Chapter 47 – Bed Rest and Patrick to the Rescue

Lee and Rosemary drop off the three kids at Nathan's house on their way into town. Nathan's mother, father, Gabe, and Lillian were leaving later in the day and wanted to spend some more time with Allie and their new grandson, Jack. Luckily, they didn't mind Patrick tagging along. Everyone was relieved at how well Nathan's parents got along, even after everything they had been through during their marriage. As Lee and Rosemary get closer to the infirmary, Rosemary walks a little slower. She confessed to Lee last night how nervous she was about pumpkin. Faith didn't say she was worried, but she could see her expression. And it didn't help when her dizziness didn't go away until the morning. Lee smiles and squeezes her hand a little tighter, encouraging her to keep going. When they walk in the infirmary door, Faith is there to greet them. She has Rosemary step on the scale and invites a nervous Lee to join them behind the curtain. Faith takes and records her other vitals and has Rosemary pull up her shirtwaist a little so she can feel around her belly and take more measurements. Lee inquires, "Can we hear the heartbeat again?"

Faith answers, "Of course. Here I will let you have a few minutes to listen while I go over my previous notes." Faith finds the baby's heartbeat for them, leaving the happy couple to listen to their unborn child. Rosemary and Lee switch off listening and talking to the baby. Faith walks back in a few minutes later with her clipboard and a worried expression. Lee grabs Rosemary's hand, and they prepare for what Faith is about to say. "I was reading through my notes and came across something concerning. But first, let's go over what's normal. You are in your eighth month, and your weight gain and size of your abdomen are in the normal range. You are staying very active, and nothing seems to slow you down." Lee smirks at Rosemary, and they chuckle. "Now, if you don't mind, I need to ask you some questions, and then I'll tell you what has me concerned." Rosemary nervously nods. "How much water are you drinking, and how often do you eat? Are you feeling the same, less, or more kicks each day? Was last night the first time you've felt that kind of dizziness? Have you been having headaches? Have you been feeling any tightening in your abdomen? Are you swelling in your hands or feet?"

Rosemary rubs her bump with one hand and holds Lee's hand with the other. She replies, "Until yesterday, I was terrific about drinking lots of water and tea. My appetite has been great, so I don't have a problem eating. I'm always hungry, so I will make time to eat."

Lee laughs, adding, "I can attest to her healthy appetite, except for yesterday."

Rosemary hits Lee on the arm and continues, "As far as kicks and movement, this little one seems to be active all the time, which is why I think we are having a boy."

Lee interjects, "I still think we are having a girl."

Rosemary lovingly smiles at her husband, revealing, "Last night was the first time I've felt dizzy since my third month. And this dizziness was much stronger. I couldn't stand up or walk without someone holding on to me. Lee had to help last night, but I feel much better today. I think my body is finally back to normal after all I drank last night. Oh, and I did have a headache after we got home, but it slowly went away the more I drank."

"Good. The dizziness appears to be dehydration like I thought yesterday, especially since you also got a headache, and it went away after drinking lots of water."

"As far as my abdomen, no, I have not felt any tightening there. And my feet, I don't think they are swelling."

"Actually, Faith, last night when I was helping her in and out of bed, I did notice her feet and ankles were bigger than normal. And didn't you say this morning your boots were tighter?" suggests Lee as he unlaces a boot and slides it off her foot. Even through her stocking, Faith could tell there was some swelling.

Lee removes her stocking, and Rosemary even comments, "How did I not notice?" She laughs. "Oh, right, I can't see my feet very well right now."

Faith mentions, "That's what I was afraid of seeing. Your blood pressure is also elevated compared to the last time I saw you a month ago."

Lee inquires, "What does having high blood pressure and swelling feet mean?"

"It means it is important for you to be on bed rest and try to get those under control."

Rosemary shrieks, "Bed rest? I can't be on bed rest, especially not with Allie and Jack staying with us until Nathan and Elizabeth get home."

"If you want this baby to stay healthy, bed rest is a must." Rosemary's face falls.

"What exactly does bed rest entail, and for how long?"

