Chapter Seventy-two
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A Gift for the Grants

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With the meatloaf and baked potatoes in the oven, Fiona had cleared the dining room table in preparation for a gathering of their extended family to come. Bill was bringing dessert and Lillian was preparing a couple of vegetables. Rosemary had promised freshly-baked rolls, her famous canned pickles and a second dessert. Allie would set the table when she returned from her shift at the switchboard and Nathan was stopping at the Mercantile for a few supplies they'd need over the weekend. Intending to rest her back, her feet and her eyes, Fiona laid her head against the back of the sofa, extending her stocking-clad feet onto the ottoman. It was there that Nathan and Allie found her, sound asleep.

"Shhh, Dad!" Allie whispered as they entered the front hallway. She pointed to Fiona on the sofa and they quietly tip-toed down the hallway and into the kitchen. Working in tandem they stowed the groceries and Nathan found a vase on the top shelf of the cabinet in the pantry. Filling it with water, he arranged the roses, Fiona's favorite pink, and placed them in the center of the dining table. Allie set the place settings and went upstairs to change into a skirt and blouse. Nathan checked the food in the oven, shed his suitcoat and tie, then noticed the time. Tip-toeing into the front room, he bent over his sleeping wife and whispered her name before kissing her forehead. "Fiona… Honey… time to wake up. The family will be here in a few moments and dinner is almost ready. Fia…"

Fiona's eyes fluttered open as she lazily reached up to touch Nathan's face. "Mmmmm!" She murmured. Then startled, she sat up. "Wait! Did you say dinner? Oh my goodness! I fell asleep! What time is it? Did you check the oven?"

Nathan placed his hands on her shoulders to calm her. "Shhh… It's all fine. I checked the meat and poked the potatoes, then turned off the oven. Allie set the table and we are just waiting for everyone else to arrive. Are you okay, Honey? You must be exceptionally tired! Didn't you sleep well last night?" He stroked her hair as he pulled her into his embrace.

He felt the tears before he heard her sniffle. "Fia! What is it? Is something wrong? Why are you crying?"

"I don't know. I think maybe I am just so grateful for you and for our life and… I just get easily overwhelmed lately."

Nathan noticed the hot water bottle that slid out from behind her when she moved. "Okay. Well, let the rest of us serve and clean-up tonight, okay? Do you want to freshen up and splash some cold water on your sweet face before everyone comes?" As she nodded, Nathan stood and held out his hand. He led Fiona into their bedroom, kissed her forehead and patted her cheek. "Come out when you are ready, my Love."

Everyone was gathered in the dining room or kitchen when Fiona entered. She had changed her blouse, tucked in stray hairs and looked more awake. "Oh! Nathan? Are the roses from you?"

She bent over the table to inhale their heady fragrance. "They are beautifff…" Suddenly Fiona felt dizzy and nauseous. She stumbled slightly, excused herself and hurried back to the bathroom. She leaned against the sink, hand over her mouth, willing the sickness to pass but looked up panicked as Nathan followed her and came to stand in front of her.

"Are you feeling sick, Honey?"

Nodding, she only said. "I wouldn't stand there if I was you." Those words were all it took for her to feel the need to swallow hard to prevent herself from getting sick. It didn't work. Nathan held her around the waist whispering encouraging words of love and gently rubbing her back. "There now. You probably feel better now, eh?"

There was no hiding the sound, even through two closed doors, so Lillian came to knock lightly and questioned. "Sweetheart? Do you need help? Do you need a Mom?"

Nathan responded to his mother's offer. "Come in, Mom. She is nodding her head, yes. Can you come stay with her while I get everyone else started on dinner?"

Lillian opened the door, reached for a towel and knelt beside Fiona, wrapping her arms around her.

