A/N This is a Lucas/Elizabeth story. I know there are a lot of you who only read J&E fan fiction or who are Team Nathan. If you fall into either of those categories and don't want to read a Lucas/Elizabeth story, that's just fine. That being said, please don't leave a comment or review that you aren't going to read this story, and please don't comment about the direction that the writers have taken the show in. I'm aware that not everybody likes this pairing, and I don't mind if you skip over this one.

If you are Team Lucas, enjoy!

May

Elizabeth blinked slowly, the morning sun casting rays of light across her face. Lucas smiled, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.

"Good morning, ma chérie."

"Good morning." She snuggled closer to him. "How long have you been watching me sleep?"

"Not long." He kissed her hair. "Why don't I get started on breakfast? You take your time getting ready."

"Thank you." She tilted her head up, kissing him softly. "I'll be down soon."

She watched him get out of the bed, dress quickly, and leave their room. She lay there for a few moments, enjoying the quiet peace of the morning before life's responsibilities took over.

During their courtship—and even before then—Lucas had been one for grand romantic gestures, and while she appreciated those, she had to admit that she loved the little things he did for her even more. Making breakfast so she had more time in the morning for herself, reading to Jack in the evenings so she could grade papers without any distractions, his words of encouragement when she was feeling low.

It had taken a long time for her to find her way to him, but he had been so patient, and she was so very grateful.

Finally, she rose, taking a little extra time to brush and style her hair. As she did up the buttons on her skirt, she noticed that it was feeling a bit tight. She turned to the side, glancing in the mirror to see if there was any evidence there of the little life she knew was growing inside of her.

She'd had her suspicions for a while, but when she found herself feeling nauseated at the smell of coffee a few days before, she knew for sure.

She smoothed her hands over her stomach, resolving to finally tell Lucas.

She found him at the stove, chatting quietly with Jack as he cooked.

"Mama!" Jack squealed from his seat on the counter.

"Good morning, my sweet boy." She dropped a soft kiss on his cheek. "Are you helping dad with breakfast?"

Jack nodded. "I help!"

"He's an excellent sous chef."

Elizabeth chuckled, giving Lucas a kiss on the cheek, too. "Thank you for getting him ready this morning, and for making breakfast."

"It's my pleasure."

She leaned against the counter, smiling as she watched Lucas interact with Jack. He admittedly had little experience with young children prior to their courtship, but he had easily settled into his role as a father, taking each new challenge in his stride. After a moment, she met his eyes, blushing when she realized he'd caught her watching them.

"What?"

"I'm just trying to figure something out. Over the past few weeks, it's like you've been glowing."

"Oh?" She raised her eyebrows.

"What's changed?" He touched her cheek, fingers grazing over the soft skin.

"Well, some people say that women have a sort of glow when they're expecting…"

"And you…you're…expecting?"

"Mhmm," she nodded, a wide smile crossing her face. "We're having a baby, Lucas."

"A baby?" He looked at her in wonder as she brought his hand to her stomach.

"What are you thinking?"

"This is amazing, Elizabeth." He pulled the pan off the stove, then took her in his arms, spinning her around. "We're having a baby."

She laughed, kissing him deeply once he set her feet safely back on the ground. "So I take it you're happy about this?"

"I'm thrilled, Elizabeth," he grinned, trying to catch his breath.

"What, mama?"

She lifted him from the counter. "You're going to be a big brother, Jack. We're going to have a baby in about six and a half months."

"Why?"

Lucas laughed. "Because we have so much fun with you, we decided to add another baby to the family."

"I not a baby."

"That's right. I forgot." Lucas ruffled his hair. "You're such a big boy, Jack."

Elizabeth shifted him on her hip, snuggling him close. "I can't believe my favorite little guy is going to be a big brother."

Jack put his arms around her neck. "Love you, mama."

"I love you, sweet boy."

June

Elizabeth slowly strolled down Main Street, enjoying the warmth of the summer sun on her face. Lucas had offered to watch Jack for the day, and she was taking advantage of every minute she had to herself.

She had already stopped by the mercantile for a few groceries and was headed toward the newspaper office to say hello to Rosemary when a car thundered down the street. Something kept her rooted in place as she watched the car—which she now recognized as Henry's—slow and then stop just outside of the café.

