Brandon began joining Elizabeth and the Coulters for dinner regularly. As she got to know the young man, Elizabeth could see why Jack asked him to come to Hope Valley. Though there was a reserve to him, Brandon cared deeply about the town and its people. He was fiercely protective. The man was very young, but he was dedicated.

Elizabeth told Carson about the latest development when he came for lunch on Monday. "Did you notice Laura staring at our new constable in church yesterday?" she asked, handing him a slice of bread.

Carson raised a brow. "I did not. Did she appear smitten?" He poured her a glass of water from the pitcher on the table before filling his own cup.

Chuckling, Elizabeth nodded. The eighteen-year-old hadn't been able to take her eyes off the Mountie. "I don't think he noticed. She was sitting behind him."

Carson smiled, taking a bite of the fried chicken he'd brought from Abigail's. "Young love. Maybe it will happen for them."

That was exactly what Elizabeth was hoping for. Laura had blossomed into a wonderful young lady. She and Brandon might make a good match. "Maybe I'll put a little bug in Rosemary's ear," Elizabeth said casually, eating some of her mashed potatoes.

Carson laughed. "Our resident matchmaker would have them together in no time," he said, his eyes twinkling with mirth.

"I think it would be sweet," Elizabeth replied, grinning. She took a sip of her tea, then winced. She'd forgotten to put in the cream. Glancing around the table, she frowned. Apparently she'd forgotten to get it out at all.

Carson saw her glance. "Everything alright?"

Elizabeth moved to rise. "I just forgot the cream," she said.

Carson laid a hand on her arm. "May I get it for you?" he asked.

Smiling, Elizabeth nodded. A part of her resisted his aid in something so simple, but she knew he was doing it to protect her and the baby. For that, she was grateful. Taking another bite of her potatoes, Elizabeth wrinkled her nose. Abigail hadn't put pepper on them for some reason. Reaching for the pepper shaker, Elizabeth poured some over her potatoes. Stirring it in, she took a bite and smiled. Perfect.

Carson returned with the cream, handing it to Elizabeth. "I never could abide tea without a dash of creaminess," he said, making conversation. "Coffee either, for that matter."

Elizabeth shook her head, pouring a touch of cream into her tea. "I know what you mean." She took a sip, savoring the flavor. "This is delightful."

Carson smiled at her. "Simple pleasures are the best kind," he said.

Elizabeth agreed wholeheartedly.

"How's your book coming along?" Carson asked.

Lighting up, Elizabeth launched into a detailed explanation of her story. By the time she was finished, their lunch was long over and they were on a second cup of tea. Sheepishly, Elizabeth looked at the clock. "I just talked your ear off for over an hour," she said apologetically.

Carson grinned. "You absolutely glow when you're talking about your story and characters," he said. "You're clearly passionate about your writing. I'm honored that you shared it with me."

"I'm almost finished," Elizabeth admitted. "My plan is to send it around to publishers to see if it's good enough." She bit her lip. "I want to ask someone to read it, but I'm afraid to do so. It feels so personal."

"I would read it, if you're open to that," Carson said. "I might be a doctor, but I can tell if a story is good."

Elizabeth looked at him hopefully. "Would you?" she asked. "That would be a big help, Carson."

His smile warmed her heart. "It would be my pleasure," he replied. There was a look in his eyes that made Elizabeth blink. For the briefest of moments, it was almost as if he regarded her with a tenderness that spoke of more than friendship. But when she looked again, all she saw was a friendly gaze.

"Thank you," she said, shaking off her strange imagination. "I…" A sharp pain in her stomach stopped her words. "Oh!" Both hands went over her belly, resting on her baby. "Oh, that hurts!"

Alarm filled Carson's face. He rose immediately, kneeling beside her. "What's wrong?" His fingers found her wrist, feeling for her pulse.

"I don't know…oh!" Elizabeth bent nearly in half, seized with another pain. A burning sensation filled her chest. She gasped, one hand going to her heart. "Ohhh!"

