Chapter 144: A Strange Gift
Nathan's eyes shot open, alert in the dark, as though he was in full Mountie mode.
He lay silent and still, listening intently.
There was that strange sound again, one Nathan clearly recognized.
But that couldn't be.
Surely not!
The kittens were at the ranch and their home in Hope Valley.
Was he hearing things?
Had Allie and Jack snuck one into the Passenger Car in their travel bag and hidden it all this time?
He certainly wouldn't put it past his daughter to have conjured up something like that!
Wait, there was the sound yet again, making Nathan sit straight up in bed!
"Lisbeth," he nudged her in a whisper, touching her shoulder lightly. "Do we have a kitten in bed with us?"
Elizabeth shifted, with a smile on her hidden face, and sleepily made the same sound he had been listening for.
Finally, Nathan understood the sounds were coming from his wife, instead of an imagined kitten.
But just like a tiny kitten, with her eyes tightly closed, Elizabeth finally spoke, although it was still somewhat of a 'mewing' whisper.
"No, Love! But you have a sleeping mother with child and child, who is obviously dreaming of kittens! I'm going back to sleep!"
Nathan chuckled, and spoke more loudly, with Elizabeth following suit.
"You're going to pull rank using that 'mother with child' line every single time things don't go your way, aren't you, Sleepyhead?" he grinned.
"Absolutely, Love! It's the privilege of 'Mother with Child,' she sighed with a devious smile and her head still turned away from her husband. "And since I know I'm carrying two, I get to pull double rank, you know! I hate to tell you this, but I suspect you're in for a world of hurt, sweet husband!"
"Oh, I have no doubt! But that's a hurt I couldn't be happier about! I'll be thrilled to wait on my wife, hand and foot, anytime she wishes to pull rank during the entire nine months coming, my Love! I promise to pamper her like she's never been pampered before!"
"Does that mean said wife gets to stay in bed?"
"I don't know. Let's see," he teased. "You've already missed breakfast, Mrs. Grant. And as I understand it, you are now eating for three! Also, you'll have to face Godfrey's wrath, and I'm afraid our family is going to have questions! They're going to think I'm taking advantage of my wife while keeping you prisoner in our own Suite!"
"Mm, that's an idea…" she grinned.
"Lisbeth! You are going to get me in so much trouble. You haven't seen my mother in full action yet, with both barrels blazing! Believe me, you don't want to face her wrath! That's not even taking into consideration your mother's reaction!"
She turned around and reached up to kiss her confounded husband, playfully pushing him back down to his pillows, till suddenly even he wasn't ready to get out of bed.
"Help us both," he murmured between kisses, now resigned to his fate. "But this is your fault, Elizabeth Grant! I take no responsibility whatsoever!"
Unconcerned in the slightest, Elizabeth only giggled, while her husband showed her just how much he loved her, even though she had woken him up dreaming of mewing kittens…
After their lengthy distraction, Nathan used all the ingenuity and patience he had, to cajole his wife into getting dressed and ready for lunch.
But to Grace's chagrin, it took an inordinate amount of time, and the couple just barely made their appearance before the meal was served.
And what a Luncheon Spread it was!
In the center of each table, there was a delectable tray of Fresh Seafood served elegantly over Ice, including, Shrimp, Crab Legs, Clams, and Mussels, as well as Miniature Lobster, served with a variety of unique and tasty Sauces.
This centerpiece was accompanied by a side of Crispy Roasted Potatoes and a Mixed Melon Salad with Shards of Proscuitto and Slivered Almonds, topped with Mint.
Geoffrey had already set out the individual bowls of Chilled Asparagus Soup, waiting to be eaten as soon as the prayer was said.
"Well, Good Afternoon, Elizabeth! You had us worried you were sick, although, with that glow of yours, I don't know why we ever bothered!" declared Grace, with a menacing maternal glance, meant to clearly let her daughter know she was a hair short of being late.
"Sorry, Mother! Nathan and I…" but the slight reprimanding look her husband gave her, quickly caused her to rapidly change her course and select a more accurate choice of words, instead of laying partial blame on her husband.
"Nathan…er…tried to get me up," she offered instead, quite quickly. "I suppose I was just too exhausted from all the Partying yesterday!"
"Mmhm," answered her mother without looking up, not believing a word of it.