She gasped when she saw Henry step around and help a woman down from the car. "Abigail?" she breathed. She dropped her basket and took off running. "Abigail!"

"Elizabeth?"

Elizabeth threw her arms around her. "I've missed you so much."

"I've missed you, too." Abigail squeezed her, already feeling back at home.

Elizabeth stepped back, giving her a chance to breathe. "Why didn't you tell me you were coming?"

"I wanted it to be a surprise. Besides, it looks like I'm not the only one who's been keeping secrets." She raised her eyebrows, glancing toward Elizabeth's stomach.

She chuckled, bringing her hands to the little bump that had emerged. "I suppose you have a point."

Abigail picked up her suitcase. "Are you busy now? Why don't you come to the café, and we can catch up?"

"Are you sure?" She glanced over at Henry, who had stepped aside so as not to interfere with their reunion.

"Go, catch up." He gave Abigail's arm a gentle squeeze. "I'll see you later."

"Thank you for bringing me home."

"Anytime." He gave her a shy smile.

"It's good to see you, Henry."

He gave a slight nod, tipping his hat to her. "Elizabeth."

"Well, let's go." Abigail motioned for Elizabeth to follow her.

She grinned as she stepped into the café behind Abigail. They had kept in touch over the years, but it felt like it had been ages since they had seen each other.

"It's so wonderful to have you home, but I'm sorry to hear about your mother."

She smiled sadly. "Thank you. I miss her, but I'm grateful that she's no longer suffering, and I'm grateful that I was able to be with her at the end."

"I'm sure that was a great comfort to her." She absentmindedly rubbed her stomach. "And where's Cody?"

"He's visiting with Becky. He's going to come back in a few weeks. Would you like some tea?" She nodded toward the stove.

"I can make it." Elizabeth crossed the room. "You just relax. You've had a long trip."

"So, tell me what you've been up to. You and Lucas got married last winter?"

Elizabeth nodded, filling the tea kettle with water and placing it on the stove. "In November. I'm actually due just a few weeks after our anniversary."

Abigail shook her head. "It's strange to think how much has changed since I was last here. I barely had a chance to get to know Lucas before I left. Now you're married and expecting a baby."

"You should join us for dinner tonight. You can see how big Jack has gotten."

"I'd love that." Abigail smiled, watching her quietly for a few moments. "You look happy."

"I am happy. I've been so blessed to get a second chance at love." She touched the rings on her left hand. "Speaking of second chances," she gave her a knowing smile, "how are you and Henry doing?"

Abigail blushed. "I have no idea what you're talking about."

"Oh, please. We all know the trip he took last fall was to see you, and now he brings you back to Hope Valley."

"We're enjoying getting to know each other better."

Elizabeth poured the tea into two cups, handing one to Abigail. "Just let me know when the wedding is."

July

Rosemary smiled when she saw Elizabeth and Lucas approaching with Jack. "Addie Jean, look who's here! It's your Auntie Elizabeth and Uncle Lucas." She lifted the little girl from the ground.

"Happy birthday, Addie." Elizabeth touched her little hand, and she giggled. "You're getting so big."

"It looks like baby Bouchard is getting bigger, too."

She smiled, smoothing her hands over her belly. "We're halfway to meeting this little one."

Lucas kissed her cheek, his hand briefly resting on her stomach. "I'm going to take Jack to get some lemonade. Would you like anything?"

"I'm fine, thank you." She watched the two of them cross the yard, Jack giggling when he saw a butterfly flutter through the air in front of him.

"How are you feeling?" Rosemary's voice drew her out of her thoughts.

"I'm feeling really well, actually. I'm trying to enjoy where I'm at right now, because I know it's only a matter of time before this baby gets so big that I'm uncomfortable. But anyway, enough about me. Today should be all about Addie Coulter."

"She certainly is worth celebrating." Rosemary snuggled her daughter close.

Elizabeth's heart warmed. After years of being unable to expand their family, Rosemary and Lee had been blessed when they had been invited to Brookfield just after Christmas to meet a tiny baby girl who had no one. They had fallen in love with Adeline the moment they first saw her, and anyone who saw Rosemary and Lee with their daughter couldn't deny that they were meant to be a family.

