Hi Hearties,
Sorry it's taken a long time to get this chapter up! I had a few tweet from Erin, a like from Pascale and a retweet from Hallmark Channel so my Twitter has been going crazy! As you'd know we've also had a lot of great previews and spoilers released and all this was distracting me from editing this chapter! ALOT happens in this chapter, and it's nice and long though so I hope you enjoy it. Thank you Antonia Simmonds for help with one of the song suggestions and to Kristyn Press who helped suggest the other song and was at great helping me brain storm who Jack's five kisses were. Read away and you'll find out my version of who they were :)
Chapter 37
As Elizabeth slept in her old room above the café, she was woken repeatedly throughout the night by Tilly who kept wanting to nurse. Elizabeth assumed that being snowed in the Church the night before with Jack, was now causing their daughter some anxiety. By her third awakening, Elizabeth decided to keep Tilly in bed with her to avoid disturbing Rosemary and Johnathan who were sharing the same room. After nursing Tilly, she felt her daughter's little hand rest on her cheek, before falling back to sleep.
The next thing Elizabeth knew it was morning. The sun was shining through the windows and Johnathan Coulter was jumping up and down in the crib across the room. He called out to his Mother which disturbed Tilly, and she sat up in the bed and looked over at him.
Rosemary woke and dragged herself out of bed before picking Johnathan up out of the crib.
"Sorry he woke you both." Rosemary said apologizing.
"It's fine, I'm sure Tilly disturbed you a few times throughout the night."
"I did hear her once, I assume that's why she ended up in bed with you?"
Elizabeth nodded, as she sat up in the bed.
The women then changed their children and got ready for the day ahead.
After breakfast
Jack watched Tilly and Johnathan while the women busied themselves with cleaning up the kitchen. Everyone was eager to get the day moving along in hopes that the weather had improved, and that they could escape the confines of the Café.
Just then the women heard the front door of the Café open and they stopped what they were doing.
Rosemary was the first one to spot the surprise guest entering the Café, and she rushed towards the dining room.
"Lee!" She exclaimed, as she ran through the dining room and into his arms, kissing him before he had a chance to talk. "Oh you poor darling, look at you." She said brushing the snow from his coat and out of hair.
Lee enjoyed the attention but wished his wife would tone it down as he noticed they had present company across the room. He took Rosemary's hand as she tried to continue fussing over him, and he held it in his own. She took note of what he was doing, and gradually relaxed and gave him a smile.
"I missed you Rosie." He said, giving her a kiss.
"I missed you too sweetheart, I've been so worried."
"I was fine."
She nodded, and at that moment they noticed their son run into the room.
"Oh look at you my sweet sticky little boy, you have maple syrup all over you." Rosemary exclaimed with a smile, noticing the mess he'd made on himself from breakfast.
Lee smiled at the irony of Rosemary's words and scooped his son up into his arms, not phased about his sticky hands and face.
"Pa-cakes!" Johnathan exclaimed.
"You had pancakes for breakfast?" Lee asked him, and Johnathan nodded.
"Yes, Aunty Abigail made Aunty Elizabeth's and Tilly's favourite pancakes for breakfast. I think they may be a new favourite for Johnathan now too." Rosemary informed him.
"Yummy." Johnathan replied.
"I hope you've been a good boy for your Ma." Lee said, looking from his son and then over to Rosemary.
"He has, we had a little sleepover with Tilly and Aunty Elizabeth last night didn't we."
Just then Abigail entered the dining room.
"Lee I'm glad you made it here."
"I'm glad you're all well. I'm sure you are as I see you had a Mountie here to keep you all safe." Lee said half-jokingly as he noticed Jack head over, and he gave him a pat on the back once he got to his side.
"I think the women would have done fine without me." Jack informed him.
"You did have to make your way through the snow to bring Elizabeth back here from the Church." Rosemary said reminding him.
Jack nodded and wrapped his arm around Elizabeth who had also come over to join everyone.
Tilly had followed her Mother over and was pulling at her skirt. Elizabeth picked her up and gave her a kiss on the cheek. She noticed that since her and Jack had been snowed in at the Church, Tilly had become her little shadow and wouldn't let her out of her sight.