Fiona responded with sobs and hiccoughs, leaning into Lillian's arms. "I'm sorry, Mom…"

"It's okay, Sweetheart. Nathan's taking care of the family and then I'm sure he'll be right back. Do you think you are okay to go to bed when he returns? I'll help you change and we can get you set up with a pail, just in case." Lillian continued to comfort her with soothing words and soothing strokes of her forehead. Finally, she whispered a couple questions. "Fiona? Have you been sick in the mornings lately?"

When Fiona whispered "No." Lillian continued.

"Have you felt sick when you've smelled certain foods or had more indigestion lately?"

"Indigestion, yes. No smells bothered me until I smelled the roses and maybe the meatloaf, just now."

Lillian placed her hand under Fiona's chin, lifting her face to see her own. "Have you missed any menses lately?"

Fiona's mouth dropped open and her eyes went wide. "Ohhhh!"

"I take that as a yes?" Lillian patted Fiona's cheek. "You may be with child, Sweetheart."

Fiona placed her hand over her mouth. "I didn't even think about it. I've been so busy… I think I skipped April and May and I would next be due at the end of this month! Do you really think I might be...?"

"You've been very tired, my dear. And you've been having back aches and crying easily and… well… I think so. You'll have to see Faith next week to confirm it though. You know, to be sure you are not sick. Do you want me to get Nathan now, Sweetheart?"

Fiona nodded and leaned away so Lillian could stand. Lillian handed her a cup of water to swish around her mouth. Fiona then gripped the towel in front of her face as the tears came in earnest.

Nathan hurried in along with Lillian. "Mom says you need to go to bed, Honey? Hold on to me while Mom turns down the bed."

Limp as a rag doll, Fiona allowed her husband to help her stand and then lift and carry her to the bed. He began to take off her shoes and stockings while Lillian retrieved a nightgown from the back of the bathroom door.

"Shall I help her change while you get a bucket, Nathan? It would be good to have one nearby, you know, just in case." Lillian offered and came to assist.

"Okay, be right back."

When Nathan returned, Fiona was tucked into bed and Lillian was collecting the laundry. "I'll let you two talk, my dears. I'll take over for the family and then bring you some water and crackers in a while. I'll keep your dinner warm in the oven, Son." Observing Nathan's worried look, she reassured him. "Don't worry, Honey, just talk right now." She blew a kiss to them both and shut the door quietly.

Nathan kicked off his shoes and sat on the edge of the bed, one leg tucked under himself. He took Fiona's hand and kissed it, then held it as he rubbed his thumbs over her knuckles. "Why are you so sad, Honey? What's wrong? Please tell me?"

Fiona shook her head. "I'm not sad, Nathan. I'm actually really happy…'

Tears continued to spill down her face and Nathan looked confused. "Happy?" He waited.

"Nathan… I might… we might be expecting a baby." Blinking back her tears, she watched as the realization dawned on Nathan's face. Later she described it as if the sun rose across his face. He glowed.

"A baby? We might be having a baby?" He gripped her hand and bent his head over her, resting his forehead against her chest. It was Nathan's turn to have tears overflow, very happy tears!

Tenderly, Fiona ran her hand though his hair. "Mom thinks so. I'll have to see Faith next week, but I think I am. I just never put two and two together because I've been so preoccupied. I didn't even realize I skipped two months and I never miss… Did you realize, Honey?"

"I wondered some days ago, but I figured you know your body, so didn't say anything. We've enjoyed each other a lot since we got married, so I guess it makes sense." Nathan blushed to think of the culmination of their intimacy. 'A baby!'

"One of the blessings, if this is true, is that we haven't had to wait, or worry or try, or be disappointed like so many other couples have. I mean, think of how long Rosemary and Lee have been married and longing for a child! God may have just given us an unexpected gift!"

Nathan quoted the Scripture, knowing a greater understanding now. "Children are a gift from the Lord… You are blessed if your quiver is full of them!" (*39) He chuckled and smiled tenderly. Leaning forward again he cupped her face in his hands and gently kissed her lips, then tilted her head and kissed her forehead. Sudden realization hit him again and he moved the covers aside to place his hand over Fiona's abdomen, then give his first kiss to their baby.

