Hello! :-) Here is my latest chapter. I have hit a lull in this story, as you can probably tell when you read this chapter. LOL! It's short, but I had most of it written a while ago, so I decided to post it. I 'm ready to move on to the next phase of this story, if I can figure out what that is and be able to write it. :-) Thank you, as always, for your kind reviews, views, faves and follows. I appreciate them very much! :-)

Chapter 14

Elizabeth sat on the bed and watched as Lucas tended to their daughter. She marveled at how good he was with her. Elizabeth knew he would be, but she wanted to be a participant, too. Lucas and Jack now had a routine, and Elizabeth wanted to be included. She was staying up longer and eating more, but she didn't feel confident enough to try to hold Amelia. Carson would be by later to check on her; Lucas encouraged her to tell him how she felt.

"Let's go see Mama," Lucas said to Amelia and Jack.

"Good morning," Elizabeth said, when Jack sat on one side of her and Lucas sat on the other and positioned Amelia so mother and daughter could see each other.

"Feel better, Mama?" Jack asked.

Elizabeth nodded. "I do, Jack," she said, brushing his hair away from his forehead and giving him a kiss. "Are you going to Auntie Rosemary's today like your father and I talked about?"

"Do I hafta?" he asked, his eyes pleading that he wanted to stay home.

"Yes, you do," Elizabeth said. "For a while. Dr. Carson is coming to see me. Your father and I need to talk to him. Wouldn't you rather be playing with David and Laura?"

"Yes."

"Good. Daddy will take you after you eat breakfast."

"Actually," Lucas said, "Laura is coming here to pick up Jack on her way to take care of David."

Elizabeth nodded. She knew he still worried about leaving her and Amelia alone, even if it was to step next door for a minute. She couldn't fault him, and she didn't. She appreciated his concern.

"You'd better get dressed then, young man," Elizabeth said, "and eat your breakfast."

"'Kay," Jack said, not wanting to leave but knowing he needed to.

Lucas returned Amelia to her bassinet where she settled in nicely. Elizabeth longed to be able to take her from Lucas while he looked after their son, but she knew she couldn't. Not yet.

"Do you want to sit at the table with us?" Lucas asked. "Or wait until later to eat?"

"I'll stay here while you two eat."

"Can I bring you anything?"

"I'm fine."

Lucas knew his loving wife was anything but fine, but there wasn't much else he could do. He hoped Carson would have some answers or suggestions for them because Lucas had nothing else he could offer except his support and understanding.

While Lucas helped Jack get dressed and then sat with him at the kitchen table to eat breakfast, Elizabeth stood and slowly made her way to the bassinet. She knew she couldn't lift Amelia, but while holding on to the nearby table, she could at least look at her daughter and watch her and get to know her better. She wanted to witness her every movement and hear her cries and her coos so she would know what to listen for and what each sound meant. She also wanted to learn what her daughter's mannerisms were as she lay in the bassinet. Elizabeth saw how easily she took to Lucas when he positioned her in his arms; she wanted their daughter to feel that same comfort when she was finally able to be in her mother's arms.

Amelia was awake when Elizabeth approached. As if knowing her mother was watching her, she moved her hands and made soft noises and tried to stretch. Looking at her with nothing but love in her eyes, Elizabeth reached for her daughter's hand and held her tiny fingers within her larger ones. Her skin felt so smooth. The fact she had her father's eyes melted Elizabeth's heart. It seemed fitting she would, and Elizabeth couldn't be happier to see so much of Lucas in their daughter. She was perfect.

Unaware she was being watched by her husband and their son, Elizabeth whispered to Amelia and gently touched her round cheeks and made certain she was comfortable and warm. She straightened and continued to hold on to the table while she gathered her bearings.

Lucas was at the ready if his wife needed help, but he liked the idea Elizabeth was trying to do more. He only hoped she didn't overdo it. Jack watched, too, and then looked at Lucas, who nodded everything was okay, when Elizabeth slowly made her way back to the bed and sat down.