"How are things outside Lee?" Jack asked, hoping they could go home soon.
"Much improved, might be difficult to get out to your place though."
"I'll have to take a look."
"I saw the lights are on over in my office, I'll have to check it out before we head home." Lee told Rosemary and she nodded.
Everyone eventually dispersed and made the difficult trip to wherever they needed to go to start the day. They were all pleased the weather was improving, and that they could move on with most of their usual daily tasks.
"You and Tilly ready to go home?" Jack asked Elizabeth.
"Almost, I just need to change her diaper first."
Jack kissed Elizabeth on the temple and she gave him a smile. He then watched her make her way up the stairs to the bedroom to change their daughter.
"You be careful getting home now." Abigail informed Jack.
"You know I will." He replied, and they exchanged an understanding smile.
Lee's Office
Lee walked into his office with Rosemary by his side, as she carried their son.
"Mr Coulter, it's good to see you." Hickam said standing beside Lee's desk.
"Hi Mike, you too. You've been snowed in here all this time?" Lee asked surprised.
"I was. However I hope you'll find I made my time in here quite productive." Hickam replied, as he presented a plan he had rolled out on the desk.
"You drew up house plans for us?" Rosemary asked, surprised.
"I did. You're both frequently talking about this big house you want, and neither of you have had the time to move forward with any planning, so I took the liberty of drawing up a plan."
"Oh Hickam, this looks wonderful." Rosemary exclaimed.
"I'm certain you'll want to make some adjustments, but I believe there's a lot of things in here that you both want."
"Thanks Mike, I appreciate it. Although I guess the pressure is on me now to move forward." Lee told him, giving him a pat on the back.
Johnathan who was uninterested in the adult's conversation, wriggled his way out of Rosemary's arms and walked over and sat down in the chair behind Lee's desk.
"And Rosie has been very patient." Lee continued as he looked over at his wife and gave her a smile. "So it is time I got this house started."
Johnathan banged his hands on the desk and the three adults looked over at him. A big grin appeared on his face as he realised he'd gained everyone's attention. Lee went over and picked up his son and ruffled his hair and gave him a smile.
"I should be making my way home." Hickam said looking back at Lee and Rosemary as he rolled the plan back up and placed it down on Lee's desk.
"Of course, I don't want to keep you any longer. I'm just sorry you didn't make it home before the bad weather hit." Lee told him, and Hickam nodded.
"We should head home too Lee." Rosemary reminded Lee and he nodded.
They then all made their way out of the office and headed back to their respective homes.
The following month
Jack and Elizabeth made their way out the front door, leaving it ajar so they could listen out for Tilly who was already asleep for the night. They sat down on the swing chair on the veranda and Jack placed a blanket over the both of them, making sure Elizabeth was well covered before he sat back and made himself comfortable at her side.
The veranda was dimly lit as the lights inside the house gave off a glow through the windows. They both looked across at the views of the valley, not seeing much that night as the moon gave off very little light. The stars however were brighter than ever and were a sight to be seen.
"It's beautiful out here." Elizabeth said, gazing up at the stars.
"It is." Jack said, his gaze solely transfixed on his wife.
Elizabeth felt his gaze on her, and looked over at him and blushed.
Jack placed a kiss on one of her rosy cheeks and then wrapped his arm over her shoulder and pulled her closer.
"You know you're quite the frontier woman now." He said, voicing his thoughts out loud, as she lay her head on his shoulder. "I'm so proud of you Bella."
She smiled, appreciating his compliment as she continued to look up at the stars while listening to him talk.
"You've grown so much since the days of coming to Coal Valley as Miss Elizabeth Thatcher."
"I couldn't have done it without you."
"I don't know about that, there was a time you thought I was so infuriating, you wouldn't have dreamt of accepting my help, not even for a little stubbed toe." He said, giving her little squeeze with his arm as he made his last statement, and she smiled.
"I was wrong in my early assumptions of you, but it wasn't my initial disdain that stopped me from accepting your help."
"You're right, I know sometimes you still like to be independent and learn how to do things yourself, and that's part of the reason as to why I'm so proud of you."