"It will be temporary if we can lower your blood pressure and get rid of some of the swelling. But for now, I'll go with seven days of no unnecessary activities, which means absolutely no leaving the house, cooking, or cleaning. Do you understand?"

Rosemary nods her understanding, questioning, "Do I have to stay in bed all the time?"

"Not all the time. Resting on your settee is fine too. But if you are lying down, it is best to lay on your left side. I'll come by once or twice a day to check your blood pressure."

Rosemary works up the courage to ask, "Did I cause this? Did I harm our baby?"

"No. No one really knows why this happens in pregnancy, but you have been putting your body through a lot with Patrick, Lee, the newspaper, the play, planning and participating in a wedding, and cleaning up afterward. You need to cut back a lot in your activities, or this baby might come too early. Right now, though, I think it is probably your body telling you to slow down. You only have a month and a half left of growing this miracle, and I suggest you focus on your bundle of joy and your family.

"Thanks for being honest, Faith, and for wanting to take such good care of us," remarks Rosemary as she continues to massage the bouncing life inside of her.

Lee mentions, "Thanks, Faith. I will make sure she follows doctor's orders." Rosemary smirks at him, but she knows he has his work cut out for him.

"I don't have anything else for you today. You can dress and go straight home and into bed. I'll be by after dinner to check on you."

Rosemary and Lee thank Faith, and he helps Rosemary sit up and put her stocking and shoe back on. She lowers her shirtwaist, making sure it covers her ample belly and loops her arm around his as they step out of the infirmary. As soon as they are away from Main Street, Rosemary stops walking and can't contain her emotions anymore. Rosemary tearfully inquires, "What if I did something to harm squishy?"

Lee pulls her in and rubs her stomach, smiling. "You didn't harm her, not yet. As long as you take it easy and follow Faith's directions, everything will be fine."

"Are you sure, Lee? Squishy has to be alright."

"Trust me. Our daughter is going to be perfect. You'll see." Lee wraps his arms around her and brings her in close.

Rosemary gasps, "What will we tell the kids? How can we take care of all of them if I have to stay in bed?"

"We will tell them Doctor Carter wants you to rest for the next week. She thought you were doing way too much. And if they ask about the baby, say pumpkin is fine."

"What about the newspaper, the sawmill, and your mayoral duties? I know Allie and Patrick will be fine, but I'll need some help with Jack."

"Jesse can handle the mill, Hannah, the paper, and I can do mayoral stuff from home. I'll postpone any meetings to the following week. It should be fine."

"Are you sure?"

Lee kisses her on the lips, simply answering, "Of course."

Rosemary chuckles, "You sure are confident we are having a girl."

"I am. I've known since the dream I had a little over two months ago." Rosemary grins, and they walk the rest of the way home in each other's arms. Lee escorts her to the bedroom and helps her get comfortable. Why don't you nap, and I'll pick the kids up in a little bit and keep them out of your hair today." She grabs his tie and pulls him in for a passionate kiss. Lee steps back, grinning. "Not that I'm complaining or anything, but what was the kiss for?"

"Just for being the wonderful husband you always are and to prove I love you more than you could ever possibly know."

Lee leans down to give her a humdinger of a kiss, saying, "I love you more," on his way out. Rosemary giggles and closes her eyes for a nap.

The laughter of kids a few hours later wakes up Rosemary. They were all hyper from their fun day. Rosemary wants to immediately jump up and see what she is missing out on but knows she better not. She looks at the time and sighs when it's only 5:00 pm. Rosemary thinks to herself, "What am I supposed to do?" She glances around and notices Lee had left her sketchbook, notebook, a pencil, and a book for her to read. Plus, he left her a cup of tea and a water pitcher. Rosemary smiles at her thoughtful husband and opens her notebook to start working on the article for Nathan and Elizabeth's wedding. She hopes to write a few to give to Hannah for the next edition, going out later this week. Rosemary mumbles, "Darn, I'm going to miss the first use of my new printing press," when a dirty Patrick runs in the door and jumps on her bed. "Patrick, where were you, and why are you so dirty?"

Patrick answers, "Papa, Allie, Jack, and I were playing chase, and we got a little dirty. It was so much fun. Then we went to the train station so Allie and Jack could say goodbye to their Grandparents, Aunts, and Uncles. Oh, and Papa got us ice cream! I wish you could have been there."

