October made way for November. The air became ever colder, letting the residents of Hope Valley know that winter was not far off. Elizabeth finished her manuscript and happily presented it to Carson. He accepted it as the treasure it was, not just because he was honored to read her writing, but because it demonstrated the trust she had in him. That warmed his heart more than anything. He began reading every night before bed, drawn into the story of a woman who had lost her husband and slowly learned to live again. He saw the parallels in Elizabeth's own life. At times, it almost felt like he was invading her privacy, knowing he was being given a mirror of her grief, processing, and healing. It also reminded him of his own journey of healing after Amber's death. He had a feeling Elizabeth's story would resonate with anyone who had lost a loved one.

One particularly cold night, he was nearing the end of the story when a frantic knocking sounded on his door. Used to medical emergencies at all hours, Carson set aside the manuscript and hurried to answer the knock. Shane stood on the other side, panting. "Faith is in labor!" he exclaimed. "It came on suddenly and it's very strong. Please, come help her."

Carson grabbed his medical bag, donned his coat, and followed Shane into the night. When they reached the Cantrell home, Carson heard a wail even though the house was shut tight against the cold. Shane blanched, rushing for the door. Carson could have told him that was normal for women in labor, but he had a feeling it wouldn't be helpful now.

Faith was writhing in her bed when Carson entered the room. Though her face was masked with pain, she looked relieved to see him. "Oh, thank goodness!" she cried, tears rolling down her cheeks. "This came out of nowhere, Carson."

He placed a hand on her shoulder. "We're going to get you through this, Faith," he said, his words firm but gentle. "You'll get to meet your little one soon."

Her labor was fast but harsh. Shane flinched with every cry Faith emitted, but he refused to leave her side. Philip was staying overnight at a friend's house, unaware that his mother was about to birth his brother or sister. In the early hours of the morning, Faith gave a final push and brought her child into the world.

Carson laughed as the squirming baby slipped into his arms. "You have a son!" he said, grinning at the new parents. Though Faith looked exhausted, she tried pushing herself up to see her baby.

"I'll bring him to you in a moment," Carson said. "Let me clean him up first."

He bathed the baby in warm water, then wrapped him securely in a blanket before placing him in his mother's arms. Faith wore an expression of awe as she beheld her tiny son.

"Oh! Shane, look," she whispered. "He's perfect."

Her husband sat beside her on the bed. One arm slipped around Faith while the other rested on their baby's back. "Very perfect," he whispered back. He smiled at his wife. "You did amazing, sweetheart. I'm awed at what you just accomplished." He looked at Carson. "And thank you for being here and guiding her through the process."

"I'm happy to help," Carson said, washing his hands in a basin. "He's a healthy little one." He dried his hands on a clean towel. "Do you know what you're going to call him?"

"We settled on Seth David," Shane answered. "Seth for my father and David for Faith's."

"That's a good, strong name," Carson said, smiling. He watched Faith, taking in the way she had eyes only for little Seth. She would be passing the afterbirth soon, but she didn't seem to notice. Carson knew contractions would still be pressing her womb. He quietly helped her with the rest of the birthing process, making sure she wasn't bleeding abnormally, then cleaned up the room. Shane helped him while Faith fed the baby. When everything was complete, Carson bid his friends farewell. He stopped at the door, looking back to watch them for another few moments.

A wave of loneliness washed over him as he took in the little family, glowing with joy. He was happy for the Cantrells. But a part of his heart yearned for what they had. He hoped to find a wife who looked at him the way Faith looked at Shane, a woman he could love and experience the wonder of children with. Immediately, his thoughts turned to Elizabeth. Carson pushed them away. It did no good hoping for something that might not come to fruition. He'd learned that a long time ago.

Quietly, he left the house. It had begun snowing sometime since his arrival. The flakes were small and sparse, but it was still the first snow of the season. Carson smiled, his loneliness abating. The walk back home in the stillness was good for his soul.

The Cantrells lived a little ways out of town, taking Carson past the rowhouses. He paused near Elizabeth's, seeing a light on in her window. A moment later, he saw Elizabeth herself standing on the porch, wrapped in a jacket and looking up at the sky.

"Elizabeth?" he said, softly alerting her to his presence as he came near.

She blinked, looking his way. "Carson? What are you doing out at this hour?"

He smiled, coming to a stop at the bottom step. "I could ask you the same thing. I'm not the one who is almost eight months pregnant. Were you unable to sleep?"

