Author's note: This is the final regular chapter of Hopeful Hearts. I will be posting a "five years later" epilogue later this week that will give you an idea of where everything goes from here, and that will be the official end of this story. I'll be taking a little break from writing fanfic after that, but I will be back in the not-to-distant future with a story about Nathan and Elizabeth's kids, and possibly a modern day N/E story. Thank you so much for all the support and encouragement as I've written my first story! It's been a fun ride :) I hope you enjoy this chapter and the next one, and I hope you'll tune in when I write the other stories. God bless!
Christmas day dawned bright and beautiful. Elizabeth and Nathan were woken by all three children crawling into their bed at the crack of dawn, snuggling in together between their parents. Jack sat directly on Nathan's chest, taking his face in his little hands. "Wake up, Daddy!" he said in a not-so-quiet voice. "It's Christmas!"
Nathan smiled a little sleepily at his son. "Is it?" he said. "Are you sure?"
"Yes!" Jack said insistently. "Time to get up!"
"Alright," Nathan said with a yawn. "Let's get up." He blinked toward Jack, then reached up and tickled the little boy's stomach. Jack dissolved into delighted giggles, wrapping his arms around Nathan's neck. "Come on, Daddy, let's go!" he said, letting go of Nathan's neck and scrambling off the bed. He grabbed Nathan's hand and pulled. "Come on, come on!"
Elizabeth chuckled, sleep still evident in her voice. "I think he understands that Christmas means presents," she said, wrapping an arm around Allie and Opal for hugs before hoisting herself into a sitting position.
"Good morning, baby," Allie said to Elizabeth's stomach, giving it a gentle pat. She looked at Elizabeth, then Nathan, who had lifted Jack into his arms and settled him over his shoulders. Jack's hands were holding onto Nathan's forehead, and Nathan held his legs in both hands, keeping his son secure. "Have you decided on a name for the baby yet?" Allie asked.
Elizabeth shook her head. "We're going over several options," she said. "But we haven't decided on one yet."
"What are the options?" asked Opal, tilting her head to one side.
"Well, if the baby is a girl, we're thinking Emma or Cassandra or Grace," Elizabeth answered.
"And if it's a boy, we're thinking either Joseph or William," Nathan said.
"I like Cassandra," Allie said. "We could call her Cassie for short."
"Me too," Opal agreed.
Nathan laughed. "Girls, we don't know yet if this baby will be a boy or a girl. We'll come up with a final name when the baby is born."
"I still like Cassandra for a girl," Allie said. "And if it's a boy, I like Joseph."
Elizabeth smiled. "Those are the frontrunners," she said. "Your dad and I both really like those names."
"Good," Opal said with a grin. "And we can't wait until little Cassie or Joseph shows up. How much longer do we have to wait?"
"Less than two months," Elizabeth said, smiling at her daughters' excitement. "The baby should come around late February."
"That's so long!" Opal said with a sigh. "Oh, well. I guess we can't rush her getting here."
"Or him!" Jack piped up. "Baby could be a brother."
Nathan laughed. "Time will tell." He bounced up and down a little so that Jack bounced along on his shoulders. "Come on, Jack. Let's go make pancakes for breakfast. And then after breakfast, we'll open presents!"
"Yippee!" Jack cried as Nathan carried him out the door and down the stairs. The girls trailed behind them, skipping along and talking with each other about the coming baby. Nathan got out the pancake ingredients with help from the kids, and they all worked together to get them prepared.
As Nathan stirred the batter, he watched his children's antics with a smile. They were so excited, so full of life, and so full of love for one another. Elizabeth came down the stairs, gave Nathan a kiss, and jumped into the breakfast preparations. She handed Nathan a cup of coffee as he started pouring the batter into a pan.
"Thanks, sweetheart," he said, taking a sip. The hot coffee immediately helped him feel more awake. As everyone worked together to get breakfast ready, Nathan reflected on how this Christmas already felt different from the previous one. Last year had been wonderful. Opal's adoption had been final, he and Elizabeth had gotten engaged, they had celebrated little Jack's second birthday. But this time, it was their first Christmas together as a family. It felt special. He was more grateful than he thought possible for this family they had made, and he was looking forward to growing together as the years went by.
