As faith calmed Elizabeth down while Carlsson worked to wake jack. After a few minutes, jack began to stir.
Jack? I'm here. Please wake up. Elizabeth said (after a few minutes that like an eternity, jack did wake up.)
Wha-what happened? Jack said (as Carlsson chuckled as he helped jack up off the floor.)
Well, Jack. You just found out that you'll need to make another crib. I guess the shock was a little too much for you. Carlsson said
So it's true? We're having twins? Two babies? Jack said exclaimed
It is true, Sweetheart. Elizabeth said
We're not ready though? We're not even ready one baby! Now, There will be two? Jack said
Well, jack, you have plenty of time. The baby's aren't due for another four months. Faith said
She's right, sweetheart. And we have more than enough love to share with two little ones. Even at the same time. You will still be an amazing dad. Elizabeth said (reassured her husband.)
And you well be an amazing mamma. Jack said (as he smiled and as he touched his wife's cheek) (Then they turned to Carlsson and Faith)
Please don't tell anyone yet. Jack and I don't want a big thing over this. We'll tell the little by little. Jack and Elizabeth said
Word will most likely spread quickly anyway though as soon as we tell rosemary. Jack said
(They all laughed)
We promise not to reveal anything to anyone. Faith and Carlsson said
That afternoon After going home for awhile to news, Elizabeth headed to the cafe while Jack headed to the mill.
Abigail? Elizabeth said (called out as entered the cafe)
In here! Elizabeth! Hi! How was the appointment? Abigail said (coming from out of the pantry into the kitchen) Well, it went pretty well. Carlsson found something though. Elizabeth said
What is it? Is everything ok with the baby? Abigail said (with a concerned look as she led Elizabeth to the table and got them both some tea.)
Oh, yes! Everything's fine. Carlsson just discovered that jack will have to build another crib. Elizabeth said with a smile. (It took a moment for her words to sink in.)
It's twins? Abigail said (as here eyes widened.)
Yes! There will be two sweet angels to love! Jack and I still can't believe it. Elizabeth said
How did you two handle the news? Abigail said ( as she taking a sip of tea.)
I cried, of course, and jack... well, jack passed out. Elizabeth said
Well is he ok now? Abigail said
He's fine now. I just think the shock was a little too much for him. Elizabeth said
Well I won't say anything to him bout it. Abigail said
Thanks Abigail. I'd appreciate that. He's embarrassed enough that Carlsson and faith were there. Elizabeth said
Well, whatever you need to get ready for the babies arriva l, I'm here for you. Abigail said
Thanks Abigail. You're a good friend. Elizabeth said (as she hugged her)
Over at the mill (Lee and jack were having a similar conversation)
Twins, huh? How do you feel about that? Lee said
Well, once I got over the shock, I'm thinking it sounds pretty good. I'll have to build another crib, though. I'll need more lumber. Jack said
You've got it. I'll even help you build it if you need me too. Lee said
Thanks, buddy. I'll probably take you up on that if I'm not finished within the next few weeks. Jack said
Anytime. Is it ok to tell rosemary? Lee said
Yes. Although, She always senses when something is going on I'll bet that she's somehow gotten out of Elizabeth already, and if not, she will by the end of the day. Jack said (As the two men laughed)
Meanwhile at the café (well Abigail and Elizabeth were still talking)
Hello Rosemary said (shouted out coming in)
Hello Rosemary. Elizabeth said (as Abigail added her greetings)
So? Rosemary said
So what? Elizabeth said
Now, don't you play coy with me. I know you your appointment with Dr. Sean today. Tell me all about it. Rosemary said (set down)
Well, it went just fine, Rosemary. I'm healthy and everything is right on schedule. Elizabeth said
Elizabeth Thorsten! I know you're keeping something from me. What is it? Rosemary said (rosemary wouldn't stop pushing until she got what she wanted. In true rosemary fashion)
Well, Rosemary, jack, and I found out today, that we are having twins. Elizabeth said (Rosemary's mouth hung open in shock.)
Twins? As in two babies? Rosemary said
That's unusually the definition of twins. So yes, two babies. Elizabeth said
My dear Elizabeth, how will you ever cope? From what I've heard it's stressful enough just to raise one baby. Of course, you'll have to give up teaching. You surely cannot handle that on top of everything else. Rosemary said
Rosemary! I am not giving up teaching. I'll just make it work. I love the children and I love my job. I'm not giving it up yet. Please don't worry about me. Elizabeth said
Well, alright. If you think you can manage. I'll help in anyway you need. Rosemary said
Thank you, rosemary. Elizabeth said (that night, Clara, John, and Corey were told about the new development. By Sunday, the whole town knew.) That Monday at school, the children were all abuzz.