She knew her daughter all too well, and she could tell that something was clearly going on.
'Could Elizabeth be pregnant? This soon?' thought Grace and Madelyne at the very same time, while giving each other a furtive look across their table.
Both mothers were thrilled about the prospect, but neither was wanting to get their hopes up, only to be disappointed!
And obviously, they couldn't say anything in front of the children! Or for that matter, their own husbands, who would never be able to keep quiet about something so exciting!
"I don't know about the rest of you, but I'm getting hungry! Who wants to say grace?" interjected Archie.
"Me, Grandpa! Please!"
"Our sweet Allie, it is! Let's all gather hands at each table and bow our heads for a gracious blessing from my beautiful garinion!"
Meaning granddaughter in Gaelic.
"Dear God, thank you for our wonderful trip and the food we're about to eat. Thank you for Mama, Dad, Little Jack, Grandpa and Grandma, Granda and Granddad, and Uncle Godfrey! P.S. Jack and I really, really, really want a brother or sister. He wants a sister and I want a brother, but we'll take either one. Thank You, Amen!"
And everyone very quickly choked out their Amens!
Nathan and Elizabeth had turned a blazing red, while the grandparents, well, were beside themselves with glee.
Why a little nudge never hurt!
The chuckling grandfathers were outright shaking in their seats, while the grandmothers were a bit more discreet, although nevertheless muffled giggles were heard escaping from behind their hand-covered mouths!
At the same time, Godfrey's normally stoic face was contorted into a plethora of emotions not normally shown!
However, when everyone had recovered, the family started spooning their soup, all staring intently at the contents in their bowls, without daring to look at each other, while trying not to choke!
That is all except Nathan and Elizabeth, who sat still, slightly shocked, staring at their daughter, while she was now very diligently eating her soup, totally oblivious to the embarrassment she had just caused.
But then leave it to Little Jack to cap it all off!
"Daddy, pease buy me a sisser and Awee a brudder! Pease!"
And not a single person, including the dignified Godfrey, could help but burst out in laughter, as Nathan's entire body reddened into the deepest realm of scarlet, and he brought his free hand up to hide his face.
"Er…Big Guy…I'm afraid that's…just not possible!"
Then in a much lower voice more like a companionable hiss, he turned to his laughing wife and was finally able to manage a few words.
"This is not a laughing matter, Lisbeth! Jack thinks I can just go buy him a sister and Allie a brother!"
"No, I suppose it's not! But it's okay, we'll talk with both of them later, and set them straight!" she answered in almost a whisper.
Then in spite of herself, she burst out into giggles, joining the more raucous laughter!
By now as most all the adults were laughing, the kids, without knowing why, joined in as well.
But Nathan couldn't help but remain quiet, rather deep in thought.
It wasn't that he minded the teasing.
It was just that his mind was elsewhere, although the 'elsewhere' wasn't a place he wished to be.
He believed his wife about their wonderful news, but oh what a web this was! Their pregnancy just seemed too fragile and too early to share, and a part of him wanted it to simply remain their secret together. At least for the time being.
But now the children were openly sharing their wishes with Grandparents, Godfrey, and more importantly, God.
Clearly, Nathan felt unsettled, plus he noticed that the mothers obviously already suspected!
Lunch continued with lighter conversation, yet it was much more subdued than their 'delightful' or 'embarrassing' beginning, depending upon who you were!
Dessert finally came, consisting of the leftover Birthday Cake and Ice Cream from yesterday, along with an assortment of fancy Cookies, which suited Little Jack just fine!
"Dad, we get to eat more of your Birthday Cake! I think you should blow out the candles again. I mean it is your Birthday Cake!"
"I think your father has done his due, Allie! Candles are no longer necessary till next year!" explained her Grandma, with a smile. "And then there's his Birthday wish we most certainly don't want to put at risk!"
Allie giggled.
"I bet I know Dad's wish!"
"But our wishes are private, Sweetheart," instructed Granda. "Everyone's wishes are different and to be kept in their hearts, or they might not come true!"
"Your grandmothers are right, Allie. Some things are indeed private," agreed Nathan.
And then he pointedly added.
"Or should be, Sweetheart!"
Of course, during this part of the conversation, Jack was quietly trying to stack all the cookies from the platter onto his much smaller plate.