Fiona threaded her hands through Nathan's dark waves. Enjoying the softness and his nearness.

Overcome, Nathan let the tears spill over again, then prayed softly. "Oh Lord! What a precious gift you have bestowed. Thank you for the little one you are forming right now. Thank you for Fiona who is carrying our child. I believe this is true, Lord, and I am so grateful. Bless this child and bless this precious mother-to-be, my Love. Keep them both healthy. May they get the rest and refreshment they need and may this special time of preparation be filled with joy! Oh, Lord… I am awestruck!" Nathan paused, then whispered, "Thank You. Thank You. Thank You."

"Amen." Agreeing, Fiona closed the prayer. "Hold me, Honey?"

"Anytime!" Nathan moved towards her and held her in his arms, softly exclaiming, "A baby!"

Although the men were oblivious, Rosemary caught Lillian's eye when she returned to the table. Lifting her eyebrows, Rosemary silently mouthed one word. "Expecting?"

Lillian tilted her head, raised her eyebrows and smiled as she shrugged. It was all the confirmation the expectant mother-to-be at the dinner table needed to see. She rejoined the conversation and placed her arm around a worried Allie. When Allie looked up at her Aunt, Rosemary whispered. "Your mom's going to be fine, Sweetheart. She just needs to rest his weekend. Don't worry…."

Allie didn't know how it was possible to not worry, but taking her cues from the rest of the family she decided to allow herself to be distracted.

Between dinner and dessert, Lillian prepared a bowl of dry crackers and a tall glass of cool water. She waved to Allie to join her. "Would you like to take this to your Mom? And tell your Dad it might be best if he eats out here so the odors don't bother your Mom tonight? Maybe you can offer to stay with her while your Dad eats?"

Fiona stayed in her bedclothes for the weekend, lounging on the sofa or napping in bed. Eating the crackers before she lifted her head from the pillow worked fine and, by Monday morning she was ready to meet Faith whenever she had an opening. Nathan drove her to the Infirmary and paced on one side of the curtain as Fiona met with Faith.

"Nathan?" Faith was beaming as she drew back the curtain. "Come in, please?"

When Nathan stood beside Fiona and took her hand, Faith could hold in her glee no longer. The words burst forth. "You are expecting your first child!"

"Oh!" "God be praised!" "Nathan!" "Fia, my Love!" "A baby!" "We're expecting a baby!" Mother- and father-to-be alternated their exclamations as Faith looked on proudly.

Nathan let go of Fiona's hand and did a little back-stepping dance of pure joy. Then, pivoting, he rushed to her and wrapped his arms around his wife in a smothering hug. "A baby!"

"Uh…" Nathan suddenly paused and looking at Faith inquired, "When?"

"By my calculations early to mid-January, Nathan. I'll be more certain in a month or so, but it looks like Baby Grant will be a special addition in the New Year."

"Oh, 'Baby Grant!' I like the sound of that." He kissed Fiona's forehead then turned to the Doctor once again. "Anything we should know? Things to eat or to avoid, no lifting or take daily naps or?" Nathan blushed but he wanted to know and Faith, although a dear friend, was a doctor. He swallowed then asked softly. "Can we still be intimate?"

By now Nathan's cheeks were crimson and Faith thought he was adorable. Second only to her Michael, Nathan Grant was a sweetheart. "Yes, my friend, you may enjoy each other as often as you want to." She winked at her friends. "More good news this morning, right?" Faith blushed too, realizing what she had just said. It was totally unprofessional, but thinking about it later, she didn't care. These two were her dearest friends and she loved their love!

Leaving the Infirmary, hand-in-hand, Nathan and Fiona slipped into their automobile and headed home.

Arriving in their entryway, Nathan hardly got the door closed before Fiona fell into his arms and kissed him passionately.

