant with Jack. I had morning sickness and nausea, and I haven't experienced anything like that since marrying Nathan."

"You've only been tired?" Rosemary asked.

"Yes," Elizabeth said. "And my cycle has been irregular, but that could be from all the changes that have happened lately. Maybe I'm just getting old," she joked.

Rosemary slapped her arm. "Old, my foot!" she said. Her voice lowered compassionately. "I'm sorry you've been so tired lately. Maybe it's the end of the school year. I know it's been out for a couple of weeks, but you do so much for those children and I know it can take a toll. And you've only been married for a couple months and have a whole family already! I'd say there a plenty of reasons for you to be tired. Although," she continued, "I would love to be a godmother, so you do have to have another baby."

Elizabeth laughed. "If we do have one, you're first in line to be godmother," she said with a smile.

"Wonderful!" Rosemary exclaimed as the men walked over. Nathan was holding Jack, whose little head was resting on his shoulder, blue eyes drooping sleepily. Without lifting his head, he smiled at Elizabeth. "Hi, Mama," he said as his eyes closed. Within seconds he was asleep.

Nathan lightly rubbed Jack's back. "All the excitement wore him out," he said.

"The ferry will be headed back to the dock shortly," Lee said. "Maybe we should rest a bit before going to the show."

Rosemary put a hand over her heart. "Broadway!" she exclaimed. "I can't wait!"

"We had no idea, darling," Lee said with a smirk. Rosemary wrinkled her nose at him as she gently moved Patrick to her other arm.

"Tease all you want," Rosemary told him. "You are going to love it!"

"I'm sure I will," Lee said.

"This trip has been so much fun," Elizabeth said with a smile. "It's too bad it's almost over."

"We can come back again," Nathan said. "The girls have loved being here, and I think it's good for them to see new places." He looked out at the water. "I had a good time, too."

"We all did," Elizabeth said. "It'll be nice to go back home, though, and have a whole month before needing to get ready for a new school year."

"How many students will you have?" Rosemary asked.

Elizabeth shrugged. "I'm not sure. If no new families come to Hope Valley, there will be about twenty students." She felt a little wistful. "It will be the last year for a couple of them."

"You've done so much for those children, Elizabeth," Rosemary said, taking her hand. "Whatever they end up doing, you've prepared them well for life. You can be confident you set them up for success."

Elizabeth smiled, feeling a little teary-eyed. "Thank you, Rosemary," she said. "That means a lot."

"She's right," Lee said. "And we can't wait for Bella to have you for a teacher." He smiled at the twins. "And Patrick and Joy down the road."

"It'll be a joy to teach them," Elizabeth said. She grinned. "How fun will it be for all of our children to be in school together? Bella and even little Jack will have Allie and Opal as classmates for a year or two."

"As long as they're not too busy squabbling," Rosemary said with a chuckle. "Bella is turning into quite an independent child, and she doesn't like being told what to do."

"Sounds about right for the oldest child," Nathan said laughing. "But I'm sure they'll be fine. Bella will probably become a leader in the classroom, able to guide the younger children as they learn."

Rosemary sighed happily. "Our dreams have come true," she said with a bit of flair in her voice. "We have children that will grow up together, we have one another, and we have our wonderful community. What more could someone ask for in life?"

"What indeed?" Elizabeth said, looking at the people surrounding her, feeling love and joy swelling her in heart. She silently thanked God for the gift of each of them.

The summer passed by slowly and was full of wonder. As August approached, Abigail found Elizabeth at the schoolhouse, getting some things in order for the upcoming year. She smiled when she saw Elizabeth bent over some books, looking focused. School didn't start for three weeks, but her friend was nothing if not prepared when it came to school.

Elizabeth hadn't heard her come in, and Abigail took a moment to study her friend. Elizabeth had been very active with her family over the summer, and they had even gone to New York City for a vacation, and though she didn't complain Abigail could see that Elizabeth was feeling weary. That was not normal. Even as Elizabeth sorted books, Abigail could see how tired she was. Elizabeth let out a small sigh, standing up straight and putting a hand to her head.