"Jack, you have more than enough cookies, Son. Leave the others to share with your sister and everyone else!" chided Elizabeth.
"No! Me no share!"
Nathan could see by the look in Jack's eyes that he was a borderline tantrum waiting to happen!
"Come here, Son!" he offered with a conspiratorial grin.
Nathan then moved to lift Jack up and place him on his lap.
"Why don't you and I share the cookies together, Jack?"
"Me share wif Daddy!" announced Jack proudly to everyone, with a broad smile.
And just like that, the crisis was averted.
All was fine again, and Elizabeth reached to kiss her husband, silently mouthing 'Thank you!' to him.
By the time lunch was over, Jack was beginning to get cranky again, so Nathan offered to take him and play with him a little, before putting him down for a nap.
"You rest, Lisbeth!" insisted Nathan as he stood holding Jack. "We men are good!"
"Mama, could I stay with you?" asked Allie, shyly.
"That would be lovely, Allie! In fact, would you like to read to me?"
"Really? Yes, I'd love that!"
"Can we Grandmothers listen in too?" asked Madelyne, giving her granddaughter a hug.
"Yes!" exclaimed a proud Allie.
"Good! We'll just make this afternoon a Ladies' one!"
"But, what shall I read?"
Elizabeth handed her a selection of three books from the bookcase that were on an intermediate level, which she knew wouldn't be too difficult, but would still challenge her daughter.
So, the women retired to the main lounge, while the elder men moved to read their papers in the smaller sitting area, and Nathan carried Jack to the children's suite…
After Nathan held Jack up to see out his windows, which thrilled him as they counted cows together, he began to get antsy again.
"Daddy pay Montee!"
"You get your Mountie and I'll take the horse!"
"Horsey Newt!"
"Then I'll be Newton, which means you're the boss!"
"I Montee boss!" grinned the toddler from ear to ear.
Nathan sat on the floor with his son, playing till Jack's eyes started getting droopy.
He offered his arms and his sleepy son crawled right into them.
"Tinkle, tinkle, Daddy!" he begged, as he placed his thumb in his mouth.
Nathan chuckled, then began to softly sing Jack's requested lullaby, as Archie and William enjoyed listening just outside…
"Twinkle, twinkle, little star,
How I wonder what you are!
Up above the world so high,
Like a diamond in the sky.
When the blazing sun is gone,
When he nothing shines upon,
Then you show your little light,
Twinkle, twinkle, all the night.
Then the trav'ller in the dark,
Thanks you for your tiny spark,
He could not see which way to go,
If you did not twinkle so.
In the dark blue sky you keep,
And often thro' my curtains peep,
For you never shut your eye,
Till the sun is in the sky.
'Tis your bright and tiny spark,
Lights the trav'ller in the dark,
Tho' I know not what you are,
Twinkle, twinkle, little star." (*118)
Little Jack was clearly asleep by the end of the second stanza, although Nathan finished it for him anyway, then lifted him into bed to tuck him in.
The love he felt for this little boy was immense. He was so grateful and proud to be his Father. And it was quite obvious to everyone, that Little Jack loved his Daddy every bit as much!
"Perhaps it won't be long till you get your wish, Jack!" whispered Nathan as he placed Mountie Bear beside his son.
He had known the children's desire for siblings would eventually come. Why they had even talked about siblings during their Engagement! But he still marveled that both Allie and Jack desperately wanted a brother and sister 'right now!' with no patience whatsoever!
He kissed the top of Jack's head, turning to quietly exit the suite and join Archie and William in the smaller sitting area, who had just finished reading their papers...
"Do you two care to join me for a visit to the platform?"
"Missing the fresh air, Son?" asked Archie.
"Afraid so, Dad! Anxious to see those stables of yours, William. I'm itching to ride!"
"I suspect we all are! The children have done surprisingly well, but we've all been fairly contained inside these two cars for several days now. Fresh air sounds good, Son, for all of us!"
"Is Godfrey in his Suite?"
"Yes! I believe he had some letters to write."
William knocked on Godfrey's door.
"Yes, Sir?" asked Godfrey as he opened it.
"Godfrey, Jack is napping. Do you mind keeping an eye out for him?"
"My pleasure, Sir! Master Jack will be fine!"