Carson placed a hand on her stomach, feeling for any movement from the baby. The burning continued in her chest as the pain in her stomach faded. All at once, a loud burp escaped. Cheeks flaming, Elizabeth put both hands over her mouth. "Oh my goodness! I am so sorry, Carson!"

A little smile tugged at his lips. "Elizabeth Thornton, don't scare me like that," he scolded lightly, tugging on a lock of her hair. "It seems you are suffering from a case of indigestion, not labor."

She giggled, finding humor in the situation. Another burp sounded, and once more she felt mortification fill her. Carson pretended not to notice, for which Elizabeth was thankful. He sat in his chair once more, looking over the food. "I don't understand it," he mused. "I specifically asked Abigail to create foods that would be easy for you to consume and digest. I even had her keep the pepper out of her potatoes."

"Oh…" Elizabeth lowered her hands. "I think I know what tripped this episode."

Carson raised a brow. Elizabeth flushed. "I might have put a good amount of pepper on my food when you went to get the cream. I thought Abigail forgot it. I didn't realize you'd asked her to keep it out."

"Ah," Carson replied, chuckling lightly. "I'm sorry, Elizabeth. I should have told you that spicy food is not a good idea for the remainder of your pregnancy. It can make things like this happen."

Elizabeth rubbed her stomach. "I understand. So it's bland food from here on out, is it?"

Carson chuckled again. "Only for the next couple of months. You'll be able to enjoy spice again once your baby is born."

"Good," Elizabeth said emphatically. "I happen to love pepper."

Carson smiled. "It is rather good, isn't it?"

She nodded as he stood. "I'll just clean up, and then I need to see to my afternoon patients," Carson said.

Elizabeth watched as he did the dishes. She was used to it by now, but when he first began cleaning her kitchen, she hadn't been overly thrilled. Now she saw it as his kind gift to her. When he finished, she smiled at him. "Thank you." She pushed herself up, crossing the kitchen to give him a hug. "And thank you for these lunches. I look forward to them."

He tensed briefly in her arms. Elizabeth looked up at him in confusion. "Sorry," he said, finally returning her hug. "I…uh…just remembered something I have to get done." His body relaxed and he smiled. "I look forward to these lunches as well. Thank you for letting me bother you every day."

The lightness with which he said the words made Elizabeth laugh. They released each other, and she walked him to the door. "You can bother me all you want," she teased. "It's nice having friends around."

Carson nodded. "Friends are wonderful." He chucked her under the chin playfully. "I'll see you tomorrow."

Elizabeth smiled. "See you then." She waved as he walked down the path to town, then went back inside. Her desk caught her eye. Elizabeth made her way there, sitting down and pulling her typewriter closer.

She suddenly felt inspired to finish her story.

Carson walked briskly, trying to banish the memory of how Elizabeth felt in his arms from his mind. He might as well have been trying not to breathe. The attraction was growing stronger by the day, as was his guilt. When she hugged him, he felt a current of electricity. In the same instance, guilt consumed him for feeling anything other than friendship for Jack's widow. He let out a frustrated breath, shoving his hands through his hair. Carson wasn't sure how he was going to be able to hide his feelings as they continued to grow.

When he made it to the infirmary, he was relieved to find that his next appointment had canceled. That gave him some time to compose himself and work on filing. Unfortunately, Faith seemed to have other ideas.

"How was lunch with Elizabeth?" she asked, looking up from her paperwork.

"Good," Carson replied, sorting some patient files into the correct folders. "She is doing well."

"Mm-hmm," Faith said, rubbing her extended stomach. "Is she as uncomfortable as I am?"

Carson chuckled, looking at his nurse. Faith was weeks away from giving birth. She was fairly waddling about, though she continued to do her work with enthusiasm and sweetness. "Not quite, but she's getting there. She was unconsciously rubbing her stomach a lot, just like you do."

Faith smiled. "I'm not surprised." She affected a casual air, thumbing through some papers. "And how long, exactly, have you had feelings for her?"

Head jerking up, Carson stared at Faith. She smiled back serenely, blinking innocently. "How did you know?" Carson rasped, shocked.