"I can't believe she's already a year old."

"Oh, I'm still in denial," Rosemary admitted. "Lee and I keep trying to tell her she's not allowed to grow up, but obviously that hasn't worked."

Elizabeth chuckled. "Unfortunately there's no way to stop them from getting older. If there was, I can assure you that there'd be no way that Jack would be three and a half years old already."

Rosemary shook her head. "It feels like it was just yesterday that he was born."

"I know." She sighed. "Just you wait. It won't be long before Addie is running around and talking up a storm, and you'll be saying that it feels like just yesterday that you and Lee brought her home."

"Dada!" Adeline squealed when Lee approached them.

"Hi, baby girl." Lee took her from Rosemary. "Why don't you tell mama that you're ready for your presents?"

Rosemary rolled her eyes playfully. "We have guests to mingle with first, Lee."

"Do you want to keep talking, Addie?"

"No!"

He laughed. "How about we go get a snack? Mama and Aunt Elizabeth can keep talking."

"Bye, mama!" Adeline waved as Lee carried her away.

Rosemary chuckled. "Those two are trouble together."

"I know I've said this to you before, but I'm so happy for you, Rosemary. You and Lee were clearly meant to be parents. And it's obvious that Addie is thriving in your family."

"Thank you, Elizabeth. It's more challenging and more rewarding than I ever could have imagined." She smiled as she watched Addie laughing in her father's arms. "And she's taught me so much about love."

Elizabeth found her gaze drawn to Lucas, who was now carrying Jack on his shoulders. "I know just what you mean."

August

Elizabeth sank down into the rocking chair, looking around at the room. She and Lucas had just finished setting up the nursery earlier that week, and she kept finding herself drawn to the room.

Everything was soft and welcoming. They had placed Jack's old crib across from the window, a little stuffed bear sitting inside waiting to greet the baby; a shelf sat against another wall, filled with books. The dresser was already stuffed to the brim with some of Jack's old things and tiny outfits that had been gifted to them by friends.

Elizabeth put her hands on her stomach and smiled, feeling the baby shift inside of her. "Well, little one, we have your room ready now. We just need you to get a little bigger so we can meet you."

"I thought I'd find you in here." Lucas appeared in the doorway.

"I just can't seem to stay away." She gave him a smile. "I can't wait to see our baby in this room."

He approached her, putting his hands on her shoulders. "I can't either."

She put her hand on top of his. "Thank you for helping set up the nursery."

"Of course." He helped her out of the chair, and she leaned into him, wrapping her arms around his waist.

"When I was pregnant with little Jack, I put off setting up the nursery. I just couldn't bring myself to do it. I had always thought that I would be getting it ready with Jack. Abigail and Rosemary brought some of the other women to make sure it was done before he was born." She sighed, resting her head on his chest. "I'm so thankful that I have you with me this time."

He kissed her temple. "I love you."

"I love you, too." She slowly moved her hands up and down his back. "It's been such a blessing to share this experience with you."

"It's been a blessing for me, too. There's no one else I'd rather go on this parenting adventure with—there's no one else I'd rather go through life with."

September

Elizabeth set the cow bell on the desk, turning toward her students. "Welcome back, everybody. I hope you all had a wonderful summer break, and I'm so happy to see you all back in the classroom."

Opal's hand shot up.

"Yes, Opal?"

"Mrs. Bouchard, who's going to teach us after your baby is born?"

Elizabeth laughed softly, bringing a hand to her stomach. "Why don't we worry about that when it gets to that time? We still have a couple of months left. Now," she grabbed a piece of chalk and started to write on the board, "we're going to begin with a poetry lesson. Please open your books to page twenty, and we'll take turns reading Mending Wall aloud."

By the end of the day, Elizabeth was exhausted but so happy to be back in the classroom. Even though she had reassured her students that they had a while before she would be leaving to care for her new baby, she knew that time would creep up on her. She was determined to enjoy the next few months before that happened.

Lucas knocked on the door frame just after the last of the children had skipped down the steps. "Afternoon, Miss."

