A/N: Sorry for the long wait. I'm trying to write as I can, but work and home life is very busy right now. Thank you for all the encouraging reviews! They mean so much!

Chapter 14:

"I understand congratulations are in order, Captain Fraser," Hal said, taking a gulp of his wine. "John has told me the happy news."

"Aye," Jamie nodded, "I thank ye, that is verra kind."

"It is quite the exciting news," John offered.

"Indeed," Minnie said, smiling, "Children are a blessing. John says that you enjoy the company of your nieces and nephews."

"Aye," Jamie nodded. "I do that. They are verra braw...pleasant, if not active."

"John can relate to that, I'm sure," Hal said, another gulp of wine. "We are hoping for his own good news soon."

Jamie glanced at John whose jaw had twitched before he could catch himself. Jamie could feel his tension as John sat next to him. The moment had become charged.

"I'm sure that would be welcome for all," Jamie said, quietly.

"Indeed," John said, his hand clenched under the table. "But I do not think you have to worry about the family name- you certainly have enough sons to carry it sufficiently."

"Yes, but you can never be too certain," Hal said, gruffly, "though it would require you staying at home for longer than a moment."

"John has a great sense of adventure, one that I am sure his wife appreciates," Minnie says, "am I am sure Captain Fraser's wife appreciates from him."

Jamie chuckled, "My wife is undoubtedly quite put out by my adventures at the moment." He said, trying to steer the topic away from John, taking Minnie's lead.

"Eleanor seemed to take it well enough though, Jamie," John said.

"Aye, I dinna deny it, but I find what Eleanor doesna say its almost as powerful as what she does."

Hal threw back his head and laughed appreciatively. "She sounds delightful, Fraser. How ever do you manage her?"

"Strategically," Jamie didn't miss a beat and Hal laughed harder.

John smiled, "I think it is refreshing that she forms her own opinions on things, but not in an off putting sort of way. It shows strength of her character."

"Aye," Jamie nodded, "I dinna deny that."

"And...how much trouble could she really get in while you are gone?" John asked.

"We shall see," Jamie looked at the corner of his eye, "I am learning never to underestimate my wife."

"Why are you not in school, Ian?" Eleanor asked as she saw the boy playing outside.

"Ach, auntie, ye dinnae ken," Ian looked solemn, "Mr. Hodges...he passed on."

Eleanor's eyebrows raised in shock, "I'm so sorry to hear that, Ian. So they couldn't find anybody to replace him?" She glanced at Murtagh who had come up beside her to overhear the conversation.

"No, ma'am."

Eleanor put a hand on the boy's shoulder, squeezing it. "Ian, do you like learning?"

"Aye, Auntie," Ian said, "especially when ye teach me."

"Then..." Eleanor look over at Murtagh, who had a twinkle in his eye, "How about I ask your Mama if I can take over your lessons just until they can find a suitable school master?"

Ian's smile was wide, "I'd like that, Auntie."

"Me too," Eleanor laughed, "I'm so excited!" She caught Murtagh's tilt of his head out of the corner of her eye. "He wouldn't care."

"Who?" Ian asked, looking between his aunt and Murtagh.

"Your Uncle Jamie," Murtagh drawled.

Eleanor waved her hand, dismissively, "It's just, Ian, Murtagh. I'm sure Jamie would understand. Plus, it's not like he can do much about it," she patted her belly, "There is this. And then the fact he is in London. By the time he gets back, I'm sure there will be a suitable replacement for Mr. Hodges."

"It's seems like ye have it figured out then, lassie," Murtagh said, wryly.

Eleanor laughed, "I think I do in fact." She put a hand on Ian's shoulder, "If your mama doesn't object, we'll start tomorrow!"

Ian smiled and then went off to play with his friends.

Murtagh poked at her, "Ye are getting yerself into mischief, Mistress Fraser. Dinna Jamie say to behave yerself?"

"Are you going to stop me, Murtagh?" Eleanor put her hand on her hip, "The boy deserves to continue his education."

"I'm surprised he wants to," Murtagh titled his head, "The lad never was so keen on learning."