"Thank you! We're just stepping out onto the Platform for some air…."
The three men spread out to stand on both sides, Nathan on the right-hand side, Archie and William on the left-hand side, all three glad to have fresh air whipping around about them.
Suddenly Nathan, with his face turned toward the wind, realized why he was feeling off. And it didn't have anything to do with Allie and Jack's prayers for a brother and sister. It was Elizabeth's joking words!
Frivolous words that somehow had stuck in his brain, haunting him.
The playful words 'You're in for a world of hurt!' had triggered his hidden fear, but not for the usual reasons.
Instead, they struck deep within his being for an entirely different reason.
Of course, he and Elizabeth had been teasing! But what if both of them were wrong about the pregnancy, the two babies, their two babies. Why they hadn't even seen a doctor! Yet both babies were already in their hearts and very real to them.
He couldn't imagine how devastated they would be to lose them!
Had he failed Elizabeth, by not urging her to wait to see the doctor, before he admitted he knew her feelings to be true as well?
Was it his wishful thinking that had made him do so?
Was he possibly setting his own wife up for more grief than she had already experienced?
That he couldn't bear.
He loved Elizabeth more than life itself. And now he loved their babies, too. Just as he loved Allie and Jack and always would.
Somehow this felt different though, not that they would ever allow a difference to be made with any of their children, as far as love was concerned.
There was more than enough love for as many children as they would be blessed with, of that Nathan was sure.
Indeed, all their children would be cherished.
But the two babies Elizabeth was sure she was carrying were physically a combined part of each of them.
He had never been an actual part of the birth process before, except for supporting his sister.
And although he had performed an emergency delivery or two as a Mountie, it wasn't the same.
This was Elizabeth's and his flesh and blood.
Part him, part her.
And they would be there for the entire journey together.
Still, he was afraid for his wife and even for himself, if they found these infants he believed with all his heart existed, were somehow erroneously, a figment of their imaginations.
He couldn't even imagine the loss.
It was unbearable to even think of it!
No, of course, they were real! And they were already loved completely, and wholly, even to the point of already being cherished!
Please God let this pregnancy be real.
Let our babies exist.
Could Elizabeth and he together survive the loss if this belief they held deep inside was incorrect? Could Elizabeth survive? Could he survive?
He desperately needed to talk to Elizabeth.
He simply couldn't allow her to be set up for another hurt, another devastating loss.
He was her husband and his job was to protect her.
But in this instance, he was responsible for doing the opposite.
He had let himself believe, and had even encouraged her, had shared equally in her joy.
But now other harsh possibilities had to be acknowledged as they were flooding over him, all unhappy ones.
He had to fix this…and he had to fix it as quickly as possible!
"Isn't that right, Nathan?" asked William.
"Sorry, William, what were you asking?"
"A Pony! Archie and I say yes. Don't you think Jack is old enough to ride one of our ponies?"
Nathan swallowed, as he tried to shift his focus.
"I agree, that is if Elizabeth approves…"
As hard as Nathan had tried, he hadn't been able to get Elizabeth alone for more than a few minutes, all day long.
And even then, there was the possibility of someone walking in on them.
This conversation required much more time than that, along with privacy.
As they dressed together for dinner with the family, Nathan knew this wasn't the time, either. The last thing he wanted to do was to upset his wife. She was so happy, and he wanted more than anything for her to remain that way.
Besides she needed to eat her dinner, getting all the nourishment she could for both her and hopefully, the babies. He wasn't at all sure she would be able to do that after this particular discussion.
Not if he brought all this up now!
"Where's your mind, Love?" asked a very concerned Elizabeth.
"What? Oh, I'm sorry. Just thinking! Are you hungry, Darling?"
She tucked her arms under his and around his back.
"Actually, I'm starved, which is a very good sign, my Darling!"
She tiptoed to kiss her husband, and the light kiss suddenly turned into much more, as Nathan willed his wife to remain happy, by showing her as much love as a kiss possibly could.
"I'm not complaining, don't get me wrong! That kiss is one for the records, my Love. But what was it for?"
He grazed the length of her face tenderly with his thumb.
"I love you so very much, Lisbeth. You will always take my breath away. More than anything else, I just want you to be happy, Love."