She raised her eyebrows. "That's Mrs. Bouchard to you."

"My apologies, Mrs. Bouchard." He chuckled, settling his hands on her hips. "I thought Hope Valley's hardest working teacher might like a ride home."

"I would love that." She kissed him softly. "I forgot how tiring it is being on my feet all day at six months pregnant."

He smoothed a hand over her stomach. "Well, let's get you home. I'll bring us some dinner from the saloon, so you can just rest this evening."

"Thank you, Lucas." She touched his cheek. "I don't know what I'd do without you."

…

Elizabeth reclined on the sofa, Jack playing on the floor at her feet. Lucas was in the kitchen, washing the dishes.

He had removed his tie, and his sleeves were pushed up to his elbows. Elizabeth smiled as she watched him. He was always so clean-cut in public, and she loved that she got to see him so relaxed. A lock of hair slipped down onto his forehead, and her fingers itched to push it back.

"Mama?" Jack's voice broke her from her thoughts.

"What is it, sweet boy?"

He climbed up onto the sofa with her, cuddling up beside her. "Love you."

"I love you, too." She kissed the top of his head.

She sang quietly to him as he began to doze in her arms. By the time Lucas joined them in the living room, Jack was nearly asleep.

"Thank you for bringing home dinner, and for doing the dishes."

"It's my pleasure." He reached down and touched Jack's cheek. "Would you like me to put him to bed?"

"If you don't mind. It's getting harder for me to carry him."

"I'll be right back." He carefully lifted Jack into his arms, rubbing his back when he started to fuss. "Shh. It's time to sleep, Jack."

A smile played on Elizabeth's lips. "You have such a wonderful dad, little one." She cradled her stomach. "We're so lucky."

October

"How are you feeling?" Abigail handed two cups of tea to Elizabeth and Rosemary before taking a seat herself.

"Uncomfortable, mostly." Elizabeth shifted in her chair. "The little one has grown so much in the past few weeks. I know I still have a month and a half left, but I'm just ready to have him or her out of me."

"I'm sure."

"Mama." Adeline toddled over, climbing up into Rosemary's lap.

"Addie is ready for your baby to be born, too. Right, sweetie?"

She giggled, tucking her face into Rosemary's shoulder.

"Addie and your little one are going to be the best of friends."

Elizabeth chuckled. "I hope so." She sipped her tea. "Abigail, how are the wedding plans going?"

"About that…" she set her cup down. "We already got married."

Elizabeth and Rosemary both gasped. "What?"

"When?"

"A few days ago." Abigail shrugged. "Henry didn't want to make a big deal of it, and honestly, I didn't either. We just went to Bill's office and made it official. We had Cody with us."

"Well, congratulations." Elizabeth squeezed her hand. "I'm so happy for you two."

"You must let us throw a party!"

"Oh, Rosemary, I'm not sure that Henry—"

"We can keep it small. Just dinner and dancing, a cake. I can talk to Clara about having a new dress made for you. Elizabeth, do you think Lucas would let us use the saloon?"

"I'm sure he would, but shouldn't we make sure Abigail and Henry are on board with this?" She looked over at her friend.

"Thank you," Abigail mouthed. "Rosemary, I'm flattered that you want to help us celebrate with all of our friends, but you really don't need to go through all of that trouble."

"It's no trouble at all, Abigail."

Abigail sighed, knowing Rosemary wasn't going to let it go. "Okay, I suppose we could be amenable to a dinner. But nothing too elaborate, please."

"Of course. We'll keep it small. I'll talk to Gustave about the menu."

"Oh." Elizabeth quickly brought her hand to her stomach when the baby turned.

"Auntie?" Adeline reached toward her, looking concerned.

"I'm fine, Addie." She smiled. "The baby just moved, and it caught me off guard. Here, do you want to feel?"

She nodded, climbing down from Rosemary's lap. She put her tiny hands on Elizabeth's stomach, squealing when the baby kicked.

"Did you feel that?"

"Yes," she lisped. "Baby?"

"That's right. That's the baby." Elizabeth ruffled her hair. "It won't be long before the baby's out here with us."

November

Lucas looked up from Elizabeth's latest manuscript.