"Ian always was keen on learning, he just had a hellish experience with that school master. He is so bright, Murtagh...just like his uncle."

"Aye, I am not denyin the boy favors his Uncle in the way his mind works," Murtagh said, "but Jamie wouldna want ye to draw attention upon yerself especially with ye carryin his bairn."

"It's just Ian, Murtagh," Ellie repeated "And I have worked with him before. It will be fine. Plus, what Jamie does not ken, will not hurt him. Do you catch my meaning?"

"Aye, I do that, lassie," Murtagh said. "I'm just wondering yer motivation, tis all."

"I do not have any ulterior motivates," Eleanor frowned, "How could you think that?"

"Ach," Murtagh shook his head, "We shall see, lassie."

Eleanor was not sure how it really happened, but her school lessons rapidly expanded as Ian and his friends gathered at the table at Lallybroch. She couldn't deny the children their lessons, but in the back of her mind, she worried how Jamie would react.

Eleanor was shuffling parchments, trying to plan her lesson for tomorrow, stretching her sore neck and absently rubbing her back, deep in concentration when Jenny came in.

"Ye look shattered, Ellie," Jenny said. "Are ye certain ye are not overexerting yerself?"

She let out a breath, "Perhaps, but it is good distraction from missing Jamie to have this to focus on."

"Makes the longing bearable?"

Eleanor paused where she was scratching on the parchment, "Barely."

"Weel," Jenny reached for some of the books, cleaning up the mess, "We canna run a schoolhouse out of Lallybroch."

Eleanor bit her lip, "I'm sorry if we have been rowdy and messy and a bother."

Jenny waved off her hand, "Tis no matter. It's just that the school house is sittin empty. Ye would have more room there."

"Oh God," Eleanor rubbed her temples, "It was one thing when it was just Ian and his friends here, but how can I justify it to Jamie if I am actually teaching out of the school house? He is going to have a conniption with me."

Jenny snorted, "Do ye really think that is goin to make a difference in Jamie's opinion? No, sister dear, he is goin to be put out of ye no matter what."

"So, I better just not worry about it?" Eleanor asked, but looked quite worried as she did.

"Aye," Jenny nodded."Mistress Kirby came to ask me about Rupert and if ye would object to him joining you."

"Oh good Lord," Eleanor buried her head in her hands, "Of course, I'd love to, but..."

"Jamie expressly forbid ye to teach him?" Jenny continued to clean up, "Ye ken Jamie never had a problem with Claire's healing. Perhaps, ye can remind him of that when he returns home from God only kens what."

Eleanor looked at Jenny, startled. Then she laughed, "That is an entirely good point, Jenny. Thank you for that."

Jenny eyes' twinkled. "Yer most welcome." She gave her sister in law a warm smile, "Now ye go upstairs and put yer feet up. Because if ye are wearing yerself thin, then no amount of argument will persuade Jamie to bend. It will be much better if ye can convince him ye are carin fer yerself while teaching the children."

"I need to finish these lessons and then clean up."

"I will clean up fer ye. Go rest and finish yer lessons later."

"if you are sure."

"Aye, I am," Jenny put her hand on Eleanor's arm. "We also need to talk about startin to prepare for the bairn."

Eleanor bit her lip, "To be honest, I am not sure how to. I mean I know what is needed, but I do not know how to make what is needed."

Jenny nodded her understanding, "I will help ye."

Eleanor sighed in relief, "Thank you, Jenny. That takes a weight off."

"Tis nothing. Thank ye for what ye are doin for Ian and the others. It is a joy to see him take to his lessons the way ye make him do."

Now it was Eleanor's turn to return her smile, "Thank you for allowing me to. And making Lallybroch my home even when Jamie isn't here."

Jenny rubbed Eleanor's arm, "Lallybroch will always be yer home, Eleanor."

Tears filled Eleanor's eyes at Jenny's acceptance of her. She nodded, unable to respond. She was truly moved by Jenny's sweet words. She counted herself blessed that she had found such a friend in Jenny.

Eleanor pushed opened the door of the school house.