One day in late January, Elizabeth made the walk to her home after school. Allie and Opal were skipping along in front of her, but try as she might she couldn't keep up with them. She was feeling sluggish and tired and lacked the energy lately to do many things she normally could without problem. She could hear the girls chattering on about the first birthday party Rosemary had thrown for the twins. Elizabeth smiled to herself in spite of her weariness. It had been a special party. Little Patrick and Joy were toddling all over the place, socializing in a way that would make their mother proud. Everyone had a lot of fun as they celebrated the miracle birth of the twins.
As the house came into view, a sudden pain radiated through Elizabeth's back, and she gasped. She stopped in her tracks, leaning over to breathe for a few moments until the pain subsided. As the pain lessened in her back, a new one grew in her stomach. Gritting her teeth, Elizabeth tried to breathe through the pain as panic started to build in her mind. Was something wrong with her baby? She had never felt this kind of pain before.
Allie turned to ask Elizabeth something, and Elizabeth saw her daughter's face change from happy to worried in seconds. "Mom? What's wrong?" Allie asked, starting back towards Elizabeth.
Elizabeth couldn't answer. Her head felt clouded and her eyelids heavy. The last thing she saw before collapsing was Allie and Opal rushing towards her, fear in their faces.
Rosemary stepped out her front door just in time to see her best friend fall to the ground. With a shriek, she cried, "Elizabeth!" and ran to her as fast as she could. She was dimly aware of Laura coming out of Elizabeth's house with Jack in tow. Rosemary reached Elizabeth's side and dropped onto the ground next to her. Opal was sobbing and Allie looked paralyzed with fear. Rosemary pressed her fingers to Elizabeth's neck, relief flooding her body when she felt the pulse. But Elizabeth wasn't responsive.
Quickly, Rosemary called Laura over. "We need to get her to my car," Rosemary said. "Help me carry her there."
Together they got Elizabeth into the car, and Rosemary said, "Laura, can you watch the children until we get back? Patrick, Joy, and Bella are in the house."
"Of course, Mrs. Coulter," Laura said. Her face was ashen, but she scooped up Jack into her arms and headed into Rosemary's house. Allie and Opal climbed into the car with their mother.
"Let's go," Rosemary said, starting up the car. She drove as fast as she could into town, straight to the infirmary. She parked the car and hurried out, pushing the door to the infirmary open with a bang. Carson jumped and looked up at her. "Rosemary! What in the world is the matter?"
"Elizabeth collapsed," Rosemary said, feeling out of breath. Fear was heavy in her heart, and she hardly knew what to say. "I don't know what's wrong with her, Carson. She's outside in the car."
Carson was already headed out the door, with Faith and Rosemary right behind him. Carson checked Elizabeth's heart, then her stomach. His face was grim. Rosemary watched him, hoping for some sign that Elizabeth would be okay.
Nathan walked by with Lucas, absorbed in conversation. Rosemary was about to call to him when she heard Opal's voice cry out, "Daddy!" Nathan and Lucas both stopped and turned toward the car. Nathan's brow furrowed in confusion when he saw his girls there, and he jogged to them. "What's wrong?" he asked.
"Mama's hurt," Opal sobbed, burying her face in Nathan's chest. Rosemary saw Nathan's eyes widen as they fell on Elizabeth in the back seat, Carson moving his stethoscope over her stomach.
"What happened?" he gasped out, looking at Rosemary.
Rosemary shook her head. "I don't know. She collapsed on her way home from school. We brought her straight here."
Carson looked at Nathan, the grim look he wore deepening. "We need to get her to a hospital. Now," he said. "Rosemary, can we borrow your car?"
"Yes, of course," Rosemary said, stepping back and taking Opal from Nathan. Carson got into the driver's seat, and Nathan got into the back with Elizabeth, worry written all over his face as he cradled her in his arms.