"I wish I could have been there too."

"Papa told us Doctor Faith wants you to rest for the next week."

"He's right."

Patrick lays his head on her bump and whispers, "It's your big brother, Patrick. I love you. Mama loves you, and Papa loves you too. And between you and me, we have the best parents in the whole wide world."

Rosemary tells him to come closer. She wraps her arms around him and kisses the top of his head. Rosemary whispers, "I love you, and so does pumpkin, who already thinks you are the best big brother ever."

Patrick looks up at Rosemary, saying, "Really?"

"Really," replies Rosemary. Patrick giggles and races out.

Rosemary shouts, "Lee!"

Lee enters their room, asking, "Oh, good, you're finally awake? Did you sleep well?"

"Yes, I did. I guess I needed the extra rest after all," responds Rosemary. Lee sits down next to her on the bed and reaches for her hand. She squeezes it and presses her lips together, thinking. "What is this I hear about ice cream? Because my loving husband knows how much I adore ice cream and would never come home without bringing me some." Lee looks at her guiltily, trying to figure out the best thing to say in this situation. Finally, when he doesn't say anything, she takes her hand back and sarcastically inquires, "What do you have to say for yourself, Lee?"

"You're right, sweetheart. I should have brought you some ice cream," reveals Lee. "Why don't I run out now and bring you some home? I'm sure Allie can keep the boys entertained."

Rosemary responds, "Wise choice."

"And a mistake I'll never let happen again."

The following few days, Faith visits twice a day to check her blood pressure. Faith is becoming less worried because Rosemary's blood pressure is steadily approaching normal. Also, her feet and ankles are a lot better. They are gradually getting smaller, but Rosemary feels more and more restless each day. The kids are getting along great. Lee has been working from home, and she passes her articles on to Hannah to publish the paper. Allie is spending the night with Opal tonight, and the boys want her to read them a story in Patrick's fort. Lee and Faith thought it would be okay, so after everyone is in their pajamas and ready for bed, Lee drags the fort up to the wall and arranges lots of cushions and pillows for Rosemary to lay on and prop herself up for reading. She crawls in, followed by the boys, one on each side of her, and then Lee next to Patrick. Rosemary begins reading Tik-Tok of Oz, but unfortunately, both Patrick and Jack fall asleep quickly, as predicted. So, Lee tells Rosemary he will put them to bed and be right back. First, Lee grabs Jack and places him in the playpen set up in Patrick's room. Then he gently wakes up Patrick and has him climb into his bed since Allie is at Opal's tonight. Patrick has been sleeping on the settee in Lee and Rosemary's room while Allie and Jack are in his room. Lee covers Patrick, kissing his forehead when Laika jumps up and cuddles next to him. Lee gives Laika a tummy rub and walks back over to Rosemary, whispering, "Rosie," but she doesn't respond. He lifts the fort and realizes Rosemary fell asleep too. Lee doesn't want to wake up his peaceful wife but knows he can't leave her there. She'll probably need help getting up off the floor, and he doesn't want her to wake the kids. So, Lee kneels down and attempts to pick her up, placing his arms under Rosemary's neck and legs when her eyes blink open. Rosemary sleepily questions, "What do you think you are doing?"

"You fell asleep, and I didn't want to wake you up."

"How sweet, Lee, but I am much too heavy for you to pick us up. I don't want you hurting your back again." She sits up, struggling a bit. "Can you help me stand up? I can manage from there." It takes them two tries, but they get her on her feet again.

Lee quietly chuckles, whispering, "I don't think you should be crawling into the fort anytime soon."

Rosemary joins him in silent laughter, whispering back, "I think you are right, honey."

Lee, Rosemary, Patrick, and Jack are downstairs the following morning. The boys play with the puppets, Rosemary sketches baby clothes, and Lee works on Hope Valley business. The phone rings and Lee answers, expecting it to be for him. He thanks Florence and hands the phone to Rosemary, saying, "It's for you."

"Who is it?"

Lee responds, "I don't know. You'll have to answer." He tries to hide his smile after what Florence just told him.