"I dinna think this is a gut idea, Eleanor," Murtagh said, shaking his head.

"Jenny made it clear that she did."

"Weel Jenny is no yer husband," Murtagh said. "Ye are gambling, lassie, that Jamie's want of ye when he returns will outweight ye goin expressly against his wishes. Now if I were ye, I wouldna want to be on the side of Jamie's temper when he comes down on ye."

"I'm glad that you have such faith in my womanly charms, Murtagh," Eleanor said, dryly.

Murtagh gave her the side eye, "In normal circumstances, aye, but not when he specifically told ye not to interfere in the schoolin- only Ian with Jenny's permission."

"Well," Eleanor rubbed her back, "if you must know, Jamie never said I should not take over the school house in the case that Mr. Hodges would pass away. So technically, I am not disobey the great one. "

Murtagh raised an eyebrow, "I canna tell if ye are being feisty or reckless."

"Perhaps a bit of both. While he is off having adventures with Lord John, I am stuck here, just growing his child. And I have not heard a word from him."

"News is slow in this century," Murtagh drawled.

"You have no idea," Eleanor grumbled."It is is darn well good that it is or I'd be writing Jamie quite the email right about now."

"There it tis," Murtagh pointed a finger in her direction.

"What?" Eleanor put her hand against her stomach, where the baby was kicking furiously.

"Ye are angry at Jamie for leavin ye and are takin to defying him."

"I'm not trying to stick it to Jamie, Murtagh," Eleanor protested, "I really do care about the children."

"Aye, I am not denying it, but this is just an added bonus, doin somethin ye ken that Jamie wouldna approve of, is it no?"

Eleanor paused, "Can ye blame me?"

"Ach, it's not my backside," Murtagh said, "but I would take care, lassie."

"It will be fine," Eleanor said, "Jamie has pretty much said that nonsense is over with."

Murtagh looked skeptical, "Maybe so lassie, but he can find otherwise to subdue yer rebellion."

"I am not rebelling against him, simply using the brain God has entrusted me with. I will be fine, you do not have to stay with me."

"If ye say," Murtagh crossed his arms, "But I am not leavin ye to yer devices here. Jamie put me in charge of making sure ye stayed out of trouble and I am sure this would qualify in his mind as trouble."

"Well then," Eleanor swiped her hands together, "Fine by me. Stay."

"And if any one of lads give ye any problems..."

"I will handle it myself," Eleanor stared him down.

Murtagh gestured to her belly, "Ye are to take care."

"I will take care."

"Verra weel, lassie," Murtagh let out a long breath, "Just dinnae say that ye were not sufficiently warned."

"Warning noted and appreciated," Eleanor smiled at him, "Not it is time to get to work."

Murtagh eyes wandered again to her ever growing belly. "Ye tell me what ye need and I will help ye."

"Thank you," Eleanor nodded. "You are a good friend."

"We'll see what ye will be saying when Jamie returns," Murtagh muttered, but began to move the furniture around for her.

"You seemed so unsettled, Jamie," John said, quietly. "We have made considerable progress."

"Aye, I dinnae deny it. It's not that," Jamie handed Murtagh's letter to John.

John skimmed it and then began to laugh. "Oh, dear God in heaven."

"I dinnae think it is a laughing matter."

John tried to sober, rather unsuccessfully. He found Eleanor's antics endlessly diverting. "But...it's just so...typical. Is it not?"

"Aye," Jamie grumped, "I am put out by her so cavalierly disobeying orders, but it is beyond that. If she is exhausting herself, then it is she and our bairn, that is at risk."

"Hum," John folded up the letter, "Do you not think that Eleanor is capable of regulating her activities? She has borne children before, Jamie. She will take care. She knows the risk."

"Aye, but..." Jamie frowned.

"Did Claire not perform her duties as a healer?"

"Aye, but," Jamie's frown deepened.

"Did you not trust her to take care? Surely that was even more of a risk than what Ellie is doing now. Especially if Murtagh has said that it is widely appreciated her efforts."

"Aye, but..."

John raised an eyebrow. "Do you not think her intentions are beyond just getting under your skin? Eleanor genuinely cares about things."

