Faith and Elizabeth worked tirelessly all day. They were able to move Rosemary upstairs to be closer to Lee, and Abigail came to give a hand after school. By supper time, Rosemary seemed to be doing better, but Lee was still hot and his fever wasn't going down. Faith tried covering him in ice, and that seemed to work well, but it still took a few hours for his fever to go down. Even then, he didn't wake up.
"Take a break," Elizabeth urged Faith later that evening. "Get a drink and sit down for a moment." She led her friend down the stairs. "Abigail can watch them for a little bit."
"That would be nice," Faith admitted. She missed having Carson there to help her, and a break would probably be good. Elizabeth got her a drink and made her sit down, then sat down too.
"Do you know what's wrong with them?"
"I think Lee has pneumonia, but I'm not sure what Rosemary has yet." Faith said, taking a sip of the water.
"Hmm."
They sat there in silence, finishing their drinks. When they were done, Faith stood back up. "I need to get back to my patients. Thanks for the break, though, Elizabeth."
"Of course." Elizabeth nodded. "I need to go to Little Jack, but I'll come back later if I can." She stood too, then left the rowhouse. They needed a second opinion, and she knew who's to get. She entered her own house and took Little Jack with her into town. She hurried into the Mercantile. "Florence, can I place a call please?"
"Of course." Florence Yost nodded. "How are Rosemary and Lee?" She asked.
"They're doing okay. I'd like to make a call to John Hopkins Hospital." Elizabeth switched Jack to her other hip and lifted the phone.
"Alright. Go ahead." Florence said.
"Hello, this is Elizabeth Thornton. I need to speak with Doctor Carson Shepherd." Elizabeth began. "Yes, I'll wait." There was silence as she waited. "Hi Carson. We have a problem and we need a second opinion badly. Can you come home quickly?" She explained the situation to him. "Okay, I will. Thanks." Then she put the phone down and turned to Little Jack. "We did it!" She looked up at Florence. "Thank you."
"No problem. If I can help in any way, please let me know." Florence smiled.
"Thanks again. I'd better go." And with that, Elizabeth turned and left. She asked Laura to watch Little Jack that evening, and she headed back to Lee and Rosemary's. "How are they?" She asked as soon as she saw Abigail.
"Rosemary is doing better. She's beginning to eat and sit up. But Lee is still sick. His fever is gone, but he's still not doing well. Faith is worried, I can tell."
"Can I see Rosemary?"
"Of course." Abigail led the way upstairs into Lee and Rosemary's room. Inside, Lee was still sleeping but Rosemary was relaxing on the chair and drinking some water.
"How are you feeling?" Elizabeth asked, rushing to her friend.
"I'm okay." Rosemary smiled weakly, but her smile turned to concern. "But Lee isn't. Faith doesn't know what's wrong with him."
"Does she know what's wrong with you?" Elizabeth placed a hand on her friend's shoulder.
Rosemary smiled again, looking at Faith for a second and then back at Elizabeth. On the way back, her gaze drifted over Lee once more and she paused. How could she share this happy news without him? She couldn't bear to see him so sick, and she could still barely believe the news herself. "Faith thinks that I'm pregnant." She said softly. Even though she was sad, a smile couldn't help but drift across her face.
A huge smile came across Elizabeth's face. "That's wonderful!"
Rosemary looked at Lee, then back at Elizabeth. Elizabeth extended her arms and gave Rosemary a big hug. At first Rosemary said nothing, but then she began to cry. "What am I going to do, Elizabeth? I can't do this without Lee!"
"Shh. It'll be okay. He'll get better." Elizabeth comforted her friend.
Rosemary sniffed, and sat back. "I hope so." Then she smirked. "Oh boy. Must be the pregnant brain coming on."
Elizabeth tried to hide a chuckle as she gave her friend another quick hug. The real Rosemary was coming through!
Over the next few days, Faith and Abigail watched over Lee and Rosemary. Rosemary was still sick, but at least she knew why and she was slowly getting better. She could eat, and sit up and move around. Lee was also sick and bedridden, but he too was getting better. Bill was helping to run the town in Lee's absence, but it wasn't too hard because the town had been without a mayor for a while. Rosemary still hadn't told Lee about their baby. She wanted it to be special, and there just didn't seem to be a time with Faith and Abigail always there. Finally, on the Friday, she woke up feeling strong enough to take care of herself. "I can do it," she protested when Faith came over to check on them. "I can take care of us."
"Are you sure?" Faith asked. "Are you sure you feel strong enough?"
"Yes. I'm feeling a lot better, and I can take care of Lee now too." Rosemary nodded. And I need my own space, she thought to herself.
"Alright." Faith decided. "But I'm still going to come over to check on Lee at least once a day."
"Thanks." Rosemary smiled. "When are you leaving?"
Faith looked surprised, but then she smiled. "After lunch." She promised.
Rosemary looked at Lee. She could tell him then. "Okay."
