(No One's POV)

Today was the day. The new schoolhouse & library were complete and everyone in town was gathering to cut the ribbon on the new establishments. The building stood where Hope Valley used to meet for church, just outside of town where the woods began. It was in such a quaint spot, but still safe for everyone to go to and from. Plus, with the times constantly changing, who's to say Hope Valley wouldn't expand out that way someday anyway?

The entrance to the building had both stairs and a ramp, so everyone could come inside. There were doors to both rooms on the outside, as well as a door connecting them on the inside. Elizabeth, Emily, and the other students had helped to organize all of the books, and Dottie offered spare fabric from her shop to use as window curtains. Anyone who stepped inside would be able to feel how much love was put into the building by everyone in town.

Jack, Elizabeth, Lee, and Rosemary all stood at the front with a red ribbon in front of them (tied to some wooden stakes in the ground). They were all grinning from ear to ear, while the community chatted amongst themselves, as they waited for the ceremony to start.

"Alrighty everyone, who's ready to open up the new schoolhouse & library?" Jack called as the townspeople cheered. He glanced over at Elizabeth, who was absolutely beaming. The past month had officially put her at the start of her second trimester, which meant the Thorntons were in the clear, for most complications happened within the first three months. As the house started coming together more and more, Elizabeth spent most of her free time planning the nursery with Abigail, Rosemary (who was also planning hers with everyone), and Clara.

"Before we begin, I have a little surprise," Lee squeezed Rosemary's hand. Rosemary had felt a lot of guilt for not being able to conceive as quickly as most women. She had even gotten checked by Carson, who assured her everything was fine, some people just needed more time than others. Lee was never upset with Rosie, for he knew it wasn't her fault and everything would work out the way God intended it too. They had even considered adoption, which they hadn't necessarily ruled out entirely yet either, maybe down the line. Regardless, Lee was ecstatic to be a father in a few months. He reflected on the relationship he had with his own parents and siblings, and hoped that his child would feel just as loved (if not more).

"From now on, the schoolhouse will be named the Thornton School and the library will be named the Coulter Library." The couples found the names fitting, and the town seemed to agree.

"I also have a little surprise," Elizabeth smiled.

"Children," Elizabeth gestured for her students to come to the front, as she held a basket of scissors. They each took a pair and lined up. "Ready? One...two...three!" Everyone counted down, as the kids cut the ribbon together into little pieces.

"Now, I want you to always remember how special you all are to me. This building will always be a reminder to how much I care about each and every one of you. Take a piece of this ribbon home with you, and whenever you need a reminder - whether it be strength, love, or courage - look to your ribbon and know that I'm always in your corner as well as your classmates and your Hope Valley community." The town clapped, while the kids traded their scissors for ribbons, and hugged Mrs. Thornton.

(Elizabeth's POV)

*A little steamy ahead*

After plenty of mingling and exploring from everyone, the crowd seemed to dwindle. Lee & Rosemary finally said their goodbyes to us and headed home, while Jack & I stayed back to lock up. I was so excited to start school on Monday in the new Thornton Schoolhouse and help kids check out books in their free time.

The latest thing the baby was doing was making me tired and achy. Carson said the achiness could also be a lingering effect of the cancer, but we wouldn't be certain until after the baby arrived. Either way, I was worn out and ready for bed.

Jack arranged for a stagecoach to take us home, so we wouldn't have to walk all that way, especially since it was getting dark out. It's a good thing he did, because I ended up falling asleep on his shoulder, even though the drive was pretty quick. Jack was sweet as could be. He gently woke me up, as I stirred a bit. Then as we headed upstairs, he drew me a bath to soak in for a bit to help with the pain.

When I got out, Jack had used some extra paper in his sketchbook to cut out hearts and put them around our room. "What's all this?" I asked, as I took a seat on the bed, still in a towel.

"Well, I know something else that could help with the pain...a little distraction," Jack began to kiss me up my arm, and slowly over my collar bone and up my neck.

"Jack," I uttered as I gasped a bit.

"I love it when you say my name like that. Now, come 'ere." He pulled me closer as we kissed and began exploring each other, as if it was our first time. I don't even know when my towel came off, but our body heat kept us warm as we focused on one another in the moment.

"You know it's a good thing you're already pregnant. Because that one would've been one for the books, I'm sure of it." Jack told me as we were laying with each other, not wanting to get up and put our pajamas on.

My fingers started tracing the muscles on his chest lightly while I chuckled to myself. "I sure hope our child gets your sense of humor."

"Well, I hope they get your eyes, and your smile."

"And I want them to have your courageousness and jawline…"

"My jawline? What an odd one, but I'll take it." Jack ran his fingers through my hair and I started getting sleepy once more. Our time together had definitely woken me back up.

"I can't believe it won't be just the two of us soon. We'll have our own little one to love as much as we love each other."

"No matter how many kids we have, you'll always be the apple of my eye, Elizabeth. I love you so much."

"I love you too, Jack. You're going to be such an incredible dad," and with that, I fell asleep, and dreamt of our wonderful life together.

Author's Note: With COVID-19, I've been wanting to update my fics more, but my Google Drive was running out of storage. With that all settled now, I'm hoping to update my fics more! I miss hearing from you all, and can't wait to know your thoughts on my latest chapter. I tried something a little different, so let me know if you like reading about Jack & Elizabeth's "romance/intimate moments" or if you'd rather I leave them out. Love you, Hearties!