"But I am. I'm happier than I ever dreamed I could be and it's all because of you!"
She straightened his loose tie.
"Wait, you're happy too, aren't you?"
"Deliriously, Love!"
"Ready for Dinner?"
"Let's go," and he kissed her forehead, then her hand.
But Elizabeth still knew something was very wrong…
"Good evening, all! Looks like we're getting another delicious dinner," smiled Nathan, as he helped Elizabeth into the banquette, then paused to kiss his and Elizabeth's mothers, then his daughter and son before sitting down himself.
"This smells divine and looks lovely!" agreed Elizabeth.
"My darling daughter, you look beautiful as does your daughter! And your husband and son look strikingly handsome, too. What a lovely family you make! I do believe, for once, we're all on time. Godfrey would you like to begin service now?" asked Grace.
"Ready, Madame!"
"Let's bow our heads to say grace," ordered William.
"Dear Heavenly Father, we thank you for this beautiful meal we are about to receive. But as we gather here together tonight, in this moving vessel, we thank you even more for the blessing of this time we are spending together as a family. From the depths of our hearts, we are so thankful. Please direct us individually and as a family. And help us always to stay in the center of your will. Amen!"
"Amen!"
Then, of course, Little Jack's 'Men' was as vociferous as ever, reverberating through the Passenger Car.
By this time everyone had gotten used to Nathan's still bruised eye, grateful that it was healing admirably, thanks to his mother's herbal concoction.
Although his bruises were still there, they had lightened considerably.
Much more so than had been expected!
The Dinner was a delight, starting with the main course of Coq au Vin for the adults, and Fried Chicken with Fries for Allie and Jack.
The Coq au Vin, a rich Chicken Stew, was accompanied by Asparagus, Buttery Mashed Potatoes, and Crusty Buttered French Bread.
The Salad was huge and consisted of Baby Spinach, Arugula, Bibb Lettuce & Frisee, with Cherry Tomatoes, Pomegranate Seeds, and Zucchini all topped with a divine Honey Mustard Walnut Dressing.
"My this is delicious!" exclaimed Nathan.
"It is! Almost as good as Cook's!" declared Elizabeth.
"Better not let her hear you say that, Elizabeth. She insists hers is the absolute best!" reminded Grace.
"Do you think she would show me how to make it?" asked Madelyne. "This would be a perfect chicken stew to serve after a long workday on the ranch! I'm afraid mine's not as robustly flavored."
"I think you simply marinate the chicken in wine! But, Cook will be delighted to show you all the details! I'll be sure and ask her."
"Well, I don't know about you, but this dressing is the best I've had!" declared Archie.
"Chef has promised copies of all the recipes, Sir!" smiled Godfrey, having already taken care of that when they first boarded.
"Godfrey, my Man, you think of everything!"
"I do try, Sir!"
Allie and Jack were perfect angels through the entire meal, with Allie proudly taking loving and meticulous care of her little brother.
Nathan and Elizabeth smiled at each other as they noticed her tending to Jack with pride.
But the sweet sight made Nathan's worry return, which he quickly tried to thwart.
They had dessert to go, and it was meant to be enjoyed.
Perhaps he and Elizabeth would have time to privately talk alone after.
Nathan sighed, determined to enjoy the rest of his meal with his family.
After the junior butlers cleared their tables, Godfrey served them their dessert, a spectacular Flaming Baked Alaska, with an assortment of fancily iced Cupcakes for the children.
"Wook, Awee, fier!"
"Don't touch, Jack! You'll get burned!" urged Elizabeth, but Allie already had his little stretched-out hand in hers.
Nathan winked his thanks to his daughter.
"Thank you, Sweetheart!"
Allie helped Jack with his cupcake, while Nathan and Elizabeth fed each other their first bite of the scrumptious dessert.
"Lisbeth, this is heaven on a plate!"
"Have you never had it before?"
"Never. Afraid, it's a bit fancier than what I'm used to, but certainly worth the wait!"
"Elizabeth…" started William.
"William, you need to speak to our son and daughter in private!" warned Grace in a hush, since she knew it was about the possibility of allowing Jack to ride one of their ponies.
Why the little chap would have gone crazy had he even heard the word!
In a low voice, she bent toward her husband's ear.