True to her word, Faith and Abigail left after lunch. After nearly a week, it was just Rosemary and Lee. Lee was still sleeping, and Rosemary walked around the house. It was wonderfully quiet, and she thought about how she was going to tell Lee her big news. Hopefully he would be happy, but she was pretty sure he would be. He loved children. She placed a hand on the back of the living room settee and smiled as she looked around the room. This was their home, and hopefully one day they would be able to add a child to it. Her dream was coming true and it was astounding. She could still hardly believe it. Maybe she wouldn't tell Lee tonight, she could always wait until tomorrow.
Rosemary slept soundly that night, with her hand protecting her unborn child. When she woke up, the sun was streaming in. Lee was awake too. "Do you need anything, sweetheart?" She asked softly.
"I'd love some water." He responded. "Is Faith not here?"
"No, I persuaded her that I could take care of us." Rosemary smiled and pushed herself up.
"Oh. I'm glad to have just us." Lee smiled back.
"I'll get that water." Rosemary stood up. She felt a little dizzy, but that was normal for her now. Faith had told her that it'd be over soon. She got Lee a cup of water, then went back to give it to him.
"Thank you, sweetheart. That feels so good on my throat." He said gratefully.
"You're welcome." Rosemary smiled.
"I'm so glad to be feeling better. Hopefully Bill has kept everything running alright in my absence."
"I'm sure he has." Rosemary opened her mouth to tell him, but then closed it. "I'm going to go make lunch."
"Okay." Lee nodded. "Sweetheart?" He asked. Rosemary turned back to him. "Are you feeling better too?"
Rosemary nodded. "I am."
"Good."
Nathan paused by the oil line. Fiona, Mike, and Lucas had been working non-stop on it, but someone kept destroying what they were working on. He had tried watching during the night, but the person always got around him and in the morning, the oil line was vandalized once more. It bothered him that something was happening that he couldn't stop. So this morning, he was going to do some investigating around the pipe line and then talk to the employees. He hated to suspect any of them, but they were his first guesses if something went wrong. He reined Newton to the left and then dismounted, walking along the line.
"Found anything?" Lucas asked from behind.
Nathan turned, slightly startled. "No. Not yet." He said, focusing on the ground.
Lucas paused, then caught up to Nathan. "Do you have any ideas?" He asked.
"I'm just looking now." Nathan replied. "Is it okay if I talk to your men later? I want to ask them a few questions."
"That's fine." Lucas nodded. He looked like he was about to say something else, then he closed his mouth.
"Can I continue to investigate?" Nathan asked, looking at Lucas strangely.
"Yes of course, that's fine." Lucas said quickly. Nathan moved to go forward. "But Nathan," Lucas began.
Nathan stopped. "Yes?"
"Please find whoever is doing this. I don't want this to become public knowledge, but if this oil line doesn't work, I'm going to have to leave. I'm running" Lucas lowered his voice. "out of money. I need this oil line badly."
Nathan nodded seriously. "Of course. I protect the town, and you are part of this town. I'll do my very best, and I'll keep your secret too."
"Good." Lucas sounded relieved. "Thank you. I appreciate it."
"No problem. Excuse me." Nathan moved forward, investigating the ground, and Lucas turned to walk away. A couple hours later, Nathan returned to the worksite. The investigation hadn't yielded much, just a rusty wrench and a heavy steel beam, no doubt things used to destroy the oil line. He talked with Lucas's men, but didn't seem to be able to come up with anything. There weren't any leads, and it didn't seem to be an inside job. He'd just have to keep investigating.
Over the next few days, Lee's strength returned. Finally, on the following Monday, he felt strong enough to begin his official mayoral position. At the same time, Rosemary wanted to start her newspaper up again. It had suffered in her absence, but she was back and ready to begin afresh and anew. Early Monday morning, she got up to make Lee's breakfast. Today was the day that she was going to tell him and she was so excited. She just had to figure out what to say, and she thought hard as she cooked and flipped the eggs and prepared the bacon and toast.
"Good morning, sweetheart." Lee said as he came down the stairs. He gave her a hug and a kiss and then sat down to wait.
"Good morning." Rosemary smiled brightly. "Are you ready to begin as Hope Valley's mayor?"
"Yes." Lee chuckled. "After two weeks, I am most definitely ready. Is your article prepared?"
"It is." Rosemary placed a plate in front of her and Lee.
Lee looked at the plates. Normally, Rosemary served him a little more, but today her plate was much bigger. He smiled to himself, but didn't say anything when she sat down.
Rosemary looked at Lee, her heart beginning to beat a little faster. Just tell him, she thought to herself. "There's something I need to tell you," She began.
Lee thought he noticed seriousness in her voice and he put his hand over hers. "Is everything okay, Rosie? Are you feeling okay?"
Oops. I didn't mean to be so serious. "I'm fine." She reassured him with a slight smile. "But I am still feeling sick, and I'd imagine that I will be for a little bit yet."