"You did teach me how to ride a horse, and pump water." Elizabeth reminded him, and she leaned in a placed a kiss on his lips. "And you taught me how to kiss."
"I don't know about that; don't you remember me telling you after our first kiss that it was the best kiss I'd ever had?" Jack asked, as memories of their first kiss filled his mind.
"I do remember, and it lead into a discussion about how many women you've kissed."
"I was hoping you'd forgotten about that." Jack replied before choosing to be careful with his next words, he didn't want to dig himself into a hole again. "It was only ever my intention to let you know that your kiss was the best kiss I'd ever had."
Jack looked down at her hand and started playing with her engagement and wedding rings before looking back up into her eyes.
"Elizabeth… the first time we kissed I knew I never wanted to kiss anyone else but you. You weren't my first kiss, but you'll be my last, and from now until then, my kisses are always only for you."
Jack noticed a tear slide down her cheek and he wiped it away with his thumb.
"Jack, even before we kissed, I knew I was saving all of my kisses for you." She whispered.
He then leaned in towards her and his senses were consumed by her lavender perfume and the softness of her lips as he kissed her. Their kisses were gentle at first, until he noticed her start to respond to his kisses with more intensity. He ran his hands through her long soft tendrils of hair and felt her hands on the collar of his shirt as she pulled him closer. He then realised in that moment he was almost at the point of losing himself in her entire being.
He unwillingly pulled back and rest his forehead on hers, neither of them saying a word as they waited for their laboured breathing to settle.
"I'm glad that unlike the horse riding lessons, you didn't think I needed any practice at this." Elizabeth said giving him a smile.
"You definitely didn't." He said, his breathing now starting to return to normal.
"There has never been, and never will be anyone I wanted tokiss except you." She said, placing her hand on his cheek.
"I'm glad you never did, but do you forgive me for doing a little practice before I knew you?"
"I married you Jack, I thought you'd know I was over that." She told him. "I do wonder though, who those five other women were."
"You really want to know?" Jack asked cautiously.
"I do… wait… I'm not sure. Alright tell me."
"You're sure?" He asked, and she nodded.
"Well my first kiss was with a girl I knew from school. I was only seven years old and I'm ashamed to say she was Rosemary's best girl-friend. It made Rosemary insanely jealous, and that was the first time I realised she had any interest in me."
Elizabeth laughed a little as she pictured Jack and Rosemary as children. In hindsight, she could see the innocence of it all, and could imagine Rosemary's jealousy.
"The second was another girl from school. I was eleven years old and I gave her a card and invited her to a dance the town was holding."
"Such a romantic, even back then."
"I don't know about that, I gave her the card as I didn't have the courage to ask her myself." He admitted. "When I was fourteen my third kiss was with Rosemary, she was my best friend at the time. As you know our Fathers were both Mountie's and we also had a lot in common back then. She challenged me, and I admit her outgoing personality, honesty and blue eyes captivated me." Jack told her, trying to be honest. "There's someone else's blue eyes I much prefer these days though." He said while looking into Elizabeth's eyes. She gave him a small smile and he then proceeded to continue his story. "While teenagers Rosemary and I hung out as best friends but did share a few innocent kisses. It wasn't until we were in our very early twenties that things became more serious. At the time I thought I loved her, but now looking back, I realise I only loved her as a friend. It hurt when she left me to pursue her dreams, but now I know it was for the best, otherwise I would never have found you."
Elizabeth smiled, enjoying hearing about Jack's and one of her best friend's childhood. She knew she had no reason to be jealous, but she did wish she'd known Jack as a child as Rosemary had.
"My fourth kiss was from a girl Tom introduced me to. Rosemary had up and left, and there was a month there were a lost myself in my work and not much else. Tom dragged me out one night for dinner, and little beknown to me, he'd planned a double date. I was furious with him, but endured the evening to be polite to the young ladies. Anyway, this woman who was apparently my date for the evening, stole a kiss at the end of the night. I was in shock with her forwardness, and the moment became very awkward. Thankfully I have never seen her since, much to Tom's disapointment. That said however, I technically didn't kiss her, she kissed me."