Mes. Thorsten! Is it true that you're having two babies? Emily said
That's right, Emily. Mountie jack and I are having twins. Elizabeth said
Does this mean you won't be our teach anymore after the babies come? Timmy said
Oh, no! Of course not! I'll still be teaching you after I take a few weeks off after I have the babies. I could never stop teaching. I love you all too much. And I love teaching you. Elizabeth said
Later that day at cafe! (just then Clara came into the kitchen. Actually, she floated into the kitchen. She was humming. Elizabeth and Abigail looked at each other and smile.)
Clara, how was your lunch with John? (But there was no answer) Clara? Elizabeth said
She's been like that even since she got back from lunch. Abigail said (with a low chuckle)
So something must have happen during that lunch. Elizabeth said
I'm thinking it was something big. Abigail said
Clara! Elizabeth said (an little more loudly this time)
Oh. Hello. Elizabeth. What did you get back from school? Clara said
About half an hour ago I've been trying to get your attention for the past fifteen minutes. Elizabeth said
Oh! I'm sorry. I must have been thinking about something else. Clara said
Or someone else? (As Clara blushed) So, How was your lunch date? Elizabeth said
It was wonderful. Clara said (just then the front bell ? rang, signaling a customer.)
I'll get this one. Abigail said
Elizabeth, Could we talk? Could we take a walk. Clara said (Elizabeth nodded, putting an arm around her friend shoulder. Then the two head out the kitchen door. They walked in silence for a few minutes.)
Clara? What's going on? Elizabeth said (as Clara sighed)
It's John. I really do love him. I can see myself as his wife... someday. Clara said
That's wonderful, Clara. What's the problem? Elizabeth said
Well... I think he may propose soon, and I want to say yes but... Clara said
You're afraid that since Peter was your husband before, Abigail might be upset watching you remarry and knowing neither of you will ever get Peter back. Elizabeth said
She's been so good to me, Elizabeth. I don't want to hurt her. Clara said
Clara, I don't think you give Abigail enough credit. Yes, it still hurt that Peter is gone. I know it still hurts you too. I'm glad you are able to move on and find love again. I know for a fact that Abigail love you as a daughter. She only wants your happiness. She'll be happy for you. But you should talk to her about this. Be honest and she'll be honest with you. Elizabeth said
Thank you, Elizabeth. That helped a lot. Clara said
I'm glad. Now let's get back to the cafe before Abigail comes looking for us. Elizabeth said
The next day (during school hours well Elizabeth was still at school, The towns ladies join together to plan a baby shower for their friend. Unfortunately, they couldn't seem to agree on anything.)
Elizabeth is our friend! This needs to be the most fabulous baby shower in history of baby showers. Rosemary said
Rosemary, remember what happened with the wedding? We don't want to go overboard. We want this to special and meaningful for Elizabeth. Abigail said
I'll help with the food, Abigail. Clara said
That would be great, Clara. Thank you. Abigail said
And I will be in charge of the decorations. Rosemary said
I'll assist you, rosemary. (as she then learned over to faith and whispered) That way she won't get out of control. Dottie said
(Molly and Florence offered to help with drinks and getting the place ready for the party. By the time it was time for the other woman to head home and for Elizabeth to return for the day. It had been decided that this would be a surprise baby shower. The woman would each make présents for Elizabeth individually. However the babies would also be presented with baby blankets, made by the town's ladies together. The party would be held right after Elizabeth return from school. She would always come to visit with Abigail every day after school until Jack was off duty. This would be the easiest way to make sure Elizabeth didn't suspect anything.)
A week later.(the day of the shower the woman came over after lunch and got everything ready when it was nearly time for Elizabeth to return home Florence was sent out to be the lookouts)
She's coming! Florence said exclaimed coming in the café (Molly looked at the other woman.) OK places, ladies. That was the cue. (everyone found a place to hide and got very quiet as they waited for the guest of honor to enter in the café ️)Melissa said
(Soon the door opened and slammed)
Abigail? Elizabeth said (that's when everybody jumps outs of their places)
Surprise! The town's woman said
What's this? Elizabeth said (Abigail came forward and hugged her)
It's your surprise baby shower. Abigail said
Aww! You all didn't have to do this! Elizabeth said
You are family, Elizabeth. We wanted to do this Mx Rosemary said (the others nodded in agreement.)
Alright, Ladies. Let's eat! Abigail said
Meanwhile, at the schoolhouse, the children were planning a surprise of their own for their teacher.