She didn't like the fact she was exhausted, but she knew the exertion had been well worth it to be able to spend even that small amount of time with Amelia.

"You did well," Lucas said, as he and Jack approached her.

"You saw me?" she asked, somewhat sheepishly.

"Part of it," he admitted. "You held on to the table and managed to make it back to the bed by yourself. I would say that's progress."

"I want to spend more time with Amelia," Elizabeth confessed. "Get to know her. Get her used to me. But standing and bending the little I did have taken their toll. I wish I felt stronger."

"You will, sweetheart. You have to give yourself time."

Elizabeth nodded. "I know. Did you eat breakfast, Jack?"

He nodded.

"Good for you. Are you ready for when Laura arrives?"

"Yes."

Lucas helped him with his jacket and then the young boy sat next to his mother.

"You have fun with David, okay?" Elizabeth said.

"I will. When I come home?"

"Later today. You should spend some time with Laura and David. They miss you. Auntie Julie will be there, too."

Jack nodded and asked if he could lean against his mother.

"Of course," Elizabeth said, placing her arm around him and drawing him close.

"Feel better, Mama," he whispered.

She kissed the top of his head. "I'm trying, son. Mama's trying."

After Elizabeth had eaten breakfast and had sat up for most of the morning, she returned to the bed while Lucas took care of Amelia.

"I think Carson should be here soon," Lucas told her, as he sat on the edge of her bed.

"It's fine," Elizabeth said. "It's not like I'm going anywhere."

Lucas offered her an encouraging smile as he reached for her hand.

"You're going to be all right, sweetheart. Just take it easy."

"I know. I do have a question I've been wanting to ask you."

"Go ahead."

She gave him a knowing look. "What else might you be teaching our son? I love the way he introduced himself to his sister. I didn't get a chance to thank you for working with him on that. Are there any other surprises waiting for me, Mr. Bouchard?"

Lucas lowered his eyes as he offered her an impish grin.

"There may be a French word or two coming your way, Mrs. Bouchard."

Elizabeth smiled. "That is wonderful, Lucas. Thank you. I can't wait to hear Jack speak French. You have to teach Amelia to speak French, too, when she is old enough. I love this, sweetheart. Thank you."

"You're welcome. But we are still working on those words. Jack wants to say something very special to you, so it may take some time, but I have no doubt he will master the French language before too long. He is very smart and pays attention so well. He's a fast learner. That's a credit to you, my darling wife."

"It's a credit to both of us. You work with him all the time, Lucas. I truly appreciate it."

"I'm sure he inherited his intelligence from his father, too."

Elizabeth nodded. "He did. Jack was wise in so many ways. More time has passed, Lucas, and we are further away from telling him about his father. He'll be starting school later this year and now with this setback…"

"Elizabeth," Lucas said, gently massaging her hand with warm fingers, "we have time. Please don't fret about this. Not today and not tomorrow. All you have to do is concentrate on getting well."

"I have something else I want to tell you."

"What is it?"

"I don't think I've mentioned how happy I am Amelia looks so much like you. Every time I look at her dark-fringed brown eyes….they're absolutely beautiful, Lucas."

"I see you in her, too," he told her as they shared a smile.

"Maybe a little," Elizabeth agreed, "but her eyes are going to captivate everyone around her just like I'm sure yours did when you were growing up. Hmmm….I'll have to ask your mother about that when she visits."

Lucas laughed. "My mother will tell you my eyes got me into trouble more than once. I hope Amelia does not pick up that trait from me."

"Really, Mr. Bouchard," she said and grinned. "Do tell. I thought your eyes would keep you out of trouble or at least be the reason you wouldn't get into as much trouble as you could have, depending on the circumstance."

"We can talk about that some other time," he deflected. "Speaking of my mother, my parents are very happy for us, but they were sorry to hear about you and send their best wishes for a full and quick recovery."