"This isn't sounding as bad as I thought it could be, but then you haven't told me who the fifth one was yet."
"It was you of course." Jack said smiling before giving Elizabeth a kiss on the cheek and she smiled.
"I wish you'd told me these stories sooner. All this time I was thinking there must be a line of women out there with you as their past suitor."
"Other than Rosemary, there really wasn't. You know I was all about the Mounties. I wasn't interested in courting, that was until you came along."
"I swept you off your feet, did I?" Elizabeth asked, jokingly.
"You did, big time, and I wouldn't have it any other way." He said, and then wrapped his arm around her again, and pulled her closer before proceeding to kiss her on the lips.
The following day
After Jack left for work, Elizabeth finished tidying the kitchen until she heard a cry from Tilly. Her active twenty-month-old often spent her early mornings playing with her toys in the parlour in front of the large window at the front of the house.
Elizabeth followed the sound of Tilly's cries into the parlour and found her sitting on the floor, holding onto her doll that Jack and her had given her a couple of Christmas' ago.
"What's wrong sweet pea?" Elizabeth asked picking her up.
Elizabeth looked down at Tilly who had now laid her head down on her chest, and she noticed she felt quite warm and was looking lethargic.
"Ma Ma." Tilly cried.
"Let's get you out of your warm clothes and cool you down alright, hopefully you'll feel a better." Elizabeth suggested, as she suspected Tilly may have a fever.
Elizabeth took her daughter up to the nursery, stripped her of her clothing and put her in a clean diaper. She then went down to the bathroom and wet a cloth and wiped Tilly's face before resting it on her forehead.
Elizabeth then went and got her a drink of water, but she only refused. Returning to the parlour, Elizabeth sat down on the settee with Tilly on her lap. She watched her daughter lay in her arms listlessly and she started to worry. She felt helpless listening to Tilly's whimpers as she occasionally wiped the cool cloth over her daughters face. She then felt Tilly pull at her blouse and Elizabeth thought allowing her to nurse would be a good idea, at least it would be preventing her from dehydration, and hopefully help in her recovery.
As Tilly nursed, Elizabeth noticed how limp and pale her daughter looked in her arms and she decided she would take her into the Infirmary once she had finished feeding. Tilly fell asleep and Elizabeth wrapped her up in a small cotton sheet, and then carried her into town.
Once arriving in town, the familiar noises awoke Tilly and she started to cry.
"I know you don't feel well sweet pea. We're going to see Dr Carson or Aunty Faith, they'll help us."
Elizabeth hurried over to the infirmary, but the door was locked. She then quickly made her way over to the jail in hopes that Jack could help her and hopefully know where Carson or Faith were. She turned the knob of the jail's front door and noticed it was locked. She called out for Jack but there was no reply. Tears escaped from her own eyes as Tilly continued to cry in her arms.
"Elizabeth are you alright?" Rosemary said, meeting her at the door of the jail.
Rosemary sensed Elizabeth was in distress, and out of concern she placed an arm around her.
"Tilly's not well and I can't find Carson, Faith or Jack." She said through her tears while feeling somewhat relieved she was no longer alone.
"I just saw Faith over at the Mercantile. I'll go get her, you go wait over at the Infirmary." Rosemary told her.
Elizabeth nodded in agreement and then headed back to the Infirmary while Rosemary rushed over to the Mercantile.
Soon enough Faith and Rosemary came hurrying over towards the Infirmary and joined Elizabeth at the front door.
"Tilly's not well?" Faith asked with concern in her voice as she unlocked the door.
"She seems to have a fever and has been very lethargic and pale." Elizabeth said as the three women stepped inside the front door.
Faith motioned for Elizabeth to lay Tilly down on the bed, which caused Tilly to cry even louder.
"Why don't you get on the bed with her." Faith suggested, noticing Tilly was not keen on being out of Elizabeth's arms or laying on the foreign bed.
Elizabeth sat down on the bed and lay Tilly down at her side and played with her curly auburn locks to try settle her as Faith examined the little girl.
"Has she been eating or drinking?" Faith asked.