I think we should make something for Mrs. Thorsten and Mountie jack for the babies. Corey said
I think that's a great idea. Should we work together or each make something on our own. Emily said
Well, we could do both. With ms Clara's help, the girls could each saw something like a blanket or stuffed animal. Holly said
And maybe Mr. Gowen would helps us boys each make something. I bet Mr. county would let us use the wood like we did with the sign for the school. Robert said
Hey, maybe the project we do together could be a sign to hang over the babies cribs on the wall. Or on the door to the nursery! Timmy exclaimed
Yeah. It could say god bless the babies, or something like that. Anna said (All the children were so excited about their plan that they didn't notice little opal sadly slink away with brownie. She sat down on the steps outside of the schoolhouse)
Brownie, I want to make something really special for Mrs. Thorsten's babies. I'm too little though. I don't know how to make anything out of wood and I can't saw yet. What am I going to do? Opal said
Meanwhile, back at the baby shower, it was time to open gifts. (Rosemary headed Elizabeth the first gift to open, which was, of course, hers. As Elizabeth opened the box and found two music boxes. One played 9 to 5 and was painted green while the other was painted blue and played all I need.)
It is never too early to introduce children to fine music. Rosemary said
Thank you, Rosemary. I am sure the babies will enjoy these. They are beautiful. (Dottie handed her a package.) Dottie! Theses are wonderful! Elizabeth said
(Dottie's president was several handmade gowns for sleeping. Clara was next. She gave Elizabeth several hand quilted bibs, which the young teacher absolutely loved. Florence gave a stack of cloth diapers, neatly hammed. Molly and Melissa had made several little outfits for the babies. At last, it was Abigail's turn. She handed her a box. Elizabeth gasps and her eyes filled when when she opened the boxy inside were two sets of knitted items including were two sweaters, one green and one yellow. There were also two pairs of matching booties and two baby hats.)
Abigail. When did you ever find the time to make these. I'm here nearly everyday and you're both Mayor and owner of the cafe. How did you manage? Elizabeth said
You make the time when it's about family. Abigail said
I love all of you. Elizabeth said
We love you, too, Elizabeth. Everyone answered said
Jack and I are so blessed to have you all in our life and these babies will be equally blessed. Thank you all. For everything. Elizabeth said
Your welcome, Elizabeth. We're just as blessed to have you and jack in our lives. Abigail said
Meanwhile back at the school yard (Corey suddenly something wrong)
Hey. Where's opal? Corey said (the kids looked around in panic but were instantly released when they saw her sitting on the steps of the schoolhouse.)
She looks sad. I'll go see what's bothering her. ( then Emily Headed over and sat down next to the young girl on the steps.) Why are you all alone over here. Opal? Don't you want to pick what make for Mrs. Thorsten's babies? Emily said (opal shook her head)
I'm not making anything. Opal said
Why not? Don't you want to make something? Emily said
Then why aren't you? Opal said
What? Emily said
I'm too little. I don't know how to make anything. Opal said
None of us do, really. That's why we're getting help from mrs Clara and Mrs rosemary. And I could help you come up with an idea of what you could make. Emily said
You could? Opal said (looked up timidly)
Sure. Would you like that? Emily said
Thank you, Emily. Opal said
You're welcome. Now let's get back to the others so we can talk about it. Emily said
Four days later on the following Monday Elizabeth was heading by to see Jack after school when she saw the stage coach coming so she quickly got out of the way and stood on the boardwalk as the passengers exit in the stage coach Elizabeth looked at them in shock and a little bit of anger
Mother? Father? What are you doing here and Why didn't you let me know you were coming. Elizabeth said (gasps out) (as Elizabeth's parents came over and each hugged and kissed their daughter.)
Well, dear, we knew you wouldn't allow us to come if you knew, especially if you knew why we were here. Grace said
Mother, if you're here to insist I come back to Hamilton with you, I told you in the telegram I sent. Jack and I are happy right here in valley spring. It's where we want to raise our children. Elizabeth said
Yes, That telegram alarmed us, Frankly, Elizabeth. You aren't thinking clearly obviously. Otherwise, you wouldn't be speaking of Jack as if he were still alive! William said
Father! I told you that Jack was found alive in the telegram. Then I sent you a long letter detailing everything. Elizabeth said
Elizabeth, As much as we wish that were true, we all know that is not possible. And we never got a letter. Grace said
You most likely left before it arrived. I will go get Jack, since you apparently need proof! Elizabeth said (at this point, Abigail and Corey who had heard the noise and had come out to see what all the fuss was about.)