She nodded, rubbing her stomach. "This little one decided nighttime is playtime," she said wryly. "The baby has been turning somersaults since dinner. I tried sleeping, but gave up a couple hours ago." She turned her face up again, a sweet smile tipping her lips. "I love snow. Being able to see the first one of the season makes being up at this hour worth it."

Carson watched her, drinking in her beauty and trying to get a hold on his feelings. He was slowly growing used to the fact that he had fallen in love with her. It was likely his love would remain unrequited, but it was there nonetheless. Whether she ever returned his feelings or not, Carson was determined to be a help and support for Elizabeth, a friend she could turn to whenever she was in need.

Her eyes found him again. "You never did say why you're up and about," she said. "Was there a medical emergency?"

"Not exactly," Carson said. "Faith had her baby."

Elizabeth lit up, excitement on her features. "She did? That's wonderful! Was it a boy or a girl?"

Carson chuckled, Elizabeth's enthusiasm a delight to see. "A boy. They named him Seth."

A dreamy look crossed Elizabeth's face. Her hands rested on her own unborn child. "Just think, her son and my child could be good friends. Maybe even best friends, if they're both boys." She grinned. "Or maybe they'll marry someday if my baby is a girl."

Carson laughed. "You're not thinking long-term or anything."

Elizabeth joined in his laughter. "Not at all." Her smile grew. She looked down at her belly, softly caressing it. "Slow down there, little one," she said in amused tones. "Mama isn't a racetrack." She looked at Carson, her eyes twinkling. "Would you like to feel the baby moving?"

Surprised, Carson stared at her. No one had asked him that before, not even one of his patients. Tentatively, he climbed the porch steps to stand beside her, then reached out to place a hand on her stomach. Though he'd done the same thing numerous times over the past months as her doctor, this felt more intimate – something a husband would do with his wife. Guilt slammed into him as he felt Jack's child move against his hand. Jack should be the one standing here with a hand on Elizabeth's stomach. The guilt nearly overwhelmed him, so much so that he almost pulled away. But he was stopped when Elizabeth covered his hand with hers.

"Isn't it amazing?" she asked, a light shining in her eyes. "We can't see it yet, but we can feel the life within me." She giggled like a young girl. "It's such a miracle."

Carson instantly found himself lost in her joy. The light in her eyes, the freedom in her laughter, was so pure and untouched by any other emotion. She was radiant, and he was undone. He pulled her into a light embrace, sharing in her happiness. "It truly is," he said softly. "One of my greatest joys as a doctor is bringing new life into this world."

She smiled up at him. "Then tonight must have been a happy one indeed."

Carson nodded. That was true for more reasons than one.

Elizabeth shivered in his arms. Carson couldn't help himself; he cupped her cheek. "You're cold," he said softly. "Would you like to go inside? You might be able to sleep now."

"I hope so," she replied, leaning into his hand as she closed her eyes. "I am feeling tired. Do you have any tea recommendations for a sleepy, pregnant woman?"

He smiled, letting himself gently rub her cheek with his thumb before pulling his hand away. "Chamomile is good for that," he said. "With a little touch of cream."

Elizabeth nodded. "I'll make that, then." She leaned forward, nearly shocking Carson as she rested her head against his chest and wrapped her arms around his waist. "I'm glad we ran into each other," she said. "This has been an unexpected blessing."

Returning her hug, Carson briefly rested his head against hers. "I agree," he said quietly. As they pulled back, Elizabeth smiled up at him. Carson threw caution to the wind and moved forward, gently pressing a kiss to her forehead. "I hope you're able to get some rest," he said, releasing her and trying to keep his voice steady.

Elizabeth blinked, looking at him with an expression he couldn't read. Just as quickly, it was gone. She smiled again and stepped toward the door. "You as well," she said. "I'll see you tomorrow for lunch."

Carson chuckled. "I think you mean 'later'," he said with a wink. "It's already tomorrow."

Elizabeth laughed softly. "So it is. I'll see you later, then." She waved and turned to go inside. Carson waited until she had safely closed the door behind her, then headed down the road. His mind replayed their encounter the entire way. The moments they'd shared had felt so natural and comfortable. Feeling her child moving against his hand had awakened a protective instinct inside that he wasn't expecting. He longer to nurture and shield both Elizabeth and her baby. Rubbing a hand over his face, he remembered Rosemary's words from the previous month.

It's amazing what can happen in the little daily moments.