Faith chuckled. "You are an open book with me, Carson. It's blatantly obvious that you've developed an attachment to Elizabeth."

He gaped. "It's obvious?" he whispered, eyes widening.

Faith took pity on him. "Only to me, I believe," she said softly. "I know you well, Carson. I've never seen you act around a woman the way you've been acting around Elizabeth for the past couple of months. You look at her so tenderly when you think no one is watching. You are more solicitous of her needs than anyone, even Rosemary and Abigail. And you have lunch with her basically every day of the week." She arched a brow. "Need I go on?"

"No," Carson said, a little sheepishly. "I've been fighting the feelings, Faith. I won't act on them."

His nurse tilted her head. "Why ever not?"

He blinked. "Why not? Jack just died! He hasn't been gone long enough for Elizabeth to give birth to their child. She is still grieving. It would be selfish of me to even indicate to Elizabeth that I have feelings for her."

Faith rose, coming to stand beside him. "I'm not suggesting you tell her now," she said. "But Carson, you haven't felt something like this since your wife died." She placed a hand over his. "Maybe this is your second chance at love, just like it could be for Elizabeth. It might take some time, as she still has much healing to do, but I think something could come of it. Someday."

"Maybe," Carson said doubtfully. "As much as I would like to explore these feelings, I know it's one-sided. It could be months, even years, before Elizabeth is ready to move on. Even then, why would she choose me?"

"You have feelings for Elizabeth?"

Carson whipped around. The color fled from his cheeks. Rosemary stood just inside the door, mouth hanging open. Floundering for words, Carson stuttered. "I…I…uh…"

Composing herself, Rosemary walked into the room. "How long has this been going on?"

Not seeing any point in denying it, Carson drew in a breath. "A couple of months."

Rosemary eyed him, a small smile on her lips. "I'm glad to hear you're finally open to moving on, Carson," she said softly. "You've lived in a shell for too long."

He blinked, not expecting that reaction. Rosemary noticed. "I don't think Elizabeth is anywhere close to being ready for a relationship," she said quickly. "But I do see the friendship you two are building. It's been good for you both. Maybe somewhere down the road, you'll find that friendship blossoming into something more." She placed a hand on his arm. "Elizabeth likes and trusts you, Carson. There are many reasons she might choose you when she has finished grieving Jack." She patted his arm. "Just be patient."

He'd gained an unexpected ally, but he felt a little bit of nervousness. "You won't say anything, will you?"

Rosemary chuckled. "I know my reputation as a gossip precedes me, but I promise you this will stay between us."

Carson felt his shoulders relax. "Thank you, Rosemary."

Faith came up beside him and smiled. "We're rooting for you, you know."

Rosemary nodded her agreement. Carson let out a breath. "I'm humbled by your vote of confidence," he said.

"Just take things one day at a time," Rosemary said. "It's amazing what can happen in the little daily moments." She shrugged. "Who knows? Maybe that's how love will find you again. Maybe it's how it will find Elizabeth again."

Carson could only hope she was right. Eventually.

After church on Sunday, Elizabeth approached Carson a little nervously. She had a request, and she wasn't sure how he would take it. He saw her coming, a smile lighting his face. "Elizabeth. How are you feeling?"

"Good," she replied. "I'm thankful that Lee and Rosemary let me ride with them to church services."

Carson nodded. "I'm glad you're able to make it, and in a way that won't hurt you or the baby."

Elizabeth peeked up at him. "Speaking of which, if I get a ride, do you think I could visit Jack at the cemetery?"

Carson nodded immediately. "Of course, Elizabeth." His eyes softened in empathy. "I should have thought of this before. You'd been visiting Jack several times a week before I put you on bed rest. Have you been to his grave at all since?"

She shook her head. "No." The word was soft and a little sad. She'd missed her conversations with her late husband, even though writing through her grief had been healing.

Carson's eyes closed for a brief moment. "I'm so sorry, Elizabeth. Please, if you can find a ride, go." He smiled lightly. "But make sure you have someone with you, just in case of an emergency."