"If given parental approval, best to wait till the pony is actually there in front of our grandson, my Darling!"
"Oh, of course! Thank you, Dear! I wasn't thinking!"
By this time, even with Allie doing her best to help, Jack had icing all over his face!
Since her parents had finished their own dessert, Allie handed them a cupcake to taste too.
And she couldn't help but giggle when suddenly, her Father's face, at the hand of her new Mama, looked pretty much like Jack's!
Both tables erupted in laughter, excited to know exactly what was going to happen next.
But before Elizabeth could even notice, Nathan grabbed one of Jack's remaining iced Cupcakes and iced his wife's nose, giving her as good as he had gotten.
If not better!
"You are in so much trouble, Elizabeth Grant!"
And then he bent to kiss her, smearing icing everywhere.
Very quickly, a truce was called.
Because neither cared about the icing smeared all over their faces, no matter how big of a mess they were.
They only cared about and for each other.
A little thing like icing was most certainly not going to keep them apart!
Besides, wasn't it already a Grant tradition…
After dinner, and with cleanly washed faces, Nathan and Elizabeth walked their children to their beds.
Nathan changed Jack into his pajamas, then helped him brush his teeth while Elizabeth found Allie's pajamas and helped brush her hair, then plaited it into one long braid.
"Mama?"
"What, Sweetheart?"
"I love it when you and Dad paint your faces with icing. It makes me feel loved!"
Elizabeth hugged Allie.
"Want to know a secret?"
"Yes!"
"It makes me feel loved too!" she confided, tweaking Allie's nose, eliciting a girlish giggle!
Nathan winked at his wife and began tucking Jack and Mountie Bear into bed, while Allie climbed to her top bunk.
"Sing, Daddy! Sing!" insisted Jack.
"Well, I've already sung Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star! Young Man!"
"Vowie, Daddy!"
"What did you say, Jack," asked Elizabeth.
"Vowie!"
"Ah, he means 'Down in the Valley!'" declared Nathan.
"I wuv Vowie!"
"How do you always know?" whispered Elizabeth to her new husband.
Nathan shrugged with a grin.
"Must be a guy thing!" he winked.
"Or a super great parent thing!" she whispered, beaming at her husband.
He pulled a chair over for them to sit on, then he pulled his wife down on his lap, and started humming, till she caught the tune, too.
Then the couple, he in his rich baritone, her in her lovely soprano, began harmonizing.
After just a few beautiful notes, the parents and Godfrey opened their cabin doors so they could listen in too…
"Down in the valley, the valley so low,
Hang your head over, hear the winds blow.
Hear the winds blow, dear, hear the winds blow.
Hang your head over, hear the winds blow.
Down in the valley, walking between,
Telling our story, here's what it means.
Here's what it means, dear, here's what it means,
Telling our story, here's what it means.
Roses love sunshine, violets love dew,
Angels in heaven know I love you;
Know I love you, dear, know I love you,
Angels in heaven know I love you.
Build me a castle forty feet high,
So I can see him as he rides by;
As he rides by, dear, as he rides by,
So I can see him as he rides by.
Writing this letter, containing three lines,
Answer my question, "Will you be mine?"
"Will you be mine, dear, will you be mine,"
Answer my question, "Will you be mine?"
If you don't love me, love whom you please,
Throw your arms round me, give my heart ease.
Give my heart ease, dear, give my heart ease,
Throw your arms round me, give my heart ease.
Throw your arms round me, before it's too late;
Throw your arms round me, feel my heart break.
Feel my heart break, dear, feel my heart break.
Throw your arms round me, feel my heart break. (*119)
At the song's end, they cheekily whispered each to the other, both trying to stifle their laughter.
"Don't you dare ever break my heart!"
Both knowing that wasn't going to happen in this lifetime or the next!
They were loving partners now and forever!
After all they had been through, they were finally one, and that would never change!
Nathan kissed Allie goodnight as she held Mr. Tatters, since he was tall enough to reach the higher bunk, while Elizabeth kissed Jack and Mounty Bear on the lower one.
"Goodnight, Loves!" she whispered as they turned to leave their children to dreamland, and walked out into the hallway...
"Heartbreakingly beautiful Lass and Lad! Just beautiful," declared Archie from his doorway.
"Amazing," agreed William from his.
"So lovely," added Grace.