"She refused her breakfast and still wont take anything, she is wanting to nurse though. I fed her just before I left home."
"That good, don't worry about getting anything else into her if she doesn't want it, just keep up with the nursing." Faith instructed her. "She certainly has a fever and her breathing appears a little rapid. How long has it been like this?"
"The rapid breathing only just started once we arrived in town." Elizabeth said as she started to grow more concerned as the minutes went by and she wished Jack was with her.
"Maybe I should go find Jack." Rosemary suggested.
"That would be wonderful Rosemary." Elizabeth replied.
"I'll also go and get some of Johnathan's old diapers you can use, and anything else I think you might need."
"Thank you Rosemary, you're a godsend."
Rosemary gave Elizabeth a small smile and then made her way out of the Infirmary.
Elizabeth watched as Faith continued to examine her daughter. She sat Tilly up and placed the stethoscope on Tilly's back and then her chest, as she tried to listen to her breathing. Tilly wasn't too impressed with what was going on, and her cries became a little louder. Faith then lay her back down and her cries settled to a whimper as she looked up at Elizabeth as if to ask what was going on.
"It's alright Tilly, Aunty Faith is just trying to help you." Elizabeth said giving her a kiss on top of her head.
Faith then did some more routine examinations before returning her attention back to Elizabeth.
"I don't want to alarm you Elizabeth, but she sounds like she has fluid on her lungs, and with the fever, lethargy, and rapid breathing I suspect she has pneumonia." Faith informed her. "She'll need rest and fluids, so keep nursing her as often as she will accept. We also need to keep an eye on that fever. We don't want her getting too hot or cold, I do have a little bath here where you can bathe her if need be."
Faith noticed the tears pooling in Elizabeth's eyes and she placed her hand on her friend's arm, trying to offer what little support she could.
"Carson is out of town until this afternoon, but I know he would suggest you both stay in the Infirmary. I can try give her some medicine, but I'm guessing she's not going to be very happy about it, I guess we can only try though."
Elizabeth nodded as she watched her daughter who was drifting back off to sleep.
"Yes, she's not too impressed with the idea of medicine, even at the best of times."
"Maybe you could give it a try once she wakes up. I'm sure she'd be more cooperative taking it from you than me." Faith suggested, and Elizabeth nodded in agreement.
Just then Rosemary re-entered the Infirmary and headed over to Elizabeth's side.
"Bill just told me Jack went out on his round about an hour ago, so hopefully he will be back in town soon."
Elizabeth sighed with relief, she desperately wished Jack could be here with her and Tilly.
"I've also brought some things for you that might come in handy for Tilly." She said, placing a basket of items on the table not far from the bed.
"Thank you Rosemary." Elizabeth whispered so as not to wake Tilly.
"There's not much more I can do for her right now, hopefully Carson will be back in town soon, but for now I think we should let you both get some rest. I will check in every so often, I will be over at the Mercantile though if you need me. I'll also keep an eye out for Jack." Faith informed her. "The next few days and nights will be long, so try get some sleep while you can." Faith informed her, and Elizabeth nodded.
"I'll keep an eye out for Jack also. I've just left Johnathan over at Dottie's dress shop, so I will be over there. Please let me know if there's anything else you need." Rosemary said.
"Thank you, you've both been a great help."
Rosemary and Faith gave Elizabeth a smile and look of understanding as they were concerned for both Elizabeth and Tilly. They then left the Infirmary to allow Elizabeth and Tilly to get some rest.
Elizabeth lay down on the bed next to Tilly and closed her eyes. Her mind was consumed with worry, which prevented her from sleeping. Elizabeth opened her eyes and looked down at her daughter, noticing the rise and fall of her little chest as she slept. She looked so small and fragile, and Elizabeth desperately wished there was something she could do to help her. Elizabeth closed her eyes again to say a silent prayer but was disturbed a few moments later as she heard the front door of the Infirmary open. She looked up and saw Jack, and instantly relief washed over her. She carefully sat up in the bed so as not to disturb Tilly, as Jack came over and stood by the side of the bed. He placed his hand on her shoulder while looking down at their daughter before returning his gaze to Elizabeth. At that moment all the emotion Elizabeth had been holding onto was released, and she started to cry.