"I dinnae deny it, but..." Jamie frowned, "Just let me feel annoyed, man."

John held up his hands, "Very well. Eleanor was quite wrong and when you get home, I trust that you will address it with her," he appeased.

"Ye can count on it," Jamie took the letter back, "the wee besom."

John couldn't help the laugh that escaped again.

"Ye are lucky," Jamie said as he tucked the letter into his pocket, "Isobel is exceedingly compliant."

John's mood suddenly shifted. "Yes, she is." He paused again, "And yet I feel that perhaps I am not well suited for marriage at all."

"ye dinnae wish her to have such antics, do ye?"

"It would keep things lively, would it not? The banter...the mutual give and take..." he folded his hands, in contemplation, "If I had that, then it could distract..." he paused, "from other considerations."

"Aye, but Lady Isobel is such a kind soul," Jamie said. "And Willie is sure to keep things lively."

"Yes, of course, he does that," John gave a small smile, "He is much your son as ever, Jamie." He paused and then looked at Jamie, "I know you had your reservations to begin with..."

"I shouldna have said so," Jamie said, quickly.

"No, you were right to say so," John retorted. "I am trying with Isobel."

"I wouldna have thought otherwise, John," Jamie's voice was even. "Dinnae mistake me fer yer brother."

"Ah, I was wondering when you would bring that unpleasantness up," John retorted, "An heir. The fault does not lie entirely with me."

"I do find being present is a necessary component to producing an heir," Jamie said, wryly.

"But even so..." John looked troubled.

"Ah," Jamie shifted, "if Lady Isobel used her sister's fate as a guide, then it may fear her."

John glanced at Jamie, "That is quite insightful. I had not thought..."

"Eleanor fears it as well, John," Jamie said, quietly.

John looked at him unbelievably, "Surely not."

"Not our marriage bed," Jamie clarified, "but bearing the bairn and dying from it."

"I see," John said. "It is a trying experience, childbearing."

Jamie looked over at him, with a raised eyebrow.

"My cousin, Olivia," John shrugged, "there was an incident at my mother's wedding. She didn't want to interrupt the wedding and I was there and then the baby came," he paused, "well, it certaintly did not look pleasant for all involved, but perhaps one will feel different when it is their own."

Jamie snorted, "Eleanor has assured me otherwise."

"Have you been privy to..." John paused. "Forgive me, perhaps we should change the subject."

"Dinna have to on my account," Jamie said, laughing, "unless ye count horses, no. However, if I ken my wife as I do, I will not think she will let me leave her side."

"That is highly irregular," John said, then paused, considering it, "but all in all, having bore witness with my cousin, I cannot say I blame Ellie for wanting you. It must be frightening." He nodded, "Perhaps, you are right. Perhaps, Isobel does fear it especially with Generva."

"Then," Jamie turned serious, "If ye want an heir so badly, ye will have to convince her...strategically, that she dinnae have to fear."

"But she does," John frowned, "Childbearing is something to fear."

"Aye," Jamie said, "so ye will have to convince her that the outcome is worth the risk."

"Is that what you did for Eleanor?" John asked.

Jamie chuckled, "Weel, no. That wasna a consideration at the time. The bairn took us all by surprise but perhaps that was foolish."

"And what if..." John paused.

Jamie looked troubled, "I canna think of it, John. That is one of the reasons it is so hard to be apart from her. I wish to protect her from all of it...the pain, the risk."

"Is it worth that risk, Jamie? Truly?" he pressed.

Jamie let out a breath, "If this was our only bairn, I wouldna object. But I canna say that I am not grateful to be a father to the bairn."

"Like you could not be to Willie."

"Aye."

"I see," John nodded, with confidence, "Then we must work to return you home to Eleanor as soon as possible."

"Aye," Jamie said, resolutely, "As soon as possible."

Eleanor looked out the window, the moon still full. The baby was actively jostling her womb, causing sleep to allude her. And the stillness of night, it got her every time. During the day, she was so busy, her mind was on other things. But at night, she was left with her loneliness, her fears...for her children and husband in another century...and for her child and husband in this one. It was a burden that threatened to undo her, the anxiety over what she could not control...over the unknown.