"I'm glad you finally talked to them, and I'm glad Julie talked to our parents. It's nice Rosemary and Lee are letting her stay with them. I know she has to leave soon, but now she's reluctant to go."

"You know, Julie. She will decide when the time is right to leave, and you know she has everyone's support, including Alexander's. Everything will work out, Elizabeth. It will."

"You know me. I hate being a burden and having to depend on so many people. I am thankful I asked for extended time off from teaching, so at least the substitute was prepared for a longer stay, and the children won't have to get used to someone new. Again."

"That was very wise of you, Mrs. Bouchard."

"But what about you? How are things at the Queen of Hearts?"

"Everything is fine. I'm in touch with my uncle thanks to the telephone. I am very grateful I took his advice, yet again, to show a couple of the more ambitious employees how many of the processes work so they can help out more while being amply compensated, of course. Rick's brother was also looking for some extra work, so he is keeping track of the books for me, with my uncle overseeing that, of course. Things are going well at the saloon. My priorities are our children and helping you get stronger and back on your feet."

"Everyone has been so kind. I can't believe the food we've been given and how everyone wants to help with Jack. It's all been so sweet and appreciated but overwhelming, too. I am so thankful you are here with me, Lucas. I honestly don't know what I would do without you."

"Of course," he said, bringing her hand to his lips for a kiss. "There is no other place I would be."

"We can have Elizabeth hold Amelia while she's sitting up in bed. We can use a pillow if she needs extra support. What do you think, Elizabeth? Would you like to try?"

Carson had arrived a short time later and after making sure Elizabeth was recovering as well as could be expected, he offered the option after Elizabeth admitted she longed to hold her baby but didn't feel confident she could do it adequately.

"Yes," Elizabeth said, looking at Lucas while conveying her hope. "I want to try that. That sounds wonderful."

Lucas smiled and then went to check on Amelia. He found her awake and alert.

"Amelia looks ready to me," he announced.

"Bring her to me. Please," Elizabeth said.

Lucas held their daughter in his arms and carried her to the side of the bed. With Carson's help, they were able to transfer her into Elizabeth's waiting arms. She winced slightly at the added weight and when Amelia fidgeted and began to fuss, Elizabeth tried to position her correctly. Lucas covered her with a blanket, and Amelia's cries soon dissipated. She looked at Elizabeth and then nestled against her mother and made quiet cooing sounds and then yawned. Elizabeth couldn't keep the tears from spilling down her cheeks.

"She's so good," Elizabeth marveled. "Just like Jack was."

"She loves her mama," Lucas said, smiling as he wiped Elizabeth's tears from her cheeks with the pad of his thumb. "The same way Jack does."

"How do you feel, Elizabeth?" Carson asked.

"I'm okay. I know I couldn't do this standing up, but sitting here is fine. I feel a bit of a strain, but it's manageable. I'm ecstatic to have Amelia in my arms. Thank you."

"I would say you can hold her for as long as you feel all right. If you begin to feel fatigued…"

"I will let Lucas know. Thank you, Carson. You don't know what a gift this is."

He smiled warmly. "Oh, Elizabeth, believe me. I know."

She nodded and then returned her attention to her daughter. She touched her and ran her fine brown hair through her fingers and held her as close as she could without startling her.

"I love you, my sweet precious daughter," she whispered. "So much. Mama is going to take excellent care of you. Yes, she is."

"I will check on you again in a couple of days," Carson said, ready to take his leave. "Francine may stop by later today or tomorrow. She wants to say hi and make sure everything is okay. I will let her know you held your daughter. She will be so pleased."

"Thank you, Carson," Elizabeth said.

"Your smile is all the thanks I need. I'm glad this worked."

Lucas walked with him to the door and thanked him, too.

"You'll be able to see if she gets tired," Carson said. "I want her to hold Amelia for as long as she wants, but if it gets to be too much…"

"We'll know," Lucas said.