"Mmmm… I better call Sam and explain I will be delayed this morning." He winked at his wife and hurried down the hallway.

"What did you say?" Fiona giggled as she crawled into bed.

Undressing quickly, Nathan chuckled. "The truth!" He glanced at Fiona to see her reaction. She looked as panicked as he expected. "I told him you had been sick and in bed all weekend and I had some calls to make so would make them from home." He winked. "It's the truth, right? We have to call your parents at some point today!" Nathan chuckled as he climbed into bed beside his wife and kissed her with all the love and passion he possessed.

Before dinner that evening, Fiona called Allie into the front room and invited her to sit beside her on the sofa. With an arm around Allie's shoulders, Fiona nodded at her husband.

Nathan was seated on the coffee table and reached to take Allie's hands in his. "Allie-girl? We have news to share. You are going to be a big sister!" He watched as understanding settled across her joy-filled face and nodded. "We are expecting a baby!" He squeezed her hands before she let go and fell against Fiona.

"Mom! You're having a baby? Really? When? Are you okay? Is that why you were sick over the weekend? Are you sure about this?"

After hearing the answers to her questions, Allie looked from her Dad to her Mom. "We are going to have a baby!" She squealed.

Fiona laughed at her choice of words, but she realized if a husband and wife could be labeled as 'expecting' then surely her little family could share the term. "Yes, Allie-girl we are expecting!"

By now Nathan had moved to sit next to Allie and wrapped his arm around her and Fiona. This was their first family-of-four-hug!

Holding Lillian's hand, Archie came into the front room as soon as he returned from work. "You have news?"

"Dad! I't official. Fiona's expecting!" Nathan grinned and looked as proud as could be. As an afterthought he added, "A Baby!"

Everyone laughed as Nathan clarified the news.

"Well, God be praised! Congratulations you two. You three, right Allie?" He looked at Lillian and kissed her head. "We five actually! Congratualtions to us all! This is the best news!"

Lillian had tears in her eyes but a broad smile on her face. "Indeed. This is the best news, Sweethearts!"

Bill was beyond excited when Nathan and Fiona called with their baby news. Of course, he claimed to have known it all along, due to his exemplary Mountie instincts and keen observational skills.

Keith and Kaitlin Miller hooted and whistled and hollered and squealed when Nathan and Fiona broke the news to them. Actually, Kaitlin squealed. Keith made all the other noise! "I guess we will be purchasing a train ticket back to Hope Valley in the New Year! Can't wait!" Keith grinned like the proud Papa he was. "Will you call each of your brothers or can we tell them?"

Nathan shrugged his shoulders, leaving the choice to Fiona. "I would like to tell them, please? You may tell the Browns and the Aunts and Uncles though!"

After the parent's call ended, Fiona and Nathan immediately called all their brothers, ending with Sylvia and Sean.

"You can't tell Mom and Dad yet, but we think we may be expecting too!" Sylvia confessed excitedly. "Our little ones will be very close! Can you believe it?"

"Oh! Congratulations to you both!" Exclaimed Fiona. "We'll keep your secret without any problem. Our joy is overflowing and with our own news there are many to tell right here in Hope Valley!"

Sean questioned. "Did you tell Allie yet?"

Nathan laughed. "Oh yes, one elated big sister! Please let us know when your news is made public so we can tell Allie that her family continues to expand?"

"Oh, we will." Sean answered. "Tell her we said hello, please?"

Sylvia interjected. "Will you still come home this summer? We can compare notes!"

Nathan responded, "Lord-willing, that's the plan and we are looking forward to it, Sean, Sylvia."

"Looking forward to seeing you then! Love you both." Fiona leaned against Nathan's arm, so amazed at her new relationship with her youngest brother.

Sean and Sylvia said their farewell in unison. "Love you both too!"

(*39) Paraphrase of Psalm 127:3 and 5