"We'll watch the girls and Jack until you get back," Rosemary assured Nathan. He nodded his thanks, but his eyes were focused on his wife. Rosemary held Opal tight as the car sped out of sight. Lucas had an arm around Allie, trying to comfort her.
Abigail came out of her cafe, looking at the scene in front of the infirmary. "What's wrong?" she asked. "Did something happen to Elizabeth?"
"Yes," Rosemary said, feeling the tears coming but trying to choke them back for the sake of the girls. "Something's wrong. We need to pray."
"Of course," Abigail said. "I'll go find Pastor Owen and ask if we can have a vigil for Elizabeth. You can tell us more about what's going on there."
Rosemary nodded. Silently, she began to pray. Please, please, Lord. Let Elizabeth and the baby be alright.
Nathan held tightly to Elizabeth's hand as the doctor in Union City examined her. Elizabeth was now conscious, but Nathan worried that at any moment she might slip back into a faint.
The doctor wore a grim expression similar to the one Carson was wearing as they conversed together. Finally, the doctor turned to Nathan and Elizabeth. "I'm Dr. Grady," he said. "You are fortunate you got here when you did, young lady," he told Elizabeth. "The baby is coming, and I'm afraid it could be a difficult birth. The best thing for you is that you're in a hospital that can handle that. We have all the modern equipment."
Elizabeth blinked slowly. "But...the baby isn't due…" She trailed off.
Nathan nodded. "The baby isn't supposed to come for another month," he said. "How can it be coming now?"
Dr. Grady shook his head. "Sometimes babies are born prematurely," he said. "Elizabeth is in labor. That's why she's having back pain and contractions. I'm guessing the weariness and fatigue are from her doing too much in these last couple of months."
Elizabeth protested. "Nothing more than usual," she said.
Dr. Grady smiled slightly. "Nevertheless, this child is coming." He paused and frowned. "But I'm afraid the baby is breech."
"Breech?" Nathan said, not understanding.
"Turned the wrong way," the doctor explained. "Normally, babies are positioned to come out head first. This baby is not. We're going to have to try to reposition it before birth. It's not going to be easy," he said. "Especially since it's coming too early."
Nathan's grip tightened on Elizabeth's hand. "What does that mean?" he asked, unable to hide the fear in his voice. "What will that mean for Elizabeth and the baby?"
Dr. Grady's lips tightened. Carson put a hand on Nathan's shoulder. "It means it will be a hard labor and birth," he said gently. "But Dr. Grady has dealt with these kinds of births before, and they have been successful."
Elizabeth gasped and clutched her stomach. Dr. Grady put a hand on her stomach, feeling how the contraction played out. "We need to get her into a birthing room," he said. His eyes settled on Nathan compassionately. "I need you to stay out here."
"What? No!" Nathan protested. "I want to be with her!"
"I'm afraid that won't be possible," Dr. Grady said. "But we'll take good care of her."
Elizabeth grasped Nathan's hand. "Pray," she gasped out, locking eyes with him. "Especially for our baby."
Tears filled Nathan's eyes and coursed down his cheeks. "Of course I will, sweetheart," he said. "For both of you." He leaned down and kissed her, holding on for a few moments longer than normal. With one last squeeze of her hand, he watched as Dr. Grady rolled her toward a birthing room. Carson stayed back with Nathan, putting a hand on his shoulder again.
"It's going to be alright, Nathan," he said. Nathan looked at him, grateful for the support but noting the dwindling hope in Carson's eyes.
"You aren't sure of that," he stated blankly.
Carson looked like he would deny it, but then his shoulders drooped. "I didn't want to say anything in front of Elizabeth," he said slowly. "But Dr. Grady is right. This is a very dangerous situation for both Elizabeth and the baby." He paused, looking like he was weighing whether or not to continue.
"Please, Carson," Nathan said. "I want to know the truth. What are you thinking?"
Carson sighed. "A breech and premature birth, Nathan…" He trailed off, tears springing to his eyes. "A lot of times in these cases, either the mother or the baby - or both - don't make it."