"Well?" She looked at him nervously, gently rubbing her stomach. "What do you think?"

"What about Ella?"

"Ella? There's no Ella in the story."

"No, not for the story, for the baby's name." He set down the pages. "We could call her Ella."

Elizabeth stopped rubbing her stomach. "Ella."

"You like it?"

"I love it. I think that's the name."

"If it's a girl."

"Well, of course." She reached over and took his hand, squeezing it gently. "Now we just need to choose a boy's name."

Lucas was quiet for a few moments. "William?"

"Maybe. Edward?"

"Peter? Matthew?"

"I do like Matthew." She looked at him thoughtfully. "Matthew Bouchard."

"Does this mean our baby has a name?"

"I think so." She put his hand on her stomach. "Matthew or Ella."

"Matthew or Ella," he repeated, the corners of his lips turning up. "I know you have a feeling that it's a girl, but do you have a preference?"

She shook her head. "No, not really. I'm just so happy to be having a baby with you. What about you? Do you have a preference?"

"If I'm being honest, I'm hoping for a girl." He shifted his hand on her stomach. "But I'll be thrilled either way."

"I can't believe we're so close to meeting this little one. Just a few more weeks."

"I think this is going to be the best Christmas season of my entire life." He leaned in to kiss her.

"Even better than the Christmases you spent in Europe with your parents?"

"So much better than those. I get to spend this Christmas with my lovely wife and our two wonderful children."

"I love you, Lucas. Happy anniversary."

"Happy anniversary, ma chérie."

December

"So, Jack," Lucas took the young boy's hand as they stood on the front stoop, "are you ready to meet your new sister?"

"No."

Lucas chuckled. "Well, your mom is waiting to introduce her to you. So why don't we head up there?"

Together, they entered the house and ascended the staircase, pausing in front of the bedroom.

"Okay, we need to be quiet," Lucas put a finger to his lips, "because we don't know if the baby is sleeping." He softly knocked before pushing the door open.

"Hello to my two favorite men," Elizabeth breathed, giving them a tired smile. "She just fell asleep." She nodded toward the little bundle in her arms.

"Then we'll be as quiet as mice. Right, Jack?"

"Baby sleeping?" he whispered.

"That's right." Elizabeth patted the bed beside her. "Why don't you come up here and meet her?"

Lucas gave him a gentle nudge, and he crawled up onto the bed.

"Jack, this is your little sister, Ella Grace. Why don't you say hello?"

"Hi, Ella." He touched the baby's cheek, giggling and quickly pulling his hand back when she turned her head.

"What do you think, Jack? Do you think you'll like having a little sister?"

He nodded, a smile stretching across his chubby face. "I hold baby?"

"You want to hold her? Okay. Sit back and hold out your arms." She carefully lowered the baby into Jack's arms, keeping her hand under the baby's head.

Lucas met her eyes, grinning. "So precious."

"You're such a good big brother, Jack. Ella is so lucky to have you, sweet boy."

...

"Lucas?" Elizabeth sat up slowly, glancing around the dark room.

Lucas's side of the bed was empty, as was Ella's crib.

She pulled on her robe, padding quietly across the hall to the nursery when she noticed the dim light from a lantern filtering through the door. "Lucas?" She found him sitting in the rocking chair, eyes closed as he cradled their tiny daughter against his shoulder. "Lucas, what are you doing in here?"

He opened his eyes. "She was fussing, and I didn't want to disturb you."

"Thank you, Lucas." She reached her hand toward him. "Come back to bed now."

"Okay." He stood slowly, quietly following her back to their room. He lowered Ella into her crib, smiling as he looked down at her. "I love Jack, and he's just as much my child as Ella is, but there's just something so magical about looking into Ella's face and seeing myself there."

"I know what you mean." Elizabeth wrapped her arms around his waist. "I love that I can look at my children and see the two men I've had the privilege to share my life with."

"I never saw myself as a father until I met you, Elizabeth." He turned toward her, leaning in to kiss her. "Thank you for giving me that chance."

"Thank you for being such a great father. We're so blessed to have you in our lives, Lucas." She kissed him. "I love you so much."

"I love you, too." He tightened his arms around her. "And I love our little family."