"This is Rosemary Coulter. How may I help you?" The voice on the other end starts talking, and Rosemary's face lights up. "Fabulous! I would love that." Rosemary intently listens. "When will you send someone out?" Rosemary listens again with the biggest grin on her face. "Two weeks? I will be looking out for them. Thank you so much." She hangs up the phone, giggling in her excitement.

Patrick inquires, "What is it, Mama?"

"Someone from the Women's Home Journal is going to interview me about The Valley Voice. She mentioned I am one of the few women out there starting newspapers, and they want to know my story." Rosemary giggles.

"Yeah, Mama."

Lee tells her, "Congrats, sweetheart. I am so proud of you."

Jack climbs on the settee next to her and yells, "Con-gwats, Auntie Wosie."

"Thanks, Jack, Patrick, Lee. This is so exciting!" exclaims Rosemary.

"We should celebrate."

"How? I am not supposed to go anywhere."

"I'll see if Faith will be okay with me driving you to the saloon for dinner."

"Would you? I would love to get out of the house for a couple of hours."

"We can ask her when she arrives. She said she would be by before lunch." As if on cue, there is a knock at the door. Patrick answers, and it's Faith.

Faith inquires, "Good morning, Coulters and Jack. How is everyone doing this morning?"

Rosemary replies, "Great! A magazine wants to interview me about The Valley Voice."

"That's incredible!"

Lee chimes in, "Before you start, can I ask, would you be okay with me driving us to the saloon for dinner tonight to celebrate?"

Faith thinks about it for a moment, "Your numbers have been staying down, and you haven't left your house, from what I can tell. Let me recheck your numbers to be sure." Rosemary happily holds out her arm, and Faith takes her blood pressure. "Good! The trend continues. Yes, you can go into town tonight, but I don't want you to spend a bunch of time standing and getting all fancied up. You can go like you are."

"I'll do anything to be out of the house. Thank you!"

Faith says her goodbyes and tells her, "I'll be by in the morning."

As soon as Faith leaves, Lee mentions, "Since we are going out tonight, I think you should go upstairs for the rest of the day."

"Why, I'm resting down here? Besides, I need to work on a project, and I rather spend time down here with you guys. There's more light, and I don't like being up there by myself."

"Rosie!"

Rosemary innocently asks, "What?" Lee gives her his he-means-business look. "Fine." She sighs, rubbing her bump and telling pumpkin, "Your Papa is being too over-protective." Rosemary hoists herself up and groans, "Ow," when the baby does what feels like somersaults, kicking her hard in the ribs.

Lee remarks, "See, our daughter agrees with me." Rosemary smirks at him and waddles up the stairs. She reluctantly crawls into the bed and pouts because she has nothing to do. Rosemary immediately yells, "Lee!" He shrugs and runs upstairs, preparing for Rosemary's wrath.

"What can I do for you, honey?" Lee sweetly inquires.

"If you are going to make me stay here, you'll need to bring me something to do. I'm bored, and I'm hungry. Can you bring me an apple and some pickles?"

"Yes, dear."

Ten minutes later, Lee, Patrick, and Jack come up with apple slices, pickles, and tea. Patrick hands her the plate of food, and Lee sets the tea on her nightstand. Then, Patrick giddily offers, "We can perform a puppet show for you if you like, Mama."

Rosemary's pout quickly turns into a grin, responding, "I would love to see your show, bud," but then her expression soon turns sour because no matter how much she fidgets, she can't get comfortable. So, Lee runs downstairs to bring up the puppets and puppet stage while Rosemary lays there, stuffing apple slices in her mouth one by one.

Once the stage is ready, Lee joins her on the bed, trying to grab a slice, but she slaps his hand away. "Okay, then," remarks Lee.

Patrick lends Jack a puppet, tells him what to do, and puts on one himself. They take their places behind the stage, and Patrick starts the first line. When it's Jack's turn, he speaks whatever he wants instead of saying what he is supposed to say. Patrick simply reacts to what Jack says and continues like Rosemary taught him. The improv goes on for about twenty minutes, and it is funny to both Lee and Rosemary, who applaud when the boys finish. Then, the boys jump on the bed with Rosemary and Lee, and Patrick questions, "Did you like our show, Mama, Papa?"