Elizabeth? What's going on? Abigail said
Abigail, Perhaps you can talk some sense into our daughter. It seems she has had some of mental breakdown. She is under the impression that Jack is alive. Some nonsense about mistaken identity! Grace said (Blustering) (Abigail know that if she agreed with Elizabeth, the Letcher's wouldn't listen and they might even blame her for encouraging what they saw as a dilutions (leaned down as she whispered to Corey Run and find Mountie jack as you can and send him back to the café). I'll distract Elizabeth's parents (Corey nodded and run to the jailhouse.) Mr. and Mrs. Letcher. It's nice to see you again. Let's go into the cafe and get something to eat. Then we can talk to Elizabeth together. Abigail said (the Letcher seemed to accept that offer and gathered their belongings and headed towards the cafe.) (When their backs were turned, she winked at Elizabeth and mouthed, Corey's getting jack.) (Elizabeth nodded and held back a laugh at her parents expense. Boy would they be getting a shock.) (A few moments later, Abigail, Elizabeth and the Letcher's were sitting at a table in the dining room over soup and sandwiches. With Corey came bounding in)
I found him! Corey said
Found who? Grace said
Well, you didn't believe Mrs. Thorsten when she told you. You wouldn't have believed my mom either. You needed proof so... Corey said
(And cut himself off as jack walked into the room.)
Hello Grace. Hello William. (Kissing his mother-in-law on the cheek and offering his hand to shock his father in law's hand.) ( for a few minutes. All the Letcher's could do was stare in) (William was the first to find his voice. He shook Jack's hand)
You're alive. You really are here. My daughter isn't having hallucinations! William said (as he hugged jack) (Grace finally stood up and hugged her son in law)
I am so happy you are alive and well. My daughter loves you more than life itself. I was frightened that she wouldn't make it without you. Grace said
I love her too, Grace. With all of my heart. I'm never going to leave her again. I worked it out so I can stay a local Mountie and never leave this area. Jack said
I'm glad to hear that, my boy. William said (As the Letcher's sat down and finished lunch while jack told them his side of the story.)
A couple of days later, after the Letcher's left Bill come into the cafe
I found the family of the Mountie who was mistaken for jack. They will come in on the stage in about a week. Bill said
That's good. They need this closure. Elizabeth and Clara said (Abigail and Jack nodded in a Green-mint. For they were the only ones in the café ️)
A week later, the stage coach arrived and a lady and her husband stepped off. Jack went out to great them.
Hello. valley spring. Jack said
Hello. We heard that Mountie James Frederick was buried here. We are John and Jaime Frederick. We are his parents. Mrs. Frederick said
Hello. I'm Jack Thorsten. The Mountie who's stationed here. I'll take you over to the hotel. Jack said
Thank you constable. Are you the Mountie who got mixed up with my son? Mrs. Frederick said
I am, ma'am. I served with your son in the northern territories. He was a good Mountie. And a good and brave man. It was an honor to serve with him, and I'm truly sorry I couldn't save him. Jack said (John put his hand on Jack's should)
It wasn't your fault, and we could never blame you for that. John Frederick said
Where is our son...b-buried? Jaime Frederick said
At the cemetery just outside of town, ma'am. The town had organized a memorial service for tomorrow at one pm, but I can take you later today if you'd like. Jack said
That would be very kind of you, constable. We'd appreciate that. John Frederick said
(Jack took the couple over to the hotel above the saloon to leave their things and then over to Abigail's cafe to eat something)
Mrs. and Mr. Frederick? Abigail said
Please. It's John and Jaime. John Frederick said (Abigail nodded)
John, Jaime, as the Moyer of this town, I would like to offer my condolences on behalf of everyone in valley spring. Abigail said
Thank you, mayor Sutton. And thank you for putting together the memorial service. Jaime Frederick said
Oh, please, call me Abigail. We all wanted to do this for your son. He deserves a proper burial. Abigail said
Thank you, Abigail. My wife and I take comfort in knowing that our son is going to be honored in the way that he deserves. John Frederick said Well, I'm glad we can offer you a little closure. Abigail said
The next day at one pm, most of the town was gathered at the cemetery. It was a beautiful day and meaningful service. The whole town had chipped in a get a new headstone made as well. James Frederick would not be forgotten. The headstone read,
James jack Frederick
May 10, 1916 - September 4, 1991
Showed courage and integrity. Rest In Peace.
After the funeral, Abigail, Elizabeth serves tea and sandwiches at the cafe. The whole town was able to meet the Frederick and offered their condolences. The next morning, the parents of James jack Frederick took the stagecoach for the first leg of their journey back home.
Tune into two weeks on Tuesday for more of the story. Remember! All reviews are much appreciated please don't forget. Thanks! And Remember to be kind to yourself to be kind each other.