Nathan fell heavily into a chair, the tears falling freely. The pain hit him hard, and he hid his face in his hands, sobbing, begging God to spare his wife and child.
Back in Hope Valley, Allie stared out the window of the church with unseeing eyes. Everyone in the town had gathered in the church to pray for Elizabeth and her baby, and it was well into the night now. Allie held onto her candle, praying harder than she had ever prayed in her life.
Dr. Shepherd had called to let Mrs. Coulter know the severity of the situation. Allie knew they hadn't meant for her to hear, but she had heard Mrs. Coulter telling Mrs. Stanton just how bad things were. Her mom could die. Her baby sibling could die. Allie felt like she had cried as many tears as were possible, but now they welled up again, spilling over her cheeks.
"Please, God!" she begged quietly. "Please let my mama and the baby come home safe and healthy. Please don't let them die."
Memories flooded her of her own mother's death. The pain had been more than she could bear, and she had thought she would never be happy again. Then God had given her Uncle Nathan, the man she now called Dad. And He had given them her new mother, and a sister in Opal and a brother in Jack. Life had been happier than she had thought possible. But in an instant, it could all be lost. If Mom died, if the baby died, Allie didn't know how they would cope with that loss.
She felt a movement, and looked over to see Cody sitting next to her. He slid an arm around her shoulder, comforting her as best he knew how. He didn't say anything. He didn't have to. He knew what she was going through, and he just wanted to be there for her. She smiled at him through her tears and went back to her silent, pleading prayers.
Nathan spent the night in silent vigil with Carson, both men praying desperately for mother and baby. As morning dawned, Dr. Grady came through the doors, holding a bundle in his arms. Nathan stood slowly, unsure if his legs would hold him up. Carson stood as well, and Dr. Grady stopped in front of them. Nathan searched his face, looking for any sign, good or bad.
The doctor held out the bundle in his arms, and Nathan looked down to see a tiny pink baby wrapped tightly in a blanket. "Your daughter," the doctor said quietly, placing her in Nathan's arms. "She's underweight for now, but otherwise perfectly healthy."
Nathan felt a surge of relief and joy as he held his daughter for the first time. "She's beautiful," he whispered, holding her close. He looked up at Dr. Grady. "When can I see Elizabeth?"
The doctor's face fell slightly. "You can't yet," he said.
Carson looked at him. "Why not?" he asked, vocalizing the words that Nathan wanted to say but couldn't.
Dr. Grady drew in a deep breath. "It was a difficult labor for Elizabeth," he said. "She's lost a lot of blood, and she's still bleeding. We're trying to stop it."
"Is she conscious?" Carson asked haltingly.
There was a long pause before Dr. Grady answered. "No," he said finally. Nathan's heart dropped as fear again took hold. "But we're doing everything we can to save her," he said. "I need to get back. A nurse will be out shortly to take the baby again and get her settled in the nursery." He put a hand on Nathan's arm. "I know you're suffering," he said. "But rest assured I won't give up."
"Thank you," Nathan said faintly. Dr. Grady turned and went back, leaving Nathan and Carson alone. Nathan held his daughter close to his chest. "Carson, I can't lose Elizabeth," he whispered hoarsely. Looking down at the little girl, he said, "How is it possible to feel such joy and such dread at the same time?"
Carson clasped his shoulder. "You're feeling joy because you finally got to meet this precious little one, and she's safe and healthy. The dread is based on possibilities. We need to continue praying that Elizabeth will pull through this and be able to meet her beautiful new child."
"Yes," Nathan said. "We will keep praying."
"Elizabeth gave birth to a healthy baby girl," Rosemary told Lee, hanging up the phone. Carson had called to give them the news. They had just returned from the overnight prayer vigil and the phone had rung as they stepped through the door.
"That's great news!" Lee exclaimed, smiling. His smile faded when he saw that Rosie looked pale. "What is it, sweetheart?"