"Elizabeth…" Jack whispered, in the way only he could utter her name.
He sat down on the edge of the bed beside her and pulled her into his arms, allowing her to cry into his chest. Eventually she sat up and they both looked down at their sleeping daughter.
"Faith told me what's been going on, I wish I'd been here earlier for the both of you."
"You were working, and you are here Jack, that's all that matters."
"You had to walk all the way into town by yourself, I also heard no one was here when you arrived."
Elizabeth nodded her head not knowing what to say, only knowing that she was thankful that she now had the support and help she needed to help their daughter.
Both Elizabeth and Jack noticed Tilly start to squirm and open her eyes. Jack pulled her up into his arms just as she scrunched up her face and started to wail. Elizabeth rest her head on Jack's shoulder as she looked down at their daughter, and brushed the hair away from her little girl's face.
They then heard the door to the Infirmary open and they looked up to see who was entering.
"I heard I have a very important little patient to see." Carson said, looking over at Tilly before looking back at Jack and Elizabeth as he made his way towards them. "Sorry I wasn't here earlier."
Tilly's cries settled a little as she anxiously looked over at Carson.
"That's fine, we're glad you're here now." Jack told him.
"She looks tired, has she been sleeping?"
"She's only just woken up." Elizabeth informed him.
"Faith told me she's has been nil to mouth and has a fever and rapid breathing. She obviously looks lethargic also."
"Yes." Elizabeth said agreeing. "Although she has been nursing."
"That's good, continue with that as much as you can." He said pulling out his stethoscope. "Now Tilly, I'm just going to put this on your chest and your back and have a listen to your breathing." Carson told her.
Tilly recognised the stethoscope from when Faith had used it earlier so wasn't as worried, but was still clearly concerned.
"I'm sorry to say, but Faith was correct in thinking it's pneumonia, Tilly definitely has fluid on her lungs." Carson informed them. "That said however, she's a strong healthy little girl so I don't want you to be thinking the worst. I'd like to keep her here for at least a few nights. I can arrange to bring in some cots as I assume you both want to stay."
"Yes." Jack said as Elizabeth nodded her head.
Tilly relaxed back in her Father's arms as she noticed Carson put his stethoscope back around his neck. She looked more lethargic than relaxed, which was cause for concern to the adults present in the room.
"Thank you Carson." Elizabeth told him.
"Just let her rest, keep nursing her, and watch her fever, if you think you need me or Faith at any time, even during the night, don't hesitate to come call on us."
Elizabeth and Jack nodded, and Carson continued. "I'll bring in some cots and bedding and will be back to check on Tilly again soon."
Carson then headed back out of the Infirmary and left the young family alone.
Tilly looked up at Elizabeth from Jack's arms. Too exhausted to talk, she quietly whimpered. Jack handed their daughter over to Elizabeth and she took her in her arms.
"My poor girl." She said, lightly kissing Tilly on the forehead.
"I'll go get her a cool washcloth." Jack said, standing up from the bed before proceeding to make his way across the room to find what he needed. He found a cloth and dipped it in some clean water he found in a basin on the bench. He looked over his shoulder as he heard Elizabeth start to sing to their daughter and he watched them.
Hush, little Baby, don't say a word,
Mama's gonna buy you a Mockingbird.
And if that mockingbird don't sing,
Mama's gonna buy you a diamond ring.
And if that diamond ring turns brass,
Mama's gonna buy you a looking glass.
And if that looking glass is broke,
Mama's gonna buy you a billy goat,
And if that billy goat won't pull,
Mama's gonna buy you a cart and a bull.
And if that cart and bull turn over,
Mama's gonna buy you a dog named… Rip.
And if that dog named Rip won't bark,
Mama's gonna buy you a horse and a cart.
And if that horse and cart fall down,
You'll still be the sweetest little baby in town.
Jack made his way over and sat down on the bed next to Elizabeth. He noticed Tilly's eyes were closed and that she had fallen back to sleep.
"I'm glad she's sleeping." Elizabeth said as Jack placed the wet cloth their daughter's forehead.