Rosemary answers, "I did very much. You are getting so good at improv. I am so proud of you."

"It was hilarious, buddy. You are a good storyteller," remarks Lee. Patrick crawls between his parents, grinning as happy as can be.

Jack doesn't want to miss out and crawls over to Rosemary, asking, "Auntie Wosie, baby?" He points to her tummy.

Rosemary responds, "Yes, a baby is growing in there. Would you like to feel him move?" Jack cautiously nods, and Rosemary places his hand where pumpkin is kicking. Jack looks up to Rosemary when he feels the little jab. She tells him, "The baby kicks and moves around a lot." Jack smiles and cuddles up to Rosemary.

Patrick offers, "Do you want me to read you a book so you can fall asleep, Mama?" Rosemary giggles, nodding yes while she turns towards him and lays her head on his lap. Patrick giggles. "Papa, can you hand me the book?" Lee happily gives him the book they've been reading him. "Is this okay, Mama?"

Rosemary replies, "You can read me whatever you want, bud." Jack crawls into Lee's lap, and Patrick begins reading. Patrick knows most of the words, but Lee must occasionally help him pronounce the more challenging words. Jack is the first to fall asleep, followed by Rosemary. Lee whispers in Patrick's ear, "Shhh. Let's let them sleep." Lee slowly gets up and carries Jack into the other room to his playpen for a nap, and he and Patrick go downstairs and work on a puzzle Nathan's mother got the kids.

Later, Lee, Rosemary, Patrick, Allie, and Jack eat dinner at the saloon. Allie tells them all about the sleepover she had at Opal's. She said Opal's mom showed them how to tango. Rosemary mentions, "Mmm, I love the tango, slow, slow, quick, quick, slow! Lee and I learned how to on our trip to South America. Did you have fun?" She looks around and quietly asks, "Was it for Robert?"

Allie blushes, responding, "No. Maybe. I don't know, Missus Coulter, but it was fun, though." She takes a sip of water, hoping to change the subject, inquiring, "What did I miss?"

"I read them a story in Patrick's fort last night, and today they performed a puppet show for us."

"Mama thinks I am good an improv," adds Patrick.

Rosemary chuckles, "Well, you know Jack is still too young to learn lines, so Patrick would react to whatever Jack would say. It turned out pretty funny."

Patrick chimed in, "A magazine wants to interview Mama."

"Wow, Missus Coulter. That is amazing."

"Thank you, Allie. It is quite the honor." Lee quietly watches everyone interacting, thinking about how this could one day be their family, with Patrick, squishy, and maybe another adopted child. Rosemary sees her husband grinning, knowing what is on his mind because the same thing is on hers. Their future.

An idea pops into Lee's mind, and he shares it with the group. "Allie, would you like to surprise Nathan and Elizabeth? I have something in mind."

"I would love to, Mister Coulter."

The following day, Rosemary is on the settee showing Allie how to whip stitch, and Lee, Patrick, and Jack are working on the puzzle at the kitchen table. Suddenly, there is a knock at the door, and it is Nathan and Elizabeth. Lee questions, "What are you doing back here? We weren't expecting you until Sunday." Allie runs into Nathan's arms and Jack into Elizabeth's, then they switch.

Elizabeth glances at Nathan, revealing, "We came back early because we missed you two and because we have a surprise for you." Allie perks up, wondering what it is. Lee hugs both Elizabeth and Nathan, telling them to take a seat.

Rosemary scoots over to let Elizabeth sit next to her. She pats her leg, mentioning, "What a nice surprise. How was the honeymoon?"

Elizabeth remarks, "It was wonderful. I have lots to tell you." She looks Rosemary over, stating, "You seem rested and dare I say a little wider. How are you two doing?"

Patrick blurts out, "Mama has to stay in bed for a week."

Rosemary half-smiles and reassures her, "We are fine. I will tell you all about it later. I promise. But I think Allie is itching to tell you something."

Allie offers, "I have a surprise for you two. Can we go home?"

"Sure. Let's go," responds Elizabeth while picking up Jack. "Do you want to go home, my sweet boy? I missed you so much." Jack nods, and Nathan, Elizabeth, and Jack follow Allie outside.