"Perfect harmony," mused Madelyne.
"I don't believe I've ever heard it sung so beautifully!" complimented Godfrey.
Good night kisses were shared with the ladies, and good night hugs were given to the gentlemen.
Then arm in arm, Nathan and Elizabeth walked back to their Suite…
After they had finished getting ready for bed, Nathan opened all their blinds and led Elizabeth to their sofa.
As they sat there, with Nathan holding his wife in his arms from behind, both watched the stars as the Train sped on.
Only a few scattered candles lit the cabin creating the perfect romantic setting.
"This is so lovely. I don't think I've ever seen anything so beautiful as rapidly moving stars!"
"Hmm," and Nathan kissed the top of her head in agreement.
But suddenly, Elizabeth turned to face her husband.
And she could see that same concern in his eyes, just as she had all day long.
"What's wrong, Darling?"
"I'm not sure I know how to answer."
"I'm your wife, Nathan Grant. You can tell me anything."
"I know. It's just that this is hard. Very hard."
"But we have each other. We'll be okay whatever it is. I promise."
"Elizabeth, I believe you completely about the pregnancy. I did from the moment you told me. Please don't doubt that. But my heart is breaking because as your husband, it was wrong of me to encourage you. I was so overjoyed, that I wasn't thinking practically. We haven't even seen a doctor yet, and I'm already in love with our babies. What if something horrible happens and they aren't there any longer? What if the doctor tells us we're wrong? It would just be awful. We would be losing a part of ourselves, whether they were ever there or not because they are already in our hearts! And I don't think either of us could bare losing them. Don't you understand?"
"My Darling Nathan, I would never have told you had I not been certain. I'm not sure I can explain how I know, but I do. You don't have to worry that I'm wrong because I'm not. I know it!"
He still looked unconvinced.
"I do understand, Nathan! I truly do."
And then she simply listened as her husband continued on.
"Lisbeth, when you told me about the babies, my heart was overflowing with pure joy. So much so, I thought it would burst! I've never experienced anything like this. In that instant, I loved these two completely, just as I love you and the children completely. Even now, when you sleep at night, my hand wanders to your stomach, and I lie there trying to imagine exactly what they'll be like, look like."
"Will they be scholastic? Will they be athletic? Will they have your beautiful eyes, and maybe my darker hair, or will it be brown like yours?"
"Plus a thousand other questions," he admitted.
"But Lisbeth, none of that matters! I can't even describe how much I already love them and need them in our lives! I don't think I can survive if they don't make it to us. We've already bonded, and I'm the one to blame!"
"Whatever do you mean?" asked his wife, not understanding this at all.
"I believed you. I agreed with you. Even encouraged you! Perhaps that wasn't wise. Shouldn't I have waited till confirmation from the doctor before I got your hopes up? Our hopes up? My heart is breaking into a million pieces just thinking about the awful possibilities, and what that would do to us, to you, Lisbeth! What if we're wrong?"
"Nathan, you trusted me. I'm the one who got our hopes up, your hopes up. Maybe I should have kept it to myself until I had seen the doctor, but I was just so thrilled, I couldn't! I've never had a husband to share this experience with me, and selfishly, I needed you to be there every single second. From the moment I was truly sure."
He tightened his hold on her, making her feel as secure as she had ever felt.
"Darling, let me tell you what's happened since I first told you. My body's changing. I've had a tiny bit of cramping."
His eyes were full of alarm.
"No, no! Just like I did with Jack. It's perfectly normal, Love. Even to be expected. And although I don't have morning sickness yet, I've had a few awful bouts of nausea. I've also been bloated! These are all positive signs. Please don't worry."
Nathan still looked unsure.
She turned his chin toward her.
"I'm sure, Love! I've even dreamed about our two babies. I know that I'm definitely carrying twins, just like those lambs. But, I still don't know whether they're boys, girls, or one of each. But I do know they are two beautiful, soft, warm, and cuddly little ones for you and me to raise, my Darling! Don't you believe me?"
"Lisbeth, I've never had any reason to doubt you and I don't doubt you now. Of course, I believe you! It's just that I can't help thinking about what if?"
"Don't," and she took his hand and placed it over her stomach.
"I don't want you to be hurt in any way, Lisbeth! I simply couldn't bear seeing you hurt."