What happened tonight felt like a start. Carson didn't think Elizabeth felt anything for him, but their friendship continued to grow and they continued to share their lives openly. Maybe there was some hope after all. Maybe, someday, Elizabeth could learn to love him in return. Until then, he would remain her friend.

Elizabeth fiddled with her pen, wanting to write in her journal but not sure where to begin. Abigail was due soon for breakfast. Maybe she should just think until her friend arrived. Closing the journal, she set it aside. Immediately, her thoughts traveled to the night before and her interaction with Carson.

She'd been slightly irritable when she couldn't sleep, and after hours of tossing and turning, she finally gave up. Rather than stay in bed, she got up and decided to do some reading. A couple hours later, she was still awake. It was then that she looked out the window and saw that it was lightly snowing. Any lingering irritation vanished instantly, replaced with a sense of wonder. She'd impulsively put on her jacket and stepped onto the porch to watch the swirling flakes fall from the night sky. Utter peace descended on her as she stood in the snow, one hand resting on her active, unborn baby. In that moment, she felt completely happy.

She hadn't expected anyone to join her. It was the early hours of the morning. Hope Valley was all abed. But Carson had been called from his home to deliver Faith's son, something he would do for Elizabeth in about a month's time. She was glad his route took him by her house. It was nice being able to share her joy and wonder with him. He fit into her life so comfortably, she never stopped to think that there was anything other than friendship there.

Yet, for a brief moment last night, she'd wondered. The fact that he pulled her into a hug was hardly new – they had been sharing those frequently over the last few months, the same way she hugged Bill or Lee whenever they met. But this time, she'd given in to the feeling of safety and security he provided, resting against him and letting him hold her longer than normal. She couldn't deny that it felt good being in his arms. When he gently caressed her cheek, she hadn't thought much of it. But when he kissed her forehead, there had been a tender look in his eyes that stole her breath. Her stomach flipped, a light tingle shooting through it that surprised her. She knew the feeling of attraction, and to feel it in that moment, with a man who was her friend, momentarily shocked her. The feeling was gone almost as soon as it started, but it was unmistakable. Elizabeth only hoped Carson hadn't noticed her discombobulation as he released her from his embrace. He teased her gently right after, which made her think he was just continuing his friendly intentions, but her confusion lingered into the night. She made the tea he suggested, and it had helped calm the baby, which in turn allowed her to sleep, but her dreams were wrought with images of both Jack and Carson interspersed in the strangest of ways. When she woke, she'd been beset with a nagging guilt that wouldn't let her alone.

How could she feel attraction, no matter how briefly, for another man when Jack hadn't been gone for more than six months? It felt like a betrayal of her late husband. The guilt plagued her incessantly. When Abigail arrived with her basket of scones and a thermos of coffee, Elizabeth was nearly in tears.

"Elizabeth!" Abigail exclaimed, eyes wide in alarm. "What's wrong? Is something happening with the baby? Should I fetch Carson?"

The mention of Carson undid her. Large tears began rolling down her cheeks. She shook her head, pressing a fist to her mouth. Abigail set down her basket, then took Elizabeth's arm and guided her to the settee. She let her cry, waiting to speak until the tears finally stopped falling. She gently wiped them away with a handkerchief. "Why don't you tell me what's going on?" she suggested softly. "Maybe I can help."

Elizabeth sighed. "Maybe." She clutched her friend's hands. "You lost your husband, Abigail. What was your reaction when you first felt an attraction to another man?"

Abigail tilted her head, pondering the question. "Hopeful," she said finally. "When Bill came to town after Noah's death, my attraction to him was swift. It surprised me, to say the least, but it also showed me that there was a chance at happiness again after Noah died. I knew he would have wanted that for me. Sometimes I felt a bit guilty at the timing; I'd been married twenty years, and four months after my husband was gone, I was harboring feelings for another man. Even though Bill and I didn't work out, the fact that I could feel again gave me hope."

Elizabeth smiled lightly. "And now you have Frank."

Abigail's responding smile was wide. "And now I have Frank. I was able to find love again." She raised a brow. "But I get the feeling there was a reason behind your question." She squeezed Elizabeth's hand. "Care to share?"

A little sigh escaped Elizabeth. "I felt an attraction last night, Abigail. Toward Carson. It was brief, but I recognized it for what it was."

A small smile tugged at Abigail's lips. "I'm not surprised."

Elizabeth looked up in shock. "You're not? What do you mean?"