"Elizabeth, are you alright?" Abigail asked, concern lacing her voice.

Elizabeth started and looked her way. "Oh, Abigail! I didn't hear you come in," she said. She smiled. "I'm fine. Just a little tired."

"You've been 'just a little tired' for some time now," Abigail said. "Have you seen Carson about this?"

"You sound like Nathan," Elizabeth said. "No, I haven't, but I'm fine, Abigail. For as much activity as I've been doing lately, this is normal."

"I don't think so," Abigail said. She marched up to Elizabeth and took her arm. "Come with me, my friend," she said. "We're going to go pay Carson a little visit."

"Oh, now really, Abigail!" Elizabeth protested as Abigail propelled her out the door. "Is this really necessary? You of all people know how tired I can get when I'm doing a lot."

"There's tired and then there's perpetually tired," Abigail said firmly, walking Elizabeth down the school steps. "Nathan and Rosemary and I have all noticed and it seems you still haven't talked to Carson, though I don't see why not. Nathan told me you meant to when you got back from New York and then decided not to." She eyed Elizabeth. "Have you been experiencing any symptoms other than fatigue?"

"No," Elizabeth said, giving Abigail a look. "It's only been the tiredness. My goodness, weren't you tired often when you adopted Becky and Cody?"

"Yes," Abigail admitted. "But that isn't going to stop me from making you see the doctor now."

"Even though you didn't then?"

"Apples and oranges," Abigail said with a wave of her free hand. "You're a lot younger than I was, so it's strange for someone your age." They approached the infirmary and Abigail led Elizabeth through the door. Carson was sitting at his desk, doing some paperwork. He looked up as they entered.

"Hello, ladies," he said. "What can I do for you today?"

"Elizabeth has been tired since May," Abigail said, getting right to the point. "I think it would be good if you checked up on her."

Carson smiled at Elizabeth, who was frowning at Abigail. "I'm fine, Carson," she said.

"I'll be the judge of that," he said, motioning to the exam table. "It can't hurt to check."

Elizabeth reluctantly sat, and Carson started his exam, asking her question after question. Elizabeth dutifully answered all of them. Abigail could see that she expected to be released with a declaration of full health.

After a few minutes, Carson leaned back with a smile. "Well, Elizabeth, I'd say you're just fine."

"Wonderful," Elizabeth said, planting her hands on the table and giving Abigail a triumphant look. "See, Abigail? I told you." She looked at Carson. "Will the fatigue pass soon?"

Carson folded his arms over his chest. "Well, I don't know about soon. It could, or it could last a while longer."

"How much longer?" Elizabeth asked, looking at him.

Carson looked like he was suppressing a smile. "I'd say about a maximum of six more months, though I doubt it'll last the whole pregnancy."

"Six months!" Elizabeth exclaimed. "But I…" She stopped suddenly, staring at Carson, whose smile broke through completely. Abigail felt a grin spread across her face too as she watched Elizabeth process his words.

"Pregnancy?" she whispered. Her hands went to her stomach and wonder filled her eyes. "Nathan and I are having a baby?"

"That you are," Carson said, beaming. "Congratulations, Elizabeth."

"Oh, Elizabeth!" Abigail said. "This is wonderful news!"

A smile slowly crossed Elizabeth's face, and she let out a joyful laugh. "Fatigue, indeed!" she said, chuckling. "No wonder." Her eyes lit up. "Nathan and the kids will be so excited! Allie and Opal have been asking for a baby since we first got married."

"How are you going to tell them?" Abigail asked.

Elizabeth thought for a moment. "I know!" she said. "Tomorrow is Nathan's birthday, and we're celebrating with a family dinner. I'll figure out a way to make one of his gifts a baby announcement." She grinned mischievously. "He'll never see it coming."

Abigail laughed. "That sounds perfect, Elizabeth." She clasped Elizabeth's hands. "I'm so happy for you both. And I'm glad that you'll have your husband by your side this time during your pregnancy."

"Me too," Elizabeth said, her eyes misting slightly. "Nathan is such a wonderful father already, and I just know he's going to be thrilled."