"I know you can't feel anything yet, but I am positive that they are right here! Would it help if I went to my doctor in Hamilton?"
"Would you, please? That would be a tremendous relief!"
"I promise. No more worries, Darling! I can assure you, that each and every one of these things I've shared with you only confirms what I've known all along. You'll soon see!"
She ran her hands down both sides of his face.
"I adore you, Elizabeth Grant!"
"And I adore you!"
"I'm sorry I doubted."
"You didn't doubt Nathan, you were protecting me from all the awful possibilities. You were protecting me from loss, from grief. I love you for that more than I can say!"
The look that passed between them was solemn, yet knowing, and deep with meaning.
Without a word, he lifted her up and carried her to bed, stopping only for seconds to blow out the candles…
After a restful night, at least three-fourths of the way through it, morning came much earlier than expected for Elizabeth in the form of a rather unique gift.
Suddenly and without warning, she gulped and literally jumped out of bed, running as fast as she could, holding her hand over her mouth.
Her movement instantly awakened Nathan, the light sleeper that he was.
When he saw his wife rushing to their bathroom, bent over, he jumped out of bed to follow her.
There, he held her as she retched over the small basin.
"Lisbeth, what's wrong?"
There was clear panic in his voice. How could she possibly be so sick? Why she was perfectly fine last night!
She couldn't answer, as her entire dinner from last night began coming up in a constant flow, leaving her pale, and even weak.
And it wasn't stopping.
"This can't be food poisoning! I'm not sick! Elizabeth, do I need to get help?"
She couldn't speak, but held up her hand, shaking it to say no.
So, he held her, doing his best to make her as comfortable as he could, placing a cold cloth on her forehead, holding her up with the other arm, and whispering encouraging words to her.
"It's going to be alright, Love. You'll feel much better in a few moments. I'm sure you will."
But he wasn't sure at all, and he felt so completely helpless, having never seen this exact sort of thing happen so suddenly before, without any warning whatsoever.
When there was finally nothing left to come up, he bathed her face and arms as much as he could, with cloths and towels, trying to clean her tainted gown as he went.
But there was no way to clean the gown.
It was covered, and badly stained by the spoilt refuse.
All the color drained from her face, and he was beginning to truly panic.
He swooped her up in his arms, and carried her to their bed, once again.
There, he sat her on the edge, got her a clean gown, and helped her change.
Then he poured her a glass of water.
As she slowly sipped and began to recover, she could see the panic in his eyes.
She did her best to collect herself quickly so she could put her husband at ease.
But before she could, a huge smile came across her face, which puzzled him more than ever.
Had she lost her mind?
"Morning sickness, Darling! It's our first!" she announced radiantly.
Nathan's face contorted from panic to sheer joy as he realized what his wife was saying!
"The gift of morning sickness, Nathan!"
A strange gift indeed, but a wondrous confirmation of sorts, for both husband and wife.
Without even noticing or remembering the stench of her emesis still coming from the basin in their bathroom and from her discarded clothes on the floor, he bent over her, kissing her over and over again.
Till he finally tucked her in.
Then lying under the covers with her, he held his pregnant wife in his arms, astounded at all the feelings he was experiencing.
"You are so exquisitely beautiful, my darling Lisbeth! Without a doubt, you have made me the happiest man in the world!"
That was the very moment, all concerns, all what-ifs about whether or not they were or weren't pregnant, washed away as though they had vanished in the night!
Although, deep down, both knew without a doubt that there would be many future concerns and what-ifs to encounter during the next nine months.
And that would include exhilarating times as well as more difficult times, even possible despondent times, but in the end, hopefully, jubilant times!
But none of that mattered in the least at this moment.
They were definitively pregnant, and together they would muddle through whatever came, taking it all a day at a time!
Why even lying in bed, both Nathan and Elizabeth were simply floating on air…
(*118) Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star, Lyrics by Jane Taylor, 1806, Music is the French melody "Ah! vous dirai-je, maman", which was published in 1761 and later arranged by several composers, including Mozart, Public Domain.
(*119) Down in the Valley, Lyrics by Jimmie Tarlton in 1925, Music by Jimmie Tarlton and Tom Darby, First Recorded in Atlanta, Georgia 1927, Public Domain.