"I think even I'm getting sleepy listening to that sweet voice of yours." Jack said as he placed a kiss on Elizabeth's cheek and she smiled.
On the second night, the town gathered for a prayer vigil outside the Infirmary. During this time, Tilly woke, and Jack picked her up and took her over to the window, so she could see all the town's people with their candles praying for her. She watched the flickering flames on the candles while holding onto her blankie which was once Jack's and she drifted back off to sleep in his arms.
Over the next few days Tilly showed little improvement which was cause for concern for everyone. Elizabeth took it extremely hard and was reminded repeatedly by both Carson and Faith that she needed to take it easy, especially since she was pregnant.
Jack now worrying about both Elizabeth and Tilly, worked the bare minimum hours required so he could spend more time with his girls at the Infirmary.
Abigail did her best at taking care of the three of them, bringing them food from the café and offering support where possible. Both Jack and Elizabeth were very thankful for her help, and as usual didn't know how they would manage without Abigail in their lives.
By the end of the week Tilly's fever broke and everyone was pleased with the improvement. Carsib did remind them though that she wasn't quite "out of the woods" but that the fever breaking was good sign.
Tilly was still quite unwell and spent most of her days and night sleeping.
Jack and Elizabeth were exhausted, the days and nights were long, and the concern for their daughter hung heavy on their hearts. Carson and Faith also continued to keep a close eye on Elizabeth and her unborn baby as they knew she was under a huge amount of stress.
After nine days at the infirmary Carson informed them that Tilly's lungs were much clearer and that she was certainly on the mend. He suggested to Jack and Elizabeth that they could take her home but was to be kept indoors, and encouraged to have as much rest as possible.
Over joyed at the news, Jack pulled Elizabeth into his arms and she held onto him even tighter. He then kissed her on the lips before informing her he'd go pick up the wagon from the livery, so he could take them home.
Elizabeth's days at home were long. She spent many hours reading books to Tilly and playing quiet games in the house as the little girl was still rather sombre and lethargic. Each day she gained more energy however, and Jack and Elizabeth couldn't have been more pleased.
A week after returning home from the Infirmary, Jack arrived home from work early one evening and found Tilly running through the house. He smiled to himself, noticing his daughter was returning to her usual active self.
"Hello sweet pea." He said greeting her as she ran into his arms.
"Hi Da Da." She said before placing a sloppy kiss on his cheek.
"You look like you're feeling much better today." He told her, and she nodded her little head. "Where's Mummy?"
Tilly pointed in the direction of the kitchen and Jack carried her off to the kitchen to go find Elizabeth.
"Hi Bella." Jack said as he leaned over and kissed his wife on the cheek. "It smells good in here."
Elizabeth who was standing in front of the stove, looked over at him and gave him a smile.
"I'm making chicken fried steak, but I haven't cooked it yet."
"I love your cooking these days, but I wasn't referring to the food."
"Oh."
"I meant you." He said, placing a kiss on her neck as he noticed the scent of her perfume.
Tilly then feeling left out, reached over from Jack's arms and gave Elizabeth a kiss on the cheek.
Jack and Elizabeth shared a laugh before they both kissed Tilly's cheeks in return.
"How about we go play while Mummy finishes cooking supper?" Jack said to Tilly as he realised Elizabeth needed to get back to what she was doing.
"Good idea, you're both distracting me here." She said, and Jack grinned.
"We will go, but only because I don't want any of that infamous "Elizabeth Thatcher chicken fried steak.""
"Jack Thornton!" She exclaimed laughing.
Now her poor cooking skills were in the past she did see the humour in his statement. Jack gave her a wink, and then hurried out of the kitchen with Tilly in his arms, hoping not to get himself into any trouble.
A little later, Elizabeth headed into the parlour to let Jack and Tilly know that supper was ready. She found Jack sitting on the settee with Tilly, who was quietly resting on his lap as he sung.
Little Miss Muffet
Sat on her tuffet,
Eating her curds and whey;
Along came a spider
Who sat down beside her
And frightened Miss Muffet away.