Rosemary's eyes filled with tears. "Elizabeth's life is still in danger. Carson said the doctors are having a hard time stopping her bleeding and she's unconscious. If she loses too much blood...oh, Lee!" She burst into tears.
Lee wrapped her tightly in his arms, feeling her pain but holding onto hope. "Hey, hey, Elizabeth is a strong woman," he said. "She's come through a lot of tough times before. I have to believe that she'll make it through this too." He could feel her relax a little in his arms, and her sobs lessened as he held her. Within a few moments, she took a deep breath and let it out, shuddering slightly.
"I'm sure you're right," she said, drawing in a deep breath again. "This waiting and the not knowing is the hardest part."
"It always is," Lee said. "Did Carson say how Nathan is holding up?"
"He's afraid," Rosemary said. "Carson said he's been holding their little girl close to his heart and won't let her go. A nurse tried to take her to the nursery, but Nathan insisted on keeping her with him for as long as possible. He's probably going to stay with her in the nursery himself." She sniffled. "He's happy about the baby, that she's alive and healthy, but he's so worried about Elizabeth. He's almost lost her before, and now he's replaying that fear all over again. And in addition to that, he's worried about Allie, Jack, and Opal. He knows how frightened they must be."
Lee nodded thoughtfully. "Maybe we should take them to the hospital in Union City," he said. "It might be good for them all to be together."
Rosemary brightened up a little. "Oh, can we?" she breathed. "That would help me to feel like we're doing something to help. I'm sure Abigail will be happy to watch our children while we're there."
"I'm sure you're right," Lee said. "Why don't we see if she's okay with that, and then we can leave within the hour."
Rosemary smiled at him, framing his cheek with one hand. "Have I ever told you how much I love you?" she asked.
"Maybe a time or two," Lee said with a shrug. Rosemary laughed and leaned forward to kiss him. "You're always thinking of others," she said when she pulled back. "You're a good man, Leland Coulter."
Dusk was falling when Nathan was finally allowed to sit by Elizabeth's side. He cradled their daughter in his arms as he sat next to her hospital bed. The doctors had been able to stop her bleeding and stabilize her, but she was still unconscious. Dr. Grady said there was nothing else to do but wait and pray.
"We have a beautiful daughter, Elizabeth," Nathan said in a choked voice. "She's right here with me. We both hope you wake up soon so that you can finally meet her." He nestled their little girl into the crook of his left arm, then took Elizabeth's hand with his right one. "Everyone in Hope Valley has been praying for you constantly," he told her. "We got the safe delivery for this child, and now we need you to wake up and come home with us."
He thought he saw her eyelids moving, but after a moment he wondered if he had imagined that. He ran his thumb along her hand. "It's alright, sweetheart," he said. "Take your time. Just come back to me." He bent his head over her hand, letting the tears fall once again while he prayed for his wife with all his heart.
After what felt like hours, he heard his daughter give a soft cry. He lifted his head and cuddled her closer. She snuggled a bit in her blankets and gave another soft whimper in her sleep. Nathan smiled, running a finger along her cheek. She was so little, so soft, and so vulnerable. His protective instincts were always strong, but never had they felt stronger than in this moment.
"Nathan?"
He blinked, almost wondering if his daughter had called his name, but he knew that was impossible. Hardly daring to breathe, he looked at his wife, seeing that her eyes were open and looking right at him. "Elizabeth?" he breathed, soaking in the color of her eyes, wondering if this were real or if he was dreaming.
"Hi," she said, a small smile playing at her lips. She groaned slightly. "Why do I feel so awful?" she asked, grimacing.
Joy surged through Nathan, and he gripped her hand tighter. "We thought we were going to lose you," he whispered, pressing her hands to his lips. "You had a hard labor and delivery, and were unconscious for a long time."
Elizabeth blinked. "I gave birth?" she asked. A look of panic lit her eyes. "Where's our baby?" she asked, trying to sit up but groaning in pain with the effort.
Nathan put a restraining hand on her shoulder. "Don't do that," he said. "You need to rest and get better." He smiled. "And here's our little girl." He placed the baby on Elizabeth's chest and watched as her eyes lighted on the child.