"I don't want Elizabeth to have a setback. She seems to be progressing as well as can be expected."

"I don't want that either. My eyes are always on her, believe me."

"I do. I know you'll take good care of her."

"How are you doing?" Lucas asked when he returned to Elizabeth.

His heart swelled seeing his wife holding their daughter and looking positively radiant.

"It looks like this is just what you needed. You look wonderful."

"Please call Julie. I want Jack to come home. I want them to see me holding our daughter before I get too tired. I think this will help both of them, too."

"Mama!" Jack said, as soon as he saw Elizabeth holding Amelia.

He raced to the edge of the bed and waved at his sister.

"Hi Amelia. Mama, you hold her!"

"I know, Jack. Isn't it wonderful?"

He nodded and smiled at his parents.

"Look, Auntie Julie."

"I see. This is fantastic, Elizabeth. I know you're in bed, but still. You must have some strength to be able to hold her."

"I do. This is the best medicine I could have received, and I wanted both of you to see it. Mama's going to be all right, Jack. Do you believe me?"

He nodded. "Mama better," he said, looking at his father who also nodded.

"Julie, I know you need to be in Hamilton soon. If you need to leave, I understand. I'll be okay. Lucas is with me, and you've seen how the residents have responded. Please don't postpone what you need to do because of me. I'm going to be fine."

"Okay. I'll make my plans to leave day after tomorrow. You look so happy, Elizabeth. I hope your healing continues."

"I believe it will. This was the start I needed. I'm going to take my time and not do anything foolish, not that my husband would let me anyway," she said with a laugh, while Lucas wholeheartedly agreed with that sentiment, "but I am ready to be the mother I was meant to be to both of my children."

Once Amelia was settled for the next few hours and Jack was asleep for the night, Lucas sat with Elizabeth.

"Thank you for today," she said. "I can't begin to describe what it felt like to finally hold my daughter. She is such a blessing, Lucas. I have no idea how I gave birth to her, but on some level, I must have known I did because she permeated my thoughts and my dreams or whatever they were when I was trying to come back from wherever I went for those five days. I knew she was waiting for me, and I knew you and Jack were waiting for me, too. I can't wait until I am fully recovered because I meant what I said. I am ready to be the mother I am meant to be and want to be to my children. I also want to return to being the wife you deserve, Lucas. You are always there for me, my darling husband. I love you so much. You do so much for me and have taken such excellent care of me. I want to be your partner again. We have a beautiful family, Lucas. I want us to share in the joy, and I want our life together to resume. I knew, even when I couldn't communicate, I wasn't going to leave this earth, but I also have a remembrance of knowing, somehow, I need to show you how much you mean to me."

"Elizabeth, you always…."

"It's true, Lucas," she said, knowing what he was about to say and wanting to stop him because she needed him to hear her confession. "I know, in my heart and in my mind, how very much I love you and how very much you mean to me, but I don't always show it the way I should. I held back for so long after losing Jack and even when I finally did open up to let you inside, I still kept a part of my heart in reserve, you know, just in case. But now that I've gone through this experience, I don't want to keep any part of myself hidden from you. There is no 'just in case.' There's just you and me and our family, and I plan to enjoy and embrace every moment, good or bad, with you. Because you are the man I love with all my heart and with everything I am, Lucas Bouchard, and I am so very thankful I got another chance to express my love and my devotion to you."

As they gazed at each other, Lucas merely nodded. He knew Elizabeth had spoken from her heart, and he treasured what she had just shared. He knew his wife well enough to know her sentiments had come with great thought and care, and he also knew any words he might speak would ruin the moment, so instead he offered up a silent prayer of thanks that his loving wife had not been taken from him and their children. They both knew life was going to be a series of hard-fought battles, but he had every faith each challenge would only make them stronger and more united and determined to be the family he, too, knew they were meant to be.