Elizabeth stood in the entrance to the parlour, listening to her husband's refined voice as he sung to their daughter.
"You like that song huh?" Jack asked Tilly as she smiled up at him.
"Yes DaDa. More!"
"How about a story?"
"Yes!" She exclaimed excitedly.
"Do you remember how I told you that story about the Princess, the Mountie and the spider in the row boat?"
Tilly eagerly nodded her head.
"Well I have another spider story for you."
"Miss Muff?"
"No not like the song." Jack told her.
"Pincess Mummy?"
"Yes, another story about the Princess."
Tilly's eyes grew wide in anticipation and she lay back on Jack's chest, waiting to hear the story.
Elizabeth stifled her laughter as she watched to the two of them, thinking about how adorable they looked together.
"Once Upon a Time there was a Princess who decided she needed to have her own house."
"Castle?"
"No not a Castle, and certainly not the kind of Castle this Princess was used to growing up in, but it was a beautiful home."
"Home."
"Not this home, our old home, you weren't here yet." Jack said, letting his mind wander back to previous days. "When you were in Mummy's tummy we lived there, but this story was long before then."
"Me in Mummy's tummy?"
"Yes you were, just like your new brother or sister is right now."
"How?"
"How'd you get in there?" Jack asked surprised.
Elizabeth upon hearing the exchange between Jack and Tilly, tried to stifle her laughter, but did so unsuccessfully.
Jack heard her laughing, and quickly turned his head to look over at her.
Elizabeth realising she'd been caught eavesdropping, went over and sat down on the settee next to Jack. Tilly climbed onto her lap and looked up at her parents as she waited for a reply from one of them.
"When Mummy's and Daddy's really love each-other they make a baby, and it grows inside the Mummy's tummy." Elizabeth told Tilly who seemed satisfied with the answer. "But I'll explain that story when you're a little older, let's listen to Daddy's story." She finished, now looking back up at Jack.
Elizabeth smiled as she noticed Jack's shocked expression.
"So, the Princess moved into a new home?" Elizabeth asked, encouraging him to continue as she reached her hand across his back and started to play with the hair at the nape of his neck.
"Yes." He said, clearing his voice and remembering where he was. "And the beautiful Princess was very insistent that she receive no help in fixing up her new home, but she did ask the Mountie to remove a family of spiders from behind the bed."
"Lots?" Tilly asked with a worried expression on her face.
"Yes, lots. However, the Mountie only ever found one spider."
"Only one!?" Elizabeth exclaimed. "I said there were a family of spiders!"
"It was a harmless spider, and I thought you were embellishing." Jack told her.
Her jaw dropped as she looked at him, as she thought about the spiders that must have still been behind the bed.
"Well you were trying to keep your man busy, so he wouldn't be in a tizzy, right? I didn't know you were serious!" Jack said, trying his best not to smile.
Tilly watched her parents with interest, only half understanding what they were talking about.
"Jack Thornton, you know how much I hate spiders!"
"No spider." Tilly exclaimed, starting to get worried.
"I'm sorry, I know you both hate spiders, maybe this story was a bad idea." Jack said, wrapping an arm around Elizabeth and then running his other hand through Tilly's hair while brushing the curls away from her face.
"I love your stories Jack." Elizabeth said, her voice softening now.
"More story." Tilly exclaimed, happier now she realised Elizabeth's mood had settled again.
"Maybe later, but no more spider stories." Jack informed them.
"The row boat one is one of my favourites though." Elizabeth said, with an innocent yet convincing look aimed at Jack, in hopes he would change his mind.
"Well maybe the row boat story will be alright." He said yielding as he couldn't resist the look she was giving him.
"Thank you Jack." She said, giving him a kiss on the cheek, and Tilly copied her by giving Jack a kiss on the other cheek, and Jack and Elizabeth both laughed.
A/N So what was your favourite part of this chapter? Sooo much happened! I think mine was the scene with J&E out on the verandah (which strangely was the hardest part for me to write), Tilly being sick, and the spider story! Think I'm a bit indecisive about this one. Anyway, hope there was something in there you liked and that you enjoyed reading! Please leave a review, I love to hear from you all :)