"Our little girl," she murmured, placing a hand on the baby. She laughed suddenly. "Our baby girl!" Tears filled her eyes. "Suddenly the pain seems more than worth it," she said quietly.
Nathan smiled. "God spared you both," he said. "And for that I will be eternally grateful."
"Knock, knock," Carson said, poking his head into the room. His eyes lit up when he saw Elizabeth. "Elizabeth, you're awake!" he exclaimed. "This is wonderful! I need to go tell the doctor." His eyes twinkled. "But first, I have a surprise for you both."
"Oh? What's that?" Nathan asked. Carson pushed the door open, and Nathan's heart lurched with happiness when he saw Allie, Opal, and Jack come into the room with the Coulters. Their eyes were wide with worry, but they gasped with joy when they saw Elizabeth's eyes open and looking at them.
"Mom!" Allie exclaimed, hurrying to the bedside with her siblings hot on her heels. "You're awake! You're going to be okay!"
Elizabeth ran a hand through Allie's hair. "Yes, my darling girl, I'm going to be okay. The worst is over."
"Mama," Jack said, climbing onto the bed. "We prayed all night." Elizabeth smiled at her son and ruffled his hair. He stared at his new baby sister in fascination.
"They certainly did," Rosemary said, smiling to see Elizabeth awake. "We all did. The whole town was praying for you and for this beautiful little angel." She smiled at the baby. "Isn't she just precious!"
Opal leaned over and kissed Elizabeth's forehead. "We have a sister?" she asked, her eyes going to the baby in Elizabeth's arms.
"Yes, you do," Nathan said. "She's early, but she's healthy."
"Thank God," Lee said. "We certainly had a scare, but it looks like it all turned out well."
"What's her name?" Rosemary asked, sitting in the chair next to Nathan.
Elizabeth smiled. "Cassandra Grace," she said. "And we'll call her Cassie for short."
"Hooray!" Allie cheered. "I was hoping that would be her name." She bent over the bed and kissed Cassie's head. "I just knew we would have a sister."
Nathan sat back, watching his family and friends interact. Elizabeth caught his eye, and they spent a moment just looking at each other, their love for each other flowing over. The promise of the future was bright, and Nathan was unspeakably thankful that everything had turned out well.
Within a week, Elizabeth was discharged from the hospital and on the road to recovery. By the time Cassie was a month old, Elizabeth felt fully back to herself again. Standing on the front porch on a warm day in early March holding her baby girl, she once again thanked God to be alive and well and with her family. Nathan came out of the house and stood beside her, wrapping an arm around her shoulder.
"What are you thinking?" he asked, placing his hand over hers on top of Cassie. The baby wiggled under their hands, her bright blue eyes looking up at them and blinking.
She smiled. "I'm thinking I'm blessed," she said. "To have you, our son and our three daughters, a beautiful home, friends nearby, and the promise of tomorrow." She leaned her head against his shoulder. "Life is good."
"It certainly is," Nathan agreed. They stood for a moment together in the quiet, enjoying the afternoon. After a couple of minutes, the silence was broken by the sound of their children running out of the house into the yard.
"Hi Mom, hi Dad!" Opal said as she raced past them chasing Allie. Jack came running after them as fast as he could, and they all ran around the yard playing a game of tag.
"Come play with us, Dad!" Jack called, waving his arms at Nathan. Nathan grinned and kissed Elizabeth's cheek. "Duty calls," he said with a wink. He hopped off the porch and started chasing the kids around the yard. Their delighted shrieks and laughter filled the air, bringing joy to Elizabeth's heart.
She pulled the blanket a little tighter around Cassie. "One day, you'll be joining them," she told her daughter. "You were born into a wonderful family, my sweet girl, and I think we're both incredibly blessed."
Cassie yawned, her little eyes drooping shut. Elizabeth rocked her and watched her husband and children playing together. Their lives were blessed indeed. There was no where else she would rather be.