Abigail leaned a little closer. "Elizabeth, when a single man and a single woman spend a substantial amount of time together, it's common that one or both of them will experience an attraction toward the other. You and Carson have spent an hour or more together almost every day for months, sharing your hearts, your lives, and your mutual grief over losing a spouse." She shook her head. "I'm honestly surprised this hasn't happened sooner."

Elizabeth sat back, stunned into silence, unsure what to say. Abigail's words remained with her for the rest of the day. Elizabeth tried analyzing her heart, but she couldn't come up with any answers. Her guilt lingered, especially when Carson came for lunch. He seemed perfectly calm and at ease, but she wasn't sure how to act around him. It didn't help that she experienced another jolt of attraction when he hugged her goodbye at the end of their lunch. For a long time, she stood at the door staring after him, then slowly went inside, picked up a picture of Jack, and cried.

Charlotte found her like that when she came for tea. Elizabeth's face was swollen and her eyes red. Part of her wanted to tell her mother-in-law to come back later, but she had a feeling the older woman might have some perspective for her. After all, Charlotte never remarried after Thomas died.

"Well, Lizzie, it looks like you could use a strong cup of tea," Charlotte commented the moment she saw Elizabeth. "I'll make a pot of peppermint, and then we can chat."

Charlotte's straightforward manner calmed Elizabeth slightly, though not completely. She was nervous at the prospect of admitting that she felt something for a man who wasn't Charlotte's son. Sitting on the settee, she twisted a handkerchief in her hands as she waited for Charlotte to come back with the tea.

Her mother-in-law sat beside her before Elizabeth had figured out a solution. Fortunately, she didn't have to.

"Is this about Carson?" Charlotte asked with preamble, handing Elizabeth a cup of tea.

Elizabeth almost dropped the cup. "What?" she gasped.

Charlotte calmly took a sip of her tea. "I've been waiting for you to tell me that you're developing feelings for our town doctor," she said matter-of-factly. "I figure one of the only things that could have you in such a state would be realizing you have feelings for another man so soon after Jack's death. Besides, I've seen how the good doctor looks at you. It's obvious he's developed a tendre for you."

The old word for tender love made Elizabeth pause. "I … no … that can't be!"

"Why not?" Charlotte challenged, raising a single brow. "He's a catch, Lizzie. As are you. I think it could be a good match."

Elizabeth stared at her. "Jack hasn't been gone that long!" she exclaimed. "How can you be so calm about this?"

Charlotte chuckled wryly. "Sweet girl, wallowing in the fact that my son isn't coming back won't make me a happier person. Demanding that you wait a specified amount of time before finding love again would be selfish. If you have a second chance at love, you should take it. That's what Jack would want. You showed me his final letter, remember?"

"But … but …"

"Don't 'but' me," Charlotte said. "There is no timeline for these things, Lizzie. Love isn't a guarantee. When it comes, you have to take advantage of it while you can."

A protest died on Elizabeth's lips. Something in Charlotte's tone spoke of regret. Cautiously, she spoke. "Why didn't you remarry after your husband died?"

Charlotte sighed. "Because I was a stubborn fool," she admitted. "I had a chance to love again, and I wasted it."

Elizabeth's mouth dropped. "You did?"

"To my shame, yes," Charlotte said. "A friend of mine from childhood was my rock after Thomas' death. It was only a few months later that I realized he had feelings for me. After that, I was shocked to discover that I had feelings for him as well. But I thought it was too soon. I worried what people would think if I started seeing another man less than a year after Thomas died. I rejected his offer of courtship." Her eyes softened. "But he never gave up."

"He didn't?"

Charlotte shook her head. "He continued to pursue me for the next year in a kind, gentle way. It wore down my objections little by little." Uncommon tears welled in her eyes. "When I finally decided to give our love a chance, it was snatched away. He died in a riding accident before I could tell him how I felt."

Sorrow slammed into Elizabeth. Charlotte had lost love twice. She took her mother-in-law's hand, intending to offer words of comfort, but Charlotte speared her with a look. "Don't let any preconceived notions about grief and the myth of appropriate timelines get in the way of your happiness, my dear," she said. "Jack wanted you to be happy again. I want you to be happy again. If you think you can find that with Carson, you both owe it to yourselves to find out." She smiled slightly. "That man is head over heels already."

Was he? Elizabeth gulped, terrified at the thought of allowing someone into her heart. It was still shattered, after all. And she was expecting a child in just a month. Now hardly felt like the time to pursue a romance, even if she wanted to.

And Elizabeth wasn't sure she wanted to, despite the new feelings that were pushing their way to the surface of her consciousness.