Allie leads them to their front door and opens it for her new family. They walk inside and see a "Welcome Home" sign along with Nathan and Allie's most treasured pictures next to Elizabeth's, including the one Carson took of them at Clara and Jesse's wedding reception. Also, Nathan and Allie's kitchen table was there. Allie shyly admits, "I thought since Uncle Nathan made this table for my mom and me that we can use it here." She demurely smiles. "Follow me. There is more."

They follow her upstairs and see the room Allie and Jack will share. Allie's bed is there as well as her nightstand, dresser, all her clothes, books, and things she has collected. Elizabeth states, "The room is perfect. I am so relieved you are good with sharing a room with a two-and-a-half-year-old."

"Sharing a room is a small price to pay for a family," reveals Allie as she hugs Elizabeth, telling them there is more. They step into Elizabeth and Nathan's room, and on his nightstand is his favorite lamp as well as the books he is reading, plus a picture of the four of them and a wood box Colleen gave him. Nathan thanks her for the thoughtful surprise.

Allie announces, "It was Mister Coulter's initial idea, but I made it happen."

"Thank you, Allie. We love everything you did," remarks Elizabeth.

Nathan wraps his arm around Allie, telling her they have a surprise for her and Jack downstairs. Allie and Jack sit on the settee, and Nathan hands Allie an envelope. Allie opens it up and happily gasps. She pulls it out all the way and squeals.

"Did you really adopt us both?"

Nathan replies, "Yes. I adopted both you and Jack and Elizabeth adopted you."

"How did this happen so fast?"

"After Elizabeth and I got engaged, we talked about wanting to adopt both of you and make us one official family. We filled out the paperwork in January, and the final decree arrived in Bill's office a couple of days ago. He signed everything and got word to us yesterday. We already wanted to come home early, so this was just another excuse. When we arrived on the train, Bill met us, and we signed all the paperwork. Your signature is the last part we need."

Allie wipes a tear and grabs a pen, signing under her new name, Allison Mayes Grant. "How will Jack sign?" inquires Allie.

Elizabeth remarks, "We will have him leave his mark under his name."

Allie questions, "Is he going to stay Jack Thornton, Junior?"

"We decided to let Jack decide when he is old enough. Nathan will always be the father he remembers, but we don't want him to forget about his namesake or his memory," reveals Elizabeth.

Allie reaches for Jack and plops him down in front of her. "Here, Jack, you need to put your mark on here." Allie takes his hand and places the pen between his fingers. Then, she moves the pen to the right and left, making an X.

Elizabeth remarks, "Perfect," and gets up to find the bronze heart she got Nathan for his wedding gift. She shows it to Allie and Jack. "Where should we hang this?"

Allie looks around, suggesting, "What about over the staircase landing?"

"I think it's a great spot, Allie. Shall we hang this now?" questions Nathan while grabbing a hammer and nails. The new family of four positions and hangs the bronze heart right in the center." Allie looks down like she is contemplating something. "Is something wrong, Allie?"

"No. I'm just wondering if I can call you Mom and Dad now?"

Nathan opens his arms, and Allie runs into them, replying, "Of course, I would love for you to call me Dad."

"And I would be honored if you called me Mom," reveals Elizabeth as they embrace.

Friday morning, Rosemary wakes up in a not-so-happy mood. She is tired of being cooped up in the house and not allowed to go for a walk or into town. Rosemary would give anything to be off bed rest for the rest of her life. She thought it was tough enough when she had chickenpox, but this is one hundred times worse. After getting Rosemary situated for the morning, Lee and Patrick go downstairs. Rosemary had been extra demanding this morning, and Lee and Patrick were up and down the stairs at least ten times. They finally had left her busy working on some secret project in bed. So, Lee takes the time to relax by reading a magazine while Patrick plays with his puppets. Lee goes for more coffee when he notices the time, telling Patrick, "I need to go into town for a little bit to check on something. I don't think Mama will need anything while I am gone, but just in case. Do you think you can take care of her?"

Patrick grins, answering, "Yes, sir."