Her labor had been smooth with Harry and Charlotte, but she also had the luxury of a hospital and doctors to aid her if anything went awry. If the little ones got sick, it was a different matter.

Her heart twisted. What if something went wrong?

Tears fell under the weight of her anxiety as she closed her eyes in a silent prayer.

It was nights like this that she missed the presence of her highlander husband even more. Jamie exuded strength- he was a warrior. But he was also gentle and tender, compassionate and understanding. She needed his mix of strength and compassion tonight. For her soul was weary and burdened.

Her hand moved to her stomach where the child jostled it again. And in spite of that, there was the hope again.

"Lord, keep them safe...all of them...wherever they may be."

"Are ye quite certain?" Jamie asked as he adjusted the saddle on his horse.

"Of course, I am certain," John gave a small smile, "You must return to Eleanor. It is getting too near the end of her confinement."

"Aye," Jamie looked solemn, "but I am afraid we have exhausted all outcomes. You should return to Isobel as well."

"Yes, of course, I will, very soon," John nodded. "Just the one more avenue."

"I canna thank ye enough, John, but," Jamie paused, coughing slightly, "Willie needs his Papa as well."

John stilled and then met his eyes, knowing the cost of his words.

"Very well, I will return to Isobel," John's said, his voice low. "And I will try harder to forge an understanding betwix her and I."

Jamie nodded. "Verra gut. It is the right thing to do."

"Of course," John agreed, "And you will write as soon as Eleanor is safely through her confinement. I wish to know."

"Aye of course," Jamie nodded, "You will be the first one I write. And I will give Eleanor your note and package."

"Thank you," John's forehead creased in worry.

"I'm the one about to become a father again," Jamie gave him the side eye, adjusting the saddle again.

"Of course," John laughed, "But Ellie is dear, Jamie."

"Ye dinna have to tell me. I ken that weel," Jamie said.

"Do you?" John said, lightly.

"I do."

"Then go and tell your wife, for God's sake," John patted the horse.

"Aye," Jamie extended his hand. "Until next time."

John shook his hand and Jamie pulled him in for a quick affectionate hug.

"Do not give her too much of a hard time about the learning," John said, his hand on Jamie's arm. "You do not want to upset her into having the baby too early."

Jamie chuckled, "I see how this will work from now on," he swung himself onto the horse. "She has a good friend in you. And I as well. Take care, John."

"You as well, Jamie."

Jamie nodded his goodbye and left John standing, looking after him.

John closed his eyes tightly, fighting his emotions, before turning around to go back into the house.

Eleanor laughed at the antics of the children as she turned to begin to mark on the board. She was so caught up in teaching, oblivious.

He wanted to watch her from the doorway, slightly hiding himself in the crook of the doorway. Murtagh had stood and went outside to stand with him. He greeted him with an affectionate hug.

"Did ye finish yer business, lad?"

"As much as possible," Jamie said, his voice low. "How is it going here?"

Murtagh gestured, "See fer yerself."

Eleanor was in her element as she animately taught her math lesson, complete with the manipulatives she had coerced Murtagh into making for her... base ten blocks, hundreds squares, one cubes. Her hand moved absently to her belly as she answered questions.

Jamie leaned over to Murtagh, "was that ye?"

"Aye," Murtagh nodded, "The lass was insistent that this would help them with their figures and it does."

Jamie let out his breath, "She is close to the end of her pregnancy."

"Aye," Murtagh agreed, "But there is no stopping her Jamie, short of tying the lass up. And seeing that she is yer wife and not mine, I dinna feel like it was my place. She is a grown women. The best I could do was watch her every day...and write you."

"Ye were right not to try to stop her," Jamie nodded.

He stood hidden in the doorway and watch her until she dismissed the class. Ian had come out and gave him a hug, but still Eleanor was oblivious, cleaning up.

She moved awkwardly, as women often did at the end of their pregnancy. She accidentally dropped the blocks she had been using.