"Oh?" He still hadn't eaten his breakfast yet because he was focusing on her.
Just tell him. "Lee…I'm-" She just began and then the ring of the telephone interrupted their conversation. Lee looked apologetic, but she motioned him to go get it.
"Good morning, Lee Coulter," he said. "Yes? Of course, Bill. Oh, I had no idea; I'll be right over. Bye." He turned to Rosemary. "I'm sorry sweetheart. What did you need to tell me?"
Rosemary smiled. "It's okay," she said. "We can talk later. What did Bill need?"
"He needs to go over some mayoral stuff with me this morning." Lee said absently, his mind now filled with his upcoming duties. "I'll see you at lunch."
"For sure." Rosemary nodded. "Have a good day. I'll be by to start my article on you later."
"You're writing an article on me?" Lee teased as he opened the front door.
Rosemary laughed. "Yes, silly, this one is on your first day being mayor." She paused. "Do something interesting, okay?"
"Alright." Lee smiled, then closed the door behind him.
Rosemary relaxed onto the chair with a sigh. Phew. But she had come no closer to telling him. She would just have to come up with another way. She moved over to work on some notes for her article. Hmm, how could she make this work? After a couple of hours of working, she grabbed her jacket and headed to town to their office so she could type everything out. On the way, she stopped over at Abigail's to get something to eat and maybe some advice.
"Good morning," Abigail greeted her cheerily.
"Good morning." Rosemary responded.
"Do you need something?"
"A muffin or two would be great. Oh and blueberry, if you have it."
"I do." Abigail took two muffins and placed them in a bag. "Have you told Lee yet?" She asked in a lower voice.
"No, not yet." Rosemary admitted. "I can't seem to come up with a way. Any ideas?"
"I'm sure you'll come up with something."
"Hopefully." Rosemary paused, then opened her mouth. "I keep on forgetting to thank you for all your help while Lee and I were sick. It means so much to the both of us."
"Never a problem." Abigail smiled. "I'm glad you both are feeling better."
"Me too. Anyways, I'm off to the office. See you later." With the muffins in hand, Rosemary turned and walked out of the Café. She had originally planned on giving one to Lee, but by the time she reached the office she had already eaten both. Besides, she was growing another human being. So she needed to eat for two as well, she reasoned. She'd just tell Lee right now, just walk in and surprise him. "Lee!" She exclaimed as she opened the door to the empty office. He wasn't there. Oh. That's right. He's in his new office, she remembered. She sat down to type, and time flew by.
Her stomach began to rumble later, reminding her that the muffins hadn't been enough. Maybe she'd find Lee and they could go to lunch. She stood up and reached for her jacket just as he walked in the door. "Hi Rosie," he said as he closed the door behind him. "Mmm, it's nice and warm in here. Mike was saying that it might snow later."
"I was just about to get lunch. Do you want to come with me?" Rosemary asked.
"If you could get some and bring it back to me, that'd be great. But I have some work to do. Bill wants me to look over some property documents and I need to get this contract out." Lee looked over his desk absently.
"Can I talk to you about something?" Rosemary moved closer to him.
He noticed the seriousness in her eyes. "Of course, sweetheart, what is it?"
"I need to tell you something." Rosemary paused, waiting for an interruption that would most certainly come.
"Okay. Go ahead." Lee leaned back, looking at her.
"We're…" Rosemary began. "I, me, you, well…I'm having…I am pregnant." She finished quietly, looking at Lee's face to gauge his reaction.
At first he didn't say anything, but then a huge smile spread across his face. "Really?" He asked quietly.
An unexpected wave of happiness and joy washed over Rosemary and she nodded excitedly, surprised at the tears that came to her eyes. "That's why I got sick."
"We're really having a baby…" Lee swallowed and gulped. "Rosie, that's amazing." He gave her a huge hug, which they both just stood in for a little bit. "How long?" He asked when they finally moved apart.
"Another six or seven months." Rosemary responded with a smile. "I can hardly believe it." She confessed quietly.
Lee gently kissed her on the lips. "Me neither." They stepped apart momentarily. "Who else knows?" He asked.
"Abigail, Faith, and Elizabeth. But I'd rather not tell anyone else until it's impossible not to. I just don't want to worry about complications."
"Of course." Lee nodded. He was still smiling.
Just then, Rosemary's stomach rumbled. She laughed. "I guess I'm a little hungry."
"Well, you are eating for two now." Lee chuckled. "Tell you what, you stay here, and I'll go get us lunch."
"Are you sure? I thought you were busy." Rosemary questioned.
"I'll be fine. Sit, and I'll be right back. We can enjoy lunch here."
"Okay." Rosemary sat as Lee pulled out her chair for her.
He rested his hand on her shoulder with another big smile and looked at her. They didn't need to say anything because they both knew the joy of the other. So, he turned and walked out. He could barely believe it. This was amazing!