"Thank you, buddy. Let me tell her I am leaving. I'll be right back," remarks Lee as he runs up the stairs and into their bedroom. "Hi, honey. Do you mind if I make a trip into town for a little while?" Rosemary shakes her head no. Lee softly adds, "If you need anything, Patrick can bring it to you," not sure of how she will react. Rosemary raises her hand and waves goodbye to her husband without looking up. Lee backs out of the room and runs downstairs. "I told Mama if she needs anything to call out to you. I shouldn't be gone long. And if you need help, call my office." Lee hugs Patrick and shouts, "Please don't make a mess," on his way out the door.

Patrick yells, "I won't, Papa." Lee laughs, second-guessing himself for going, but he doesn't have a choice.

Not long after Lee leaves, Patrick bores playing with his puppets. Then, he remembers Lee left some laundry outside to dry, so he decides he'll help by bringing it in for him. Patrick grabs the basket and goes out back, reaching for the clothespins to unhook the clothes but can't quite reach them. He glances around the backyard for something he can stand on when he notices an old washtub filled with firewood. Patrick removes each log one by one and stacks them on the stairs leading to the back door. Once the tub is free, he brings it over to the clothesline and turns it over to stand on. Patrick starts taking the clean, dry clothes off the clothesline and placing them in the basket. However, he doesn't notice a couple of skirts and pants are hanging over the edge and getting dirty again. Patrick lifts the basket, which is a lot heavier than he thought it would be. He struggles walking to the back door and realizes the logs are blocking him. So, Patrick restacks all the firewood to the side of the stairs and picks up the basket again. Unfortunately, he ends up dragging the clothes on the ground and up the stairs to his parent's bedroom. All the while, tiny slivers of bark are falling off his shirt onto the floor. Patrick tiptoes into his parent's bedroom when he notices Rosemary has fallen asleep again with Nanny next to her. He quietly drags the basket into the room, opens the closet door, and stuffs the basket inside. Then Patrick tiptoes to his room, gets distracted with playing, and doesn't notice Laika running into his parent's bedroom. Lee arrives home twenty minutes later and finds an empty downstairs, so he heads up to Patrick's room, inquiring, "Hi, Patrick. I'm home. Did Mama need anything?"

Patrick hugs Lee, responding, "Hi, Papa! No, sir, she was sleeping when I checked on her."

"Great," mentions Lee as he sticks his hands in his pockets. "What are you doing?"

"I am playing with my train set. Do you want to play with me?"

Before he can answer, they hear Rosemary yelling, "Lee! Can you come here?"

Lee turns away from Patrick and rolls his eyes, replying, "I'll be right there." Lee walks inside the room and sees Rosemary with a confused expression on her face. "What's wrong?"

"What is that sound?"

"What sound?"

She quiets down and asks again, "Did you hear it this time? What is it?" Lee nods yes and searches the room for the source. He walks by their closet, not expecting the door to be halfway open. Lee stops, listens again, and realizes the sound is coming from inside, so he opens the door all the way and sees Laika chewing on something. He grabs it from her and brings it out into the open, and Rosemary shrieks, "My favorite peau de soie pump. What happened?"

Lee looks back in the closet and notices the basket of clothes sitting there wrinkling, the clean ones he thought were outside. He mumbles to himself, "Uh, oh," as he shoos Laika out of the closet, pointing to her as she races out their door."

"How did she get in there? I know I did not leave the door open." Rosemary narrows her eyes at her husband. "Hold on, did you just say, uh, oh? What else is wrong?"

Lee looks in the closet one more time and shuts the door, answering, "Nothing is wrong. Are you sure you didn't leave the door open? You have been more scatterbrained lately."

"Lee Coulter, I am most certainly not. After she ate your pants, it's not something I would ever forget." Lee hands the shoe to Rosemary, and she inspects the damage, pouting when she realizes Laika almost chewed the entire heel off. She frowns and throws it on the floor.

"You should have been here, Lee. What's so important you had to leave?" shouts Rosemary. Lee feels guilty, but he cannot tell her why he had to go into town. It's part of the surprise he is planning for her.

Lee can see Rosemary working herself into a tizzy, so he tries to distract her, inquiring, "Can I bring you something, or would you like to go downstairs?"