"Oh crap," she grunted as she tried to balance herself with a hand on the desk to crouch down. She sat on her knees, knowing bending down was not an option at this point. She just hoped she would be able to get back up again.

She barely registered a hand that had began to clean it up with her. "Than..." she looked up. "Oh my God!" her eyes widened in shock. "Jamie!"

She dropped everything in her hand again, it scattering across the floor. "oh damn it." She moved her hand to her mouth. She could feel her face flush. "I," she reached for the desk, to try to rise, but then gave up with that option, knowing she would not be able to do so gracefully.

"What are ye tryin to do, lass?" Jamie asked, his voice even.

"Get up to greet you. But..." she swallowed hard, "if you thought I was not so graceful before, I can only assure you that this pregnancy has enhanced that vice of mine," She bit her lip. "How long have you been here?"

"Weel," Jamie went to sit beside her on the floor, "I saw yer lesson with the blocks and such."

"Are you horribly angry with me at this moment?"

"We can discuss that later, Mistress Fraser." He reached to pull her into his arms, his mouth claiming hers.

She pulled back to look into his eyes, breathless.

"Are ye angry with me, mo ghraidh?"

"I don't know," Eleanor admitted, honestly. She reached out to put her hand on his face, her eyes still staring deeply into his, "All I know, Jamie, is that I want to lose myself in you...so I can know that it isn't a dream."

"Then let's go home, my wife," Jamie said, a smile on his face.

"Well," Eleanor gave him a sheepish look, "That may be easier said than done..."

He laughed heartedly and then rose and picked her easily up to put her on her feet, steadying her. His hand went to rest on her belly. Eleanor covered his hands with her own.

"I need to tidy up before I go. I should have said that before I hinted for you to help me up."

"How will you do that?" Jamie asked.

"Well, it would have been a combination of scooting on my knees and then hoping that I could grasp the desk tight enough to pull myself up. It hurts to bend...and then I think if I do bend, I'll topple forward, you know balance is so hard at this point."

Jamie titled his head, "As much as I would love to see ye attempt such an endeavor, why don't wash the board and I will clean up the blocks?"

She looked at him, wearily. "How mad exactly are you with this whole thing?"

Jamie shrugged. "How mad are you exactly with me leaving you alone fer months?"

She shrugged.

"Then let's clean up here, go home...and we'll talk it out," Jamie suggested as he began to clean up.

Ellie reached for the wash cloth, "After we have sex, right?" she asked, keeping her voice casual.

Jamie threw the blocks on her desk before swinging her back around, pinning her arms on her sides, her back, squished against the board. "What do ye think, mo ghraidh?" his breath was hot on her neck.

"I was just simply wanting to know what to expect," Eleanor said, innocently.

"Ye should remember what yer teasing does to me, lassie," Jamie's kiss left her with no doubt of his want for her and she returned it with equal fervor.

Jamie pulled himself away, "We need to go home now, Eleanor. Ye are too far along for us to find someplace hidden and I must have ye, lass."

"Gladly," Eleanor said, "But we need to sneak into the house, otherwise, Jenny and Ian and the kids will bombard us...and..." she flushed, "I really do not want to wait. Oh God...stop looking at me like that, James Fraser, or I swear to God, we'll never get home."

"Dinna fash, mo ghraidh. I sent Murtagh on to Lallybroch. He's going to keep the way clear for us."

"Brilliant move, Fraser."

He chuckled and grabbed her wrap for her, handing it to her. "What do ye need?"

"The books and my bag."

He piled everything together and put them into her bag, carrying it for her as she adjusted the wrap around her.

Jamie's arm went protectively around her side as he affectionately kissed her head. "Let's go home, Eleanor."

"Yes, let's go home..." Eleanor leaned her head against his shoulder when they reached the horse. "For months, I would say it...and not really mean it. But today... I can say it and mean it."

"Why is that?" Jamie turned her towards him, so he could look at her.

"Because my home is wherever you are, James Fraser."

He wiped her tears, "Then let's go home, my sweet wife."

And they were both so filled with gratitude and hope...as they rode home, together.