"Why don't you take her?"

They both turned to see Rosemary standing beside them. She smiled first at Elizabeth, then at Carson. "Lee and I are having brunch at the cafe. You can take our car."

Elizabeth tilted her head, slightly surprised at Rosemary's sudden offer. "Are you sure?" she asked.

Rosemary nodded. "I know Carson can drive well. Who better to accompany you to the graveyard than the town doctor?" Her eyes rested on Elizabeth's stomach. "If anything happens, he will be able to take care of you."

Carson was staring at Rosemary with a strange expression on his face. She looked back at him innocently. Elizabeth wasn't sure what to make of their silent exchange, but Carson turned to her before she could puzzle it out. "I'd be happy to drive you there," he said. "If that's alright with you."

She smiled at him, linking her arm through his. "That would be nice. Thank you, Carson." She looked at her friend. "And thank you for the car, Rosemary."

Rosemary nodded. "Tell Jack hi for me," she said softly. Elizabeth nodded in response.

Carson walked her to the car, keeping her tucked close to him against the autumn chill. Elizabeth appreciated his consideration of her comfort. He helped her get situated into the car, then got in the driver's seat and began the drive to the cemetery.

Neither one of them felt the need to talk. Elizabeth's mind was on Jack, memories of their four years together making a little smile tug at her lips. Before she knew it, they arrived. Carson helped her from the car, then stepped back. "I can stay here while you talk to Jack," he said gently.

Elizabeth wrapped her arms around her stomach. Though she wanted to spend time at Jack's grave, she suddenly realized she didn't want to do it alone. She looked up at Carson with a plea in her eyes. "Will you come with me?"

Surprise crossed his face, but he smiled and offered her his arm. "Of course."

Elizabeth took it, and together they walked to the grave. When they reached it, both maintained a respectful silence. Elizabeth talked to Jack in her heart, staring at his headstone and focusing on his name.

I'm sorry I haven't been able to visit you sooner, sweetheart. I've been trying to ensure our baby is safe and that I carry him or her to term. I've been thinking a lot about what to name this child, and I know I want to name it after you. I don't know yet if some form of Jack would be a first or middle name, but either way, this child will bear your name. I think I also want to use your parents' names somehow. I've thought about many variations, like Jack Thomas or Thomas Jack for a boy, and Jacqueline Charlotte or Charlotte Jacqueline for a girl. Your mother has been such a help for me in these past months, so if we have a girl, I want her name to be included. If it's a boy, I want to honor both you and your father, brave men who gave their lives to the Mounties. She smiled wryly. Though I must admit, if we have a son, I hope he doesn't follow in your footsteps professionally. But even if he does, I would support him, because it would be his life and his dream.

I miss you, Jack. I miss your laughter and your companionship. I miss the way you tease me and support me. I miss the life we shared all too briefly. I wish we could learn to be parents together. I know I won't be alone as I raise this baby, but I wish you could be by my side.

She let go of Carson's arm and stepped forward, leaning down to kiss the headstone. "I love you, Jack." She stood for a few moments, tears making their way slowly down her cheek. A minute later, she felt Carson's hands on her shoulders.

"Are you alright, Elizabeth?" he asked gently.

She nodded through her tears, reaching one hand up to rest over his. "I am." She looked over her shoulder, giving him a smile. "Thank you for being here with me."

His hands tightened slightly in a show of support. "Anytime, Elizabeth."

She leaned back against him, letting his strength hold her up. She communicated quietly with her husband for a few more minutes, then glanced over her shoulder again. Carson's eyes were closed, his lips moving in silent prayer. Elizabeth instinctively knew he was praying for her. Touched, she turned and slipped her arm through his once more. His eyes opened, and Elizabeth saw the compassion resting there. Hope bloomed in her chest. Here was a man who had gone through what she had, and had come out stronger and able to live again. If he could do it, she knew she could too. Smiling, she rested her head on his arm as they began the walk back to the car.

It was nice having someone who understood.