Rosemary thinks about it for a moment and poutingly responds, "I want to go downstairs." Lee offers to help her up, but she insists on doing it herself. "I am perfectly capable of getting up and walking down the stairs by myself."

Lee laughs, replying, "I know you can, but can't a guy make up for leaving his beloved wife alone when he shouldn't have?"

Rosemary's guilt is written all over her face, offering, "I'm sorry, Lee. I'm a horrible wife."

"No, you aren't, Rosie," mentions Lee as Rosemary heads to the closet to see what Lee is hiding. Lee tries to stop her but lets her look anyway. He knows if she wants to look, she will find a way, so there is no use in preventing her. Rosemary opens the door and squeals when she sees a couple of her skirts and Lee's pants haphazardly lying in a basket. She picks one up and notices the dried-up mud on the bottom hem lying on the floor.

Rosemary questions, "Did you do this?"

"No, of course not. It was Patrick. I think he was trying to help while I was gone. Don't worry, I will rewash them, and we can talk to him tonight."

"Thanks, sweetie," responds a grinning Rosemary. "Shall we go downstairs now?" They giggle, and she grabs his arm, and they pad down the stairs together. Halfway down, Rosemary notices some brown stuff on the stairs. Not knowing what it is, she follows the trail leading to the back door, which she points out to Lee, asking, "What is this brown stuff?"

Lee answers, "I don't know." He comes over and picks up a couple of pieces and realizes its little pieces of bark. They both look at one another in confusion, and then Lee opens the backdoor and sees the firewood stacked to the side of the stairs and the turned-over washtub under the clothesline. They both chuckle at what their son did to try and help.

Later that afternoon, Faith visits them and tells Rosemary precisely what she wants to hear. She finally can leave the house, but she still needs to take it easy. Faith tells her, "I want you to come to see me every two weeks, starting on Monday. I want to make sure your blood pressure stays down and you don't overdo it again.

Rosemary exclaims, "Thank you, Faith! I don't think I could handle another day of being in this house. Should I start back on my daily walks? I have missed those."

Faith answers, "Yes, you should, however, gradually work back up to the distance you were walking before."

Lee adds, "We appreciate you coming out here and checking on her. We will see you on Monday." Rosemary stands up, hugs Faith, and escorts her out the door.

"Oh, Lee, I am finally free. I never want to be on bed rest again."

Lee sarcastically responds, "Me neither."

Rosemary regards her husband, walking up to him and resting her arms on his. "I'm sorry, sweetie. You know me. I cannot be stuck inside for seven days." She pats his cheek, asking, "How can I make it up to you?"

"You don't have to do anything. Seeing your face light up after so many days is enough to make me happy. I've missed your joy and excitement, and I am so glad to see it again."

Rosemary rubs Lee's chin, suggesting, "Let's go on a family walk to the pond. We haven't done that in a while. Plus, we can talk to Patrick about what he did today." Lee grins and holds out his arm for her. Rosemary calls up to Patrick, "Hey, bud. Would you like to walk with us to the pond?"

Patrick yells down, "Yes, ma'am. I'll be right there." Patrick runs downstairs and asks, "Can Laika come with us?"

Rosemary answers, "Sure," so the three of them stroll to the pond hand-in-hand, with Laika following them.

After church on Sunday, Rosemary notices much of the town gathering on Main Street. She questions, "Lee, why is everyone standing in the street?"

Lee tries to hide his smile, suggesting, "Well, why don't we go check it out?"

"Lee Coulter, what's going on?"

Lee laughs, "I can never hide anything from you. Can I?"

"No, you cannot. So, you might as well tell me now."

Lee holds out his hands to Rosemary and Patrick, suggesting, "Follow me!"

As they get closer to the crowd, Rosemary notices all their friends and a few others standing in front of their office. She questions, "What are they all doing there?" Rosemary glances at the crowd again when she sees Elizabeth. "Oh, look, there's Elizabeth," who, fortunately for Lee, saves him when she turns and sees them approaching. The crowd starts to cheer and separate, creating a pathway for them to walk through. Rosemary stops in her tracks and audibly gasps.